Real Science Exchange-Dairy

Guests: Dr. Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois, Dr. Dave Fischer, University of Illinois, Dr. John Goeser, Rock River Lab and co-host, Dr. Jeff Elliott, Balchem

This week's episode is a favorite for many as part of our Legacy Series. We are toasting Dr. Mike Hutjens with the University of Illinois. Mike is a pioneer in the field and has combined his love for education and passion for the dairy industry throughout his career. He continues to keep learning to this day. Plus, he was the one who famously coined the term “pubcast” for the Real Science Exchange. The Real Science Exchange is the discussion that happens in the bar after scientific meetings, making the term “pubcast” even more relevant!

Joining us to toast Dr. Hutjens is Dr. Dave Fischer, University of Illinois; Dr. John Goeser, Rock River Lab and co-host Dr. Jeff Elliott, Balchem.

Dr. Hutjens reflects on his career, and one industry controversy that dates him was the discussion by producers between high moisture and shell corn. His point is, that there will always be new topics to discuss and research to share with producers. 11:45

Through Dr. Hutjens and Dr. Fischer’s tenure with Extension, priorities and approaches have evolved from regional experts who were an inch deep and a mile wide to very specific focus areas over time. 15:44

Dr. Goeser added his perspective as someone established as a researcher but still evolving in his career and how the specialization in the industry can also create silos of thinking with very narrow areas of focus. 20:42

Dr. Hutjens and Dr. Fischer highlighted one of their biggest accomplishments in evolving producer education is they have successfully moved all of their training online even though the doubters said it wouldn’t work for producers. 29:43

Dr. Goeser shared that we all know the industry is evolving, and research, producers and education must do the same. One obvious example is how much milk each cow produces today compared to 20 or 40 years ago. 42:27

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This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

This week's episode features several guests from one of the top companion animal research programs in the country, Auburn University. This group focuses on joining sustainability with functionality, specifically up-cycling low value proteins with food technology. 

Dr. Starkey begins by explaining that changing eating habits of Americans has led to utilizing organ meats for pet food, as the supply is plentiful and the cost is low. (10:35) 

Joshua Flees said that while the research isn’t complete, by using these types of products (organ meats, wing tips) a few dollars worth of value can be added to a feasible product. (20:40) 

Dr. Altom summarized the process used to turn some of these products into a more usable protein, which is hydro coli technology, where a sodium algenate is blended into the meat mixture to be properly hydrated, then mixed with a calcium ion. (25:28) 

Dr. Starkey addresses the concern of bone fragments in pet food. He mentioned there are a lot of technologies such as x-ray to make sure fragments aren’t included. By grinding bone fine enough to be below the safe threshold, they can still utilize the protein and how it aids the hydrocoli technology and gelling. (36:51) 

Dr. Altom wrapped up by commenting that as the pet and human population grows around the world, pets and humans will be competing for the same protein and amino acid choices. We will have to find new and different ways to provide nutrition to pets, such as these co-products and whole animal opportunities. (54:15)

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This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

Today’s episode was recorded live at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting in Kansas City, MO. Joining us are the ADSA research winners to discuss their projects. 

Lautaro Rostoll Cangiano joins us first.  Lautaro is the president of ADSA’s Grad Student Division (GSD) program, which provides networking opportunities at the ADSA meetings in addition to professional development opportunities. Lautaro is wrapping up his time as president. 

Our next guests are Dr. Corwin Nelson from the University of Florida and Kari Estes with Balchem giving us the judge's perspective on the contest. Each student is judged on four major categories including presentation, design, how they interpret results and the data itself. Kari said the enthusiasm of the students was the highlight for her. 

Third, we have Alisson Da Mota Santos from Michigan State University who presented on the effectiveness of GnRH as a resynchronization tool in lactating dairy cows. The main findings of the study were that treatments were effective in synchronizing cows. 

Next up is Jackson Seminara from Cornell University, winner of the PhD poster contest, discussing calcium dynamics and associated patterns of milk constituents in early lactation multiparous Holsteins. Cows with different calcium dynamics have different milk profiles, and the healthy cows had higher levels of proteins. 

Ursula Abou-Rjeileh and Dr. Andres Contreras from Michigan State joined us as the winner of the masters oral presentation. The study topic was oleic acid limits lipolysis and improves mitochondrial function in adipose tissue from periparturient dairy cows. The focus on oleic acid was to determine how it minimizes body condition score loss. The results showed oleic acid increased insulin sensitivity, minimized lipid mobilization and improved mitochondrial function.

