We now have decades of accumulated knowledge on strategies for mammary health management regarding milking – protocols were developed even as early as in the fifties or sixties, like dipping techniques. This could mislead us to think that there isn’t much new to learn about it, but science is in constant progress and brings in new concepts every day. That’s why we should look for opportunities to keep up with new developments. In this episode with our guest Dr. Valerie Ryman, we discuss the main challenges for mammary health and milk quality, key management strategies for improving mammary health, and somatic cell counts. Also, we talk about new tools for assessing differential somatic cell counts and a recent, controversial proposition that there may be a natural microbiome in the mammary gland rather than only pathogenic bacteria.“To my mind, the appropriate application of a pre-dip is like an unsung hero in preventing a lot of mastitis – underestimated, but key.’’ Dr. Valerie Ryman ‬What you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (1:33)Dairy industry trends in Georgia (10:21)Main challenges for mammary health and milk quality in Georgia (14:48)Key practices for mastitis control (19:03)Fore-stripping cows in the milking routine (24:04)Research on mammary health (26:28)What is differential somatic cell count? (29:31)Is there a microbiome in the mammary gland? (32:17)The final questions (38:03)Meet the guest: Dr. Valerie Ryman‬Experience:Current: Assistant Professor and State Dairy Extension Specialist at the University of GeorgiaPast: Postdoctoral Research Specialist at University of GeorgiaBackground:Ph.D., Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology (Michigan State University)M.Sc., Animal and Dairy Science (The University of Georgia)B.Sc., Animal and Veterinary Science (Clemson University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn?????? ?? ????? ????????, ??????? ?? ??? ????? ????????.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo