Dr. Marcia Endres: Precision Dairy Advances | Ep. 146

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Vern Osborne from the University of Guelph explores the critical yet often overlooked role of water in dairy herd health and performance. From nutrient supplementation through water to improving water quality and facility design, Dr. Osborne offers practical advice for optimizing dairy operations. Tune in now on all major platforms!"Cows are incredibly sensitive to water quality, detecting elements at parts-per-million levels."Meet the guest: Dr. Vern Osborne is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph. He holds both an MSc and PhD from the University of Guelph and is internationally recognized for his expertise in dairy nutrition and facility design. With a career spanning over 36 years, Dr. Osborne’s research focuses on optimizing water nutrition and developing innovative feeding strategies to enhance dairy cow productivity.  He also serves as the Science and Design Lead for the Mission 2050 project, which reimagines modern livestock research facilities.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:24) Introduction(05:45) Water as a nutrient(06:40) Transition cow feeding(10:59) Optimizing water quality(17:51) Designing dairy facilities(21:21) Nutrient delivery systems(26:24) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Evonik* Adisseo* Lallemand* Priority IAC- dsm-firmenich- ICC- AHV- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kurt Rosentrater from Iowa State University explores the evolving role of distillers' grains in dairy cattle nutrition. He shares insights on biofuel byproducts, ingredient optimization, and the economics behind high-protein corn co-products. Learn how the ethanol industry and dairy nutrition intersect in powerful ways. Listen now on all major platforms!"We're right now sitting about 33 to 35 million tons per year, and we're not landfilling it, and we're not burning, we're using it."Meet the guest: Dr. Kurt Rosentrater earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from Iowa State University. As a professor at Iowa State, his work focuses on biofuels, grain processing, and ingredient sustainability, all highly relevant to animal nutrition and production. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:33) Introduction(06:39) Distillers' grains evolution(11:13) Circular economy(17:03) Protein value insights(22:37) Ingredient cost comparison(28:15) Global demand(30:16) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:Scoular* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo* Lallemand- dsm-firmenich- ICC- AHV- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Tara Vander Dussen, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist, discusses the critical issues surrounding sustainability in dairy farming. Tara shares her unique journey from environmental consulting to podcasting, highlighting water use, sustainability practices, and how dairy farmers can balance environmental concerns with production. Learn about the latest challenges in water conservation, the importance of educating consumers, and how small management changes can make a big impact. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!"Water use in dairy is not just about big projects. Sometimes it's the small management changes that make a big difference."Meet the guest: Tara Vander Dussen is a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist based in New Mexico. With a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Arizona, Tara has spent over a decade consulting on water conservation, manure management, and sustainability within the dairy industry. As the co-host of the Discover AG podcast, she engages in discussions about agriculture, sustainability, and the future of food. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:26) Introduction(04:46) Environmental science(07:01) Water conservation(15:35) Educating consumers(23:05) Consumer-driven in dairy(27:41) Digital media(28:41) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kassidy Buse, Dairy Technical Service Specialist at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, explores the ROI of clean feed and why on-farm hygiene plays a critical role in dairy herd health and performance. She breaks down the hidden costs of spoilage, microbial load, and poor feed management across the entire feeding process. Learn practical strategies to protect herd efficiency and improve your bottom line. Listen now on all major platforms!"The real definition of clean feed is a feed that has spoilage, wild yeast, bacteria, and mycotoxins held and managed to a minimal level."Meet the guest: Dr. Kassidy Buse earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research explores forage utilization and feed preference, with a special focus on low-lignin alfalfa and its effect on digestibility and intake. As a Dairy Technical Service Specialist with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, she brings science-based insight to practical dairy feed management.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:09) Introduction(01:52) Understanding clean feed(07:23) ROI of clean feed(08:45) Feed management practices(13:26) Feed testing tools(20:54) Adjusting feeding strategies(23:39) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Peter Surai, a professor of nutritional biochemistry, explores the science behind selenium’s impact on immunity, reproduction, and stress resilience in dairy cattle. He discusses different selenium sources, bioavailability challenges, hydroxy-selenomethionine benefits, and strategies for optimizing supplementation. Learn how to fine-tune selenium supplementation and improve herd resilience—listen now on all major platforms!"Organic selenium, particularly selenomethionine, builds body reserves and supports stress resilience."Meet the guest: Dr. Peter Surai, a professor of nutritional biochemistry, has spent over 45 years researching antioxidants and selenium. With a Ph.D. in biochemistry and a career spanning multiple universities worldwide, Dr. Surai has published extensively on selenium’s role in animal nutrition. His expertise in antioxidant defense mechanisms has advanced dairy cattle health and production strategies. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:24) Introduction(03:00) Selenium & dairy health(09:00) Stress and free radicals(15:11) Selenium deficiency impact(19:00) Optimizing selenium supplementation(27:31) Controlling inflammation in dairy cows(33:45) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Marcia Endres from the University of Minnesota shares how precision tech is reshaping daily life on dairy farms. From robotic milking systems to computer vision and welfare-monitoring sensors, she shares practical insights into how data-driven tools are shaping herd management, animal comfort, and productivity. Understand the real-world challenges and opportunities of tech adoption on dairies. Listen now on all major platforms!"We can collect digital information on cows living in a group, and still monitor each one individually using precision tools."Meet the guest: Dr. Marcia Endres earned her Ph.D. in Animal Science with a dairy emphasis from the University of Minnesota, where she now serves as Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist. Her work centers on improving dairy cattle welfare, health, and performance through advanced housing systems and precision technologies. With a focus on robotics, behavioral sensors, and animal management, her research supports innovation on U.S. dairy farms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:17) Introduction(05:58) Robotic milking systems(08:23) Computer vision insights(11:22) Sensor data adoption(19:29) AI in animal welfare(27:57) Teaching dairy tech(36:30) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Evonik* Lallemand* Priority IAC- Scoular- ICC- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show