Thaina Minela, also from Michigan State, spoke about her project. Her results showed that lactating cows inseminated following estrus have greater early pregnancy losses compared to the fertility program Double-Ovsynch. Thaina won the PhD oral competition. 

Our final guest is Conor McCabe from the University of California Davis. Conor just finished a term as Dairy Production Manager and is continuing on as the ADSA GSD Vice President in 2022. Looking forward, ADSA will be in Ottawa in 2023 and wants to look at ADSA as more than just a place for students to present their research. Conor mentioned a possible mentorship program available for GSD coming up. 

Today’s episode is hosted live at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. It’s the second in our three-part series from the ADSA meetings.

Abomasal infusion of branched-chain amino acids or branched-chain keto acids alter lactation performance in early lactation dairy cows. 

Joining us is Kristin Gallagher from Michigan State University discussing her research on branched-chain amino and keto acids. 

Associations of pen-level and herd-level management factors with biomarkers, health, milk-yield and reproduction. Associations of nutritional strategies with biomarkers, health, milk yield and reproduction. 

Joining us is Dr. Tom Overton from Cornell University discussing research on management factors and nutritional strategies. 

Linking amino acids to milk fat synthesis. 

Joining us are Yumi C.T. Taguti from Virginia Tech University and Izabelle Teixeira from the University of Idaho to discuss linking amino acids to milk fat synthesis. 

Relationships of blood-based indices of liver health during the transition period with performance and health. 

Joining us is Dr. Tom Overton from Cornell University to discuss blood-based indices of liver health. 

Effects of Feeding Rumen-Protected Methionine & calcium salts enriched in omega-3 fatty acids on lactation in periparturient dairy cows 

Joining us is Tanya France and Dr. Joe McFadden from Cornell University discussing her research on the effects of feeding rumen-protected methionine and calcium salts enriched in omega-3 fatty acids. 

Determining the relative metabolizable methionine content of rumen-protected products and their effect on production responses. 

Joining us is Jair Parales Giron from Michigan State University and Jonas de Souza from Perdue AgriBusiness discussing research on metabolizable methionine and its effect on production responses. 

Dry period environmental impact on colostrum volume and quality. 

Joining us is Kayla Alward from Virginia Tech University to discuss dry period environmental impact on colostrum volume and quality. 

Lipolysis inhibition improves clinical outcomes in the treatment of ketosis in dairy cows: an individually randomized multigroup parallel controlled trial. 

Joining us is Miguel Chirivi and Dr. Andres Contreras from Michigan State University, discussing their research on lipolysis inhibition. 

Lactational performance of dairy cows receiving supplemental His: A meta-analysis 

Joining us is Susanna Raisanen from Pennsylvania State University discussing her research on supplemental histidine and how it affects lactational performance. 

Today’s episode is hosted live at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. It’s the first in our three-part series from the ADSA meetings where we are featuring graduate and post-doc students and their research. We have confirmed the future of the dairy research industry is bright hands with the next generation of leaders we had the opportunity to interview.

Effects of maternal dietary rumen-protected choline supplementation during late gestation on calf growth and metabolism.

Joining us is Turner Swartz from Michigan State University discussing his poster on the effects of maternal dietary rumen-protected choline during late gestation. 

In general during the study, calves born to pre-natal treated cows showed lower amounts of oxidative stress and reduced inflammation. Studies on these calves ended at 21 days, but it is possible if the study had continued through weaning, that the choline supplementation could have resulted in better calf growth. 

Additionally, cows that received choline produced 80% more colostrum than the control group, without diluting the IGG’s. 

For more details, view the abstract summary here: https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/5-Effects-of-maternal-dietary-rumen-protected-choline-supplementation-during-late-gestation-on-calf-growth-and-metabolism.pdf

Changes in plasma and milk choline metabolite concentrations in response to the provision of various rumen-protected choline prototypes in lactating cows.

Joining us is Tanya France and Dr. Joe McFadden from Cornell University discussing her research on the effects of choline. 

The goal of the study was to define the best rumen-protected choline technologies that enhance choline bioavailability. The study included two different experiments featuring mid and late-lactation cows. Varying doses of choline chloride were given as a ruminal bolus to the cow and measured the plasma in milk over the course of 36 hours. 

