In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Gaurav Dutta, Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Connecticut, explains how genomics is improving female fertility traits in dairy cattle. He discusses low-heritability challenges, new measurable traits, and how heat stress affects reproduction and production. Get practical insights on genetic evaluation systems and future opportunities. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Female fertility traits present low heritability and are heavily influenced by management and environmental conditions, making genetic improvement challenging within modern dairy production systems."

Meet the guest: Gaurav Dutta is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Connecticut specializing in dairy cattle genomics, quantitative genetics, and transcriptomics. With a veterinary background and research experience in fertility traits and heat stress, his work focuses on improving genetic evaluations for dairy production systems.

Read the full research articles here:

Foundational Review of U.S. Female Fertility Trait Evaluations

Genetic parameters and genomic predictions for milk yield by season in US Holsteins: Assessing genotype by environment interactions under heat stress in Texas and Wisconsin

PSXIV-6 Comparison of Changes in Snp Effects and Gebv Using Different Training Populations in Simulated Data

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:49) Introduction
• (01:47) Fertility traits
• (02:09) Low heritability
• (03:02) Phenotypic trends
• (03:59) Trait evaluation
• (05:42) New trait
• (07:58) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:

* inBarn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Bridger Sparks, PhD candidate at Texas Tech University, explains how adipose tissue innervation influences lipid mobilization and metabolic health in dairy cows. He discusses parity effects, catecholamine regulation, and links to ketosis and transition disorders. Bridger highlights future strategies for breeding and biomarker development. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Excessive lipid mobilization creates significant metabolic stress, increasing the likelihood of disorders that impact productivity, reproduction, and overall efficiency within modern dairy systems."

Meet the guest: Bridger Sparks is a PhD candidate in Animal Science at Texas Tech University, focusing on how adipose tissue innervation affects metabolic health in dairy cows. His work integrates neurobiology and physiology to study transition period challenges, with publications in the Journal of Dairy Science and recognition from ADSA.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:56) Introduction
• (01:51) Research motivation
• (02:31) Lipolysis control
• (03:59) Why it matters
• (05:00) Parity effects
• (06:01) Enzyme pathways
• (10:45) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:

* inBarn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

In this part two episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Amanda Fischer-Tlustos, NSERC postdoctoral research fellow at UC Davis and the University of Guelph, continues the conversation, explaining how dry off strategies and dry period length influence colostrum quality and IgG transfer. She discusses regenerative involution, high milk production at dry-off, and management approaches to improve colostrum outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!

“The length of the dry period has been repeatedly associated with colostrum production, particularly when cows are managed appropriately before calving.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Amanda Fischer-Tlustos is an NSERC postdoctoral research fellow at UC Davis and the University of Guelph, specializing in whole body and mammary metabolism. She completed her MSc at the University of Alberta, studying colostrum management, and her PhD at the University of Guelph, focusing on maternal and mammary factors affecting colostrum production and composition.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:49) Introduction
• (01:56) Milk production impact
• (02:49) Regenerative involution
• (03:27) IgG transfer timing
• (03:50) Once daily milking
• (04:57) Skip day method
• (08:39) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

In this part one episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Amanda Fischer-Tlustos, NSERC postdoctoral research fellow at UC Davis and the University of Guelph, explains how colostrum is produced and what drives its composition. She shares new findings on IgG accumulation, macronutrient synthesis, mammary activity during the dry period, and management factors influencing colostrum quality. Discover practical insights to improve dairy health outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Higher milk yield at dry off was linked to greater mammary activity during the dry period and poorer colostrum outcomes.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Amanda Fischer-Tlustos is an NSERC postdoctoral research fellow at UC Davis and the University of Guelph, specializing in whole body and mammary metabolism. She completed her MSc at the University of Alberta, studying colostrum management, and her PhD at the University of Guelph, focusing on maternal and mammary factors affecting colostrum production and composition.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:39) Introduction
• (01:39) Colostrum synthesis timeline
• (03:50) IgG accumulation patterns
• (05:44) Mammary activity effects
• (07:09) High-producing cows
• (07:43) Dry off practices
• (08:33) Closing thoughts

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Dave Renaud, Associate Professor at the University of Guelph and veterinary epidemiologist, discusses antibiotic use in treating calf diarrhea. He shares research showing that blanket antibiotic therapy at the onset of diarrhea can reduce performance and increase health risks. Dr. Renaud also explains selective treatment, supportive care, and practical strategies to improve calf health outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Disruption of the gut microbiota during diarrhea, followed by antibiotic administration, may worsen dysbiosis and delay recovery."

Meet the guest: Dr. Dave Renaud earned a PhD in Epidemiology and a DVM from the University of Guelph. As an Associate Professor in dairy cattle health and veterinary epidemiology, his research focuses on disease prevention, calf welfare, and antimicrobial stewardship. He works closely with producers to apply data-driven solutions that improve herd health and productivity.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:43) Introduction
• (01:44) Selective antibiotic use
• (03:49) Supportive therapy focus
• (06:07) On farm logistics
• (07:28) Microbiome impact
• (09:46) Treatment decisions
• (10:07) Final Questions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Herman Barkema, Professor of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary, explains why reducing antimicrobial use on dairy farms is both practical and necessary. He discusses mastitis prevention, dry-cow management, biosecurity, and antimicrobial resistance from a herd-health perspective. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Every infection that does not occur does not have to be treated, and antimicrobial stewardship is actually biosecurity and prevention of transmission in the herd.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Herman Barkema is a Professor of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary, with joint appointments in veterinary medicine and community health sciences. His work focuses on disease prevention, mastitis control, and antimicrobial resistance in dairy cattle systems. He leads national and international One Health initiatives and has published extensively on dairy herd health.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:35) Introduction
• (01:51) Reducing antibiotics
• (02:51) Resistance risks
• (04:22) Dry cow strategy
• (06:29) Prevention focus
• (07:41) Producer concerns
• (10:22) Final Questions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

In this special episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, marking International Women’s Day, Dr. Jennifer Van Os, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, discusses pair and group housing of preweaned calves. She explains behavioral needs, enrichment, cross-sucking, milk feeding methods, and upcoming Canadian housing expectations. Discover practical, science-based strategies to improve calf welfare and performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Enrichment is a way to modify the environment for cattle so that behavioral needs are addressed, not just basic physiological requirements.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Van Os is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research integrates applied science and outreach to improve dairy cattle welfare, focusing on calf social housing, behavioral needs, thermal comfort, and practical management solutions.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:00) Introduction
• (01:57) Pair housing benefits
• (04:37) Defining enrichment
• (06:26) Canada 2031 rule
• (08:25) Cross sucking concerns
• (10:15) Nipple feeding effects
• (13:29) Final Questions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Tasia Kendrick, Associate Professor at Michigan State University, explains why bovine leukemia virus remains a major but often overlooked challenge in US dairy herds. She outlines prevalence levels, transmission routes, impacts on immunity and longevity, and practical management strategies to reduce spread. Dr. Kendrick highlights proactive approaches that protect animal welfare and herd performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Animals with bovine leukemia virus often show reduced milk production, shorter herd life, and weaker immune responses that affect overall dairy herd performance.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Tasia Kendrick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. Trained as a geneticist, her research focuses on bovine leukemia virus prevalence, transmission, and management in dairy and beef herds, alongside innovative diagnostic approaches. Her work supports evidence-based decision-making to improve dairy health and longevity.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:40) Introduction
• (01:53) Health impacts
• (02:52) Herd prevalence
• (04:40) Transmission routes
• (07:21) Research updates
• (08:03) Diagnostics advances
• (09:46) Final Questions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast