The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Amanda Fischer-Tlustos: Colostrum Synthesis Timeline | Ep. 42 - Part 1

    3D AGO

    Dr. Amanda Fischer-Tlustos: Colostrum Synthesis Timeline | Ep. 42 - Part 1

    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

    10 min
  2. Dr. Dave Renaud: Rethinking Antibiotic Use in Calf Diarrhea | Ep. 41

    MAR 25

    Dr. Dave Renaud: Rethinking Antibiotic Use in Calf Diarrhea | Ep. 41

    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

    11 min
  3. Dr. Herman Barkema: Antimicrobial Stewardship in Dairy | Ep. 40

    MAR 18

    Dr. Herman Barkema: Antimicrobial Stewardship in Dairy | Ep. 40

    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

    11 min
  4. Dr. Jennifer Van Os: Pair Housing Science | Ep. 39

    MAR 11

    Dr. Jennifer Van Os: Pair Housing Science | Ep. 39

    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

    15 min
  5. Dr. Tasia Kendrick: Bovine Leukemia Virus | Ep. 38

    MAR 4

    Dr. Tasia Kendrick: Bovine Leukemia Virus | Ep. 38

    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.  Click here to the MSU BLV page! 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

    13 min
  6. Dr. Sabine Mann: Rethinking Cow Calf Separation - Part 2 | Ep. 37

    FEB 25

    Dr. Sabine Mann: Rethinking Cow Calf Separation - Part 2 | Ep. 37

    In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Sabine Mann, Associate Professor at Cornell University, continues the discussion, now focusing on cow calf separation and the physiology behind delayed separation strategies. She explains current research on transition milk, calf health, and cow outcomes, while addressing common assumptions and management concerns. Listen now on all major platforms! “One major goal of this cow calf separation research was to separate nutritional effects from social contact effects, allowing a clearer understanding of how transition milk alone influences calf physiology.” Meet the guest: Dr. Sabine Mann is an Associate Professor of Ambulatory and Production Medicine at Cornell University. Her research focuses on the intersection of metabolism, nutrition, and immunology, with emphasis on transition cows and newborn calf resilience. Her work connects physiology with practical dairy health decisions.  Click here to read the full research article! 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(02:05) Separation rationale(04:15) Delayed separation(05:00) Transition milk(07:07) Facility challenges(09:51) Calf health(13:52) 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

    15 min
  7. Dr. Sabine Mann: Rethinking Colostrum Volumes - Part 1 | Ep. 36

    FEB 18

    Dr. Sabine Mann: Rethinking Colostrum Volumes - Part 1 | Ep. 36

    In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Sabine Mann, Associate Professor at Cornell University, explains how colostrum volume influences passive immunity, digestion, and calf comfort. She discusses body weight-based feeding strategies, absorption efficiency, and behavioral responses linked to excessive volumes. Practical insights help refine colostrum programs for modern dairy systems. Strengthen your evidence-based colostrum management decisions for calves. Listen now on all major platforms! “Calves range in size and weight, and that variation raises important questions about whether one standard colostrum volume fits every newborn calf.” Meet the guest: Dr. Sabine Mann is an Associate Professor of Ambulatory and Production Medicine at Cornell University. Her research focuses on the intersection of metabolism, nutrition, and immunology, with emphasis on transition cows and newborn calf resilience. Her work connects physiology with practical dairy health decisions.  Click here to read the full research article! Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight(00:42) Introduction(01:52) Colostrum questions(03:08) Body weight feeding(05:04) Absorption physiology(07:05) Volume responses(09:00) Calf behavior(10:44) 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

    15 min
  8. Dr. Stephen LeBlanc: Longevity Versus Performance | Ep. 35

    FEB 11

    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
See All (43)

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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