Dairy Digressions

A monthly podcast celebrating dairy science and featuring the leading thinkers in dairy production and foods.

Welcome to Dairy Digressions, the podcast from the American Dairy Science Association and the minds behind JDS Communications and the Journal of Dairy Science. Every month, host Matt Lucy, PhD, an ADSA Fellow and former editor in chief of JDS Communications, explores the latest developments, fascinating discoveries, and breaking trends in the world of dairy science.

From pioneering technologies to innovative research, we cover a range of topics related to the dairy industry and go behind the scenes of the top labs and minds in dairy research. Our guests are leading experts in their fields, providing unique insights and perspectives on dairy career paths, research philosophies, and what excites them about the science of dairy production and dairy foods.

Whether you’re a dairy researcher, a student, dairy professional, or simply interested in learning more about the science behind the food we consume, Dairy Digressions is the show for you. Listen in as we dig deep into the science of dairy and discover what’s new and exciting in this ever-evolving field.

Episode Thirty: Mastitis, Microbial Stewardship, and the Importance of Service with ADSA Fellow Pam Ruegg, DVM, MPVM

In this candid and inspiring episode, host Matt Lucy is joined in conversation by Pam Ruegg, DVM, MPMV, ADSA fellow and David J. Ellis Chair in Antimicrobial Resistance and Large Animal Clinical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. Pam shares her remarkable and diverse path in dairy science, from working in private practice to corporate technical service at Monsanto and extension appointments to roles in academia. Throughout her career, she has remained focused on improving dairy animal health, milk quality, and farm sustainability. She and Matt discuss her professional passion: understanding, treating, and preventing what she calls the most interesting disease in dairy, mastitis. She explains what we know now about responsible antibiotic use on dairy farms, and her work to identify animal, environmental, and pathogen factors that reduce disease risk. Through her journal publications, worldwide talks, and outreach work (don’t miss her YouTube channel, @TopMilkQuality), Pam provides evidence-based recommendations for mastitis treatments that factor in animal welfare, the economic health of the farm, and social responsibility. She dives into the evolution of US dairy farms over her career, the economics of milk quality, and her views on service and mentorship. Along the way, we hear about why she loved being a section editor for the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications, plus her advice for young scientists: Align your career with what you want to do with your day—and don’t let pushback and self-doubt stop you. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or industry pro, Pam’s story is a masterclass in persistence, progress, and purpose.

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Episode Twenty-Nine: Understanding Nutrients as Metabolic Signals, Postcalving Inflammation, and the Value of University Research Dairies with Barry Bradford, PhD

In the latest installment of Dairy Digressions, host Matt Lucy sits down with Barry Bradford, PhD, professor and C. E. Meadows Endowed Chair in Dairy Management and Nutrition at Michigan State University’s (MSU) Department of Animal Science, senior editor for the Journal of Dairy Science, and co-host of The Dairy Podcast Show. After growing up on a seedstock beef operation, Barry was drawn to dairy science because of its incredible complexity. After some gentle pressure from the renowned Don Beitz (and without ever taking a dairy science class!), Barry went to graduate school and now oversees a diverse research program focused on dairy cattle metabolic physiology and providing evidence-based dairy management tips to producers. Listeners will hear Barry’s elevator pitch on the hepatic oxidation theory, which posits that the liver may play a crucial role in appetite regulation in cows, acting as the “traffic cop” of metabolism by sending signals to a cow’s brain regarding feeding behavior. He and Matt also discuss his recent work on inflammation and nutrition during the transition period, touching on how nutrients—including rumen-protected choline and niacin—can act as signals to influence cell physiology and boost performance. Barry also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at MSU’s brand-new, state-of-the-art research dairy, and shares how the facility came to life and why university dairies are essential to advancing real-world solutions for producers and the global dairy sector as a whole. From mentoring young scientists to solving on-farm challenges, Barry reflects on the moments that make the long haul of research worthwhile—and offers his best advice on finding your calling and setting the world on fire.

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Episode Twenty-Eight: Consumer Perceptions of Dairy, Milk in School Lunches, and Finding Your Passion and Purpose with MaryAnne Drake, PhD

We’re bringing you a dairy food science icon on this episode of Dairy Digressions. Host Matt Lucy, PhD, is joined by MaryAnne Drake, PhD, a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Food Science at North Carolina State University. MaryAnne is the director of the Sensory Service Center, director of the Southeast Dairy Foods Research Center, an ADSA Fellow who served as ADSA’s first female president, and a fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists. MaryAnne explains her journey from food microbiology to being a leading authority in sensory science, dairy flavor chemistry, and consumer research after a stint working in a creamery during graduate school. She now runs a lab focused on sensory analysis and flavor chemistry of dairy products and ingredients, working to understand how flavor varies with processing and storage, and how these parameters relate to consumer perceptions. Listen in as MaryAnne shares her valuable insights on pressing issues in dairy, from the influence of packaging on school milk flavor—including why the milk carton might not be the best option—to consumer attitudes toward dairy versus plant-based alternatives. The two also discuss sustainability messaging around dairy, milk marketing, and the critical role of school lunch programs in shaping a lifelong love of milk and dairy products. She takes us behind the scenes of her massive lab (which she lovingly calls her “flying three-ring circus”), her work with industry, tips on getting a job in food science, and why finding your passion and purpose is the key to success in science. Finally, she discusses the importance of purpose-driven work, the evolving role of women in science, and the intellectual joy of progress, even if it happens on a quiet holiday.

