In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Christine Baes from the University of Guelph shares how genetics and genomics are transforming the way we think about sustainability in dairy herds. She explains how using genomic tools in breeding programs can help cut methane emissions, strengthen herd health, and keep dairies running efficiently. Tune in now to hear how genomic selection is helping producers breed cows that perform better, last longer, and support a more sustainable dairy industry.

"When we talk about breeding or genetic selection, we’re talking about how to make cows better: healthier, more efficient, more environmentally friendly."

Meet the guest: Dr. Christine Baes is a quantitative geneticist and the Canada Research Chair in Livestock Genomics at the University of Guelph, where she also serves as Acting Associate Dean of External Relations at the Ontario Agricultural College. Her work focuses on genetic strategies that improve sustainability, animal health, and production efficiency. 

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The Resilient Dairy Genome Project—A general overview of methods and objectives related to feed efficiency and methane emissions

Review: Opportunities and challenges for the genetic selection of dairy calf disease traits

Estimation of genetic parameters and genome-wide association study for enzootic bovine leukosis resistance in Canadian Holstein cattle

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:47) Introduction
• (01:56) Breeding for sustainability
• (04:37) Genetics versus genomics
• (06:02) Genomic selection tools
• (07:02) Reducing methane emissions
• (08:45) Global genetic impact
• (09:55) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jimena Laporta from the University of Wisconsin–Madison discusses how heat stress affects calves before and after birth. She shares findings on multi-generational effects, calf cooling strategies, and the long-term benefits of thermal management. Learn how early-life cooling can improve future performance and herd health. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Heat stress during late gestation affects both the dry cow and her unborn calf, creating long-term impacts on productivity and health."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jimena Laporta earned her bachelor’s in Biology and master’s in Animal Sciences before completing her Ph.D. in Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Now an Associate Professor of Lactation Physiology, her research explores how environmental and nutritional factors shape mammary development and lactation in dairy cattle.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:57) Introduction
• (02:02) Heat stress impact
• (04:18) Calf cooling systems
• (06:37) Housing challenges
• (07:32) Research insights
• (09:27) Practical applications
• (12:14) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Paul Fricke from the University of Wisconsin–Madison discusses reproductive management strategies for dairy heifers and how synchronization protocols can improve fertility and profitability. He shares new findings on timed insemination, sexed semen, and the economic value of reducing days on feed. Learn how to optimize your herd’s reproductive efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Heifers are often overlooked in reproductive programs, yet their management directly influences the long-term productivity and efficiency of the entire dairy herd."

Meet the guest: Dr. Paul Fricke is a Professor of Dairy Science and Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on improving reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle through advanced reproductive technologies and data-based management. With more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and a global speaking record, Dr. Fricke’s work has shaped dairy reproductive programs worldwide. 

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:32) Introduction
• (01:22) Heifer fertility management
• (02:50) Synchronization protocols
• (06:32) Sexed semen timing
• (09:12) Economic efficiency
• (10:09) Reproductive technology trends
• (12:07) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Paul Fricke, Professor of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, explores how timed AI protocols and activity monitoring systems can boost reproductive efficiency in dairy herds. He explains what recent research reveals about insemination timing, the pitfalls of common practices like “Co-Synch,” and how data-driven monitoring improves fertility outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Delaying insemination by 16 hours after the final injection increased conception from 36% to 46%, a 28% increase in pregnant animals."

Meet the guest: Dr. Paul Fricke is a Professor of Dairy Science and Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on improving reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle through advanced reproductive technologies and data-based management. With more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and a global speaking record, Dr. Fricke’s work has shaped dairy reproductive programs worldwide. 

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:10) Introduction
• (02:00) Timed AI protocols
• (03:27) Insemination timing
• (05:54) Activity systems
• (08:11) Fertility optimization
• (09:10) Future integration
• (11:13) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Maria Jose Fuenzalida from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls explores how mastitis prevention and employee training improve milk quality and cow welfare. She shares findings from her research and explains why not every mastitis case needs treatment. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Training is important, but continuing training and making sure that everybody’s on the same page is also very important."

Meet the guest: Dr. Maria Jose Fuenzalida, DVM, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Dairy Health and Management at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Her research focuses on milk quality, mastitis control, and antimicrobial resistance in dairy cows. She brings extensive experience from her time at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Chile. 

