Real Science Exchange-Dairy

Guests:
Dr. Heather White, University of Wisconsin
Dr. Joseph McFadden, Cornell University 
Dr. Maya Zachut, Volcani Center
Dr. Adam Lock, Michigan State University 
Dr. Laura Hernandez, University of Wisconsin 
Dr. Larry Miller, Director, DISCOVER Conferences

Hosts Scott Sorrell and Dr. Clay Zimmerman were joined around the pub table by a crew from the 2020 DISCOVER Conference. The team of five industry experts presented a session on the Transition Period-From Physiology to Management at the conference and wanted to continue that discussion at the pub to dive deeper into some of the key presentation topics.

Kicking off the discussion, each specialist highlighted their area of expertise and showed how they fit into this larger discussion. 2:07

To dive into controversial conversation the first topic the team discussed was insulin resistance: friend or foe? 11:19

With science and technology these days, Dr. Hernandez discussed if there is a way to predict which cows will suffer from hypocalcemia pre-partum. 23:47

Also understanding the opportunities pre-partum, the group discussed if they could predict the amount of lipolysis postpartum for the cows. 27:01

Since the experts span different geographies, spreading even to the desert with Dr. Zachut in Israel, they discussed how the diets play into this discussion as well. 31:56

Many times, research is only as good as its practical use in the field, the panel added their input how practicality played a role in their research focuses. 36:59

The discussion transitioned into how fatty acids also play a key role in transition cow nutrition. 39:28

Biomarkers in the transition cow was a big discussion at the conference and continued around the table 54:12

The panel recapped their takeaways from each of their disciplines 1:10

Dr. Larry Miller, director of the DISCOVER conferences joined the group at the table and highlighted how the conference transitioned to a virtual setting in 2020. 1:22

The 40th conference will be a special one where the new NACM nutrient requirements of dairy cattle will be released and discussed. The conference will most likely sell out, so you can register today here before it’s too late! https://www.adsa.org/Meetings/40th-Discover-Conference 1:25

The second episode of the Real Science Exchange focuses on feeding for increased milk protein production. The host Scott Sorrell is joined by his co-host Dr. Clay Zimmerman for this round-the-table discussion. Clay brought with him Dr. Mike Van Amburgh from Cornell University and Dr. Buzz Burhans with the Dairy-Tech Group. The two guests bring both the academic and research perspective along with practical on-the-farm reality. Dr. Mike VanAmburgh in his role at Cornell University lead the development of CNCPS. 2:38 

Dr. Buzz Burhans has been an independent consultant for more than 35 years and was one of the first adopters of CNCPS. 4:50 

Here are highlights of the discussion, make sure to tune in to hear each topic discussed: Previously, on one of the Real Science Lectures Dr. Mike Van Amburgh presented on how to increase milk protein and customer profits. He shared the key points from that lecture. This includes the current challenging times to figure how to get protein levels up and the importance of accurately knowing the cow you are feeding. 8:56 

Dr. Burhans went on to talk about practical experience when he and Mike worked together previously on an industry field day and discovered that most nutritionists did not have an accurate understanding of the cow weight. Some got it close, give or take 400 pounds 20:04 

Discussions shifts to NDF characterization and the importance of diet differentiation based on available economical feedstuffs. 28:39 

A follow-up discussion from the Real Science lecturer series focused around whether or not crude protein should be the focus or if it should be instead on amino acids 34:49 

Dr. Burhans highlighted the importance of rumen ammonia as an indicator in formulation management. 41:34 

Dr. Van Amburgh brought up the importance of honestly knowing your cows' availability to feed vs. assumption. Trail cams can prove the truthfulness from your assumptions 43:26 

With Dr. Burhans experience both in the west and in the northeast, he discussed the sugar levels in diets 46:13 

Dr. Van Amburgh reminded the table the importance of looking at the cows to understand what’s going on there, not just looking at the data on paper 51:57 

The chat then shifts to talk about Dr. VanAmburgh’s current outlook on the push to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Some supplies are discussing the push to a “voluntary” mandate and the discussion for what role does nutrition play into this move. 52:39 

Looking ahead to 2050, both guests admitted they shouldn’t be worry about where the dairy industry is at that point, but they will probably still be involved. Dr. Van Amburgh dives into the need to retain the carbon in the soil and the potential for a different structure of the dairy production and integration. He also discusses how CNCPS will evolve to help with the future changes. 57:75 

Dr. Burhans' looked ahead and indicated that in the future as the nutrition model gets more complex, the background and education of the nutritionists will need to align. 1:06 

Please subscribe for future episodes where it’s always happy hour, the conversations are sometimes spicy and usually satisfying. But most importantly, you’re always among friends. 
 

Grab a drink and enjoy getting to know one of the Real Science Exchange podcast hosts, Scott Sorrell. While Scott did not grow up on a dairy farm, he's spent his career working in the dairy nutrition field and has a great passion for the dairy industry. 

Scott provides a preview of what listeners can expect from future podcasts. The episodes will dive into hot topics in the dairy industry. Think of each podcast episode as the conversations around the table over a few drinks after the industry meetings. You know, the chats where all the real work gets done. 

Each episode, you'll hear from industry-leading scientists, topic experts and nutritionists that will bring perspectives from bench-top research to the farm level. 

To recommend a topic for future podcasts, email [email protected]