The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Pablo Pinedo from Colorado State University explains how dairy farms can turn continuous cow data into practical management decisions. He discusses body condition trends, fertility, individual cow monitoring, batch robotic milking, cow preferences, and emerging image technologies. Learn how researchers and producers can work together to focus on the data points that matter most. Listen now on all major platforms! Click here to read the full research articles: Automatic milking unit preference of Holstein, Jersey, and Holstein-Jersey crossbred cows in a batch milking system - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41260480/ Milking behavior and performance of primiparous and multiparous Holstein, Jersey, and Holstein × Jersey crossbred cows in a batch milking system with automatic milking units - https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(25)00130-4/fulltext "Continuous dairy technology data can reveal changes in performance, comfort, health, welfare, and behavior when farms convert frequent measurements into practical information." Meet the guest: Dr. Pablo Pinedo https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-j-pinedo-2876b5169/ is a Professor of Dairy Systems Management in the Department of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University, where he serves as Director of Graduate Programs. His research explores cattle health and well-being, farm performance, system sustainability, and technologies for disease prevention and early detection. He earned a Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Chile and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Learn more from Dr. Pablo Pinedo on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. 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 (01:12) Introduction (02:02) Dairy technology opportunities (03:54) Body condition data (06:04) Individual cow decisions (07:26) Batch robotic milking (08:16) Cow preferences and behavior (10:37) Closing thoughts The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like: * Boehringher Ingelheim (https://bianimalhealth.com/cattle) - inBarn (https://inbarn.com/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552471623778 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dairycampus

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension at the University of California, Davis, explains how gene editing differs from traditional genetic engineering and how it can complement conventional breeding. She discusses polled cattle, heat tolerance, disease resistance, feed efficiency, current market examples, and the regulatory path for edited livestock. Listen now on all major platforms! "Gene editing uses targeted molecular tools to modify specific DNA sequences, allowing selected genetic characteristics to change without broadly altering valuable animal genetics." Meet the guest: Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-van-eenennaam-70680a25 is a Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension in Animal Biotechnology and Genomics at the University of California, Davis. Her research and extension program focuses on applying quantitative genetics, genome editing, and reproductive technologies to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of animal agriculture. Her work also bridges science, regulation, and public understanding of food-animal biotechnology. Learn more from Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. 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 (01:47) Gene editing explained (02:46) Editing versus genetic engineering (05:47) Breeding integration (07:00) Livestock traits and applications (08:36) Products reaching the market (11:35) Closing thoughts The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like: * Boehringher Ingelheim (https://bianimalhealth.com/cattle) - inBarn (https://inbarn.com/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552471623778 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dairycampus

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Georgios Oikonomou, Professor of Cattle Health and Welfare at the University of Liverpool, explains how automated detection can support earlier lameness management in dairy herds. He discusses a randomized controlled trial showing reductions in severe and chronic lameness, while addressing accuracy, welfare, and future research opportunities. Listen now on all major platforms! Click here to read the full research article: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(26)03060-2/fulltext "The group managed with the automated system reduced severe lameness cases from 8% to 2%." Meet the guest: Dr. Georgios Oikonomou https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgios-oikonomou-a1063a55/ is Professor of Cattle Health and Welfare at the University of Liverpool. His work spans cattle health, welfare, epidemiology, animal behavior, and husbandry. He earned his veterinary degree and Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Learn more from Dr. Georgios Oikonomou on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. 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 (01:57) Lameness detection challenges (03:36) Trial design (05:18) Trial outcomes (07:13) Accuracy and economics (08:59) Welfare and adoption (10:42) Closing thoughts The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like: * Boehringher Ingelheim (https://bianimalhealth.com/cattle) - inBarn (https://inbarn.com/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552471623778 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dairycampus

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Pedram Rezamand from the University of Connecticut explains how colostrum management and weaning strategy shape calf health. Dr. Rezamand discusses passive immunity, physiological responses to weaning, feeding frequency, starter feed, and rumen development. Listen now on all major platforms! "Gradual weaning can support better grain intake, daily growth, fecal scores, heart rate, and respiration compared with abrupt weaning." Meet the guest: Dr. Pedram Rezamand https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedram-rezamand-540b3311 is a Professor & Department Head of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Rezamand earned a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut. His work addresses calf nutrition and health, including colostrum management, passive immunity, weaning strategies, physiological responses, and early feeding practices that support rumen development. Learn more from Dr. Rezamand on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. 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 (01:13) Introduction (01:58) Calf health priorities (05:33) Colostrum management (06:30) Weaning trial design (07:27) Weaning pace effects (09:26) Feeding frequency (12:06) Closing thoughts The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like: * Boehringher Ingelheim (https://bianimalhealth.com/cattle) - inBarn (https://inbarn.com/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552471623778 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dairycampus

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Andy Hubner, Assistant Clinical Professor at Purdue University, explains why dry-off should be viewed as the beginning of the next lactation, not the end of the previous one. He discusses inflammation after dry-off, common procedural mistakes, antimicrobial and sealant decisions, vaccination strategies, cow comfort, and cooling. Listen now on all major platforms! Click here to read the full research articles: Measurement of haptoglobin after the time of dry-off and effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administered on the day of dry-off to Holstein dairy cows - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1090023326000997?via%3Dihub A randomized, controlled trial examining quarter-level somatic cell count and culture-based selective dry cow therapy against blanket dry cow therapy on early lactation production outcomes - https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(24)00796-3/fulltext "The dry period should prepare cows for the most profitable and vulnerable stage of their next lactation." Meet the guest: Dr. Andy Hubner is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Purdue University. Drawing on experience in private veterinary practice, his work addresses dry cow management, dry-off procedures, inflammation, and practical decisions that help prepare dairy cows for the next lactation. Learn more from Dr. Andy Hubner on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. 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 (01:46) Why dry cows matter (03:55) Dry-off as a new beginning (04:25) Common procedure mistakes (07:37) Management decisions (08:07) Selective antimicrobial use (10:47) Closing thoughts The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like: * Boehringher Ingelheim (https://bianimalhealth.com/cattle) - inBarn (https://inbarn.com/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552471623778 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dairycampus