In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Melissa Cantor from Penn State University breaks down nutrition strategies to boost calf health and performance. She explores the impact of early life management practices, including pair housing, colostrum feeding for older calves, and effective weaning strategies to help calves stay healthy. If you want practical advice for healthier, more productive dairy calves, tune in now on all major platforms!

"Pairing calves early in life leads to better growth and intake, especially when they're paired within two weeks of age."

Meet the guest: Dr. Melissa Cantor is an Assistant Professor in Precision Dairy Science at Penn State University, specializing in dairy calf and heifer management, nutrition, and precision livestock farming. She earned her Ph.D. in Dairy Science from the University of Kentucky, following her Master's degree in Dairy Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

Click here to read the full research article!

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:21) Introduction
• (02:55) Benefits of calf pairing
• (04:33) Colostrum intervention
• (07:27) Nutritional strategies
• (11:36) Robotic milk feeders
• (13:28) Early life disease effects
• (16:18) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Virtus Nutrition

- Evonik

- Volac

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Dairy Nutrition Podcast Show

Instagram: Dairy Campus

LinkedIn: Dairy Campus

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kirby Krogstad, from The Ohio State University, examines the role of niacin in dairy cow health and performance. Highlighting niacin's impact on immune regulation, rumen functionality, and lactation outcomes, Dr. Krogstad unpacks recent research findings and their practical applications in dairy nutrition. Listen now on all major platforms!

"When we provided niacin to those cows, the acute phase proteins that would suggest a general systemic inflammation were blunted by about 30%."

Meet the guest: Dr. Kirby Krogstad is an Assistant Professor of Dairy Nutrition and Health at The Ohio State University, where his research and extension mission is to improve dairy cow health, welfare, and longevity through nutrition. With a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr. Krogstad focuses on optimizing dairy nutrition to enhance sustainability and herd performance.

Click here to read the full research article!

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:58) Introduction
• (02:12) Niacin's & metabolism
• (03:03) Rumen protection
• (04:04) Immune function
• (07:20) Lactation performance
• (08:26) Niacin supplementation
• (09:63) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Volac

- Evonik

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Dairy Nutrition Podcast Show

Instagram: Dairy Campus

LinkedIn: Dairy Campus

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Maurice Eastridge, from The Ohio State University, explores the complexities of milk components and their impact on dairy profitability. Dr. Eastridge discusses the importance of monitoring milk fat and protein fluctuations and provides actionable insights into optimizing feeding strategies in response to market changes. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We need to take market fluctuations into context, working with nutritionists to optimize feeding programs for the highest profitability."

Meet the guest: Dr. Maurice L. Eastridge, a professor at The Ohio State University for over 38 years, holds a PhD in Dairy Nutrition from Purdue University. His research focuses on optimizing milk components and feed efficiency, making him a leading expert in dairy cattle nutrition.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:21) Introduction
• (01:54) Milk components
• (03:47) Optimizing milk fat
• (05:53) Optimizing rumen health
• (07:49) Boosting milk protein
• (09:50) Nutrition tips
• (13:06) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Volac

- Evonik

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Dairy Nutrition Podcast Show

Instagram: Dairy Campus

LinkedIn: Dairy Campus

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Michael Hutjens, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, provides an update on rumen buffers and key considerations for their optimal use in dairy diets. Dr. Hutjens explains the sources of buffers, their role in rumen health, and practical strategies for effective integration into dairy rations. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Buffers stabilize rumen health and optimize microbial growth."

Meet the guest: Dr. Michael Hutjens, Professor Emeritus of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, grew up on a Holstein dairy farm in Wisconsin and earned his bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With decades of experience as an extension dairy specialist, Dr. Hutjens has delivered expert insights on dairy nutrition worldwide, speaks at numerous conferences, and writes for prominent dairy publications.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:01) Introduction
• (02:18) Buffer usage in dairy diets
• (02:57) Rumen environment optimization
• (03:38) Key buffer sources
• (06:54) Calcium carbonate
• (07:59) Reasons to use buffers
• (10:47) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Virtus Nutrition

- Volac

- Evonik

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Dairy Nutrition Podcast Show

Instagram: Dairy Campus

LinkedIn: Dairy Campus

Hello there!

In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Gail Carpenter from Iowa State University approaches the intriguing world of calf nutrition. Dr. Carpenter sheds light on impactful dietary interventions and evolving market trends. Her insights on effective colostrum management and her unique approach to 'beef on dairy' research offer valuable knowledge for professionals in the dairy nutrition industry. Don't miss the chance to hear this insightful discussion—tune in to the episode on all major platforms.

"Calves are an asset to your farm; they should be treated with the same quality of care as your heifers." 

Meet the guest: Dr. Gail Carpenter is the State Dairy Extension Specialist at Iowa State University, where she combines her extensive experience in dairy and beef cattle nutrition with a passion for research and education. Holding a Ph.D. in Animal Science, Dr. Carpenter plays a pivotal role in shaping dairy nutrition strategies.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:50) Introduction
• (02:09) Early-life nutrition
• (03:58) Beef-dairy cross calves
• (05:49) Research challenges
• (08:59) Colostrum management
• (11:03) Key takeaways for producers
• (13:07) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Evonik

- Virtus Nutrition

- Volac

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Dairy Nutrition Podcast Show

Instagram: Dairy Campus

LinkedIn: Dairy Campus

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Victor Cabrera from the University of Wisconsin-Madison introduces the Dairy Print tool, a new resource created to help dairy farmers easily evaluate and manage their carbon footprint. He shares how this accessible tool simplifies the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while still upholding scientific accuracy. Tune in to this engaging conversation, available on all major platforms, to learn more about the future of sustainable dairy farming.

