Dairy Digressions – Details, episodes & analysis

We’re celebrating dairy cow behavior this month on the pod as the special issue of JDS Communications, Behavior in Dairy Animals, launches! Host Matt Lucy chats with Katy Proudfoot, PhD, associate professor at the University of Prince Edward Island and director of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, and Emma Ternman, PhD, associate professor at Nord University. The two are coauthors of an Editor’s Choice article in the special issue devoted to estimating sleep in dairy cattle. Katy and Emma explain how both of their academic paths were filled with “banana peels” and lots of googling—all of which eventually led them to the study of behavior and welfare in dairy cows. They dive into their work to better measure sleep and rest in dairy cows, explaining that sleep serves several essential functions throughout the animal kingdom, so understanding sleep in dairy cows could help us to improve their overall welfare, health, and production. They review how scientists are currently measuring and estimating sleep in dairy cattle—from changes in behavior to electrodes placed on a cow’s head—including the limitations of these methods and where the science might go. As prey animals, dairy cows must be vigilant during the day and average only about three hours of total sleep time. But they can supplement this with “drowsing,” an intermediate state between waking and sleeping that allows cows to stay alert and continue ruminating while getting essential rest. The two explain, however, that this research is still in its infancy and much work still needs to be done to understand sleep in dairy herds—from how the lights and noise of a barn might impact cows to whether they dream. Finally, the guests give their best advice, including why sleep is just as important for dairy scientists as it is for cows, why no one should ever pull all-nighters, and how to make writing papers fun.

Episode Eighteen Show Notes

Learn more about Katy Proudfoot and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Emma Ternman and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Want to learn more about the latest science of dairy cow behavior? Dive into the Special Issue of JDS Communications!

Catch up on the papers and the news articles discussed in the episode:

Methods used for estimating sleep in dairy cattle, JDS Communications (2024)

Effects of acute lying and sleep deprivation on metabolic and inflammatory responses of lactating dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2021)

Sleep in dairy cows recorded with a non-invasive EEG technique, Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2012)

Buckle up for a lively episode, as we welcome the infectiously energetic Julio Giordano, DVM, PhD, professor of dairy cattle biology and management in the Department of Animal Science and a codirector of the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture at Cornell University. Julio originally hails from Balnearia, Argentina, where he grew up learning from his father’s practice as a dairy veterinarian and working on his family’s dairy farms. He joins Matt to explain how this early interest in dairy cow health led to a passion for the study of reproduction and a career in the United States. He takes listeners into the evolution of his work—from his most hated experiment as a PhD student to his current research, which involves pushing the bounds of digital agriculture innovation to benefit farms and their herds. In his lab today, he and his team are focused on integrating new technology with farming best practices to develop approachable tools and techniques to help farms maximize their herds’ health, productivity, and profitability—all while increasing sustainability. Julio also shares his best advice for which skills students should be building for a career in dairy science and why he chose a faculty position over a career in industry. The two friends also discuss if the traditional lecture format needs an overhaul for the next generation, the importance of family—hola a Soledad, Julito, and Benji—and how relationships with colleagues, mentors, and students make a career in dairy so rewarding.

Episode Seventeen Show Notes

Learn more about Julio Giordano and connect with him on LinkedIn and follow his lab on X/Twitter.

Are you interested in participating in future Discover Conference meetings? Save the date for the 47th Discover Conference happening May 5 to 8, 2025, in Itasca, Illinois.

Catch up on the papers and the news articles discussed in the episode:

Combining reproductive outcomes predictors and automated estrus alerts recorded during the voluntary waiting period identified subgroups of cows with different reproductive performance potential, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)

Effect of targeted clinical examination based on alerts from automated health monitoring systems on herd health and performance of lactating dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2023)

Effect of increasing GnRH and PGF2α dose during Double Ovsynch on ovulatory response, luteal regression, and fertility of lactating dairy cows, Theriogenology (2013)

Reproduction in the era of genomics and automation, Reproduction, Fertility and Development (2014)

Effect of increasing GnRH and PGF2α dose during Double-Ovsynch on ovulatory response, luteal regression, and fertility of lactating dairy cows, Theriogenology (2013)

Changes in serum pregnancy-associated glycoprotein, pregnancy-specific protein B, and progesterone concentrations before and after induction of pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2012)