For more details, view the abstract summary here: https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/3-Changes-in-plasma-and-milk-choline-metabolite-concentrations-in-response-to-the-provision-of-various-rumen-protected-choline-prototypes-in-lactating-cows.pdf

Rumen-protected choline (RPC) reduces hepatic triacylglycerol content by increasing hepatic triglyceride-rich lipoprotein secretion.

Joining us is Usman Arshad from the University of Florida discussing his research on choline reducing hepatic triacylglycerol content. 

The study analyzes the effects of choline on reducing fatty liver at the cellular level, much more granular than studies done in the past. In the study the effect of choline was isolated, which proved that choline is a lipotropic agent that should be fed with other agents such as methionine. 

In the experiment, feeding choline resulted in fewer cows with fatty liver, which means better health and milk production. 

For more details, view the abstract summary here: https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/1-Rumen-protected-choline-RPC-influences-hepatic-metabolism-during-induction-of-fatty-liver.pdfhttps://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/2-Rumen-protected-choline-RPC-reduces-hepatic-triacylglycerol-content-by-increasing-hepatic-triglyceride-rich-lipoprotein-secretion.pdf

Rumen protected choline (RPC) influences hepatic metabolism during induction of fatty liver.

Joining us is Usman Arshad from the University of Florida discussing his research on how rumen-protected choline influences metabolism. 

For the study, cows were induced with fatty liver via caloric restriction, then fed them a diet high in fatty acids. Then they looked at triacylglycerides in the blood and collected lymphatic fluid. The study found that triacylglycerol levels were increased in both the blood and lymphatic system which suggests that choline increases digestibility of nutrients concurrent with enhanced absorption of triacylglycerols. 

The study also found that choline reduces inflammation in cows, which could result in less mastitis or matritus. Choline could actually impact the immune function of the cows. 

For more details, view the abstract summary here: https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/1-Rumen-protected-choline-RPC-influences-hepatic-metabolism-during-induction-of-fatty-liver.pdf

Increasing dose of prepartum rumen protected choline: Effects on milk production in Holstein dairy cows and Increasing dose of prepartum rumen protected choline: Effects on energy and nitrogen metabolism in Holstein dairy cows

Joining us is Dr. Henry Holdorf from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discussing his research on postpartum and prepartum rumen protected choline. 

These studies focused on higher producing cows, as they were second or greater lactation cows. The results of feeding rumen-protected choline still created an increase in milk production. While the cows had high intakes, they were very typical in size for a midwest dairy cow. 

An area of interest that requires more study is if choline impacts mammary gland function or rumen health and supply of nutrients. Considering carry-over effects that happen after stopping choline supplementations makes it a subject requiring more study. 

For more details, view the abstract summaries here: 

https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/7-Increasing-dose-of-prepartum-rumen-protected-choline-Effects-on-milk-production-in-Holstein-dairy-cows.pdf

https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/8-Increasing-dose-of-prepartum-rumen-protected-choline-Effects-on-energy-and-nitrogen-metabolism-in-Holstein-dairy-cows.pdf

Increasing dose of prepartum rumen-protected choline: Effects of in utero exposure on growth and feed efficiency in Holstein dairy calves.

Joining us is Dr. Henry Holdorf from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discussing his research on increasing the dose of rumen-protected choline and its effect on growth and feed efficiency via in utero exposure. 

The results of the study showed that higher doses of rumen-protected choline in the first two weeks of life increased the average daily gains and feed efficiency than the control group. For this experiment the choline was mixed into the ration, so the intake of choline by the cow was dependent on her dry matter intake. 

An important takeaway is that there are additional benefits for postpartum cows and their calves than what is established with choline. It’s a chance to help young, vulnerable animals. 

For more details, view the abstract summary here: https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/9-Increasing-dose-of-prepartum-rumen-protected-choline-Effects-of-in-utero-exposure-on-growth-and-feed-efficiency-in-Holstein-dairy-calves.pdf

Increasing dose of prepartum rumen-protected choline: Effects of in utero exposure on Angus x Holstein beef calves and Effects of in utero choline exposure on growth and metabolism in weaned Angus X Holstein calves.

Joining us is Dr. Henry Holdorf and Dr. Billy Brown from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discussing their research on in utero choline exposure in crossbred calves. 

The study by Dr. Holdorf fed choline mixed into the daily ration to prepartum cows and resulted in the male holstein/angus calves having improved rates of gain from three to eight weeks of age. It was linearly increasing with the increase of choline ingested by the cow. The results were not the same for female calves. 

