Dairy farming has undoubtedly come a long way – and one aspect that stands out is the advent of the role of technology in the management of dairy farms. In this episode, we examine a key player in this scenario: precision technology. To analyze the way it's transforming the dairy industry by helping farmers streamline on-farm management based on significant data and towards a more precise approach, I talk with Dr. Joao Costa, who shares all his knowledge on precision feed and how technologies improve calf production.

“We can't forget the basics, but we can't be stuck in the past. Things are changing, and so we understand more and more how the investment on those 100 days is fundamental to the success of the calf throughout its life." - Dr. João H. Costa

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:11) Introduction
• (05:00) Precision feeding for dairy calves
• (07:11) Opportunities of precision technology for calves
• (11:56) Challenges in the implementation of precision technology in farms
• (13:57) Auto feeders challenges and opportunities
• (23:11) Feeding forage to calves and the role of total diet
• (30:19) Recommendations for the development of calves as they grow
• (34:56) Auto feeders adoption on farms
• (40:05) Predictions for the future of the calf industry
• (42:53) Advice for dairy professionals working with calves
• (44:41) Three Final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. João H. Costa

Experience:

• Current: Associate Professor in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences of the University of Vermont
• Past: Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Food and Sciences of the University of Kentucky

Background:

• Ph.D., Animal Sciences (the University of British Columbia)

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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- Evonik

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While perfection may not be possible, continuous improvement always is. When it comes to dairy cows, a key area to focus on is the fiber component of their diets, as a significant portion of it remains indigestible. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Elias Bungenstab, who enlightens us on various strategies to enhance fiber digestibility, including the utilization of NIR technologies; enzymes for fiber degradation, their positive impacts and viability; and effective strategies to improve overall fiber digestibility. Additionally, we delve into the use of live yeast to maintain a stable pH and optimize rumen function, thus further improving fiber digestibility and overall cow performance.

“I love ruminants because they can always do things that no other organism can.’’ – Dr. Elias Bungenstab

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:35) Introduction
• (04:53) NIR technologies for animal nutrition 
• (08:37) Enzymes in dairy nutrition 
• (12:31) Maximizing fiber digestibility 
• (20:44) Yeast benefits in fiber digestibility 
• (27:30) Effects of enzymes and yeasts on performance 
• (37:17) The final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Elias Bungenstab

Experience:

• Current: Global Technical Manager for Ruminants at AB Vista
• Past: Technical Services Manager – Beef at Van Beek Natural Science

Background:

• Ph.D., Ruminant Nutrition (Auburn University)
• M.Sc., Feedlot Management (Texas A&M University)

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

- ICC

- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

- smaXtec

With consumers raising concerns about dairy activities and seeking more sustainable dairy products, dairy farms have been placed under scrutiny. That is why developing more sustainable dairy operations isn’t just an option anymore, it's an obligation. To better understand sustainability and how to evaluate it, Dr. Michel Wattiaux discusses nitrogen efficiency and protein levels, concepts of system and sustainability, and evaluation tools. Also, in this episode, he goes into the challenges of such tools and the issues of implementing sustainability.

“My research program can be summarized as looking at the inefficiencies of dairy cows.” – Dr. Michel Wattiaux‬

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:40) Introduction 
• (10:21) Efficient nitrogen utilization
• (14:44) Sustainable dairy farms
• (26:09) Defining sustainability on farms
• (31:29) Tools to evaluate sustainability
• (44:56) Varying diet protein levels of cows
• (54:20) The final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Michel Wattiaux

Experience:

• Current: Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Background:

• Ph.D. (the University of Wisconsin-Madison)
• M.Sc. (the University of Wisconsin-Madison)
• B.Sc., Agricultural Engineering

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

- ICC

- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

- smaXtec

With the advancement of technology and farmer specialization, the management of cows has become more professional than ever. With the movement to close significant gaps in management strategies and refine the best practices, precision nutrition has emerged as a vital tool, particularly in light of rising feed costs, as it plays a pivotal role in maintaining profitability. And what better place to start implementing it than in the care of dry cows and calves? In this episode, our guest Dr. James Drackley shares the latest insights on key nutritional strategies for the final stage of dry-off cows, the effects and benefits of amino acid balance, improvements in early solids nutrition for calves, ideal starch content in calf starters, and the essential products that should be included in the diets of dry cows. 

