The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast

Wisenetix

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

    1D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Dr. Paul Fricke: Heifer Reproduction Insights | Ep. 27

    12/17/2025

    Dr. Paul Fricke: Heifer Reproduction Insights | Ep. 27

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

    13 min
  5. Dr. Paul Fricke: Timing of AI | Ep. 26

    12/10/2025

    Dr. Paul Fricke: Timing of AI | Ep. 26

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

    12 min
  6. Dr. Maria Jose Fuenzalida: Smarter Mastitis Control | Ep. 25

    12/03/2025

    Dr. Maria Jose Fuenzalida: Smarter Mastitis Control | Ep. 25

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

    14 min
  7. Dr. Rafael Domingues: Understanding Pregnancy Loss in Dairy Cows | Ep. 24

    11/26/2025

    Dr. Rafael Domingues: Understanding Pregnancy Loss in Dairy Cows | Ep. 24

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

    11 min
  8. Dr. Anna Denicol: Effects of Heat Stress on Ovarian Folliculogenesis | Ep. 23

    11/19/2025

    Dr. Anna Denicol: Effects of Heat Stress on Ovarian Folliculogenesis | Ep. 23

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

    12 min

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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