Dr. Brown continued the study after weaning of the calves by weighing them monthly and discovered there was a tendency of increased body weight, hip and wither height. For producers, this allows them to gain value on calves right out of the gate, as the average difference in growth was approximately 30 pounds difference between the control group and the highest dosage of choline. 

For more details, view the abstract summaries here: 

https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/11-Effects-of-in-utero-choline-exposure-on-growth-and-metabolism-in-weaned-Angus-X-Holstein-calves.pdf

https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/10-Increasing-dose-of-prepartum-rumen-protected-choline-Effects-of-in-utero-exposure-on-Angus-x-Holstein-beef-calves.pdf

Effects of dietary rumen-protected choline supplementation during an intramammary lipopolysaccharide challenge in periparturient dairy cattle.

Joining us is Turner Swartz from Michigan State University discussing the effects of choline supplementation. 

The hypothesis of the study is that choline supplementation increases milk yield due to a reduction in inflammation. To prove this, cows were put into inflammation with a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, which traditionally would decrease milk yield. The study found the choline response was greater than the LPS response. Choline increased milk production by 3kg per cow per day. The LPS was reducing production by 2kgs per cow per day.  

For more details, view the abstract summary here: https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/4-Effects-of-dietary-rumen-protected-choline-supplementation-during-an-intramammary-lipopolysaccharide-challenge-in-periparturient-dairy-cattle.pdf

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This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees. 

Co-host: Tom Powell, Director of Monogastric Business Balchem, Dr. Zack Lowman, Balchem Technical Service

Today’s episode is focused on a hot topic in the poultry industry and that is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The poultry industry has come a long way in how we manage HPAI outbreaks, and we will touch on what we continue to learn and how that will help us moving forward. 

Dr. Cardona starts with some background on HPAI. The outbreak in 2022 has so far affected more than 30 states and 50 million birds. (5:07) 

Dr. Helm explained that wild ducks and geese in North America carry many different strains of a low pathogenic AI. When high pathogenic strains come from Europe and Asia they intermix with the North American strains, which typically mellows the high pathogenic strains. (15:19) 

Myah Walker shared lessons learned from the 2015 outbreak, which includes ensuring biosecurity is tidied up. This can be employee training which is constant because of turnover, communication internally and externally about biosecurity processes and communication with peers to share best practices. (23:48) 

Dr. Cardona addressed free-range birds being infected by wild birds and said that wild birds are attracted to poultry farms either by food or water. By protecting feed and ensuring wild birds don’t come for feed, the outdoor spaces could have the same infection rate as indoor birds. (33:03) 

Myah Walker said in addition to economic impacts, there are mental health impacts of HPAI as well. Depopulating a house takes a mental toll on employees, owners, and growers because they feel a lack of control and sometimes blame themselves. (38:43) 

Dr. Helm wrapped up by saying if you’re in the industry, get to know the state person who will help you with a response and get to know them before an outbreak hits to go over your plans. (50:30) 

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This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

There are a few things present in almost all environments and one of them is mold. Today on the Real Science Exchange we talk about molds and toxins in agriculture and the opportunity they have to impact the health and profitability of animals and crops. 

Dr. Diaz begins by saying molds that produce toxins will grow in a building off of air particles because they are pretty adaptable. They can find a way to enter a system and produce toxins. (17:21) 

Dr. Whitlow mentioned molds cause problems in addition to mycotoxins. As the mold grows, it will use some of the nutrients and the feed will have less nutritional value. In some cases, molds may use individual amino acids, so it could change the amino acid profile. (29:31) 

Dr. Diaz recommends building a risk assessment model that takes into account the commodities you feed, where they’re coming from and how much of your total diet is made up of this ingredient. You use those data points to decide when to take a sample and see what is being brought in. (38:51)

Dr. Whitlow said one of the biggest effects of mycotoxins is suppressing the immune system. Dry cows are already immune suppressed so if you add the mycotoxin on top of that they don’t have any chance of getting started. You’ve got to keep clean feed in front of the dry cows and the calves. Calves don’t have the functional rumen which allows them to destroy mycotoxins. (51:55)

Dr. Whitlow emphasizes that for dairy farms management needs to be a big emphasis. Planting and harvesting at the correct time and rotating crops is vital. We know continuous corn will create more mold problems. In addition, follow best management practices for silage making and storage to reduce mold. (1:13:56)

Dr. Diaz summarizes by saying he would like to see more work on the identification of biomarkers of exposure. If we are better able to identify exposure to toxins through animal tissues or samples, we would eliminate errors associated with sampling. We would also have a solid diagnostic tool. Ideally, we’d get to a point where we can do diagnostics on-farm. (1:18:37)

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This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees. 

