The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

I'm Dr. Craig McConnel, and I’m thrilled to kick off my first episode as host on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast! Very excited to embark on this journey with you. Celebrating National Farmer’s Day, our guest, Dr. Rik Hendriks, bovine practitioner and co-owner of veterinary practice Ell, explores the role of inflammation in metabolic diseases in dairy cows. He shares how physiology-centered veterinary care can improve treatment outcomes and reshape prevention strategies. Learn how inflammation impacts metabolism, longevity, and overall cow resilience. Listen now on all major platforms! "If you want to prevent post-calving complications, you need to understand if you’re dealing with metabolic, inflammatory, or combined issues." Meet the guest: Dr. Rik Hendriks https://www.linkedin.com/in/rik-hendriks-321a17128/ earned his veterinary degree from Utrecht University. He is a bovine practitioner and co-owner of the veterinary practice Ell in the Netherlands. With over three decades of field experience, he specializes in physiology-based advisory work, focusing on low-grade inflammation and metabolic disorders in dairy cows. He authored Pathways to Health and Disease for Dairy Cows and provides expert training to veterinarians and farmers. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:37) Introduction (01:40) Diseases and concerns (04:15) Diagnostic limitations (06:25) Treatment vs inflammation (08:09) Prevention strategy differences (09:37) Physiology-based coaching (12:12) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Stephen LeBlanc, Professor and Director of Dairy at the University of Guelph, explains why longevity should not be used as a simple indicator of dairy cow health, welfare, or profitability. He challenges common assumptions around culling rates, survivorship bias, and replacement economics, emphasizing data-driven, cow-specific decisions. Listen now on all major platforms! “Longevity should be a consequence of good decisions, not the objective guiding herd management strategies.” Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen LeBlanc https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-leblanc-6b626043/ is a Professor at the University of Guelph and Director of Dairy at the Centre for Dairy Research and Innovation. His research focuses on dairy cattle reproduction, transition cow health, and metabolic disease prevention, integrating epidemiology, physiology, nutrition, and management. His work supports applied, data-driven strategies that improve dairy health, productivity, and welfare. Click here to learn more: https://www.scielo.br/j/ar/a/B7SKBMnc4mthpfktCFbVPMC/?lang=en Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:56) Introduction (02:31) Longevity debate (03:51) Culling metrics (05:18) Heifer availability (07:19) Survivorship bias (10:09) Replacement costs (12:05) Final Questions 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Osvaldo Pascottini from University College Dublin shares his ongoing research on alternative approaches to supporting uterine health and fertility in dairy cows. He explains how studying the microbiome, metabolic pathways, and host interactions can help identify new ways to maintain reproductive efficiency after calving. Listen now on all major platforms! "We’re focusing on unraveling the composition of the healthy uterine microbiome in cows that get pregnant at first insemination." Meet the guest: Dr. Osvaldo Pascottini https://www.linkedin.com/in/osvaldo-bogado-pascottini-b869307a/?originalSubdomain=ie serves as an Astra Assistant Professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin. His research focuses on inflammation, immune response, and the role of the microbiome in uterine health and fertility of dairy cows. He is currently studying microbiome-based strategies that may complement traditional treatments. Click here to learn more: https://www.scielo.br/j/ar/a/B7SKBMnc4mthpfktCFbVPMC/?lang=en Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:39) Introduction (01:55) Uterine diseases focus (03:23) Microbiome composition (07:19) Multi-omics approach (08:39) Microbiome project (09:52) Antibiotic considerations (11:50) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Daryl Nydam from Cornell University explains how real-world herd dynamics drive semen decisions and long-term replacement planning on today’s dairies. He walks through the economic trade-offs between sexed and beef semen, how these choices influence milk flow, and why keeping the right number of heifers is key for a sustainable herd. Get practical insights to fine-tune herd structure and performance. Listen now on all major platforms. "Milk production remains the most important factor to consider when balancing replacement strategies and guiding efficient herd decisions." Meet the guest: Dr. Daryl Nydam https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-nydam-b925581/ is a Professor of Dairy Health and Production at Cornell University, where his work centers on transition cow health, infectious diseases, and the population-level factors shaping dairy system performance. His research helps producers refine herd strategies that strengthen productivity, efficiency, and sustainability across the dairy industry. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:59) Introduction (01:44) Semen selection choices (02:45) Replacement rate balance (03:55) Milk production impact (05:42) Long-term profitability (09:06) Sustainability strategies (10:02) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Christine Baes from the University of Guelph explores how genomic innovation is transforming dairy cattle breeding. She discusses the Resilient Dairy Genome and Net-Zero Dairy Genome Projects, highlighting new genetic traits improving efficiency, animal health, and environmental sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms! "We’re using genomic tools to identify animals that are naturally more resilient, so farmers can breed cows that stay healthy and productive." Meet the guest: Dr. Christine Baes https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-baes/?originalSubdomain=ca 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. Click here to learn more: The Resilient Dairy Genome Project—A general overview of methods and objectives related to feed efficiency and methane emissions - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030223006173 Review: Opportunities and challenges for the genetic selection of dairy calf disease traits - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751731124000727 Estimation of genetic parameters and genome-wide association study for enzootic bovine leukosis resistance in Canadian Holstein cattle - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030224011639 Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:47) Introduction (02:23) Genomic resilience (04:31) Resilient cow (06:23) Feed efficiency traits (08:59) Excitement for dairy’s future (10:17) Industry collaboration (12:11) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ronaldo Cerri from the University of British Columbia joins us again to continue our conversation on dairy cow reproduction. He shares insights into understanding and reducing embryonic and fetal losses in dairy herds, explaining how better nutrition, management, and genetics work together to support healthier pregnancies and more efficient reproduction. Learn how small, consistent improvements can make a big difference in herd fertility. Listen now on all major platforms! "Know the demographics of your herd before comparing reproduction numbers; it completely changes what’s considered good performance." Meet the guest: Dr. Ronaldo Luis Aoki Cerri https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldo-cerri-78537026/ is a Professor of Animal Reproduction at the University of British Columbia, where he leads research in the Applied Biology Program. He earned his DVM in Brazil and completed his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Animal Biology at the University of California, Davis, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Florida. His work focuses on improving reproductive efficiency in dairy and beef cattle by linking health, inflammation, and fertility. