In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Ben Moitoso, Dairy Solutions Specialist supporting customers through Veterinary Service Inc., discusses why water quality deserves more attention in dairy systems. He explains how storage tanks, older pipelines, trough contamination, biofilm, and bacterial loads can affect herd health, and how chlorine dioxide can help sanitize water lines, reduce pathogen pressure, and support better somatic cell outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!

"When animals drink contaminated water, somatic cell counts can rise, and cleaner water can help bring them back down."

Meet the guest: Ben Moitoso serves as a Dairy Solutions Specialist supporting customers through Veterinary Service Inc. (VSI), a leading distributor of animal health products. He works closely with Kemin and dairy producers to evaluate on-farm challenges and implement practical, results-driven solutions, particularly in water quality, disinfection, and pathogen control. Learn more from Ben Moitoso on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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Dr. José Eduardo Santos: Choline & Dairy Cows - Part 1 | Ep. 106

Dr. José Eduardo Santos: Rumen-Protected Choline - Part 2 | Ep. 107

Dr. Frank Mitloehner: Nitrogen Excretion & Amino Acid Balancing | Ep. 111

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:55) Introduction
• (02:48) Water challenges
• (05:10) Chlorine dioxide
• (07:37) Somatic cell counts
• (09:50) Herd impact
• (12:53) Farm installation
• (16:44) Closing thoughts

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

* Kemin

* Fortiva

* Barentz

* Priority IAC

* Adisseo

* Vetagro

- DietForge

- Esmilco Inc.

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Professor at Cornell University, explores what truly limits milk components in modern dairy cows. He discusses the roles of amino acids and fatty acids in milk fat synthesis, the biological factors contributing to increasing milk fat levels, and the nutritional considerations affecting milk protein production. Listen now on all major platforms.

"The way requirements are evaluated needs to move beyond net nitrogen and consider the metabolic machinery needed to make milk fat and protein."

Meet the guest: Dr. Mike Van Amburgh is a Professor at Cornell University with long-standing expertise in dairy cattle nutrition, animal science, and the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from Cornell University and his B.S. in Dairy Science from The Ohio State University. Hear more from Dr. Mike Van Amburgh on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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Victoria Ramos: Fatty Acids in Dairy Cow Diets | Ep. 103

Dr. Eduardo Rico: Omega-3 & Inflammation Control | Ep. 128

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:47) Introduction
• (02:27) Milk fat gains
• (03:47) Amino acid responses
• (05:20) Fat synthesis
• (07:08) Enzyme requirements
• (10:30) Protein response
• (13:22) Closing thoughts

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

- Virtus Nutrition

* Vetagro

* Barentz

* Fortiva

* Kemin

* Priority IAC

* Adisseo

- DietForge

- Esmilco Inc.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Tadeu Silva, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Vermont, discusses CalfSim, a tool designed to help dairy professionals create and evaluate calf milk feeding programs. He explains the science behind the model, its practical applications, current limitations, and future opportunities using farm data and predictive technologies. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to read the full research article!

"Disease, environment, and daily farm practices can explain gaps between model predictions and field results."

Meet the guest: Dr. Tadeu Silva is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Vermont with extensive experience in ruminant nutrition. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil and previously worked with Cargill Animal Nutrition. His work focuses on nutrition models, calf performance, and practical tools that support dairy management decisions. Listen to Dr. Tadeu Silva on the Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:03) Introduction
• (02:37) CalfSim basics
• (05:21) Model foundations
• (07:04) Farm variation
• (08:53) Tool limitations
• (10:26) Future models
• (11:55) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

* Vetagro

* Barentz

* Fortiva

* Kemin

* Priority IAC

- DietForge

- Virtus Nutrition

- Esmilco Inc.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Pedro Melendez, Clinical Full Professor at City University of Hong Kong, explains how abdominal adiposity and hypocalcemia affect transition cow health. He discusses genetic links to internal fat, risks of metabolic disease, urine pH monitoring, anionic diets, and the use of calcium boluses for older cows. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Excess abdominal adiposity can trigger lipolysis, inflammation, mastitis, ketosis, and fatty liver while reflecting an important genetic component."

