Ignacio Artavia: Vitamin D & Dairy Cows | Ep. 132

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Steven Harnish from Central Manor Dairy discusses the innovations and strategies shaping the “dairy of the future.” Steven shares insights on improving labor efficiency, adopting cutting-edge technologies like the use of bolus, and addressing carbon footprint challenges. He shares practical advice for dairy producers facing industry challenges while building toward long-term sustainability. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!"Scaling technology like rumen boluses ensures no cow is left behind in monitoring health and productivity."Meet the guest: Steven Harnish, Partner at Central Manor Dairy LLC has over two decades of experience in dairy farming. With a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from Penn State University, Steven oversees herd management and employee operations while leading sustainability efforts. What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:16) Introduction(03:49) Dairies of the future(08:08) Labor challenges(12:32) Carbon management(17:09) Technology in dairy farms(22:34) Bolus technology(28:10) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: SmaXtec* Adisseo- Natural Biologics- Scoular- Priority IAC- Protekta- Volac- ICC- Acepsis- Trouw Nutrition- 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

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Scott Earnest from ProAGtive Technologies shares practical advice on improving dairy replacement health and management. He highlights effective strategies for raising healthier heifers, minimizing non-completion rates, and reducing costs. Dr. Earnest also emphasizes the importance of proper hygiene and colostrum management to ensure strong, healthy calves. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover ways to boost your dairy replacement program and improve overall herd productivity!"Better hygiene in calf barns directly impacts average daily gains and first lactation milk production."Meet the guest: Dr. Scott Earnest, Director of Technical Services at ProAGtive Technologies, brings a wealth of experience in dairy cattle health management. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Veterinary School, Dr. Earnest has spent years supporting dairy farms with nutrition and management consulting. He focuses on optimizing heifer programs, improving livestock performance, and reducing economic inefficiencies.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:29) Introduction(03:44) Dairy industry journey(04:58) Heifer programs(08:14) Slippage rates(15:55) Cattle health & hygiene(26:38) Calf care(28:14) Final questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:dsm-firmenich* Adisseo- Natural Biologics- Scoular- Priority IAC- Protekta- Volac- SmaXtec- ICC- Acepsis- Trouw Nutrition- 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, Ignacio Artavia, Global Marketing Manager for Ruminants at dsm-firmenich, explores the critical role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) in dairy cattle health. Unlike traditional vitamin D3, which requires metabolic conversion in the liver and kidneys before becoming bioavailable, 25OHD3 bypasses the first step, allowing for faster absorption and improved efficiency. Learn how this can enhance calcium metabolism, immune function, and milk production, helping dairy cows stay healthier and productive. Listen now on all major platforms!"Feeding 25-hydroxy D3 benefits dairy herds by improving health, enhancing calcium metabolism, and strengthening immunity—boosting milk yield."Meet the guest: Ignacio Artavia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomic Engineering from EARTH University in Costa Rica and a Master’s in Animal Sciences with a specialization in Animal Nutrition from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. With a background in ruminant nutrition, he has worked extensively in dairy cattle health, focusing on mycotoxin risk management and vitamin supplementation. Currently serving as Global Marketing Manager for Ruminants at dsm-firmenich, Ignacio is dedicated to improving dairy farm sustainability and efficiency.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:26) Introduction(03:42) Guest background(07:39) Why vitamin D matters(11:11) Sunlight vs. dietary vitamin D(19:16) Vitamin D conversion(22:50) Milk production and immunity(34:16) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: dsm-firmenich* Adisseo- Natural Biologics- Scoular- Priority IAC- Protekta- Volac- SmaXtec- ICC- Acepsis- Trouw Nutrition- 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. Corinna Brock, PhD in Animal Nutrition, discusses fatty acid nutrition in dairy cows. She highlights the expanding role of fats in enhancing energy density, supporting metabolic health, and boosting fertility in high-producing cows. Dr. Brock also shares innovations in fat blends that improve productivity while addressing methane emissions. Listen on all major platforms!"Fats have different roles in cow metabolism, including milk fat increase, body maintenance, and immune support."Meet the guest: Dr. Corinna Brock earned her Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, where she researched the effects of green tea extract on dairy cow health during the peripartum period. She also holds a Master’s in Animal Sciences and a Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences from the same institution, focusing on feed additives and selenium nutrition. What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:36) Introduction(05:43) Role of dietary fats(09:00) Rumen protection mechanisms(12:14) Benefits of palmitic acid(16:49) Oleic acid advantages(21:44) Fat-feeding economics(28:29) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:Berg + Schmidt* Adisseo- Natural Biologics- Scoular- Priority IAC- dsm-firmenich- Protekta- Volac- SmaXtec- ICC- Acepsis- Trouw Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. Laura Solano from the University of Wisconsin–Madison discusses the challenges of digital dermatitis, which affects up to 95% of large dairy operations and around 70% of all US dairies. She explores its impact on cattle health and production, along with effective management strategies. Discover the importance of cow comfort and how it plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hooves for a healthy herd. Listen now on all major platforms!"Digital dermatitis is a bacterial infectious disease, driven by gram-negative bacteria, causing painful lesions in cattle's hooves." Meet the guest: Dr. Laura Solano is an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, where she focuses on dairy cattle health, emphasizing epidemiology, lameness, and hoof health. She holds a Ph.D. in Veterinary Epidemiology from the University of Calgary, complemented by a postdoctoral fellowship in the Animal Welfare Program at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Solano is dedicated to advancing herd management practices through cutting-edge research and education.