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Episode Twenty-Seven: Understanding the Dairy Matrix, Its Uses in Human Health and Precision Nutrition, and Why Dairy Is So Cool with Grace Lewis, PhD, and David Everett, PhD

We’re celebrating dairy foods in the latest installment of Dairy Digressions! Host Matt Lucy sits down with two of the voices behind the recent Journal of Dairy Science special issue, “Dairy Foods: A Matrix for Human Health and Precision Nutrition.” Devoted to the latest science on dairy food nutrition, the selected articles in this issue emphasize the crucial role dairy plays in human health from infancy through adulthood. Join us with Grace Lewis, PhD, assistant professor of animal and food science and Dairy Innovation Hub Affiliate at the University of Wisconsin (UW)–River Falls, Journal of Dairy Science section editor, and guest editor of the special issue, and David Everett, PhD, a principal investigator and international stakeholder–relationship manager at the Riddet Institute, incoming ADSA President, and author in the special issue. Grace introduces the special issue articles and the exciting studies happening around the dairy matrix, which is helping to usher in a new era of nutrition science. This new era recognizes that dairy can’t be reduced to its parts—we need a holistic understanding of how the interconnected matrix profoundly affects digestion, absorption, and how we fuel our bodies. Grace and David are passionate about advancing the science and spreading the story of dairy’s important part in human health.

They delve into the history of dairy’s consumer perceptions and the evolving science around how we think about full-fat dairy products in particular. Milk is a whole food that delivers all essential amino acids, meaning it’s a complete protein that’s also highly digestible and a vital source of vitamins and minerals like calcium. David dives further into his article on understanding the physical structures in dairy foods that uniquely fuel the human body. He also answers our burning dairy questions, including what the true color of milk is, how we process the most valuable whey powder, and the scandalous history of margarine and butter.

Finally, the group debates whether it’s okay to top your pizza with cottage cheese. Do you have a vote? Sound off in the comments on your favorite podcast platform!

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Episode Twenty-Six: Feeding Fats and Fatty Acids, Finding Transition Balance, and Making Science Actionable with Adam Lock, PhD

Growing up on a dairy farm in the United Kingdom, Adam Lock, PhD, always thought he would take over the family business and milk cows for a living. Instead, he now works to help dairy professionals increase their cattle’s health, productivity, and profitability through nutrition. Join us to find out how!

Host Matt Lucy sits down with Adam, a professor and associate chair for farm operations in the Department of Animal Science, and interim chair of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University. He explains the central focus of his research on fatty acid digestion and metabolism in the dairy cow and the impact of bioactive fatty acids on animal production and human health. The two focus on Adam’s recent work optimizing fat-feeding strategies during the transition period. The previous dogma around feeding fresh cows recommended against supplementing fats, but that is now changing. Adam and his team are proving that particular blends of individual fatty acids can help fill a cow’s unique needs during this time, promote energy balance, and increase milk production. The pair also discuss Adam’s focus on making all of his work immediately applicable to farmers and industry professionals, and the importance of extension work in dairy. Finally, he shares his philosophies around ensuring his lab is fun for students, the best way to connect with and train students, and how to embrace the fortuitous twists and turns your career in science might take.

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Episode Twenty-Five: Muscle, Metabolism, and Milk—Dairy and Dairy Protein’s Role in Healthy Aging in Childhood and Beyond with Daniel Moore, PhD

Join us as we sit down with Daniel Moore, PhD, professor of muscle physiology at the University of Toronto and invited speaker at the ADSA Annual Meeting. He explains how muscle serves as the body’s primary storage for amino acids, the building blocks crucial for immune function, and emphasizes its importance beyond just physical strength into healthy aging and metabolic health. In his lab, he’s working to understand which foods—and which types of high-quality protein—can best support recovery and muscle development, with a focus on childhood. Are children just little adults, for example, or are they entirely different? How can nutrition best support them after exercise and help with the healthy muscle growth that will carry them into adulthood? Matt and Daniel discuss the importance of milk as a whole food rich in essential amino acids that can underpin this critical muscle development, focusing on his interest in leucine. He highlights the importance of teamwork and mentorship in his lab, sharing his strategies for fostering a supportive atmosphere for his students, drawing from his time in industry at Nestlé’s research center in Switzerland (including his experience being woken up by cowbells). Finally, the two digress on the fascinating topic of muscle preservation in hibernating animals and consider its potential relevance to dairy cows.