"We developed Dairy Print to assess the carbon footprint of dairy farms in a user-friendly way."

Meet the guest: Dr. Victor Cabrera is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focusing on dairy farm management and economic decision-making. With over 16 years at UW-Madison, he develops decision-support tools integrating biology, physiology, and economics. He holds a PhD and MS from the University of Florida. Dr. Cabrera’s work enhances data-driven decisions in the dairy industry. 

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:43) Introduction
• (01:20) Dairy Print overview
• (02:31) User-friendly design
• (05:27) Practical applications
• (07:29) Manure management insights
• (09:08) Scenario simulation
• (11:44) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Evonik

- Virtus Nutrition

- Volac

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Dairy Nutrition Podcast Show

Instagram: Dairy Campus

LinkedIn: Dairy Campus

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Hsueh-lui Ho, from Volac, discusses the critical impacts of mycotoxins and endotoxins on dairy cattle gut health. The conversation highlights the adverse effects of these toxins, strategies for prevention, and the importance of maintaining gut integrity. Listen now!

"Mycotoxins damage the gut lining, leading to a leaky gut and further health issues for the animal."

Meet the guest: Dr. Hsueh-lui Ho holds a PhD in Microbiology with a focus on Infectious Diseases and Mycology from Imperial College London. She also earned a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Kent and a BSc in Biochemistry from Imperial College London. Currently, she serves as the Research Manager for Feed Additives at Volac International, where she applies her extensive knowledge of microbiology to improve animal health and productivity. 

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:57) Introduction
• (02:10) Mycotoxins effects
• (03:43) Gut health
• (05:51) Microbiome & immunity
• (11:48) Mycotoxin issues
• (13:12) Early signs
• (15:05) Closing thoughts

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

Volac

* Adisseo

- Evonik

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Dairy Nutrition Podcast Show

Instagram: Dairy Campus

LinkedIn: Dairy Campus

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Van Os from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses the significance of proper cow handling techniques and shares an innovative educational tool her team has developed. She highlights how better cow handling not only boosts animal welfare but also improves dairy farm efficiency. Don’t miss out on the latest methods being used to train dairy professionals in stockmanship—available now on all major platforms.

"We have seen from past studies that proper cow handling reduces the risk of cow injuries, human injuries, and cow fear and stress, which in turn can improve milk yield as well as parlor efficiency."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Van Os is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received her PhD from the University of California-Davis and did postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia. Her work focuses on improving dairy animal welfare through biological and social science.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:24) Introduction
• (01:54) Cow handling importance
• (03:38) New educational tool
• (05:00) Developing the idea
• (05:59) Evaluation of training
• (07:39) Experienced workers
• (09:13) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Volac

- Virtus Nutrition

- Evonik

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Dairy Nutrition Podcast Show

Instagram: Dairy Campus

LinkedIn: Dairy Campus

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jim Drackley from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign shares insights into the vital role amino acids play in the metabolism of transition dairy cows. He emphasizes how providing the right amino acid balance before calving can significantly influence the health and milk production of cows after calving. Don’t miss this informative discussion on optimizing dairy cow nutrition for better productivity. Tune in now on all major platforms.

"We've conducted studies on rumen-protected methionine and lysine, showing positive effects on intake and production after calving, particularly with prepartum supplementation of rumen-protected methionine."

Meet the guest: Dr. James K. Drackley is a Professor of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he has been a faculty member for over 35 years. With a PhD in Nutritional Physiology from Iowa State University, his research focuses on improving the nutritional management of dairy cows during the dry period and transition to lactation, as well as optimizing the nutritional management of calves to enhance their health and growth. 

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:10) Introduction
• (01:45) Amino acid metabolism
• (03:08) Body protein mobilization
• (04:10) Nutritional interventions
• (06:11) Rumen protected methionine
• (07:46) Lysine and milk yield
• (09:12) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Evonik

- Volac

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Dairy Nutrition Podcast Show

Instagram: Dairy Campus

LinkedIn: Dairy Campus

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jim Drackley from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign shares his wealth of research on the nutritional physiology of transition cows. He talks about the crucial shifts in energy metabolism that occur from the dry period to early lactation and highlights practical nutritional strategies to boost cow health and productivity. Tune in now on all major platforms.

"Controlled energy diets during the dry period prevent overfeeding and reduce fat mobilization post-calving."

Meet the guest: Dr. James K. Drackley is a Professor of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he has been a faculty member for over 35 years. With a PhD in Nutritional Physiology from Iowa State University, his research focuses on improving the nutritional management of dairy cows during the dry period and transition to lactation, as well as optimizing the nutritional management of calves to enhance their health and growth. 

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:18) Introduction
• (03:05) Energy metabolism changes
• (05:18) Immune system challenges
• (07:16) Nutritional interventions
• (08:47) Postpartum feeding
• (12:08) Postpartum diets
• (12:43) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Evonik

- Volac

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: Dairy Nutrition Podcast Show

Instagram: Dairy Campus

LinkedIn: Dairy Campus