Possible strategies to increase ovulatory follicle size and reduce time to ovulation in lactating dairy cows, University of Tennessee dissertation (2007)

Catch an abbreviation you’re not sure about? Here is a list from the episode:

·        CIDR: controlled internal drug release

·        ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

·        FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone

·        GnRH: gonadotropin-releasing hormone 

·        hCG: human chorionic gonadotropin

·        LH: luteinizing hormone

·        PAG: pregnancy-associated glycoprotein

Pull up a seat as we dive into dairy genetics and Ireland’s esteemed national dairy breeding index—the Economic Breeding Index (EBI)—with the man who championed it, Donagh Berry, PhD. Berry is a quantitative geneticist and a Senior Principal Research Officer with Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre and Director of VistaMilk SFI Research Centre. He joins longtime friend Matt for a special installment of Dairy Digressions recorded during the ADSA Discover Conference on dairy cattle lifespan to explain how he became interested in animal genetics through a love of math and his work developing technologies and tools to help improve dairy farm profitability and futureproof dairy production for the next generation and beyond. Berry takes us behind the decisions that go into selecting traits for the EBI as well as the history of genetic selection—which up until 30 years ago focused mainly on milk production. The two discuss the state of dairy in Ireland and applaud the resilience and ability of Irish farmers to change and adapt over time, from adopting the EBI despite doubts to transitioning from seeing clover as a weed to a tool reducing dairy’s environmental footprint. Finally, Donagh walk us through the evolving discussion of dairy cow longevity as it relates to genetic progress, profitability, and dairy’s carbon footprint—including how genomics and sexed semen have turned the discussion on its head.

Episode Nine Show Notes

Learn more about Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre and VistaMilk SFI Research Centre, and connect with Donagh Berry on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.   

Are you interested in participating in future Discover Conference meetings? Save the date for the 46th Discover on precision dairy farming happening May 6-9, 2024 in Itasca, IL.

Catch up on the papers discussed on the episode:

Invited review: Beef-on-dairy—The generation of crossbred beef × dairy cattle, Journal of Dairy Science (2021)

Predicting methane emissions of individual grazing dairy cows from spectral analyses of their milk samples, Journal of Dairy Science (2023)

In the latest episode of Dairy Digressions, Matt welcomes a full house with the winners of ADSA’s Graduate Student Division awards. These young leaders are forging dairy’s future path—not just with groundbreaking scientific research but with their dedication, professionalism, and vision for where dairy is headed.

Connor McCabe, current Graduate Student Division President, joins us to explain the division and what drew him to ADSA. Joining Connor are award winners representing both dairy foods and dairy production: Ursula Abou-Rjeileh, Richard Lobo, and Erica Kosmerl. Each pitches their winning research, which covers some of the most cited and popular work in the field today—from methane reduction to fatty acids in animal nutrition to alternative feeds and protein sources to interactions between dairy foods and human health. Matt chats with each guest about their expert strategies for a memorable presentation, their approaches to competitions, and tips for effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to any audience. They also explore the benefits of entering into a competition, including building confidence, communication skills, and comfort with feedback; gaining exposure to industry professionals and opportunities; and prepping for the rigors of a career in science. Finally, the group chats about the importance of mentoring and gives their best advice for surviving and thriving in graduate school. If you’re a dairy science student, hiring young dairy professionals, or teaching and mentoring students and young professionals, this episode is a must-listen!

Episode Eight Show Notes

Learn more about ADSA’s Graduate Student Division and Undergraduate Student Division, including their robust award programs and the many benefits for student members. 

Are you interested in participating in ADSA’s student awards program? Submit your abstract now and save the date for the 2024 Annual Meeting!