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Episode Twenty-Four: Latest Updates on HPAI H5N1 and Dairy—What We Know Today About Bird Flu Viral Dynamics and Pathways with Diego Diel, DVM, PhD

Since our last episode devoted to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in US dairy herds, the virus has passed some concerning new milestones—infecting over 900 herds, more than 60 people (including 1 death), and millions of domestic poultry flocks—and continues to present a pressing concern to dairy scientists and the dairy sector as a whole. To help our listeners keep their finger on the latest science, Matt sits down with Diego Diel, DVM, MS, PhD, a leading virologist and associate professor in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Diego and his lab team at Cornell were on the testing frontlines during the COVID-19 outbreak and are once again leading the charge in studying, documenting, and understanding H5N1—including via three impactful recent publications in JDS Communications and Nature. He and Matt unpack the complexities of the H5N1 virus, explaining its unique components and genetic lineage, how it affects different cells across species, and tracking its evolution from wild birds to spreading in dairy cattle and spillovers to other avian and mammal hosts. The two discuss Diego’s recent work experimentally infecting dairy cows and calves to better understand the dynamics of the virus, detailing how it impacts the mammary gland, leading to severe mastitis and surprisingly high viral loads in milk. They review some of the remaining unknowns of the outbreak: Why haven’t we seen H5N1 in beef cattle? How is the virus spreading regionally from farm to farm? What is the exact route of infection for dairy cows? Will vaccines be needed to stop its spread? The duo also cautiously explores the pandemic potential from the outbreak, outlining the current presentation of the virus in humans and clarifying that there is currently no human-to-human transmission. Thankfully, we have tools—such as antivirals that are effective against influenza in humans—in the toolbox to fight a pandemic if the virus were to mutate. While reassuring listeners that current data suggest a low risk, Diego emphasizes the importance of continued surveillance, testing, preventive measures, and research to understand how H5N1 might evolve.

This episode of Dairy Digressions is a must-listen for anyone in the dairy sector seeking a comprehensive understanding of what we know today about the H5N1 outbreak.

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Episode Twenty-Three: Guidelines on Accelerating Feed Additives for Methane Mitigation with David Yáñez-Ruiz, PhD, and André Bannink, PhD

Join us for a special Dairy Digressions episode with the co-leads of a just-released special issue of the Journal of Dairy Science, Feed Additives for Methane Mitigation. Guests David Yáñez-Ruiz of the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) and André Bannink of Wageningen University & Research introduce listeners to the six articles in the issue, which represent the first outcomes of a flagship project by the Feed and Nutrition Network of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases’ Livestock Research Group. The open-access special issue synthesizes decades of nutrition innovation on methane-reducing feed additives to cover the full spectrum—from additive development to impact measurement. David and André explain the decades of research that have gone into the project, outlining how reducing enteric methane produced by ruminants can contribute to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. While many areas of research, including breeding and genetics, are working on improving sustainability—nutrition and feed additives are currently at the forefront. The guests explain how feed additives modulate methane production to produce substantially less emissions without negative effects on the animal, milk production, or quality and nutrition of the final milk product. David and André delve into the groundbreaking research on 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), seaweed, and more, and look ahead to the exciting potential of novel feed additive combinations in the future. Host Matt Lucy and the guests marvel at how far the science has come even in the past ten years and look ahead to the application of this knowledge for farmers around the globe. In closing, Matt asks, “What skills and perspectives are needed to drive impactful research in this critical area?” for anyone looking to enter methane research. Listen in for a valuable overview of the latest advancements in methane mitigation and a glimpse into the future of sustainable dairy production!

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Episode Twenty-Two: Understanding Calcium, Bone Density, and the Unique Benefits of the Dairy Matrix on Human Health with Connie Weaver, PhD

You know how delicious dairy foods are, so join us for a conversation with renowned nutrition scientist Connie M. Weaver, PhD, to better understand their essential role in human diets and overall health. Connie, a Distinguished Research Professor at San Diego State University and Distinguished Professor Emerita of Purdue University, a Fellow of the American Heart Association, American Society for Nutrition, and the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, joined us for the 2024 ADSA Annual Meeting. From her early days as a young scientist with a passion for food to her groundbreaking research on calcium and bone health, Connie shares her insights on the power of whole foods and the dairy matrix. Discover why the dairy matrix is more than just a collection of individual nutrients—the unique and sophisticated balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese contributes to optimal health. Matt and Connie particularly focus on calcium and its importance for bone health, including the data on dairy as the critical source of calcium. Calcium is what we are most likely to be deficient in when not consuming the recommended three servings of dairy per day. Connie also shares her expertise in building successful research teams and the value of humility and open-mindedness in scientific inquiry. Tune in for invaluable insights into human nutrition, health, and the science behind the foods we eat!

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Episode Twenty-One: Storytelling, Staying Curious, and the Joys of a Career in Dairy Science with ADSA’s 2024 Graduate Student Award Winners

Our annual grad student takeover episode is back! This year, Matt sits down with three of the 2024 winners of ADSA’s Graduate Student Division awards: Jason Pronschinske and Philip Eberly, both hailing from the Department of Food Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison under the mentorship of John Lucey, PhD; and Amanda Fischer-Tlustos, joining us from the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph working with Michael Steele, PhD, and John Cant, PhD. All three of our winners delve into the research they presented at the 2024 ADSA Annual Meeting—from the science behind making shelf-stable cheese puffs from pure cheddar to understanding the best anticaking agents for grated mozzarella and measuring the metabolic activity in the mammary gland to map the physiology of the dry period and its impacts on future colostrum production. The group discusses the differences and similarities between the oral and poster competitions, advising future entrants on which to enter based on which skills you want to showcase or strengthen. The guests also explain why they entered the competitions, and agree that turning your science into a compelling story is the key to success. Whether you’re a dairy science student, a mentor for students, or an employer, you’ll want to listen in for their take on the dairy science job market, the best advice for staying curious and asking for support in grad school, and the thrill of being able to snack on your experiments.