In today’s podcast we are focusing on the costs and implications of poultry diseases and practical ways to reduce antibiotic resistance with Dr. TJ Gaydos and Andy Flickinger. 

Dr. Gaydos said that in the poultry industry, disease prevention through vaccines is the focus for birds' health, rather than the treatment of illnesses. (15:39) 

Andy mentioned that litter amendments, specifically PLT, is a mainstay at their operation on the non-organic side. PLT acidifies the litter and is used for ammonia and pathogen control. On the organic side however, there are fewer options available. (22:06) 

Dr. Gaydos said that intestinal health in general is an issue in the poultry industry and toxicosis is a part of that. Infectious bronchitis virus is a concern everywhere as well as blackhead disease, so the industry is always working to improve those situations. (27:34) 

Dr. Gaydos wrapped up by saying a lot of genetic research is being done to help with disease resistance and how that relates to performance in the industry, and will continue to be a focus for years to come. (34:56)

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This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.  

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University; Dr. Chanhee Lee, The Ohio State University; Haley Zynda, The Ohio State University Special Guest: Dr. Maurice Eastridge, The Ohio State University  

Today’s episode is an installment of the Journal Club and is around an actual table once again! Our guests gathered at the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference to discuss some of the newest research published in the Journal of Dairy Science surrounding reducing DCAD, nutrient digestibility and ammonia emissions from manure. 

Dr. Lee stated that by reducing DCAD, the urine or lactating cows would have a lower pH, leading to reduced ammonia emission. Traditionally this leads to decreased milk production. (7:48)

Haley Zynda mentioned that there was milk fat depression across all three diets, even the high or average DCAD diets. (16:50) 

Dr. Lee said their study saw a 15% decrease in ammonia, which is a significant environmentally beneficial benefit and increases the mineral value. (26:45)

Dr. Lee also mentioned that in this study, they saw a negative production effect, so at this time, it would not be economically viable. But over the next 5-10 years, we can improve upon the strategy and make it practical. (34:47) 

Haley Zynda wrapped up by commenting the natural next step in research would be a field trial and trying to grow these crops, especially those using sulfur to decrease the DCAD and soils that are sulfur deficient. (50:09)

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This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

Guests: Dr. Jack Britt, Jack Britt Consulting; Dr. Jimena LaPorta, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Dr. Eric Ciappio, Balchem Corporation; Dr. Pete Hansen, University of Florida; Dr. Clay Zimmerman, Balchem Corporation

Today’s episode was filmed live and in-person from the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference! This episode will focus on the symposium exploring in utero influences on transgenerational performance. 

Dr. Jack Britt started by saying when managing your dairy herd, if the cow is pregnant, you are managing the next three generations simultaneously. We need to be focused on the long term in how we care and feed the animal. (5:10) 

Dr. Pete Hansen mentioned breeding for heat stress is challenging because there is so much movement of cattle across the U.S. However, there is genetic regulation of resistance to heat stress and how cells respond to hyperthermia. Dr. Hansen believes dairy cattle breeders will start to put out heat tolerance genetic data. (15:15) 

Dr. Eric Ciappio has studied the role of choline in human pregnancy and its increase in infant cognition. While there is currently no direct data supporting choline fed in human pregnancies will also help the child’s immune system as it does in cattle, you could someday make that assumption. (25:48) 

Dr. Clay Zimmerman shared a study that showed improved ADG through ten months of age when supplementing the cow with choline during pregnancy. Furthermore, the benefit was seen in utero, with less improvement but still some coming from colostrum. (38:19) 

Dr. Jimena LaPorta said that her research focused on understanding if you can reverse heat stress in utero. Heifers born to heat stress cows were cooled and provided the opposite environment, but they didn’t recover. They responded to the treatment physiologically, but growth wasn’t recovered. (44:28) 

Dr. Jack Britt wrapped up by emphasizing the importance of a single compound like a methyl group and how it could have a huge influence on the biology of an animal. You can look at big things, but we also need to look at the little things. (1:04:24)

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This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.