Connect with and follow our graduate student guests on LinkedIn:

• Conor McCabe, University of California, Davis

•  Ursula Abou-Rjeileh, Michigan State University   

•  Richard Lobo, University of California, Davis

• Erica Kosmerl, The Ohio State University

Why is it such an incredibly exciting time in both dairy science and veterinary medicine? Find out as Matt sits down with Stephen LeBlanc, director of the prestigious Dairy at Guelph—a center that supports collaboration between dairy-related researchers—a member of the ADSA Board of Directors, and professor and research leadership chair at the University of Guelph. Stephen walks us through exactly what goes into a doctor of veterinary science (DVSc) degree and outlines his research to improve the prevention and treatment of reproductive disease in dairy herds, as well as his passion for bridging applied veterinary medicine with dairy science research. The two unpack the learnings from the joint reproduction, physiology, and endocrinology and ruminant nutrition symposium at the ADSA Annual Meeting, and wrestle with the hot topic of what is “normal” around dairy cow inflammation. Stephen gives Matt a rapid-fire round of the latest clinical recommendations and treatment protocols for uterine health issues frequently faced by dairy producers, including metritis and postpartum purulent vaginal discharge. Finally, don’t miss a boost of inspiration as Stephen explains why breaking down traditional barriers between dairy disciplines is accelerating our progress as an industry and making today the best time to be in dairy.  

 Episode Seven Show Notes

Learn more about Dr. Stephen LeBlanc and connect with him on LinkedIn and via the Dairy at Guelph Twitter.

Check out the ADSA Annual Meeting session mentioned in the episode and save the date for the 2024 Annual Meeting:

Joint Reproduction, Physiology, and Endocrinology and Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: Mechanisms Linking Transition Health, Nutrition, and Fertility of Dairy Cattle

Are dairy cows second only to humans in terms of the amount of genetic testing they’ve received? Join in on the debate—and get an infusion of vibrant ADSA Annual Meeting energy—in episode six with Filippo Miglior, senior advisor of genetic strategic initiatives with Lactanet, dairy geneticist at the University of Guelph, and member of the 2023 Journal of Dairy Science Club 100. Filippo and Matt chat about the explosion of genetics data in dairy and how researchers are working with artificial intelligence to understand these metrics, then standardize and share them in order to help dairies become more profitable, efficient, and sustainable. Filippo unpacks an example of his team’s work on a genetic evaluation for milk-predicted methane in dairy cows. Using milk spectral data and an artificial neural network, they were able to isolate a trait to reduce methane without impacting fat, protein, and milk yield. This staggering scientific breakthrough, combined with nutrition strategies, could lead to a 50% reduction in dairy methane emissions by 2050—and save dairy producers millions of dollars in energy losses along the way. A prolific and decorated writer, Filippo also takes the time to give his best advice for getting a tough review and explains how essential reviewers are to the scientific process.

Episode Six Show Notes

Learn more about Dr. Filippo Miglior and connect with him on LinkedIn. 

Check out the ADSA Annual Meeting session mentioned in the episode and save the date for the 2024 Annual Meeting:

Joint CSAS (Canadian Society of Animal Science) and ADSA Production, Management, and the Environment Symposium: Mitigation Strategies to Achieve Dairy Net Zero

Come for the dairy nutritionist banter—stay for the fascinating advancements in rumen microbiome science. In episode five, Matt sits down with Jeff Firkins, a dairy microbiologist and nutritionist at The Ohio State University and senior editor at the Journal of Dairy Science at the 2023 ADSA Annual Meeting. The two friends and colleagues reflect on lessons learned from the ruminant nutrition symposium on rumen microbiota—reviewing the forward leap dairy science has taken in understanding the thousands of microbial species in the rumen. Jeff explains his work on rumen fermentation and nutrient–rumen microbiota interactions, along with how he works directly with dairy farmers to think through nutrition challenges in their herds. Matt and Jeff dive into the state of dairy in Ohio and share their mutual respect for the incredible work dairymen perform in the field. Finally—just for you, listeners!—Jeff peers into his crystal ball and shares what he sees as the most promising approaches to improving cow efficiency and reducing methane production—from soil amendments like biochar to feed additives, improvements to forage quality, and more. Episode Five Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Jeff Firkins.