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:57) Introduction
• (03:17) Mastitis treatment findings
• (04:52) Disease interconnection
• (06:27) Employee training value
• (09:17) Human factor challenges
• (12:45) Continuous education
• (13:35) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Rafael Domingues from The Ohio State University explores insights into pregnancy loss in dairy cattle. He explains the biological mechanisms behind embryonic failure, progesterone’s role in supporting early pregnancy, and strategies to reduce reproductive losses. Get evidence-based takeaways to improve herd fertility and reproductive management. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Progesterone supplementation helped enhance embryonic development and improve communication between the embryo and the uterus."

Meet the guest: Dr. Rafael Domingues, DVM, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Ruminant Physiology at The Ohio State University’s Department of Animal Sciences. His research focuses on reproductive biology, endocrinology, and molecular mechanisms influencing pregnancy success in cattle. Dr. Domingues investigates how the ovary, uterus, and embryo interact to improve reproductive efficiency and herd health. 

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:03) Introduction
• (02:39) Early pregnancy loss
• (04:41) Identifying causes
• (06:26) Progesterone supplementation
• (07:16) Placenta development
• (08:08) Use of CIDR
• (10:58) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Anna Denicol, Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis, discusses the effects of heat stress on ovarian folliculogenesis and genetic selection of cattle for thermotolerance through the slick gene. She explains how temperature and humidity impact reproductive performance, shares follicle culture techniques, and explores how genetics can help sustain fertility under heat stress. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We saw that the follicles exposed to intermittent heat stress grew more slowly and were less viable after one week."

Meet the guest: Dr. Anna Denicol is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. She earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Biology and Embryology from the University of Florida and completed postdoctoral research in ovarian and stem cell biology at Northeastern University. Her work focuses on reproductive and developmental biology in cattle, emphasizing folliculogenesis, assisted reproduction, and genetic adaptation to heat stress. 

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:46) Introduction
• (01:40) Follicular development stages
• (03:05) Techniques and challenges
• (05:14) Heat stress effects
• (08:46) Slick gene insights
• (10:26) Genetic heat tolerance
• (11:54) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Clara Rial, manager of a commercial dairy farm in Spain, shares her unique perspective as both a veterinarian and researcher managing a commercial dairy farm. She explains how precision technologies and real-time data collection can shape calf management, improve health outcomes, and drive better decision-making. She also highlights the challenge of adapting research findings to farm-specific realities. Listen now on all major platforms!

"One of the biggest challenges is to adapt what we learn and what we have data from to the real world."

Meet the guest: Dr. Clara Rial, originally from Argentina, is a veterinarian and researcher specializing in animal health and precision livestock technologies. With a PhD from Cornell University, her work has focused on automated monitoring systems for dairy cattle health and reproduction. Currently, she manages a calf-rearing operation in Spain, utilizing modern tools. 

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:05) Introduction
• (02:51) From research to the farm
• (05:13) Farm-specific challenges
• (06:44) Data-based decisions
• (08:20) Measuring real outcomes
• (10:11) Data importance
• (10:41) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Clara Rial, currently managing the rearing section of a commercial dairy farm in Spain, explains how precision technologies are reshaping dairy cattle health. She shares findings from her work on activity monitoring systems, discussing their value for early disease detection, clinical examination strategies, and practical applications on commercial dairies. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Cows selected with sensor alerts had greater milk production, especially in the first 21 days in milk."

Meet the guest: Dr. Clara Rial, originally from Argentina, is a veterinarian and researcher specializing in animal health and precision livestock technologies. With a PhD from Cornell University, her work has focused on automated monitoring systems for dairy cattle health and reproduction. Currently, she manages a calf-rearing operation in Spain, utilizing modern tools. 

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:03) Introduction
• (01:43) Guest background
• (04:13) Sensor-based monitoring
• (05:20) Early disease detection
• (07:02) Cow alerts
• (09:13) Data-driven decisions
• (10:57) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Guillermo Martinez-Boggio from the University of California, Davis, explores the role of genetics in improving feed efficiency and reducing methane emissions in dairy cows. He explains how genomic tools and reference populations are being developed to help farmers select more efficient, lower-emission animals. Learn how genetics, management, and feeding strategies can work together for a more sustainable dairy industry. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Cows that produce less methane are more feed efficient, according to our preliminary studies."

Meet the guest: Dr. Guillermo Martinez-Boggio is an Assistant Professor in Animal Genetics at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on the genetics of complex traits in livestock, genome-microbiome interactions, and strategies to reduce enteric methane emissions while enhancing energy efficiency in dairy cows. 

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:39) Introduction
• (02:35) Genetic tools
• (04:28) Reference populations
• (08:46) Feed efficiency
• (10:13) Methane reduction
• (12:11) Management strategies
• (14:29) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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