Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal

Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal

By Balchem Animal Nutrition & HealthScienceLife Sciences
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Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal episodes

  • Student Showcase: Kansas State

    Host Scott Sorrell, Director of Global Marketing at Balchem, is joined by Delaney New (Kansas State University), Kanyon Alexander (Kansas State University), and Dr. Lonnie Hobbs Jr. (Kansas State University). Together, they discuss student-led research examining sustainability from both veterinarian and consumer perspectives and the implications for the pet food industry.

    The episode begins with introductions to the Student Showcase program and the importance of supporting future researchers. Dr. Hobbs highlights Delaney and Kanyon's work examining how different stakeholders evaluate sustainability within pet food. (00:00 – 06:25)

    Attention first turns to Delaney's research on veterinarians and sustainability. Her study found that 68% of surveyed veterinarians viewed sustainability primarily through an environmental lens focused on resources and environmental stewardship. However, product recommendations were driven primarily by benefits to the pet, making sustainability a secondary consideration rather than the primary reason for recommendation. (06:26 – 11:19)

    The discussion then explores how veterinarians define sustainability and how those definitions compare with consumer perceptions. Common themes included environmental resources, environmental maintenance, and long-term stewardship. The panel notes that while sustainability is viewed positively, pet health and product efficacy remain the most important factors in decision-making. (11:20 – 12:58)

    Building on those findings, Dr. Hobbs explains how companies can use the research to communicate sustainability more effectively. The results suggest that sustainability claims are most impactful when paired with clear pet benefits rather than presented as standalone attributes. (12:59 – 15:57)

    The conversation shifts to Kanyon's research examining consumer perceptions of sustainability. Using a nationally representative survey of U.S. pet owners, the study found that younger generations generally showed greater interest in sustainability. Across demographics, consumers placed greater importance on animal welfare-related sustainability measures than environmental topics such as emissions, soil preservation, and water conservation. (15:58 – 19:55)

    A major theme of the episode is the challenge of defining sustainability. The panel discusses how sustainability can encompass environmental, animal welfare, social, and economic dimensions, each carrying different meanings. The speakers suggest that greater clarity in sustainability claims and certifications may help consumers better understand what companies are communicating. (19:56 – 22:48)

    The discussion then turns to trust and credibility. Kanyon describes sustainability as a trust-based attribute that consumers cannot easily verify after purchase, making transparency, certifications, and strong brand credibility increasingly important. The panel also explores how consumers gather information through social media and digital channels, emphasizing the value of authentic communication and understanding where different audiences seek information. (22:49 – 32:45)

    Looking toward the future, the speakers discuss how artificial intelligence may influence product discovery and purchasing decisions. They emphasize the importance of ensuring products and information remain visible across search platforms, social media, online marketplaces, and emerging AI-driven tools. (32:46 – 36:51)

    The conversation concludes with key takeaways for pet food decision makers. Kanyon emphasizes the value of consumer research in helping companies market sustainability effectively, while Delaney reinforces that veterinarians are more likely to support sustainability-focused products when those products also provide meaningful benefits to pets. Dr. Hobbs closes by stressing that companies must understand how their audiences define sustainability before they can successfully communicate its value. (36:52 – End)

    Throughout the episode, the panel reinforces a central message: sustainability can be a valuable differentiator, but its effectiveness depends on how clearly it is defined, communicated, and connected to outcomes that matter most to veterinarians, consumers, and their pets.

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    42 min
  • Exploring Yeast Supplements in Animal Nutrition

    The conversation begins at 04:30 – The Evolution of Yeast in Animal Nutrition, exploring how yeast supplements have evolved and why their applications continue to expand across animal nutrition. At 09:27 – Yeast Functionality and the Gut Microbiome, the discussion turns to the relationship between yeast fractions and the gut microbiome, including the importance of understanding functionality when incorporating yeast into nutrition programs.

    But not all yeast products are the same. At 10:54 – Understanding Different Types of Yeast, Dr. Bonato explains some of the key distinctions between yeast supplements, yeast cultures, and pure yeast products. The conversation continues at 13:09 – Autolyzed vs. Hydrolyzed Yeast, where the guests discuss how processing methods such as autolysis and hydrolysis influence the structure and functionality of yeast.