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Episode Twenty: Mapping the Bovine Endometrium, Building a Scientific Community, and Celebrating New Data Day with Niamh Forde, PhD

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of bovine reproduction research with Niamh Forde, PhD, professor and chair of molecular reproductive biosciences at the University of Leeds School of Medicine and cofounder of LeedsOmics, a virtual research institute. Niamh, a passionate scientist and community builder, shares her journey from a young, curious mind to a leading expert in the field who is currently focused on understanding the molecular interactions between the uterine endometrium and the embryo required for successful early pregnancy in cattle. She and Matt reflect on the unusual and fascinating diversity of placental structure across species and review Niamh’s research developing both in vitro and in vivo models to study how early-stage, preimplantation embryos in utero communicate with the maternal endometrium. Studying the peri-implantation period of pregnancy is critical, she explains, as this is when most cattle pregnancy losses occur. Our current understanding of these interactions is limited, but developing innovative models using microfluidics, organoids, and extracellular scaffolds holds promise for the future. The two also walk down memory lane of the iconic researchers who went before them in the field of cattle repro and discuss the importance of building a supportive professional community—not only to boost collaboration and creativity but to lend strength in the face of the rigors of a career in science. Finally, Niamh gives her best advice for young scientists and shares her infectious joy around her favorite day at work: new data day! Tune in to learn more about the latest advancements in reproductive science, the importance of mentorship, and the joy of discovering new knowledge.

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Episode Nineteen: What We Know About HPAI H5N1 and Dairy—Interview with the Authors of the Hot Topic Special Issue of JDS Communications

What has the dairy science community learned since the March 2024 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in US dairy herds? That’s the question host Matt Lucy, PhD, is posing to two special guests on the pod: Nicole Martin, PhD, assistant research professor in dairy foods microbiology and associate director of the Milk Quality Improvement Program in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University, and Zelmar Rodriguez, DVM, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. The two experts are authors in the newly released hot topic special issue of JDS Communications dedicated to the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in dairy. Zelmar takes listeners through the epidemiology and clinical signs of the disease, recovery time for animals, and where we’re at with vaccine development and management now and into the future. Nicole walks us through her work on how HPAI H5N1 is impacting dairy foods, from what we know about viral loads in raw milk to the details on how fluid milk and dairy products are regulated and made safe through the 100-year-old Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Ultimately, she explains, pasteurization is effective at eliminating H5N1 and reducing risk for consumers. Finally, the trio discusses where we are now in this outbreak and the remaining science still to be done—emphasizing the importance of connection, communication, and the strength of the dairy science community in getting us to this point.

Do you have unanswered H5N1 questions? Watch a free one-hour Q&A with the authors of the JDS Communications special issue!

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Episode Eighteen: Understanding Sleep, Rest, and Drowsing in Dairy Cattle and the Importance of Dairy Behavior Research with Kathryn Proudfoot, PhD, and Emma Ternman, PhD

We’re celebrating dairy cow behavior this month on the pod as the special issue of JDS Communications, Behavior in Dairy Animals, launches! Host Matt Lucy chats with Katy Proudfoot, PhD, associate professor at the University of Prince Edward Island and director of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, and Emma Ternman, PhD, associate professor at Nord University. The two are coauthors of an Editor’s Choice article in the special issue devoted to estimating sleep in dairy cattle. Katy and Emma explain how both of their academic paths were filled with “banana peels” and lots of googling—all of which eventually led them to the study of behavior and welfare in dairy cows. They dive into their work to better measure sleep and rest in dairy cows, explaining that sleep serves several essential functions throughout the animal kingdom, so understanding sleep in dairy cows could help us to improve their overall welfare, health, and production. They review how scientists are currently measuring and estimating sleep in dairy cattle—from changes in behavior to electrodes placed on a cow’s head—including the limitations of these methods and where the science might go. As prey animals, dairy cows must be vigilant during the day and average only about three hours of total sleep time. But they can supplement this with “drowsing,” an intermediate state between waking and sleeping that allows cows to stay alert and continue ruminating while getting essential rest. The two explain, however, that this research is still in its infancy and much work still needs to be done to understand sleep in dairy herds—from how the lights and noise of a barn might impact cows to whether they dream. Finally, the guests give their best advice, including why sleep is just as important for dairy scientists as it is for cows, why no one should ever pull all-nighters, and how to make writing papers fun.

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Episode Seventeen: Automated Health Monitoring, Teaching for the Next Generation, and the Power of People with Julio Giordano, DVM, PhD

Buckle up for a lively episode, as we welcome the infectiously energetic Julio Giordano, DVM, PhD, professor of dairy cattle biology and management in the Department of Animal Science, director of the Cornell Agricultural Systems Testbed (CAST) and Demonstration Site for the Farm of the Future, and a codirector of the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture at Cornell University. Julio originally hails from Balnearia, Argentina, where he grew up learning from his father’s practice as a dairy veterinarian and working on his family’s dairy farms. He joins Matt to explain how this early interest in dairy cow health led to a passion for the study of reproduction and a career in the United States. He takes listeners into the evolution of his work—from his most hated experiment as a PhD student to his current research, which involves pushing the bounds of digital agriculture innovation to benefit farms and their herds. In his lab today, he and his team are focused on integrating new technology with farming best practices to develop approachable tools and techniques to help farms maximize their herds’ health, productivity, and profitability—all while increasing sustainability. Julio also shares his best advice for which skills students should be building for a career in dairy science and why he chose a faculty position over a career in industry. The two friends also discuss if the traditional lecture format needs an overhaul for the next generation, the importance of family—hola a Soledad, Julito, and Benji—and how relationships with colleagues, mentors, and students make a career in dairy so rewarding.