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:30) Introduction(04:33) Digital dermatitis(07:50) Economic impact(11:52) Risk factors & prevalence(15:58) Prevention strategies(22:55) Effective treatment(31:55) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Diamond V* Adisseo- Berg + Schmidt- Trouw Nutrition- Natural Biologics- Scoular- Priority IAC- dsm-firmenich- Protekta- Volac- SmaXtec- ICC- Acepsis𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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, Chad Robbins, from Adisseo, discusses three essential topics for dairy producers: forage quality, the role of amino acids, and transition cow health. Drawing from his extensive industry experience, Chad offers practical advice on improving forage management, leveraging amino acid balancing for better milk production, and supporting cows during the transition period to maximize herd performance. Tune in now on your favorite platform!"Amino acid balancing is more than just a milk protein boost—it’s about optimizing the overall health of the rumen."Meet the guest: Chad Robbins holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Huntington College and a Master's in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. With over two decades of experience, Chad specializes in ruminant nutrition and currently serves as a Technical Sales Manager at Adisseo. His career spans roles in dairy consulting and feed management, equipping him with expertise in optimizing dairy cattle performance. What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:40) Introduction(05:05) Amino acid balancing(09:42) Forage quality(13:52) Milk Pay tool(18:14) Transition cow strategies(21:13) Methionine & reproduction(24:01) Final questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo- Acepsis- Berg + Schmidt- Trouw Nutrition- Natural Biologics- Scoular- Priority IAC- dsm-firmenich- Diamond V- Protekta- Volac- SmaXtec- 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. José Eduardo Santos from the University of Florida discusses the critical challenges and cutting-edge advancements in dairy cattle reproduction and herd health. From tackling Florida’s intense heat stress to improving cow comfort and understanding the impact of cow diseases on reproduction, Dr. Santos shares practical insights backed by industry research. Catch this episode now on all major podcast platforms!"Disease delays the reproductive cycle and reduces pregnancy rates, causing significant losses in dairy herds."Meet the guest: Dr. José Eduardo Santos, a Professor at the University of Florida, holds a DVM from São Paulo State University in Brazil, an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona, and completed a clinical residency at UC Davis. What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:33) Introduction(04:49) Florida’s dairy trends(07:13) Heat stress(09:49) Reproductive success(17:04) Health & fertility(24:26) Transition challenges(31:36) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- ICC* Adisseo- Acepsis- Berg + Schmidt- Trouw Nutrition- Natural Biologics- Scoular- Priority IAC- dsm-firmenich- Diamond V- Protekta- Volac- 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. Chris Chase, from South Dakota State University, discusses the balance of nutrition, vaccination protocols, and management in dairy cattle health. Drawing on his deep expertise in virology and immunology, Dr. Chase shares hands-on tips to reduce stress and boost immune performance in calves and cows. Catch the episode on your favorite podcast platform!"Timing is critical in vaccination—it’s not just about protection but ensuring it doesn’t hinder animal health."Meet the guest: Dr. Chris Chase, a professor at South Dakota State University, holds a DVM and an MS from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With decades of experience in virology and immunology, Dr. Chase’s research focuses on viral infections and animal health diagnostics.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:24) Introduction(01:47) Dr. Chase's background(08:12) Vaccine protocols & timing(11:04) Stress & immunity(26:59) Nutrition & health(33:28) Heat & cold stress(42:24) Final questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo- SmaXtec- Acepsis- Berg + Schmidt- Trouw Nutrition- Natural Biologics- Scoular- ICC- Priority IAC- dsm-firmenich- Diamond V- Protekta- Volac𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. Miguel Morales from Protekta shares innovative strategies for managing hypocalcemia in transition cows, focusing on the critical roles of calcium and phosphorus metabolism during the transition period. Dr. Morales introduces a new approach that bypasses traditional acidification methods, discussing its impact on dairy health, productivity, and operational efficiency. Listen now on all major podcast platforms!"Instead of traditional acidification, we’re using a method to control hypocalcemia in dairy cows focusing on calcium balance."Meet the guest: Dr. Miguel Morales, a veterinary graduate from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, serves as a Technical Service-Dairy at Protekta, focusing on the dairy industry in the Western District. With over 35 years of experience across the United States and Latin America, he specializes in technology adoption, workforce management, and sustainable practices.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:13) Introduction(03:46) Hypocalcemia in dairy cows(06:15) Calcium-phosphorus balance(12:13) Diet formulation tips(16:23) Minimum feeding duration(17:28) Feed intake considerations(22:20) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Protekta* Adisseo- Volac- SmaXtec- Acepsis- Berg + Schmidt- Trouw Nutrition- Natural Biologics- Scoular- ICC- Priority IAC- dsm-firmenich- Diamond V𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. Gustavo Schuenemann from The Ohio State University shares practical insights on managing mycotoxin risks and inflammation in dairy cattle. He explores how these challenges affect cow health and reproduction and offers strategies for better feed management, along with tips for choosing the right binders to minimize contamination. Tune in now on all major platforms to learn how to boost herd performance!"Binder selection requires a holistic approach, considering the diverse effects of mycotoxins on nutrition and rumen health."Meet the guest: Dr. Gustavo M. Schuenemann holds a DVM from Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, and earned his MS and PhD in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee. As a professor at The Ohio State University, his expertise focuses on dairy cow health, reproduction, and personnel management. Dr. Schuenemann has over 230 publications and extensive global speaking experience.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:32) Introduction(06:24) Mycotoxin impacts(11:55) Contamination challenges(14:32) Gestation length(25:38) Testing & sampling tips(30:32) Binders & mycotoxins(36:38) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:dsm-firmenich* Adisseo- Diamond V- Volac- SmaXtec- Acepsis- Berg + Schmidt- Trouw Nutrition- Protekta- Natural Biologics- Scoular- ICC- Priority IAC𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show