    Understanding what is inside the yeast cell is another important part of evaluating a product. At 15:24 – Yeast Cytoplasm vs. Yeast Cell Wall, the conversation breaks down yeast cytoplasm, yeast cell walls, and other fractions and how their characteristics differ. That leads into 17:24 – Yeast Culture vs. Pure Yeast, with a closer look at the practical differences between these yeast products and the considerations that can help determine where they fit within an animal nutrition strategy.

    The episode then moves from yeast composition to practical applications. At 20:24 – Yeast Solutions for Swine and Piglets, the guests discuss how yeast supplements can be incorporated into nutrition programs for young animals. At 25:08 – Yeast in Reproduction and Transition Phases, they explore the role yeast solutions can play during challenging production phases when nutritional demands may change.

    At 28:41 – Pure Yeast vs. Yeast Cultures in Challenging Conditions, the conversation examines considerations for selecting yeast products when animals are facing stress, disease pressure, or other production challenges. From there, the guests look toward 30:51 – The Future of Yeast Research, discussing emerging areas of research and opportunities to continue advancing the understanding of yeast in animal nutrition.

    The episode concludes with a practical approach to selecting a yeast solution. At 37:11 – Begin with the End in Mind, the discussion emphasizes starting with the specific nutritional or production challenge you are trying to address. Finally, at 38:34 – Matching Yeast Products to Production Goals, the guests bring the conversation together with considerations for choosing yeast supplements that align with animal health, performance, and production objectives.

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    45 min
  • Effects of Diet on Hydration in Healthy Cats

    The conversation opens with Dr. Kosmal's unconventional path into feline science, tracing back to her PhD research on eastern cottontail rabbits in wildlife rehabilitation. She explains how those early studies in rabbit behavior and welfare still shape the way she designs and interprets her current feline hydration research today (1:09 – 6:01).

    From there, the discussion turns to why cat hydration remains such a persistently tricky problem for owners and researchers alike. Dr. Kosmal unpacks the science behind feline water intake, why optimal hydration levels for cats have remained poorly defined for years, and how biomarkers like urine specific gravity help assess hydration status and flag risk for conditions such as feline lower urinary tract disease (8:28 – 14:29).

    A common assumption among cat owners is that water fountains are the secret to better hydration — but does the science actually support that? Dr. Kosmal separates myth from fact, walking through her research comparing static bowls to flowing fountains and revealing which factors, like diet format, protein content, and water viscosity, actually move the needle on total water intake (11:57 – 17:31).

    Building on that, the conversation shifts to formulating a better drink for cats — covering the ingredients and best practices that reliably increase water intake and support hydration, from nutrient-enriched water to treats supplemented with amino acids, osmolytes, and sodium (17:31 – 22:28).

    The discussion then broadens into a topic familiar to pet owners and veterinarians alike: should you rotate your pet's food? Dr. Kosmal discusses the current state of the science on how diet rotation affects the gut microbiome in dogs and cats, and whether variety helps or hurts digestive health (23:28 – 30:57).

    Finally, the episode wraps with a look at intermittent fasting for pets — a wellness trend borrowed from human health circles. Dr. Kosmal weighs in on whether restricted feeding windows offer real, evidence-based benefits for companion animals, giving listeners a clear scientific perspective before trying it with their own pets (30:57 – 34:24).

    To close things out, the conversation turns to Pauline's future research aspirations. Reflecting on where her career might head next, Dr. Kosmal describes herself as a true comparative animal nutritionist — someone who doesn't have to choose between her wildlife background and her work in companion animal science but can bring both together under one umbrella. She shares her continued interest in hydration research, her earlier work on dietary polyphenols (which first connected her with Dr. Anna Kate Shoveller), and her broader curiosity about the species differences that exist across wildlife and domestic animals, and why those differences occur in the first place (38:59 – 40:10).