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BONUS: H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak and Its Impact on Dairy—Live from the ADSA Annual Meeting

Have questions about how the recent H5N1 strain of avian influenza—or bird flu—outbreak is impacting cow health, worker safety, dairy products, and consumer trust? This special bonus episode of Dairy Digessions takes you straight to the heart of the 2024 ADSA Annual Meeting, where top animal health and food safety experts tackle your most pressing H5N1 concerns. Join moderator Jessica McArt, PhD, DVM, DABVP (Dairy Practice), as she poses audience questions to panelists Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM, David J. Ellis chair in antimicrobial resistance and director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship and Dairy Health Management Laboratory at Michigan State University, and Nicole Martin, PhD, assistant research professor in dairy foods microbiology and associate director of the Milk Quality Improvement Program in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University. This episode is essential listening for anyone in the dairy sector!

Do you prefer to read the interview? Check out the Q&A version here. 

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Episode Sixteen: Resilient Dairy Genome, Global Collaboration, and the Power of the Human-Animal Bond with Christine Baes, PhD

Still reeling from the science outlined by Filippo Miglior, PhD, in episode 6 of the pod? Us too. That’s why we invited special guest Christine Baes, PhD, to give us a download on the follow-up project. Christine is a professor and department chair of the Department of Animal Biosciences and Research Chair in Livestock Genomics at the University of Guelph. She is interested in improving dairy cows’ health, welfare, and productivity through genetics and is the lead investigator of The Resilient Dairy Genome Project, a massive, international, collaborative research project aiming to develop genomic tools to breed more resilient dairy cows. Christine explains the project’s focus on interrelated activities—fertility, health (especially for calves), feed efficiency, and methane emissions—and how they can be translated and applied on farms to help them prepare for the future. Bringing together more than 30 co-investigators and 35 international partner organizations, this huge undertaking recognizes the complexity of dairy cows and the dairy sector. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, considering the ethical, environmental, economic, legal, and societal impacts. Matt and Christine also connect the dots between resilience and longevity, acknowledging the tension between maximizing genetic gains and ensuring cows have the long, healthy, and happy lives expected by customers and dairy professionals who cherish their animals. Christine also explains her journey from farm kid to geneticist and lets listeners peek behind the curtain of the decisions that go into updating the Lifetime Performance Index. Finally, the two farmers-at-heart bond over their love for tending the land (and struggling through the worst manure chores from the farm!).

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Episode Fifteen: Assembled Bovine Blastoids, the Future of Repro Efficiency, and the Importance of Science as a Global Endeavor with Carl Jiang, PhD

Deep dive with us into the exciting world of stem cell research as we welcome Carl Jiang, PhD, associate professor at the University of Florida and member of the University of Florida Genetics Institute. Jiang’s work focuses on reproductive biology, with an emphasis on understanding the epigenetic mechanisms during the embryo-development period when most pregnancy losses occur. Carl and host Matt Lucy get caught up during the International Embryo Technology Society’s 50th Annual Conference and discuss Carl’s path from growing up in rural China to studying embryology after being encouraged by an undergraduate mentor. The two explain the importance of bovine pregnancy success and how our understanding of the mechanisms of blastocysts—the embryo’s early stage—has been hampered by a limited supply of embryos. In a remarkable breakthrough, however, Carl and his team developed an efficient method to assemble bovine blastoids—bovine blastocyst–like structures—via trophoblast stem cells. Although still in the early stages, this technology opens up a more accessible in vitro model for studying embryo development and helping to potentially reduce pregnancy loss and improve reproductive efficiency in tomorrow’s dairy herds. Carl also lets us behind the scenes of his lab, explaining why one-on-one mentorship and a diversity of voices from around the globe are so important to research success. Finally, he explains why “Journal Club Day” is his favorite day at work and how it can kickstart new ideas and a renewed passion for science.

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Episode Fourteen: Fostering Belonging in Our Community, Academia’s Gender Inequality, and Early Lactation Disease Markers with Jessica A. A. McArt, DVM, PhD, DABVP (Dairy Practice)

We don’t pick favorites among our guests, but we’re especially thrilled to welcome Jessica A. A. McArt, DVM, PhD, DABVP (Dairy Practice), to the pod! Jess is the new Editor in Chief of JDS Communications and associate professor of ambulatory and production medicine at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where her McArt Dairy Cow Lab focuses on improving cowside detection and the prevention of periparturient disease. Matt and Jess discuss her journey into dairy science—from growing up in Alaska to helming JDS Communications to wrestling with the shocking fact that only 14% of scientific journal editors are women and only 8% are editors in chief. The two discuss the very real systemic gender inequality in academia, its effects on a career in dairy science, and the role these forces play in the current shortage of large-animal veterinary practitioners. Looking to the future, Jess outlines her vision for JDS Communications and her challenge for our community to question assumptions and welcome diverse voices. Taking listeners into her research, Jess explains her recent findings on early lactation disease markers, including hyperketonemia and hypocalcemia–plus an explanation of dyscalcemia, a new term in the scientific milieu that originated in her lab. Finally, Jess leaves us with the best advice she received as a young researcher and the reasons she advises her students and mentees to say “yes” to opportunities—even if it pushes them outside of their comfort zone.  