Check out the ADSA Annual Meeting sessions mentioned in the episode and save the date for the 2024 Annual Meeting:

Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: Improving Rumen Fermentation Through Altering Rumen Microbiota

Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: Dairy Nutrition to Improve Feed Utilization—Recognizing the Contributions of ADSA Fellow Dr. Bill Weiss

How is dairy technology similar to Star Trek? Beam in to find out as Matt interviews fellow reproductive physiologist and extension specialist Paul Fricke, PhD, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an editor at the Journal of Dairy Science. Paul chats through his lauded career to improve the reproductive efficiency of dairy cattle through research-driven, practical management strategies and new reproductive technologies applied on the farm. The two repro experts explain how getting cows pregnant is a hugely important piece of the profitability and productivity puzzle for dairy farmers, and benefits the health and longevity of dairy herds. Paul outlines what he calls the reproduction revolution—advancements in dairy fertility programs and management—that has taken place over the past few decades to dramatically improve pregnancy success in dairy herds, including the management steps for achieving an optimal high fertility cycle. The two then discuss where dairy reproduction is headed in the future, including the latest innovative approaches to the reproductive management of dairy cows. Will wearable devices, robotics, or needle-free pneumatic injection devices replace catching cows and giving shots—and help cows be cows? Tune in to learn more.  

Episode Four Show Notes

Learn more about Dr. Paul Fricke and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Meet Dr. Julio Giordano, head of the Giordano lab at Cornell, whose students presented posters during the ADSA Annual Meeting sessions mentioned in the episode and save the date for the 2024 Annual Meeting

For those interested in the reproduction discussion, Dr. Fricke and Dr. Lucy will be presenting on reproductive decision making at ADSA’s 45th Discover Conference taking place on October 23–26, 2023.

Recording in person from the 2023 ADSA Annual Meeting, Matt steps out of his production comfort zone to chat about dairy microbiology with Olivia McAuliffe, a principal food scientist at Teagasc Food Research Center in Ireland, honorary professor at Queen’s University Belfast, and senior editor of the Journal of Dairy Science. Explaining her research in strain discovery, Olivia pulls back the curtains for listeners on the small army of dairy foods professionals working behind the scenes to optimize dairy microbiology, ensuring that dairy products are full of healthy and delicious microorganisms for fermentation and free of pathogens that might harm our health. Olivia outlines how she and the Teagasc Cultures, Fermentation, and Biotransformation team map the history of the bacteria used in fermented foods and discover novel starter cultures, pushing the industry toward new flavors and textures for the dairy products we know and love. The two also discuss the ADSA symposium on lessons learned from the 2022 US infant formula crisis, explaining the pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii and the advancements in dry sanitation and safety steps in the infant powder formula supply chain, including exciting new frontiers in bacteriophages—viruses deployed to act as natural predators to unhealthy bacteria, infesting and fighting them off in lieu of traditional antibiotics.

Episode Three Show Notes

Learn more about Dr. Olivia McAuliffe and connect with her on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Check out the ADSA Annual Meeting sessions mentioned in the episode and save the date for the 2024 Annual Meeting:

Dairy Foods Symposium: Todd R. Klaenhammer Memorial Symposium: Contributions to Our Understanding of Lactic Acid Bacteria

Dairy Foods: Managing the Risks—Lessons from The Infant Formula Crisis

In episode two of Dairy Digressions, Matt sits down with Jan Dijkstra, PhD, associate professor of ruminant nutrition at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, to talk about the topic on every dairy professional’s mind: the sustainable future of dairying. While this topic has taken center stage in the Netherlands—with the government’s plan to cut 50% of its current nitrogen emissions by 2030 to meet European Union climate targets—reducing greenhouse gasses is a global goal and a pressing research topic within the dairy science community worldwide. The two discuss the state of farming and the environment, tracing the link between human population growth to the growth of ruminants via a staggering recent analysis of global mammal biomass. Jan dives into the latest research on whether 3-nitrooxypropanol—an emerging feed additive—can effectively reduce methane production in dairy cows. Jan also shares his findings on the most effective strategies to mitigate ruminant methane emissions toward 2030 and 2050 climate goals. Listen in as they unpack the differences between dairy science research in the US versus the Netherlands and find out why Jan advises all students (especially those in science) to have a controversial attitude in their work. Show Notes

Learn more about Dr. Jan Dijkstra and connect with him on Twitter @CUJanD.

Check out the Progressive Dairy podcast episode mentioned in the discussion. 

Catch up on the papers discussed on the episode:

A meta-analysis of effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane production, yield, and intensity in dairy cattle, Journal of Dairy Science (2023)

The global biomass of wild mammals, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (2023)

Full adoption of the most effective strategies to mitigate methane emissions by ruminants can help meet the 1.5 °C target by 2030 but not 2050, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (2022)