As we celebrate Earth Day this month, we’re bringing a special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast. In this conversation with Dr. Robin White from Virginia Tech, she explores the complex intersection of dairy cattle production and climate change. Dr. White discusses the industry's contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, strategies to reduce environmental impact, and the irreplaceable nutrients provided by dairy products, exploring both challenges and opportunities. Tune in to this episode on all major platforms.

"Eliminating animal agriculture would only reduce agricultural emissions by about 30%, as humans would still require agricultural land for food production."

Meet the guest: Dr. Robin White is an Associate Professor at Virginia Tech with expertise in sustainable livestock systems. With a Ph.D. and B.S. in Animal Sciences from Washington State University, her research focuses on greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient efficiency, and sustainable strategies for ruminants. 

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:54) Introduction
• (02:30) Climate change in dairy
• (02:66) Minimizing environmental impact
• (04:15) Impact of eliminating cows
• (05:37) Key nutrients in dairy
• (06:41) Byproducts in ruminant diets
• (09:07) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

- Volac

- Afimilk

- Zinpro

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Elliot Neto from Kemin Industries, discusses the critical role of amino acids in dairy nutrition, emphasizing the importance of optimizing amino acid balancing and rumen-protected amino acids through advanced product technology. He explains how particle size, nutrient delivery, and bioavailability impact milk production, feed efficiency, and sustainability. Learn how innovative solutions can fine-tune amino acid delivery for maximum success in your dairy operation. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The combination of particle size and retention time is crucial to ensure the product bypasses the rumen and releases the amino acid at exactly the right location."

Meet the guest: Dr. Elliot Neto is the Ruminant Technical Services Manager at Kemin Industries, bringing decades of expertise in dairy cattle nutrition. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from Newcastle University, where he also completed postdoctoral research in Animal Nutrition. With over 20 years of global experience in the feed and animal health industries, Dr. Neto has held key technical and research roles across Europe, North America, and Brazil.

Click here to read the full research article!

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:17) Introduction
• (02:29) Amino acids
• (05:22) Feed efficiency
• (06:34) Rumen transit time
• (08:40) Effective amino acids
• (10:47) Nitrogen excretion
• (14:15) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Evonik

- Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

- Volac

- Zinpro

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this second part of our special Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast episode celebrating International Women’s Day, Dr. Jennifer Van Os from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses the impact of air speeds on dairy cow welfare. She shares groundbreaking research on how different air speeds influence cow behavior, milk production, and overall comfort, especially in heat-stress conditions. Learn how optimizing barn ventilation can enhance dairy cattle well-being and productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Fans not only reduced thermal regulatory responses but also restored lying time, which had never been documented before."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Van Os is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from UC Davis and completed postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on understanding and improving the quality of life for dairy animals.

Click to read the full research articles:

Effect of different air speeds at cow resting height in freestalls on heat stress responses and resting behavior in lactating cows in Wisconsin

Consistent stall air speeds in commercial dairy farms are associated with less variability in cow lying times

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:21) Introduction
• (01:50) Research insights
• (03:43) Effect of different air speeds
• (04:42) Impact on cow behavior
• (05:59) Cow lying times
• (07:07) Practical farm applications
• (09:42) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Volac

- Evonik

- Kemin

- 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, celebrating International Women’s Day, Dr. Jennifer Van Os from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses the critical role of heat abatement in dairy cattle welfare and production. She explains how thermal discomfort affects cows, emphasizing early physiological indicators like respiration rate. Learn about the best cooling strategies for different climates and production systems. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"We need to think about thermal discomfort sooner—before we see drops in production—because cows start coping with heat stress much earlier."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Van Os is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from UC Davis and completed postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on understanding and improving the quality of life for dairy animals.

Click to read the full research articles:

Effect of different air speeds at cow resting height in freestalls on heat stress responses and resting behavior in lactating cows in Wisconsin

Consistent stall air speeds in commercial dairy farms are associated with less variability in cow lying times

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:08) Introduction
• (01:41) Guest background
• (02:34) Heat stress impact
• (04:06) Thermal comfort vs. neutrality
• (05:39) Cooling strategies for cows
• (08:17) Early discomfort signs
• (11:03) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Volac

- Evonik

- Kemin

- 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, celebrating National Ag Day, Dr. William Brown, Assistant Professor at Kansas State University, explores the use of high-protein corn co-products in dairy calf starters. He discusses the challenges and potential benefits of incorporating these ingredients, including improved calf growth, digestibility, and cost efficiency. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"We saw that calves on the high-protein corn product grew more and had greater average daily gain."

Meet the guest: Dr. William Brown is an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University, specializing in dairy cattle nutrition. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois, where he focused on improving nutritional strategies for dairy production. His research explores feed efficiency, growth performance, and the use of alternative feed ingredients in dairy systems.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:25) Introduction
• (03:25) Corn co-products for calf starters
• (05:01) High-protein corn co-product
• (07:20) Balancing amino acids
• (09:04) Study results
• (11:31) Cost-benefit analysis of co-products
• (13:55) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Virtus Nutrition

- Volac

- Evonik

- Kemin

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. Jeffrey Firkins from The Ohio State University continues his conversation, sharing innovative strategies for dairy cattle nutrition. He explores topics like the interaction between fatty acids and fiber, as well as the use of byproducts such as citrus pulp, offering practical insights for enhancing milk production and sustainability. Catch the episode now on your favorite platform!