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Episode Thirteen: Embryo-Mediated Gene Editing, Coat Color, and Mitigating Herd Heat Absorption in a Warming Climate with Goetz Laible, PhD

Join us for a special episode of Dairy Digressions recorded live at the International Embryo Technology Society’s 50th Annual Conference. Between sessions, host Matt Lucy sat down with Goetz Laible, PhD, biochemist and principal scientist at AgResearch and honorary associate professor at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Their discussion walks listeners through Goetz’s work in developing and evaluating technologies for the genetic improvement of livestock. In the face of our warming climate, Goetz and his animal biotechnology team are working to advance gene-editing technology to help dairy herds cope better—and stay healthy and productive—with increasing heat exposure. The two also deep dive into the science behind Goetz’s recent work on light-colored coats in Holstein-Friesian cows. Using direct editing of embryos, Goetz and his team amplified naturally occurring coat mutation—which makes some cows lighter than others—to create lighter-colored cows in a single generation. These animals still retain their classic spots but with increased white coverage and a dilution of black spots to a light gray. Lighter gene-edited cows absorb a staggering 40% less solar radiation than their dominantly black counterparts, representing an important step forward for grass-fed dairy herds that spend most of their time outdoors. Listen in as Goetz sheds light on the potential applications of this technology in dairy herds, including his experience taking it to producers. He and Matt discuss the changing tides when it comes to farmer and consumer openness toward biotechnologies with the potential to help cows lead healthier, happier lives. An avid traveler, Goetz also shares his favorite perk of working in science and his advice for young scientists to embrace collaboration.

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Episode Twelve: Dairy’s Environmental Progress, Greenhouse Gas 101, and Key Outcomes from COP28 with Frank Mitloehner, PhD

Why does the dairy sector have such a good story to tell about environmental sustainability, and how can each of us be a better storyteller for the industry? Join us for a mega episode of Dairy Digressions to find out! Host Matt Lucy is joined by esteemed guest Frank Mitloehner, PhD, a professor and extension specialist in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis, and director of the UC Davis CLEAR Center. An agricultural engineer and air-quality expert, Frank explains exactly why today’s climate change is outside of normal climate patterns, outlines the three main gases responsible for the greenhouse gas effect (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide), and illustrates how their increase leads to higher environmental temperatures. While we know that the energy sector, particularly carbon from fossil fuels, accounts for the majority of global emissions, agriculture and the methane from livestock play a critical role in moving the needle toward our shared net zero–emissions future. With a majority of American refrigerators containing animal-sourced foods, Frank is focused on how we can produce those foods while addressing environmental issues ranging from air quality and emissions to animal welfare, worker health and safety, and more. Using Frank’s home state of California as an example, the two discuss how agriculture is currently excelling in finding ways to turn methane from a liability into an asset; dairy farms are on track to achieve 40% or more methane reduction by 2030, reach climate neutrality, and sell credits to other sectors. Despite these incredible advancements, it can feel like the climate narrative around agriculture remains thorny. Frank explains why he established the CLEAR Center and his work—including a recent trip to speak at COP28—to not only advance the science around climate in agriculture but to break down misconceptions and help consumers and thought leaders better understand the importance of agriculture in sustainably nourishing the world.

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Episode Eleven: Heat Stress, Combating Embryonic Loss, and Tips for Running a Lab That Sparks the Principles—and Passion—for Lifelong Scientific Discovery with Pete Hansen, PhD

We're kicking off the new year—and our new season of Dairy Digressions—with a special guest, Pete Hansen, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Animal Sciences and L. E. “Red” Larson Professor at the University of Florida. Pete’s research focuses on embryo physiology and developing new management strategies for increasing dairy cattle fertility, particularly in the face of heat stress and a warming climate. A leader in embryology and early embryonic loss, Pete explains when embryos are most sensitive to heat stress and why—including the scientific tools we have for preventing these effects—from genetic selection to embryo transfer to management for cow health and the potential future of artificial embryos from stem cells. A longtime mentor to undergraduate and graduate students (don’t miss his paper on the topic!), Pete also lets listeners in on his teaching philosophy and shares tips for crafting a lab environment that fosters collaboration, hard work, and joy around science.

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Episode Ten: Stewardship Toward Healthier Cows, a Sustainable Climate, and Responsible Antibiotic Use with Daryl Nydam, DVM, PhD | cohosted by Kimmi Devaney of the Progressive Dairy Podcast