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    42 min
  • Supply Chain Disruptions on US Food Security

    The episode opens with introductions to the panel and an overview of the iFeeder report, setting the stage for a conversation focused on supply chain stability and its importance to the animal feed and food industries. (00:00 – 01:08)

    The discussion begins with the mission of iFeeder and the origin of the resiliency challenge, highlighting how the organization was tasked with providing fact-based data to quantify risks tied to disruptions in vitamin and amino acid supply chains. (01:08 – 03:19)

    From there, the conversation shifts to the genesis of the report during COVID-19, when industry leaders recognized vulnerabilities in sourcing critical feed ingredients and the need for credible data to inform policymakers. (03:19 – 04:15)

    The panel then outlines the data collection and interpretation process, explaining how global trade data was analyzed and translated into meaningful insights for different species and production systems. (04:15 – 07:36)

    Attention then turns to the critical role of vitamin and amino acid supplementation in animal nutrition. While feed ingredients provide some nutrients, supplementation is essential for supporting production, animal health, and overall performance across species. (07:36 – 09:18)

    The episode also explores global production capacity and efficiency challenges, revealing that many vitamin and amino acid production systems are operating below optimal utilization levels—raising concerns about long-term viability and supply reliability. (09:18 – 10:33)

    From there, the conversation dives into the real-world impacts of supply chain disruptions, using examples like lysine to show how nutrient shortages can reduce growth rates, extend time to market, and significantly affect productivity. (10:33 – 13:26)

    The discussion further connects these disruptions to economic and consumer-level impacts, including higher production costs, reduced food supply, and increased prices for consumers, while also highlighting implications for animal health and welfare. (13:26 – 14:31)

    The panel then examines global sourcing trends, particularly the increasing reliance on imports—especially from China—driven largely by cost advantages. This shift has created new vulnerabilities in the supply chain. (14:31 – 16:50)

    The conversation transitions into policy, innovation, and national security considerations, discussing how outsourcing production has implications beyond agriculture and what steps may be needed to rebuild domestic capacity. (16:50 – 18:44)

    The panel also highlights ongoing legislative and policy efforts, including engagement with Congress and the White House to address supply chain risks through incentives, partnerships, and research investment. (18:44 – 20:51)

    As the discussion continues, the focus shifts to the importance of maintaining long-term momentum across political cycles, emphasizing the need for sustained attention regardless of administrative changes. (20:51 – 23:07)

    The episode also outlines resources available to the industry, including access to the full iFeeder report, summary versions, and species-specific subreports designed to make the data more actionable. (23:07 – 23:53)

    The panel concludes with a call for industry support and further economic analysis, encouraging continued investment in research and collaboration to better quantify downstream impacts on food systems. (23:53 – 26:44)

    Finally, the episode wraps up with key takeaways, emphasizing that the risk is real, collaboration is essential, and long-term supply chain resilience is critical to sustaining animal agriculture and food security. (26:44 – 28:49)

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    30 min
  • Circular Nutrition: Unlocking the Value of Upcycled Ingredients in Pet Food

    To begin, Dr. D. Ocker shares her professional journey through academia, pet food research and development, human food innovation, and ingredient technology. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about identifying opportunities to transform underutilized food resources into valuable nutritional ingredients.

    Next, Trent Small discusses his role at International Ingredients Corporation and explains how IIC evaluates emerging ingredient opportunities, assesses manufacturing feasibility, and develops partnerships across multiple animal nutrition sectors. As a result, listeners gain a better understanding of how ingredient innovation moves from concept to commercial application. (03:44 – 08:56)

    From there, the conversation shifts to defining circular nutrition and examining the growing role of upcycled ingredients in pet food. Specifically, Dr. D. Ocker explains how food-system co-products that are no longer suitable for human retail markets can be safely and effectively repurposed into functional pet food ingredients rather than entering waste streams. (09:49 – 15:12)

    To illustrate this concept, the panel reviews examples including dried cheese powders, bacon fat powders, dairy-derived ingredients, and other food-industry co-products. In many cases, ingredients may become unsuitable for retail sale due to packaging errors, labeling issues, or logistical challenges, yet they still retain significant nutritional value. (11:11 – 15:12)