Meet the guest: Dr. Pedro Melendez is a Clinical Full Professor in Bovine Production Medicine at City University of Hong Kong. He earned his DVM from the University of Chile and his MS and PhD from the University of Florida, with work focused on dairy production medicine, nutritional management, and metabolic disease. Learn more from Dr. Pedro Melendez on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:44) Introduction
• (02:14) Guest background
• (03:30) Abdominal adiposity risks
• (06:41) Genetic factors role
• (08:14) Preventing hypocalcemia
• (10:49) Calcium bolus use
• (12:08) Closing thoughts

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

* Fortiva

* Adisseo

* Vetagro

* Barentz

* Priority IAC

* Kemin

- Esmilco Inc.

- Virtus Nutrition

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this special episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. James Spain, Professor at the University of Missouri, continues to discuss practical strategies for managing heat stress in dairy cattle as summer temperatures approach. He explains the importance of ventilation, airflow, cow behavior, rumination monitoring, and thermal balance in maintaining feed intake, milk production, and reproductive performance during hot weather. Prepare your operation for summer and listen now on all major platforms!

"Changes in rumination patterns provide early indicators of thermal stress before visible production losses emerge."

Meet the guest: Dr. James Spain earned his PhD in Animal Sciences from Virginia Tech and his BS in Animal Sciences from North Carolina State University. As a Professor at the University of Missouri, his work has focused on dairy cattle management, environmental challenges, and production efficiency. Learn more from Dr. James Spain on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (02:01) Introduction
• (03:48) Heat stress management
• (05:17) Barn ventilation strategies
• (06:17) Cow cooling systems
• (07:09) Rumination monitoring
• (10:08) Thermal balance indicators
• (10:54) Closing thoughts

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

* Priority IAC

* Kemin

* Fortiva

* Adisseo

* Vetagro

* Barentz

- DietForge

- Esmilco Inc.

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this special episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. James Spain, Professor at the University of Missouri, discusses how increasing milk production has intensified heat stress challenges in modern dairy cows. With warmer months placing additional pressure on herd performance, he explains the effects on feed intake, milk production, thermal balance, and cooling strategies, highlighting why cow-centered temperature management may improve performance and efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The thermometer we should be using to run our cooling systems is not measuring air temperature; it really should be based on cow temperature."

Meet the guest: Dr. James Spain earned his PhD in Animal Sciences from Virginia Tech and his BS in Animal Sciences from North Carolina State University. As a Professor at the University of Missouri, his work has focused on dairy cattle management, environmental challenges, and production efficiency. Learn more from Dr. James Spain on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:43) Introduction
• (02:43) Heat stress challenges
• (04:06) Internal heat production
• (05:44) Cow-centered cooling
• (08:10) Thermal balance indicators
• (08:56) Nighttime cooling benefits
• (11:30) Closing thoughts

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

* Priority IAC

* Kemin

* Fortiva

* Adisseo

* Vetagro

* Barentz

- Esmilco Inc.

- Virtus Nutrition

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Dwain Bunting from Barentz Animal Nutrition North America discusses how summer humidity affects the stability of potassium carbonate, mineral buffers, and dairy concentrate mixes. He explains ingredient reactivity, moisture risks, formulation considerations, and practical strategies to improve mix stability during periods of hot, humid weather. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Summer humidity raises the reactivity of potassium carbonate and mineral buffers, making chemical stability a serious concern inside dairy concentrate mixtures during the hottest months."

Meet the guest: Dr. Dwain Bunting is a ruminant nutritionist with more than 27 years of industry and academic experience across dairy and beef systems. He holds a PhD in Nutrition and Biochemistry and has worked in research, teaching, product development, and global technical support roles. Currently serving as a Technical Service Dairy Nutritionist at Barentz Animal Nutrition North America, he focuses on applied dairy nutrition and formulation strategies. Listen to Dr. Dwain Bunting on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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Dr. Dwain Bunting: DCAD And Palatability | Ep. 121

Dr. Frank Delfino: Potassium Strategies & Heat Stress | Ep. 132

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:42) Introduction
• (02:17) Summer humidity
• (04:24) Mineral risks
• (06:26) Potassium buffers
• (07:41) Moisture control
• (08:42) Summer caution
• (09:32) Closing thoughts

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

* Barentz

* Adisseo

* Fortiva

* Kemin

* Vetagro

- DietForge

- Esmilco Inc.