Join us for a very special episode of Dairy Digressions with our first-ever guest cohost, Kimmi Devaney of the Progressive Dairy Podcast and former ADSA Undergraduate Student Division president. Joining host Matt Lucy, the two sit down with Daryl Nydam, DVM, PhD, dairy health and production professor who serves as a director in Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the faculty director at the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability. Daryl’s journey—from his childhood in a dairy and veterinary medicine family to a college student studying science while shooting hoops to working at the nexus of dairy, veterinary medicine, and human health—has been fascinating. Amidst growing consumer concerns about environmental and animal welfare issues, Daryl reassures listeners that cows today are thriving because of monumental advancements in veterinary care and management. The discussion covers the importance of optimal replacement decisions to reduce enteric methane production and ensure that each herd has the best cows in the barn. The trio also gets into another critical conservation issue: antimicrobial resistance. Daryl explains a novel, pathogen-based strategy for clinical mastitis treatment during lactation so farmers can make economical and stewardship-driven decisions, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics and hospital pen time. Listeners can also learn more about selective dry cow therapy: For some farms, gone are the days of treating every cow at dry off; now, with advanced diagnostics, we can treat only those cows with infections or at high risk of acquiring an infection during the dry period, maintaining milk quality and herd health without unnecessary antimicrobial exposure. Join us in this enlightening episode as we navigate the intricate landscape of dairy stewardship and why we should all feel optimistic about the dairy industry.

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Episode Nine: Behind the Scenes of Ireland’s Economic Breeding Index, the Complexity of Dairy Longevity, and Our Genetic Progress Towards Next Generation Herds with Donagh Berry, PhD

Pull up a seat as we dive into dairy genetics and Ireland’s esteemed national dairy breeding index—the Economic Breeding Index (EBI)—with the man who championed it, Donagh Berry, PhD. Berry is a quantitative geneticist and a Senior Principal Research Officer with Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre and Director of VistaMilk SFI Research Centre. He joins longtime friend Matt for a special installment of Dairy Digressions recorded during the ADSA Discover Conference on dairy cattle lifespan to explain how he became interested in animal genetics through a love of math and his work developing technologies and tools to help improve dairy farm profitability and futureproof dairy production for the next generation and beyond. Berry takes us behind the decisions that go into selecting traits for the EBI as well as the history of genetic selection—which up until 30 years ago focused mainly on milk production. The two discuss the state of dairy in Ireland and applaud the resilience and ability of Irish farmers to change and adapt over time, from adopting the EBI despite doubts to transitioning from seeing clover as a weed to a tool reducing dairy’s environmental footprint. Finally, Donagh walk us through the evolving discussion of dairy cow longevity as it relates to genetic progress, profitability, and dairy’s carbon footprint—including how genomics and sexed semen have turned the discussion on its head.

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Episode Eight: ADSA’s Graduate Student Division Award Winners on the Art of Scientific Presentations, the Power of Mentoring, and the Bright Future of Dairy

In the latest episode of Dairy Digressions, Matt welcomes a full house with the winners of ADSA’s Graduate Student Division awards. These young leaders are forging dairy’s future path—not just with groundbreaking scientific research but with their dedication, professionalism, and vision for where dairy is headed. Connor McCabe, current Graduate Student Division President, joins us to explain the division and what drew him to ADSA. Joining Connor are award winners representing both dairy foods and dairy production: Ursula Abou-Rjeileh, Richard Lobo, and Erica Kosmerl. Each pitches their winning research, which covers some of the most cited and popular work in the field today—from methane reduction to fatty acids in animal nutrition to alternative feeds and protein sources to interactions between dairy foods and human health. Matt chats with each guest about their expert strategies for a memorable presentation, their approaches to competitions, and tips for effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to any audience. They also explore the benefits of entering into a competition, including building confidence, communication skills, and comfort with feedback; gaining exposure to industry professionals and opportunities; and prepping for the rigors of a career in science. Finally, the group chats about the importance of mentoring and gives their best advice for surviving and thriving in graduate school. If you’re a dairy science student, hiring young dairy professionals, or teaching and mentoring students and young professionals, this episode is a must-listen!

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Episode Seven: Navigating Transition Cow Health and Accelerating Dairy’s Progress via Science and Medicine with Stephen LeBlanc, DVM, DVSc

Why is it such an incredibly exciting time in both dairy science and veterinary medicine? Find out as Matt sits down with Stephen LeBlanc, director of the prestigious Dairy at Guelph—a center that supports collaboration between dairy-related researchers—a member of the ADSA Board of Directors, and professor and research leadership chair at the University of Guelph. Stephen walks us through exactly what goes into a doctor of veterinary science (DVSc) degree and outlines his research to improve the prevention and treatment of reproductive disease in dairy herds, as well as his passion for bridging applied veterinary medicine with dairy science research. The two unpack the learnings from the joint reproduction, physiology, and endocrinology and ruminant nutrition symposium at the ADSA Annual Meeting, and wrestle with the hot topic of what is “normal” around dairy cow inflammation. Stephen gives Matt a rapid-fire round of the latest clinical recommendations and treatment protocols for uterine health issues frequently faced by dairy producers, including metritis and postpartum purulent vaginal discharge. Finally, don’t miss a boost of inspiration as Stephen explains why breaking down traditional barriers between dairy disciplines is accelerating our progress as an industry and making today the best time to be in dairy.