    Furthermore, the speakers explore the sustainability benefits of circular nutrition. Dr. D. Ocker reviews the EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy and highlights how directing food-system co-products toward animal and pet nutrition helps maximize resource utilization. Consequently, fewer valuable resources are lost through lower-value applications such as composting or disposal. (13:34 – 16:05)

    In addition to sustainability considerations, the discussion addresses ingredient sourcing, safety, and regulatory compliance. The panel explains how suppliers and manufacturers collaborate through auditing programs, quality assurance processes, and traceability systems to ensure ingredient integrity throughout the supply chain. Therefore, pet food manufacturers can confidently incorporate alternative ingredient streams while maintaining quality and compliance standards. (17:08 – 19:41)

    The conversation then turns to the distinction between co-products and by-products, a topic that often generates confusion among consumers. While many consumers associate certain ingredients with lower quality, the speakers emphasize that numerous highly nutritious ingredients, including organ meats and specialty animal-derived ingredients, are frequently underutilized because of perception rather than nutritional value. As such, consumer education remains an important opportunity for the industry. (19:42 – 23:37)

    Innovation and Sustainability in the Future of Pet Food

    Building on this discussion, the panel explores emerging opportunities in companion animal nutrition. For example, specialized dairy-derived ingredients sourced from colostrum and casein-containing streams may offer new possibilities for functional pet food products and targeted nutritional solutions. (24:28 – 27:56)

    Meanwhile, sustainability reporting continues to play an increasingly important role across the pet food industry. The speakers review Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions considerations and discuss why manufacturers are requesting more environmental data from suppliers than ever before. Ultimately, ingredient sourcing decisions can influence broader sustainability goals and corporate environmental initiatives. (27:57 – 34:43)

    Finally, the episode concludes with a broader conversation about responsible sourcing, ingredient transparency, innovation, and purpose-driven product development. The panel encourages nutritionists, formulators, and pet food professionals to remain open to unconventional ingredient opportunities and to continue exploring ways to improve resource utilization across the food system. In doing so, the industry can support both sustainability objectives and the nutritional needs of companion animals. (34:44 – 43:10)

    Conclusion

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    45 min
  • Student Showcase: North Carolina State University

    The episode begins with an overview of Dr. Bielke's research program at North Carolina State University. Her work focuses on enteric disease challenges, turkey health, immune responses to vaccination, and strategies that improve bird resilience while minimizing production impacts associated with live vaccination programs. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the growing importance of understanding how vaccination affects not only immunity but also overall gut function. It also covers long-term bird performance. (00:00 - 05:53)

    Investigating the Impact of Eimeria Vaccination on the Turkey Microbiome

    The conversation then shifts to Dr. Yeboah's research examining how Eimeria vaccination affects the cecal and ileal microbiome of turkeys. The study was designed to characterize microbiome changes following vaccination. It also aimed to identify potential nutritional or management interventions that could help birds recover more efficiently while maintaining performance. These findings provide important insights into how poultry producers can better support birds during vaccine cycling.

    To better understand microbiome dynamics, birds were sampled on days 4, 9, and 14 following vaccination. These time points were selected to align with critical stages in the Eimeria lifecycle, including early parasite replication, peak infection pressure, and subsequent immune activation. For this reason, the researchers explain how these biological milestones provided a framework for evaluating microbiome shifts. They also helped in evaluating host responses throughout the vaccination process. (08:08 – 10:34)

    Microbial Diversity Changes During Vaccine Cycling

    One of the most significant findings involved changes in microbial diversity throughout the vaccination period. Relatively minor effects were observed on day 4, while substantial reductions in microbial diversity occurred by day 9 during peak challenge. By day 14, the microbiome showed signs of recovery as birds began rebuilding a more stable microbial community. These observations help explain why temporary performance reductions are often experienced during vaccine cycling. Moreover, they illustrate the importance of supporting gut health throughout this period. (10:35 - 14:50)

