The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast - Dr. Jennifer Van Os: Air Speeds & Cow Comfort - Part 2 | Ep. 75

In this second part of our special Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast episode celebrating International Women’s Day, Dr. Jennifer Van Os from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses the impact of air speeds on dairy cow welfare. She shares groundbreaking research on how different air speeds influence cow behavior, milk production, and overall comfort, especially in heat-stress conditions. Learn how optimizing barn ventilation can enhance dairy cattle well-being and productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!

What will you learn: 

• Effect of different air speeds
• Impact on cow behavior
• Heat stress management
• Practical farm applications

Meet the guest:

Dr. Jennifer Van Os is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from UC Davis and completed postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on understanding and improving the quality of life for dairy animals.

Click to read the full research articles:

Effect of different air speeds at cow resting height in freestalls on heat stress responses and resting behavior in lactating cows in Wisconsin

Consistent stall air speeds in commercial dairy farms are associated with less variability in cow lying times