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Episode Six: Methane’s Genetic Heritability, Big Data, and the Changing Meaning of AI with Filippo Miglior, PhD

Are dairy cows second only to humans in terms of the amount of genetic testing they’ve received? Join in on the debate—and get an infusion of vibrant ADSA Annual Meeting energy—in episode six with Filippo Miglior, senior advisor of genetic strategic initiatives with Lactanet, dairy geneticist at the University of Guelph, and member of the 2023 Journal of Dairy Science Club 100. Filippo and Matt chat about the explosion of genetics data in dairy and how researchers are working with artificial intelligence to understand these metrics, then standardize and share them in order to help dairies become more profitable, efficient, and sustainable. Filippo unpacks an example of his team’s work on a genetic evaluation for milk-predicted methane in dairy cows. Using milk spectral data and an artificial neural network, they were able to isolate a trait to reduce methane without impacting fat, protein, and milk yield. This staggering scientific breakthrough, combined with nutrition strategies, could lead to a 50% reduction in dairy methane emissions by 2050—and save dairy producers millions of dollars in energy losses along the way. A prolific and decorated writer, Filippo also takes the time to give his best advice for getting a tough review and explains how essential reviewers are to the scientific process.

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Episode Five: Dairy Nutrition and Managing the Rumen Microbiome for Productivity and Sustainability with Jeff Firkins, PhD

Come for the dairy nutritionist banter—stay for the fascinating advancements in rumen microbiome science. In episode five, Matt sits down with Jeff Firkins, a dairy microbiologist and nutritionist at The Ohio State University and senior editor at the Journal of Dairy Science at the 2023 ADSA Annual Meeting. The two friends and colleagues reflect on lessons learned from the ruminant nutrition symposium on rumen microbiota—reviewing the forward leap dairy science has taken in understanding the thousands of microbial species in the rumen. Jeff explains his work on rumen fermentation and nutrient–rumen microbiota interactions, along with how he works directly with dairy farmers to think through nutrition challenges in their herds. Matt and Jeff dive into the state of dairy in Ohio and share their mutual respect for the incredible work dairymen perform in the field. Finally—just for you, listeners!—Jeff peers into his crystal ball and shares what he sees as the most promising approaches to improving cow efficiency and reducing methane production—from soil amendments like biochar to feed additives, improvements to forage quality, and more.

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Episode Four: The Dairy Reproduction Revolution of the Past and the Technology Breakthroughs of the Future with Paul Fricke, PhD

How is dairy technology similar to Star Trek? Beam in to find out as Matt interviews fellow reproductive physiologist and extension specialist Paul Fricke, PhD, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an editor at the Journal of Dairy Science. Paul chats through his lauded career to improve the reproductive efficiency of dairy cattle through research-driven, practical management strategies and new reproductive technologies applied on the farm. The two repro experts explain how getting cows pregnant is a hugely important piece of the profitability and productivity puzzle for dairy farmers, and benefits the health and longevity of dairy herds. Paul outlines what he calls the reproduction revolution—advancements in dairy fertility programs and management—that has taken place over the past few decades to dramatically improve pregnancy success in dairy herds, including the management steps for achieving an optimal high fertility cycle. The two then discuss where dairy reproduction is headed in the future, including the latest innovative approaches to the reproductive management of dairy cows. Will wearable devices, robotics, or needle-free pneumatic injection devices replace catching cows and giving shots—and help cows be cows? Tune in to learn more.

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Episode Three: Dairy Foods Microbiology, the Good and Bad of Bacteria, and Lessons from the Infant Formula Crisis with Olivia McAuliffe, PhD

Recording in person from the 2023 ADSA Annual Meeting, Matt steps out of his production comfort zone to chat about dairy microbiology with Olivia McAuliffe, a principal food scientist at Teagasc Food Research Center in Ireland, honorary professor at Queen’s University Belfast, and senior editor of the Journal of Dairy Science. Explaining her research in strain discovery, Olivia pulls back the curtains for listeners on the small army of dairy foods professionals working behind the scenes to optimize dairy microbiology, ensuring that dairy products are full of healthy and delicious microorganisms for fermentation and free of pathogens that might harm our health. Olivia outlines how she and the Teagasc Cultures, Fermentation, and Biotransformation team map the history of the bacteria used in fermented foods and discover novel starter cultures, pushing the industry toward new flavors and textures for the dairy products we know and love. The two also discuss the ADSA symposium on lessons learned from the 2022 US infant formula crisis, explaining the pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii and the advancements in dry sanitation and safety steps in the infant powder formula supply chain, including exciting new frontiers in bacteriophages—viruses deployed to act as natural predators to unhealthy bacteria, infesting and fighting them off in lieu of traditional antibiotics.

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Episode Two: Ruminant Methane, Sustainability, and the Future of Dairy in the Netherlands with Jan Dijkstra, PhD

In episode two of Dairy Digressions, Matt sits down with Jan Dijkstra, PhD, associate professor of ruminant nutrition at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, to talk about the topic on every dairy professional’s mind: the sustainable future of dairying. While this topic has taken center stage in the Netherlands—with the government’s plan to cut 50% of its current nitrogen emissions by 2030 to meet European Union climate targets—reducing greenhouse gasses is a global goal and a pressing research topic within the dairy science community worldwide. The two discuss the state of farming and the environment, tracing the link between human population growth to the growth of ruminants via a staggering recent analysis of global mammal biomass. Jan dives into the latest research on whether 3-nitrooxypropanol—an emerging feed additive—can effectively reduce methane production in dairy cows. Jan also shares his findings on the most effective strategies to mitigate ruminant methane emissions toward 2030 and 2050 climate goals. Listen in as they unpack the differences between dairy science research in the US versus the Netherlands and find out why Jan advises all students (especially those in science) to have a controversial attitude in their work.

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