    The discussion also expands into broader microbiome science, including historical applications of fecal microbiota transfer in poultry and the growing interest in microbiome manipulation as a tool for improving bird health. Drs. Bielke and Yeboah discuss similarities between advances in poultry microbiome management and emerging trends within human microbiome research. In addition, they highlight the tremendous potential of microbial interventions across animal agriculture. (14:51 – 18:13)

    How Vaccination Influences Nutrient Metabolism

    Beyond changes in microbial populations, the research also evaluated microbial metabolic pathways. Results revealed downregulation of pathways associated with carbohydrate fermentation, energy production, amino acid metabolism, and several nutrient-utilization functions during peak vaccine cycling. These findings suggest that microbiome disruption may contribute to temporary losses in growth and feed efficiency. This effect is commonly observed following live Eimeria vaccination and reinforces the need for targeted support strategies during this critical period. (18:14 – 20:33)

    Practical Management Considerations for Poultry Producers

    The speakers discuss several practical recommendations for producers managing flocks during vaccination programs. Minimizing environmental stressors, ensuring consistent access to feed and water, and maintaining optimal management conditions may help birds cope more effectively with microbiome disruption and immune system demands. Therefore, supporting birds through this transitional period can contribute to improved recovery. It can also increase resilience and overall flock performance. (20:34 - 23:13)

    The Future of Targeted Microbiome Interventions

    Looking ahead, the discussion explores how probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and other feed additives may be used more strategically to support birds during vaccine cycling. Rather than applying generalized microbial solutions, the researchers advocate for identifying specific functional deficiencies within the microbiome. They emphasize selecting interventions that directly address those needs. This precision-based approach could lead to more effective nutritional programs that improve gut health, nutrient utilization, and production outcomes.

    Key Takeaways

    The episode concludes by emphasizing that while Eimeria vaccination remains a critical tool for coccidiosis control, a deeper understanding of vaccine-driven microbiome changes presents new opportunities to improve bird performance and flock health. By recognizing how microbial diversity and metabolic function change during vaccine cycling, researchers and producers can work together to develop targeted nutritional and management solutions. Consequently, these can help birds recover more efficiently and thrive in modern production systems. (27:32 – 28:55)

    Conclusion

    Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people. Join us at the Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal virtual pub table. Also, please be sure to register for our upcoming Real Science Lecture Series webinars.

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    31 min
  • Feline Nutrition Report

    The episode begins with Dr. Shoveller sharing her academic journey from animal biology and comparative nutrition. She became a leader in companion animal nutrition research. She discusses her efforts to build one of North America's premier companion animal nutrition programs at the University of Guelph. Additionally, she introduces a new pet food-focused educational initiative. This initiative is designed to prepare the next generation of professionals for careers in pet food innovation, nutrition, and animal health. (00:00 – 06:07)

    From there, the conversation turns to one of the most significant health challenges facing companion cats today: obesity. Specifically, Dr. Shoveller reviews recent feline nutrition studies examining how cats utilize dietary protein and fiber for energy. The discussion highlights research showing that higher protein diets can improve energy harvesting, while increased dietary fiber reduces available energy. As a result, these findings provide valuable insight into nutritional strategies. These strategies may support healthy body weight and long-term metabolic health in cats. (06:08 – 13:15)

    Building on that discussion, feeding frequency and meal patterns are explored as important considerations in feline weight management. The panel reviews research comparing once-daily feeding with multiple-meal feeding programs. They examine differences in satiety, metabolism, and fat utilization. Consequently, the findings suggest that feeding management may play a larger role in body condition and energy balance. This is more significant than previously appreciated. (13:16 – 15:22)

    As cats continue to represent a growing segment of the global pet food market, the speakers emphasize the importance of nutrition recommendations based on feline-specific physiology. Rather than viewing cats simply as small dogs, Dr. Shoveller and Dr. Alldredge explain how species-specific research is helping refine energy models, nutrient recommendations, and feeding strategies. These strategies better reflect the unique biology of felines. (15:23 – 20:47)