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Susanna Räisänen, Assistant Professor at Aarhus University, discusses the growing importance of histidine in dairy cow nutrition. She explains how lower-protein diets affect amino acid balance, the role of microbial protein, and the challenges of improving nitrogen utilization while maintaining milk production. Learn how histidine may shape future dairy nutrition strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!

"In a meta-analysis compiling all histidine studies, histidine supplementation increased dry matter intake and increased milk protein, milk yield, and energy-corrected milk yield."

Meet the guest: Dr. Susanna Räisänen is an Assistant Professor at Aarhus University specializing in nitrogen utilization in lactating dairy cows. She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Animal Science from SLU in Sweden and completed her Ph.D. at Penn State University. Her research focuses on amino acid nutrition, protein efficiency, and sustainable dairy production. Listen to Dr. Susanna Räisänen on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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Dr. Sonia Rodríguez: Improving Milk Production with Gut Health Strategies | Ep. 125

Dr. Lance Baumgard: Stress Impact on Gut Health | Ep. 130

Dr. Richard Paratte: Lysine and Milk Production | Ep. 133

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:41) Introduction
• (03:31) Histidine interest
• (06:08) Low-protein diets
• (07:31) Supplementation responses
• (08:28) Feed sources
• (09:46) Practical limits
• (14:38) Closing thoughts

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

* Vetagro

* Adisseo

* Fortiva

* Barentz

* Kemin

- DietForge

- Esmilco Inc.

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Massimo Bionaz from Oregon State University explains how nutrigenomics can support dairy cow performance. He details how bioactive compounds can regulate gene expression to reduce inflammation, improve transition periods, and support metabolic balance. Understand the science behind transcription factors and fatty acid interactions. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to read the full research articles:

Nutrigenomics in dairy cows: Nutrients, transcription factors, and techniques

Advances in fatty acids nutrition in dairy cows: from gut to cells and effects on performance

Functional Role of PPARs in Ruminants: Potential Targets for Fine-Tuning Metabolism during Growth and Lactation

"Nutrigenomics is trying to exploit bioactive compounds in the feed that interact with the genome."

Meet the guest: Dr. Massimo Bionaz is an Associate Professor at Oregon State University. His research focuses on nutrigenomics, milk and human health, dairy cow welfare, systems biology, and hemp byproducts as livestock feed. He earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Husbandry and Production from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy, where he studied liver function and inflammation in dairy cows. Learn more from Dr. Massimo Bionaz on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:48) Introduction
• (04:52) What is nutrigenomics
• (06:28) Transcription factors explained
• (08:40) Fatty acids and health
• (09:53) Inflammation during transition
• (12:10) Benefits for producers
• (15:21) Closing thoughts

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

* Kemin

* Adisseo

* Vetagro

* Fortiva

* Barentz

- Virtus Nutrition

- DietForge

- Esmilco Inc.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating National Dairy Month, Dr. Alexandre Pedroso, dairy specialist and senior consultant at Plenteous Consultoria, continues the discussion on how animal welfare shapes dairy cattle nutrition, herd health, and production efficiency. He explores the impact of heat stress, cow comfort, lying time, feed intake, and labor challenges on modern dairy systems, while sharing practical strategies to support sustainability and long-term herd performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Cow comfort, nutrition, hygiene, and environmental management together establish the essential conditions required for maintaining strong herd health and sustainable dairy production."

Meet the guest: Dr. Alexandre Pedroso earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from ESALQ USP in Brazil and has decades of experience in dairy cattle nutrition, animal welfare, and feed management. As founder of Plenteous Consultoria and a CowSignals expert, his work focuses on improving dairy farm efficiency, sustainability, and herd performance through better nutrition and cow comfort. Learn more from Dr. Alexandre Pedroso on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms!

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:38) Introduction
• (02:05) Welfare and nutrition
• (02:31) Heat stress impact
• (03:25) Cow comfort
• (03:53) Nutrition and immunity
• (05:52) Labor challenges
• (08:15) Closing thoughts

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

* Barentz

* Vetagro

* Kemin

* Adisseo

* Fortiva

- Esmilco Inc.

- Virtus Nutrition

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast