In this episode of The Feed Science Podcast Show, Dr. Kevin Harvatine, Professor of Nutritional Physiology at Penn State, explains how nutrition and management shape milk fat, from avoiding milk fat depression to strategically increasing it. He breaks down seasonal milk fat patterns, photoperiod management, and the role of fat sources like palmitic acid and high oleic soybeans. Get practical, research-backed strategies for dairy performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Palmitic acid consistently supports higher milk fat, while eighteen-carbon fatty acids interact with basal fat levels and exhibit less predictable responses.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kevin Harvatine is a Professor of Nutritional Physiology at Penn State whose research integrates ruminant nutrition and molecular biology to improve milk component synthesis and rumen fatty acid metabolism. His work spans dietary factors that alter biohydrogenation, regulation of milk fat synthesis, and practical feeding strategies using targeted fatty acids and management. 

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:47) Introduction
• (03:30) Milk fat depression
• (06:54) Seasonal pattern
• (09:31) Photoperiod strategy
• (12:15) Fat supplements
• (18:28) High oleic soy
• (27:01) Final Questions

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