    The discussion then expands into the future of precision nutrition and individualized feeding programs. Emerging advances in nutrient modeling, life-stage nutrition, reproductive nutrition, and personalized feeding strategies are creating new opportunities. These are designed to improve health outcomes for both cats and dogs. Likewise, the speakers draw parallels to modern production animal nutrition programs. In these programs, highly targeted feeding approaches have become increasingly effective at supporting performance, efficiency, and overall health. (20:48 – 23:57)

    Beyond nutrition alone, technology, pet management, and animal behavior emerge as important themes throughout the episode. The panel explores how feeding frequency, water intake monitoring, environmental enrichment, automatic feeding systems, and advances in artificial intelligence may help pet owners and veterinarians better support animal health. At the same time, the conversation highlights the importance of accounting for behavioral differences among individual cats. This is essential when developing nutrition and management programs. (23:58 – 29:45)

    Another significant portion of the discussion focuses on nutrient metabolism and emerging research involving methyl donors, choline, carnitine, sulfur amino acids, and creatine. Dr. Shoveller explains how these nutrients influence energy metabolism, liver function, muscle development, cognitive performance, and body composition in both companion animals and sporting dogs. The conversation highlights growing interest in nutritional strategies. These strategies support long-term health and performance through targeted nutrient utilization. (29:46 – 33:41)

    Finally, the episode concludes with a broader discussion of feline behavior, domestication, research populations, and the critical role science plays in improving companion animal health. The speakers examine the differences between rescue and purpose-bred research populations. Moreover, they reflect on the many unanswered questions that continue to make cats one of the most fascinating and under-researched species in companion animal nutrition. (33:42 – 49:25)

    Overall, as companion animal nutrition continues to evolve, feline-specific research is helping scientists, veterinarians, and pet food professionals better understand how nutrition influences health, metabolism, behavior, and longevity. This episode provides valuable insight into the latest advances in feline obesity research, feeding management, nutrient metabolism, and precision nutrition. It also illustrates why continued investment in companion animal research remains essential for improving the lives of cats and dogs worldwide.

    Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people. Join us at the Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal virtual pub table. Also, please be sure to register for our upcoming Real Science Lecture Series webinars.

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    51 min
  • Flexible Feeding: Alternative Pet Foods and Value Propositions with Shannon Landry, Packaged Facts

    The discussion then examines flexible feeding practices and why pet owners are supplementing traditional diets with wet foods, fresh products, human foods, freeze-dried ingredients, and toppers. Survey results reveal that pet owners primarily seek greater variety, enhanced nutrition, improved wellness, and increased meal enjoyment for their pets. (02:54 – 05:22) 

    The conversation also explores potential challenges associated with flexible feeding, including overfeeding risk, caloric excess, and concerns about nutritional balance when human foods are incorporated into pet diets. (05:23 – 06:11) 

    Attention then shifts to the rapidly growing alternative pet food segment. Shannon discusses consumer interest in fresh, frozen, refrigerated, and human-grade foods, highlighting the importance of transparency, ingredient visibility, and the continued influence of pet humanization on purchasing decisions. (06:12 – 10:50) 

    The panel reviews how demographic and economic factors are influencing pet food purchasing behaviors. Younger consumers increasingly view pets as family members, while inflation continues to shape spending decisions and product selection across households. (09:40 – 12:58) 

    A significant portion of the discussion focuses on value perception. Rather than evaluating products based solely on price, pet owners increasingly prioritize health benefits, wellness outcomes, ingredient quality, and palatability when making feeding decisions. (12:59 – 15:08) 

    The episode also explores the psychology of feeding. Shannon explains how many pet owners view meal preparation as an act of care, creating customized feeding experiences that strengthen the bond between owner and pet while reflecting individual preferences and perceived health needs. (15:09 – 16:35) 

    The conversation expands into functional nutrition, supplements, and condition-specific products. Topics include mobility support, longevity, cognitive health, heart health, gut health, immunity, functional treats, and calming products that address behavioral concerns such as separation anxiety. (16:36 – 19:47) 

    Looking ahead, Shannon discusses Packaged Facts' ongoing research into changing purchasing habits, alternative feeding formats, economic pressures, and consumer price sensitivity across multiple pet care categories. (19:48 – 21:47) 

