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.

Check out the ADSA Annual Meeting sessions mentioned in the episode and save the date for the 2024 Annual Meeting:

Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: Improving Rumen Fermentation Through Altering Rumen Microbiota

Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: Dairy Nutrition to Improve Feed Utilization—Recognizing the Contributions of ADSA Fellow Dr. Bill Weiss