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The myCOW Podcast

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by myCOW

16 episodes

Updated Daily

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Podcast Overview

myCOW: Dairy nutrition, cow health & practical NZ farming advice Want to get more milk from your feed? The myCOW Podcast, hosted by Shaun Balemi M.Sc NZARN, is your go-to podcast for practical, science-backed insights that help improve dairy herd performance. Tune in for expert episodes on mineral supplementation, early lactation, heat stress, cow fertility, transition feeding, and milk production. Whether you're in the shed or out on the farm, myCOW helps you make smarter decisions for healthier cows and better results. Supported by Agvance Nutrition and other industry leaders.

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Publishing Since

7/4/2025

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Recent Episodes

May 18, 2026

Ep 16: Using data and tech to transform dairy farming - with Alastair Neville

In this episode of the myCOW podcast, Shaun Balemi sits down with Reporoa dairy farmer Alastair Neville to talk through his family farming story, the move to autumn calving and how better information is changing day-to-day management.Alastair shares how a more consistent diet through mating has helped improve in-calf results, why rumen consistency matters and how collar data, milk test results, vets and nutrition support are helping him make better decisions on farm.The conversation also covers covered feed pad systems, homegrown feed, proactive management, cow efficiency, community involvement and the value of getting outside your own farm gate.Listen now for a practical farmer conversation on consistency, data, autumn calving and feeding cows well.Key takeaways<ul><li>Autumn calving has helped create more consistency through mating and improved in-calf results.</li><li>A consistent diet supports rumen performance, milk production and reproduction.</li><li>Collar data can help farmers connect changes in diet, milk test results and mating outcomes.</li><li>Proactive management means making feeding decisions earlier, rather than waiting for production to drop.</li><li>Vets, nutritionists and data tools can help farmers get more value from wearable technology.</li><li>Covered feed pads, homegrown feed and flexible systems give farmers more control through variable seasons.</li><li>Small feeding adjustments can help improve cow efficiency and overall performance.</li></ul>KeywordsDairy farming, myCOW podcast, autumn calving, in-calf rates, rumen health, dairy cow nutrition, collar data, proactive management, feed efficiency

May 5, 2026

Ep15: Maximising cow potential with early condition gain

Late lactation is one of the most important windows for setting cows up for calving, early lactation, peak milk and reproductive performance.In this episode of the myCOW podcast, dairy nutritionist Shaun Balemi explains why building cow condition before dry-off matters, and why the type of condition gained can affect cow health after calving. Shaun breaks down the difference between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat, how rapid condition gain can affect liver function, ketosis risk, inflammation, appetite, milk production and days to first cycle.The episode also covers practical late lactation management strategies, including body condition scoring, milking frequency, feed allocation, protein supply, mineral balance and fibre levels. Farmers will learn why the goal is not simply to put condition on cows, but to build the right type of condition over the right timeframe.Key takeaways<ul><li>Building cow condition in late lactation can reduce excessive condition loss after calving.</li><li>Dry-off body condition score should ideally sit close to calving target, around 4.7 to 4.9 BCS.</li><li>Subcutaneous fat is generally slower to build and slower to mobilise, making it more useful for early lactation performance.</li></ul><ul><li>Visceral fat is more likely to mobilise quickly, increasing pressure on the liver and contributing to inflammation.</li><li>Poor liver capacity can increase the risk of ketosis, lower appetite and reduce glucose availability.</li><li>Stored protein and amino acids support liver function, fat utilisation, appetite and peak milk.</li><li>Excessive negative energy balance can affect mastitis risk, metritis, endometritis, lameness and hypocalcaemia.</li><li>Cow condition, liver health and inflammation can influence days to first cycle, egg quality and reproductive outcomes.</li><li>Once-a-day milking or adjusted milking frequency can help cows gain condition when feed allocation is maintained.</li><li>Diet balance matters: energy, protein, fibre and minerals all influence how efficiently cows gain condition.</li><li>Manure scoring, rumination data, milk indicators and body condition scoring can help monitor whether the diet is working.</li><li>Starting condition gain earlier gives cows more time to build condition steadily before dry-off.</li></ul> KeywordsLate lactation cow condition, body condition score dairy cows, dry-off management, transition cow management, early lactation performance, dairy cow nutrition, ketosis prevention, negative energy balance, peak milk production, reproductive performance dairy cows.

March 11, 2026

Ep 14: Maximise production with smart calf rearing with Dr Adam Geiger

Maximise Production with Smart Calf Rearing: ShaunBalemi sits down with lactation physiologist Dr Adam Geiger to break down the calf rearing decisions that drive future milk production, first lactation performance and lifetime cow productivity. They cover colostrum management for passive transfer, how to reduce bacterial contamination in calf feeding gear, and why the first 60–90 days are important for mammary gland development and genetic potential. You’ll also hear practical guidance on milk feeding rates(including higher volumes), a slower weaning plan (7–14 days), calf starter and calf meal formulation (starch, protein, fibre targets), and why water quality testing can make or break solid feed intake. Dr Geiger explains trace mineral reducing gaps when feeding whole milk, with a focus on manganese, zinc, copper and iodine, plus vitamins like D and E, and how iron in water can interfere with mineral availability. Key takeaways:<ul><li>Colostrum management is crucial for calf health and future milk production.</li><li>The first 60 to 90 days of a calf's life are critical for udder development.</li><li>Higher feeding rates of milk lead to better growth and health in calves.</li><li>Water quality significantly impacts calf health and feed intake.</li><li>Manganese is essential for hormone production and mammary growth.</li><li>Calf meal formulation should balance starch, protein, and fibre for optimal growth.</li><li>Testing water quality can reveal issues that affect calf nutrition.</li><li>Whole milk lacks essential trace minerals and vitamins needed for calf growth.</li><li>Establishing a routine in feeding helps calves adapt better to solid feed.</li><li>Investing in calf nutrition can lead to better lifetime productivity in dairy cows.</li></ul>Key terms:<ul><li>Calf rearing for milk production </li><li>Colostrum management dairy calves </li><li>Passive transfer colostrum </li><li>Mammary development first 60 days </li><li>High milk feeding rates calves </li><li>Calf weaning programme 7–14 days </li><li>Calf starter meal starch protein fibre </li><li>Dairy calf water quality testing </li><li>Trace minerals for calves zinc copper iodine manganese </li><li>Iron in water blocks mineral absorption calves </li></ul>

16 total episodes available

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What is The myCOW Podcast?: myCOW: Dairy nutrition, cow health & practical NZ farming advice

Want to get more milk from your feed? The myCOW Podcast, hosted by Shaun Balemi M.Sc NZARN, is your go-to podcast for practical, science-backed insights that help improve dairy herd performance.

Tune in for expert episodes on mineral supplementation, early lactation, heat stress, cow fertility, transition feeding, and milk production. Whether you're in the shed or out on the farm, myCOW helps you make smarter decisions for healthier cows and better results.

Supported by Agvance Nutrition and other industry leaders.
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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