    The episode concludes with commentary on fresh food growth, premiumization, pathogen-control technologies for fresh products, and the continued importance of understanding pet owner behavior as the industry evolves. (21:48 – 25:32)

    27 min
  • Student Showcase: Mississippi State with Charis Waters

    The episode opens with introductions and background on Mississippi State’s poultry nutrition program, including Dr. Adakari’s research focus and Charis Waters’ work on layer nutrition and amino acid optimization. (00:00 – 05:15) 

    The discussion then shifts into Charis’s research on branched-chain amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—and their role in laying hen performance, particularly across pullet, peak, and late production phases. (05:15 – 07:05)

    A key theme of the episode is the importance of amino acid ratios rather than absolute requirements, as elevated leucine levels in corn-based diets may create imbalances that affect production, feed intake, and efficiency if not properly adjusted. (06:57 – 10:01) 

    The conversation also highlights how this research reflects broader changes in the industry, including the impact of modern genetics and the limitations of outdated NRC (1994) recommendations, emphasizing the need for updated nutritional models. The panel further explores how BCAA nutrition influences not just performance, but egg quality, bone strength, and laying longevity, reinforcing the importance of balancing diets for both productivity and animal welfare. (12:03 - 19:55) 

    The discussion also touches on egg composition and amino acid profiles, including how dietary changes may influence crude protein levels, albumen quality, and overall egg integrity. Attention is given to broader applications of this research, including potential implications for breeder flocks, feather quality, and stress indicators—suggesting that BCAA balance may have system-wide biological effects. (20:45 – 23:53) 

    The episode concludes with practical insights for producers and nutritionists, emphasizing that fine-tuning amino acid ratios offers a cost-effective way to improve performance without drastic diet changes, aligning economic and biological outcomes. 

    Please subscribe and share this episode with your industry colleagues and invite them to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. Be sure to register for upcoming Real Science Lecture Series webinars to continue the conversation. 

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    26 min
  • Step Into the Future - AI with Johanna Ballesteros, SWARM Engineering and Guests

    The episode opens with an introduction to the panel and a high-level overview of AI’s rapid acceleration across food and feed systems, setting the stage for a discussion on separating real-world applications from hype. (00:00 – 00:50) 

    The panelists then outline current AI trends, noting that while adoption in the pet food industry has lagged slightly, companies are increasingly leveraging AI for customer insights, marketing optimization, and early-stage operational improvements. (00:50 – 04:00) 

    The conversation shifts into one of the most critical challenges: trust in AI systems, including issues like hallucinations, accuracy, and the need for domain-specific models to improve reliability and decision-making confidence. (06:22 – 10:09) 

    From there, the discussion explores how AI is already delivering value in manufacturing and plant operations, particularly through tools that capture institutional knowledge, reduce downtime, and support faster root cause analysis. (10:09 – 13:58) 

    The panel also highlights the role of AI in decision intelligence and supply chain optimization, where advanced models help companies respond to volatility, improve forecasting, and make faster, data-driven operational decisions. The conversation then turns to the consumer experience, explaining how AI quietly powers personalization—from e-commerce recommendations to pet health insights—often without users even realizing it. (16:36 – 19:59) 

    The panel addresses concerns around job displacement and data security, emphasizing that AI is best viewed as a tool that augments human capability, while also acknowledging the growing importance of protecting intellectual property and proprietary data. (19:59 – 27:24) 

    Looking ahead, the discussion explores the emergence of agentic AI systems, where autonomous agents can not only generate insights but also take action—executing decisions, optimizing processes, and closing operational loops in real time. (30:44 – 36:41) 

    The episode concludes by reinforcing a key takeaway: companies don’t need to solve everything at once—the best way to begin is by identifying a meaningful problem and starting there, building capability, trust, and ROI over time.

    Please subscribe and share this episode with your industry colleagues and invite them to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. Be sure to register for upcoming Real Science Lecture Series webinars to continue the conversation. 

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    39 min

About Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to our Balchem Pet Food series—the podcast that opens up the bag and looks at what really goes into better pet nutrition. In this introductory video, you’ll meet the experts and the science…