“I think this is a great time to be interested and involved in the dairy industry as it continues to evolve and change.’’ - Dr. James Drackley‬

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:55) Introduction 
• (08:16) Dry-off nutritional management 
• (15:41) Amino-acid balance in the transition period 
• (20:42) Nutritional products for transition cows 
• (26:15) Calf starters 
• (36:22) The final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. James Drackley

Experience:

• Current: Professor at the University of Illinois

Background:

• Ph.D., Nutritional Physiology (Iowa State University)
• M.Sc., Dairy Science (South Dakota State University) 
• B.Sc., Dairy Production (South Dakota State University)

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

- ICC

- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

- smaXtec

Given the increasing concerns from consumers regarding the welfare of cows, particularly calves, it is crucial to prioritize and ensure the well-being of the animals. However, this responsibility should not be viewed only as an obligation, but also as an opportunity to enhance both animal comfort and production outcomes. In this episode, we delve into calf welfare with the comprehensive considerations of Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon. She talks about the pros and cons of individual and group housing systems, strategies to reduce abnormal behaviors and cross-suckling in calves, as well as holistic approaches for managing calves until weaning. 

“We have observed that animals develop preferences for feeds that others are eating. They even learn where to go and what to eat from others, so that social environment is really critical.” - Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:45) Introduction 
• (06:50) The feeding behavior of calves in group housing
• (14:59) The abnormal suckling behaviors of calves
• (20:24) The long-term impacts of social behavior on calves 
• (25:50) Calf social housing 
• (30:02) Interactions between calves and humans 
• (38:23) The final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon

Experience:

• Current: Associate Professor at the University of Florida 
• Past: Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior at the University of Florida; Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Guelph

Background:

• Ph.D., Animal Behavior and Welfare (the University of Guelph)
• B.Sc.; Mathematical Physics, Biophysics (the University of Waterloo)

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

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- ICC

- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

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Housing systems for calves have a crucial impact on their well-being and health. Designed to create an ideal environment that promotes comfortable development, constant advancements have been made in these housing systems to prioritize calf welfare and maximize their growth potential. By providing a nurturing and controlled environment, these systems facilitate development of healthy and productive calves. In this episode, Dr. Brad Heins shares his knowledge and work on calf housing systems while comparing calves that were housed and raised individually, in pairs, and in groups with calves raised alongside cows in a dairy herd.

“There are a lot of things happening in the industry right now that we need to be at the forefront of instead of being told what to do. We need to research these options and see what happens." - Dr. Brad Heins

What you’ll learn:

• (0:00) Highlight
• (2:05) Introduction
• (2:59) Guest’s background
• (5:13) UMN Research Center 
• (9:42) Calf housing
• (13:45) Calf raising scenarios and cross-suckling 
• (16:51) Managing the calves that stay with the cows
• (23:39) The disbudding of calves
• (28:15) Agrivoltaic systems in combination with grazing dairy production
• (32:45) Final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Brad Heins

Experience:

• Current: Professor at the University of Minnesota
• Past: Dairy Farmer; Marketing and PR for World Wide Sires in California.

Background:

• Ph.D., Dairy Cattle Genetics (University of Minnesota)
• M.Sc., Dairy Cattle Genetics (University of Minnesota)
• B.Sc., Animal and Plant Systems (University of Minnesota)

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

- ICC

- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

- smaXtec

Securing the next generation of cows in the future stands as one of the most significant responsibilities of dairy farmers in the present. As we approach the summer season, it becomes crucial to address the challenges of heat stress, considering it can alter the future of our productions by affecting both our dry cows and calves. In this episode, Dr. Geoffrey Dahl sheds light on the impact of heat stress on dry cows and calves, the beginning of the journey towards ensuring the future of our dairy farms, including the long-term negative effects on the productivity of calves throughout their lives, the associated economic ramifications, the implementation of smart soaker systems, and the implications of heat stress on heifers. 

“Animal source foods: we're seeing, more and more, how important they are to the development of young children.’’ - Dr. Geoffrey Dahl

What you’ll learn:

• (0:00) Highlight
• (1:38) Introduction 
• (7:45) The effects of heat stress on calves 
• (14:38) Heat stress on heifers 
• (21:34) When do we need to cool down dry cows? 
• (25:26) Traditional sprinklers vs. smart sprinklers 
• (30:32) The effects of heat stress and photoperiod on colostrum 
• (37:26) Investment return on cooling systems 
• (40:08) Milk production improvement programs in developing countries 
• (47:45) The final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Geoffrey Dahl

Experience:

