Pathogens, Probiotics, and Prevention: A Data-Driven Approach to Dairy Health (Sponsored Podcast)

Pathogens, Probiotics, and Prevention: A Data-Driven Approach to Dairy Health (Sponsored Podcast)

Author: Progressive Dairy editors July 31, 2025 Duration: 11:29

In this episode, Samanta R. Fensterseifer, DVM, MSc, Ruminant Staff Research Scientist at United Animal Health, shares how United Animal Health is tackling complex dairy herd health issues through cutting-edge pathogen surveillance and probiotic development. She explains how United’s proprietary microbial platform, PathKinex, helps producers better understand the role of coinfections in herd health, especially in light of recent HPAI outbreaks. Dr. Fensterseifer also introduces the “PROgram” approach to managing herd health and highlights how effective probiotics are developed to support cow immunity, gut integrity, and performance.

Episode Time Markers: 

  • 00:40 – Introduction to Samanta Fensterseifer and United Animal Health
  • 01:50 – Role and research focus in the ruminant division
  • 02:40 – United’s fermentation capabilities and control over microbial development
  • 03:40 – PathKinex platform and its value in pathogen surveillance
  • 04:40 – Key findings on coinfections and health markers from over 2,000 cow samples
  • 06:10 – HPAI case studies and coinfection exacerbation
  • 07:40 – The “PROgram” approach: Prevention, Reduction, Optimization
  • 09:10 – The role of targeted probiotics in managing herd health

This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health.

United Animal Health is a family-owned, global biosciences company serving producers in over 30 countries. Founded in 1956, the company offers innovative solutions in animal nutrition and health, including research-backed probiotics developed through in-house fermentation capabilities. United’s PathKinex platform enables microbial surveillance and targeted product development to address complex animal health challenges. Learn more at www.unitedanh.com/cowhealth.


For those who live and work in the world of milk production, the day doesn’t stop for a deep dive into industry news. That’s where the Progressive Dairy Podcast comes in, extending the trusted editorial voice of the magazine into an audio format you can take anywhere. Hosted by the Progressive Dairy editors, this series is crafted specifically for U.S. dairy producers and the network of professionals who support them. Think of it as a conversation with well-informed colleagues, breaking down the latest trends, operational strategies, and business insights that matter at the farm gate and beyond. You’ll hear straightforward discussions that translate complex topics into actionable advice, whether the subject is herd health, market dynamics, sustainability practices, or technology adoption. Released every other Tuesday, each episode is designed to fit into a busy schedule, providing a dose of relevant information during a morning commute or an afternoon walk. It’s more than just a business podcast; it’s a practical resource built on the same foundation of reliability that readers have come to expect, now available for your ears instead of your eyes. Tune in to stay informed and connected to the pulse of the dairy industry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Progressive Dairy Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Carbon Footprint Neutralizer (Sponsored Podcast) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:15
Posilac® has impact on carbon footprint reduction. This episode is sponsored by Union Agener. About Union Agener: The plant was acquired in October 2018 by Fernando de Castro Marques, a majority shareholder of União Quím…
Gail Carpenter: You can’t outfeed bad management [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:46
In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Gail Carpenter, who is an assistant professor and state dairy specialist at Iowa State University, and host Kimmi Devaney discuss a variety of topics ranging from dairy n…
Instant Milk Cooling with PROChiller Systems (Sponsored Podcast) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:12
CEO Jim VanderGiessen, Jr. shares how cooling milk became a career and how dairy farmers are using PROChillers to instantly cool milk and heat water to 180°F. This episode is sponsored by Pro Refrigeration.