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:55) Introduction (02:03) Nutritional influence (04:25) Herd management (05:25) Reproduction dynamics (08:45) Reproductive technologies (12:18) Genetic selection (13:50) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ronaldo Cerri from the University of British Columbia discusses how dairy cow health plays a key role in reproductive performance. He breaks down how metabolic stress and health challenges can impact fertility and shares how data-driven management can make a difference. Learn practical ways to improve herd reproduction through smarter health monitoring and sustainable strategies. Listen now on all major platforms! "The idea that reproduction has improved overall is true, but the next frontier for continued progress is in cow health." Meet the guest: Dr. Ronaldo Luis Aoki Cerri https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldo-cerri-78537026/ is a Professor of Animal Reproduction at the University of British Columbia, where he leads research in the Applied Biology Program. He earned his DVM in Brazil and completed his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Animal Biology at the University of California, Davis, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Florida. His work focuses on improving reproductive efficiency in dairy and beef cattle by linking health, inflammation, and fertility. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:03) Introduction (02:43) Health and reproduction (04:45) Data-driven fertility (07:17) Sensor-based monitoring (09:39) Pregnancy loss factors (11:44) Reproduction efficiency (13:13) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-baes/?originalSubdomain=ca 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. Click here to learn more: The Resilient Dairy Genome Project—A general overview of methods and objectives related to feed efficiency and methane emissions: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030223006173 Review: Opportunities and challenges for the genetic selection of dairy calf disease traits: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751731124000727 Estimation of genetic parameters and genome-wide association study for enzootic bovine leukosis resistance in Canadian Holstein cattle: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030224011639 Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt 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. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimena-laporta-444802230/ 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. Click here to learn more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40818677/ Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt 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. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-fricke-82a37a8/ 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. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt 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. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-fricke-82a37a8/ 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. Click here to learn more: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(25)00396-0/fulltext Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt 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: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jose-fuenzalida-96579575/ , 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. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt 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. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-domingues-670254104/ , 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. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt 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. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-denicol-49a873366/ 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. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt 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: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/clara-rial-651a14283/ , 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. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt 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: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/clara-rial-651a14283/ , 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. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt 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. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillermo-martinez-boggio-7b9132150/ 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. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt 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. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Breno Fragomeni, Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut, explains the challenges of selecting dairy cattle for heat tolerance without compromising fertility. He outlines current gaps in national genetic evaluations, shares findings from local herd studies, and discusses the future of trait selection in heat-stressed environments. Tune in now on all major platforms! "We associate declining milk production with higher temperature and humidity as the animal's ability to cope with heat stress." Meet the guest: Dr. Breno Fragomeni is an Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut, specializing in genetic and genomic evaluations in dairy cattle. He earned his PhD in Animal and Dairy Science from the University of Georgia, following degrees in Veterinary Science and Animal Science in Brazil. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:56) Introduction (02:02) Guest background (03:44) Heat stress impact (06:12) Fertility trade-offs (09:16) National data modeling (10:43) Genomic selection use (13:29) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this special episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in dairy production, Dr. Ermias Kebreab from the University of California explains the science behind methane emissions in dairy cattle and the strategies being developed to reduce them. He discusses how inhibitors and feed additives such as seaweed and 3-NOP work, their impact on animal productivity, and the potential benefits for climate change. Listen now on all major platforms! "In trials using feed additives, we saw a reduction of up to 90% in methane emissions without any negative effects on animal productivity." Meet the guest: Dr. Ermias Kebreab https://www.linkedin.com/in/ermias-kebreab-74108a25/ is Professor and Associate Dean at the University of California, Davis, where he holds the Sesnon Endowed Chair of Sustainable Agriculture. His research focuses on reducing livestock greenhouse gas emissions through feed additives, genetic innovations, and precision feeding. With extensive international experience, he leads efforts to advance climate-smart solutions in livestock production. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:03) Introduction (02:06) Methane impact (03:08) Inhibitor function (05:27) Seaweed role (10:47) Practical benefits (14:43) Animal health (15:57) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Gerard Cramer, Professor at the University of Minnesota, explores the economic and welfare considerations involved in preventive hoof trimming for dairy cattle. He discusses the delicate balance between preventing lameness and the associated costs, and how strategically allocating resources can improve animal health and labor efficiency on farms. Listen now on all major platforms! "Trimming programs should be based on data, ensuring they benefit animal health while also considering economic and welfare impacts." Meet the guest: Dr. Gerard Cramer https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-cramer-2432482a/ is a Professor of Dairy Production Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He holds a DVM and a DVSc in Ruminant Health Management from the University of Guelph. With a strong focus on hoof health, Dr. Cramer has led numerous studies and initiatives on dairy cattle lameness. He is deeply committed to advancing the diagnosis and management of lameness through both preventive and therapeutic strategies. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:49) Introduction (02:08) Preventive hoof trimming (02:59) Economic impact of trimming (06:09) Frequency of hoof trimming (08:12) Identifying lame cows (10:00) Strategies for pasture-raised cows (11:08) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/