In this episode, Dr. Stephen Smith, retired Regents Professor and Emeritus Senior Faculty Fellow, explains how marbling adipose tissue shapes beef quality, value, and nutritional research. He discusses the science behind fat composition, the role of glucose in marbling development, and explains why more research is needed to connect beef production strategies with human nutrition outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Longer corn feeding increases oleic acid and marbling, connecting diet strategy with beef quality, soft fat, and product value."

Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Smith is a retired Regents Professor and Emeritus Senior Faculty Fellow at Texas A&M. His work documented the development, composition, and nutritional value of marbling adipose tissue in beef cattle, including links among diet, oleic acid, and beef quality. Learn more from Dr. Stephen Smith on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:02) Introduction
• (01:53) Japanese beef
• (03:22) Corn feeding
• (05:22) Marbling substrates
• (08:36) Human nutrition
• (11:00) Beef studies
• (13:02) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Pro Earth Animal Health

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Patrick Davis from the University of Missouri explains how cow-calf producers can prepare cows nutritionally for winter, calving, and rebreeding. He discusses body condition targets, stockpiled fescue, weaning timing, and practical strategies to help improve herd performance while making efficient use of available feed resources. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Mature cows should be around body condition score five to six at calving so they can enter breeding in good energy status."

Meet the guest: Dr. Patrick Davis is Assistant Extension Professional, Livestock Specialist, and Cedar County Program Director at the University of Missouri.  He holds a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and his work supports livestock producers across southwest and west central Missouri, with a focus on beef cattle nutrition, reproduction, forage management, and practical cow-calf operations. Learn more from Dr. Patrick Davis on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:15) Introduction
• (01:57) Winter preparation
• (02:35) Body condition
• (03:15) Forage resources
• (04:21) Calving targets
• (05:28) Weaning decisions
• (08:33) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Pro Earth Animal Health

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jay Nair, Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, explains how feed efficiency selection may affect young breeding bulls. He discusses residual feed intake, smart feed systems, feeding behavior, sperm motility, breeding soundness evaluations, and ongoing research evaluating whether efficient bulls can improve herd performance without compromising fertility. Listen now on all major platforms.

"Selecting feed-efficient bulls can reduce feed use while maintaining growth, but reproductive performance must remain a priority during breeding decisions."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jayakrishnan Nair is an Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His background spans ruminant nutrition, cattle research, and veterinary practice, with a PhD and MS from the University of Saskatchewan. Learn more from Dr. Nair on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:10) Introduction
• (03:01) Feed efficiency
• (04:35) Bull impact
• (07:17) Smart feed
• (09:32) Intake behavior
• (11:46) Breeding soundness
• (15:02) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Pro Earth Animal Health

- Elevate

- The Owner's Box

- ZentrixOS

- Zentrix Insights

- WiseVAs

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Stephen Boyles, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, explains why nutrition during the final trimester matters in cow-calf systems. He discusses fetal growth, colostrum quality, postpartum interval, body condition score, calving distribution, and practical supplementation strategies. Dr. Boyles also explains why excess corn can reduce forage digestibility and why fiber or protein supplements may better support forage-based systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

"About two-thirds of fetal growth occurs in the last trimester, so nutrition affects calf growth, colostrum quality, and postpartum interval."

Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Boyles is Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University. His extension work focuses on Beef Quality Assurance, animal handling, facility design, environmental assessments, and animal welfare audits. He received the 2021 National Beef Quality Assurance Educator of the Year award and holds a PhD from Kansas State University. Learn more from Dr. Stephen Boyles on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:54) Introduction
• (02:42) Late gestation
• (02:43) Fetal growth
• (03:21) Postpartum interval
• (05:09) Cow economics
• (07:06) Body condition
• (10:44) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Pro Earth Animal Health

- WiseVAs

- DietForge

- Elevate

- The Owner's Box

- ZentrixOS

- Zentrix Insights

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Hunter Perez, PhD student and Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Georgia, discusses research on reducing E.coli shedding in beef cattle through abrupt dietary changes before harvest. He explains how forage quality influences outcomes, highlights potential food safety benefits for local beef production, and shares future research on hair shedding genetics and cattle performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to learn more!

"Low-quality forage decreased E. coli shedding the most, but practical nutrition strategies still need to identify which forage characteristics drive that response."

Meet the guest: Hunter Perez is a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia. His work focuses on ruminant nutrition, rumen microbiology, cattle production, and dietary strategies that influence animal health, microbial dynamics, and production efficiency. Learn more from Hunter Perez on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:56) Introduction
• (02:37) Research relevance
• (03:01) E. coli shedding
• (03:58) Shift timing
• (04:37) Forage quality
• (05:18) Rumen response
• (09:33) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Pro Earth Animal Health

- ZentrixOS

- Zentrix Insights

- WiseVAs

- DietForge

- Elevate

- The Owner's Box

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jordan Adams, from Texas A&M University, explains how feed management connects nutrient use, profitability, and environmental stewardship in beef systems. She discusses practical strategies, forage testing, precision technologies, and the USDA NRCS feed management initiative to support more efficient beef cattle operations. Listen now on all major platforms!