"Feeding too much fat can interrupt rumen function, lowering methane but potentially reducing milk fat production."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jeffrey Firkins, Professor at The Ohio State University, began his career at OSU in 1987 after completing his Ph.D. and postdoc at the University of Illinois. Promoted to Professor in 2000, he has mentored nearly 100 graduate students, served on international conference committees, and contributed to NASEM’s Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. Dr. Firkins is a recognized leader in dairy cattle nutrition, with over 160 journal articles and 200 invited presentations in more than 20 countries.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:50) Introduction
• (01:20) Fatty acids and fiber
• (02:35) Palmitic acid benefits
• (05:39) Byproducts in dairy diets
• (06:65) Citrus pulp insights
• (10:39) Optimizing cattle nutrition
• (12:20) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Virtus Nutrition

- Volac

- Evonik

- Kemin

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. Jeffrey Firkins from The Ohio State University breaks down the science behind optimizing fiber digestibility, managing rumen pH, and balancing starch and fiber in dairy diets. He also explores the role of feed additives like yeast in enhancing rumen health. Tune in for practical, research-based strategies to boost herd performance—available now on all major platforms!

"Positive associative effects on fiber degradation are often linked to adequate protein and balancing good and poor-quality forages for microbial synergy."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jeffrey Firkins, Professor at The Ohio State University, began his career at OSU in 1987 after completing his Ph.D. and postdoc at the University of Illinois. Promoted to Professor in 2000, he has mentored nearly 100 graduate students, served on international conference committees, and contributed to NASEM’s Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. Dr. Firkins is a recognized leader in dairy cattle nutrition, with over 160 journal articles and 200 invited presentations in more than 20 countries.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:43) Introduction
• (02:18) Guest background
• (03:08) Fiber degradation
• (05:13) Soluble carbohydrates
• (07:03) Starch in dairy diets
• (09:32) Feed additives
• (12:33) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

- Volac

- Evonik

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, Tales Lelis from Evonik shares insights into using protected amino acids and managing heat stress—key factors in boosting dairy production. He discusses significant changes in dairy farming across Latin America and the growing role of technology in enhancing efficiency. Tune in to discover the latest dairy market trends and practical strategies to improve nutrition management. Listen now!

"Protected amino acids aren’t additives; they’re nutrients that high-producing cows require for optimal health and productivity."

Meet the guest: Tales Lelis, Regional Business Director of Ruminant Solutions at Evonik, holds a master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from UFMG in Brazil and specializes in advancing dairy nutrition through dietary additives and heat stress management solutions.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:30) Introduction
• (02:47) Latin American dairy market
• (04:54) Dairy cow statistics
• (05:42) Technology adoption
• (09:00) Sciencing Tour initiative
• (11:10) Rumen-protected amino acids
• (13:55) Closing thoughts

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

Evonik

* Adisseo

- Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

- Volac

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. Maurice Eastridge, from The Ohio State University, explores strategies for optimizing dairy cow health during the postpartum period. He shares insights on balancing carbohydrates, protein, and minerals to prevent metabolic disorders like ketosis and hypocalcemia. Dr. Eastridge discusses how feed efficiency and other metrics can guide better nutritional strategies. Tune in for practical takeaways on improving herd health and maximizing productivity.

"It’s crucial to prepare cows well before parturition. Starting with the dry period and especially the three weeks before calving is fundamental to reducing health risks."

Meet the guest: Dr. Maurice Eastridge, a Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist at The Ohio State University, has been a faculty member since 1986. He earned his MS and Ph.D. from Purdue University. His work focuses on teaching, research, and extension programs in dairy cattle nutrition, particularly on fat and fiber sources and milk fatty acid composition. 

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:29) Introduction
• (02:46) Reducing postpartum risks
• (05:04) Ketosis and hypocalcemia
• (07:58) Nutrition strategies
• (10:00) Feed efficiency
• (13:00) Herd metrics
• (15:57) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Volac

- Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

- Evonik

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, we revisit our conversation with Dr. Jim Drackley, professor of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, who approaches the nuances of controlled energy diets versus higher energy diets, discussing their effects on liver inflammation, rumen health, and overall post-partum performance. Listen now on your favorite platform!

"Higher energy diets seem to upregulate inflammation-related genes in the liver, which can affect overall productivity."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jim Drackley is a Professor of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he has been teaching and conducting research for over 35 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Nutritional Physiology from Iowa State University, as well as an M.S. and B.S. in Dairy Science from South Dakota State University.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:55) Introduction
• (02:11) Controlled energy vs. high energy
• (04:11) Inflammation linked to higher starch
• (04:59) Controlled energy diets
• (06:31) Recommendations for nutritionists
• (09:14) Balancing protein in diets
• (10:33) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Evonik

- Volac

- Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

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