The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

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Learn dairy health from the brightest minds of the global swine industry – in 9 minutes. If you are a dairy veterinarian who wants to stay up to date with all that is working in the industry, but doesn’t know how to start, doesn’t have the time, or feel most courses out there don’t deliver, then you have come to the right place. The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is specially designed by and for professionals just like yourself. With it, you can effortlessly have access to the thoughts of the most brilliant minds in our industry – all while going about your routine and saving your time.

  1. Dr. Stephen LeBlanc: Longevity Versus Performance | Ep. 35

    6D AGO

    Dr. Stephen LeBlanc: Longevity Versus Performance | Ep. 35

    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 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.  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(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: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

    14 min
  2. Dr. Osvaldo Pascottini: Uterine Microbiome Research | Ep. 34

    FEB 4

    Dr. Osvaldo Pascottini: Uterine Microbiome Research | Ep. 34

    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 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! 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(01:55) 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: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

    13 min
  3. Dr. Daryl Nydam: Dairy Herd Dynamics | Ep. 33

    JAN 28

    Dr. Daryl Nydam: Dairy Herd Dynamics | Ep. 33

    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 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! 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: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

    9 min
  4. Dr. Christine Baes: Breeding the Resilient Cow | Ep. 32

    JAN 21

    Dr. Christine Baes: Breeding the Resilient Cow | Ep. 32

    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 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 Review: Opportunities and challenges for the genetic selection of dairy calf disease traits Estimation of genetic parameters and genome-wide association study for enzootic bovine leukosis resistance in Canadian Holstein cattle Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! 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: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

    13 min
  5. Dr. Ronaldo Cerri: Embryonic Losses in Dairy Herds - Part 2 | Ep. 31

    JAN 14

    Dr. Ronaldo Cerri: Embryonic Losses in Dairy Herds - Part 2 | Ep. 31

    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 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! 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: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

    15 min
  6. Dr. Ronaldo Cerri: Health Impact on Reproductive Success - Part 1 | Ep. 30

    JAN 7

    Dr. Ronaldo Cerri: Health Impact on Reproductive Success - Part 1 | Ep. 30

    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 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! 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: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

    14 min
  7. Dr. Christine Baes: Genetic Selection for Health | Ep. 29

    12/31/2025

    Dr. Christine Baes: Genetic Selection for Health | Ep. 29

    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 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 Review: Opportunities and challenges for the genetic selection of dairy calf disease traits Estimation of genetic parameters and genome-wide association study for enzootic bovine leukosis resistance in Canadian Holstein cattle Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! 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: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

    11 min
  8. Dr. Jimena Laporta: Cooling Calves Effectively | Ep. 28

    12/24/2025

    Dr. Jimena Laporta: Cooling Calves Effectively | Ep. 28

    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 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! Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! 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: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

    13 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Learn dairy health from the brightest minds of the global swine industry – in 9 minutes. If you are a dairy veterinarian who wants to stay up to date with all that is working in the industry, but doesn’t know how to start, doesn’t have the time, or feel most courses out there don’t deliver, then you have come to the right place. The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is specially designed by and for professionals just like yourself. With it, you can effortlessly have access to the thoughts of the most brilliant minds in our industry – all while going about your routine and saving your time.

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