“The easiest thing that producers can do is test their feed and forages. You can't manage what you don't measure.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Jordan Adams earned a B.S. from Texas A&M University, an M.S. in Animal Sciences from Oklahoma State University, and a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from Texas A&M University. She is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas A&M AgriLife, focusing on beef cattle nutrition and feed management. Listen to Dr. Jordan Adams on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:30) Introduction
• (02:04) Feed management
• (03:28) Nutrient goals
• (04:05) Sustainability impact
• (05:15) Practical strategies
• (06:35) Precision management
• (07:51) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Pro Earth Animal Health

- Elevate

- The Owner's Box

- WiseVAs

- ZentrixOS

- Zentrix Insights

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Clint Krehbiel, from Texas Tech University, explains why high-risk calves still challenge receiving programs. He discusses transportation, commingling, feed familiarity, high-quality roughage, preconditioning, and the need for continued research on morbidity and performance. Dr. Krehbiel also explains how early management decisions can help calves adapt after weaning and shipping. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Rest after transportation and high-quality roughage can help high-risk calves find water, relax, and move toward the feed bunk sooner."

Meet the guest: Dr. Clint Krehbiel is Dean of the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University. He earned a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has dedicated his career to beef cattle nutrition, calf health, nutrient utilization, and receiving cattle management. Learn more from Dr. Clint Krehbiel on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:41) Introduction
• (02:45) Career path
• (03:56) Transportation stress
• (05:55) Risk factors
• (07:16) Receiving nutrition
• (09:10) Preconditioning value
• (12:48) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- DietForge

- Elevate

- The Owner's Box

- WiseVAs

- ZentrixOS

- Zentrix Insights

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Amanda Grev from the University of Maryland explains how annual forages can improve grazing systems by increasing pasture productivity, supporting animal performance, and extending grazing seasons. She discusses managing summer slump, renovating underperforming pastures, improving forage quality, and using annuals to maintain forage availability during dry periods while giving perennial stands time to recover. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to read the full research article!

"Annual forages can produce a lot of forage in a short amount of time while maintaining strong protein and energy values."

Meet the guest: Dr. Amanda Grev is the Forage Extension Specialist at the University of Maryland. Her work supports forage producers, livestock owners, and industry professionals through research and Extension programming in forage production and pasture management. She holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota. Learn more from Dr. Amanda Grev on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:21) Introduction
• (02:31) Annual forages
• (03:05) Forage benefits
• (04:11) Pasture renovation
• (05:27) Animal performance
• (07:56) Grazing days
• (09:30) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. John Richeson from West Texas A&M University explores the impact of stress on the health and performance of beef cattle. He explains how stress affects feed intake, immune function, cattle adaptation, and BRD persistence in high-risk calves. Dr. Richeson also discusses the role of commingling and chronic stress in shaping health and performance outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Pro-inflammatory cytokines produced during stress have a massive impact on intake because they directly promote anorexia in stressed animals."

Meet the guest: Dr. John Richeson is the Paul Engler Professor of Beef Cattle Feedlot Management and Professor of Animal Science at West Texas A&M University. His work focuses on cattle health, performance, welfare, feedlot management, and stress-related immune responses in newly received cattle. He holds a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Arkansas. Learn more about cattle stress management with Dr. John Richeson on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:21) Introduction
• (02:06) Stress definition
• (02:42) Commingling stress
• (05:12) Intake suppression
• (07:57) BRD persistence
• (09:32) Vaccination response
• (12:37) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ron Lemenager, Professor and Extension Beef Specialist at Purdue University, explains practical fly control for beef cattle. He discusses horn flies, face flies, premise sanitation, insecticide resistance, feed-through products, ear tags, and emerging vaccine and genetic approaches. Dr. Lemenager also discusses how climate and management practices affect fly pressure across different production systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to read the full research article!

"Horn flies create major economic pressure because blood feeding occurs many times daily, reducing cattle comfort and overall production efficiency across beef cattle systems."

Meet the guest: Dr. Ron Lemenager is a Professor and Extension Beef Specialist at Purdue University, where he conducts applied research and creates education programs for the beef industry. He has more than 40 years of experience in beef cattle management and production systems. Research and extension efforts have focused on practical solutions for cattle health, nutrition, and production efficiency across diverse operations. Learn more about fly control strategies with Dr. Ron Lemenager on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:26) Introduction
• (02:38) Types of flies
• (04:18) Horn flies
• (04:45) Control methods
• (06:52) Ear tag rotation
• (08:46) Other fly control options
• (11:10) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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