• Current: Professor and Harriet B. Weeks Professorship Endowed Chair, University of Florida
• Past: previously Chair of the Department for 12 years; prior faculty jobs at the University of Illinois and the University of Maryland

Background:

• Ph.D., Animal Science (Michigan State University)
• M.Sc., Dairy Science (Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University)
• B.Sc., Animal Science (University of Massachusetts)

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

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- ICC

- Phibro

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- Evonik

- Adisseo

- smaXtec

Producing high-quality silage is an immensely demanding task and thus, it is essential to ensure proper management when feeding it to cows so consistency and quality are maintained at the bunker. While the results of production are always on focus, the safety of our workers throughout each step must always be a priority as well. There can and there should be a strong emphasis on safety without compromising silage quality. In this episode, featuring Connie Kuber, we delve into the topic of safety at the silage pile, discuss safe harvesting practices, and explore safety measures when operating machinery on dairy farms. Additionally, she sheds some light on the importance of women for the dairy milk industry and shares insights on the initiative known as the Dairy Girl Network group.

“Workers need to be safe around the silage pile – maybe that translates into other parts of their job, too.” - Connie Pierson Kuber

What you’ll learn:

• (0:00) Highlight
• (1:53) Introduction 
• (11:56) Safety tips for the silage pile 
• (23:59) Safety and quality in silage harvesting 
• (30:40) Safety measures for the planting season 
• (37:46) The role of women in the dairy industry 
• (46:40) Dairy Girl Network 
• (52:27) The final questions

Meet the guest: Connie Pierson Kuber

Experience:

• Current: Co-Owner at Connor Agriscience; Co-Owner at Sealpro® Silage Barrier Films

Background:

• Certificate, Corporate Communications (University of Southern California)
• B.Sc., Agriculture Journalism (University of Minnesota)

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

- ICC

- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

- smaXtec

As we move further into the scorching summer, the challenge of heat stress seems to become increasingly daunting. It is not impossible to be overcome, however, and two pivotal steps towards mitigating its effects are comprehending its repercussions by discerning the telltale signs cows exhibit and conducting field trials on commercial farms to test products or management methods. In this episode, featuring Dr. Mark Thomas, we provide you with the latest insights on identifying indicators of heat stress in cows, implementing strategies to ease it, executing field trials on commercial farms, enhancing workers' comprehension and training for field trials, and avoiding errors during the implementation of field trial results. As a bonus, Dr. Thomas shares his expert opinion on the areas that should be the focus on dairy farms in the upcoming years.

“Firstly, what is really important is identifying whether there is heat stress.” - Dr. Mark J. Thomas

What you’ll learn:

• (0:00) Highlight
• (1:45) Introduction 
• (7:13) Heat stress indicators 
• (10:33) Trials on commercial farms 
• (16:39) Results from commercial trials 
• (24:45) Trial issues 
• (30:26) Future areas for development on dairy farms 
• (34:39) The final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Mark J. Thomas

Experience:

• Current: Partner at Dairy Health & Management Services, LLC
• Past: Partner at Countryside Veterinary Clinic, LLP

Background:

• D.V.M. (Cornell University)
• B.Sc., Animal Sciences (Cornell University)

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

- ICC

- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

- smaXtec

Achieving a high daily milk production is a primary goal when selecting cow traits in a herd, but what does it take to consistently maintain highly productive cows? It is necessary to select resilient cows that are capable of sustaining continuous milk production throughout the entire lactation period. In this episode, featuring Fiona Guinan, we delve into various crucial aspects of the subject, such as the impact of stress during early cow life; the utilization of national herd datasets for the measurement of the influence of health on resilience; the development of genetic evaluations for resilience; the evaluation of lactation curves based on daily milk records; and the correlation between pen management, perturbations, and resilience.

“We expect that consistency is a trait linked with resilience, as we start to dig deeper into perturbations’’ - Fiona Guinan, M.Sc.

What you’ll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:55) Introduction 
• (10:31) The impacts of stress on calves 
• (18:28) Cow resilience vs. consistency 
• (23:25) Data quality for resilience genetic evaluations 
• (26:29) Cow pen management 
• (29:54) Perturbations in the milk curve of cows 
• (37:17) The final questions

Meet the guest: Fiona Guinan, M.Sc.

Experience:

• Current: Ph.D. Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Cooperative Researcher at the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding; Cooperative Researcher at the National Dairy Herd Information Association

Background:

• M.Sc., Quantitative Genetics (The University of Georgia)
• B.Sc., Agricultural Science (University College Dublin)

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

- ICC

- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

- smaXtec