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

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Cainan Florentino, a veterinarian and also a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota, shares insights on managing ketosis in dairy cows. He explains its impact on herd health, production, and reproductive success and discusses the effects of acidogenic boluses administered at dry-off. Don’t miss this conversation—tune in on all major platforms!

"Cows with ketosis often face challenges like delayed pregnancies and lower production, which can ripple through herd performance."

Meet the guest: Cainan Florentino, DVM, PhD Candidate at the University of Minnesota, is originally from Brazil, where he earned his veterinary degree before joining the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on understanding hyperketonemia and its effects on fresh cows and improving the transition of dairy cows to the dry-off phase.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:05) Introduction
• (02:16) What is ketosis?
• (03:57) Monitoring ketone bodies
• (05:36) Study design and results
• (06:38) Rumination and recovery
• (09:01) Challenges in data collection
• (12:27) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

- Evonik

- Volac

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Alexandre Pedroso, a dairy specialist, explores the critical link between animal welfare and the nutritional status of dairy herds. He highlights how factors like heat stress and inadequate bedding can directly affect cow performance, feed intake, and overall health. Tune in for practical advice on optimizing welfare conditions to boost milk production and efficiency on dairy farms!

"If a dairy cow doesn't have enough time to rest because the bedding is poor or because they're heat-stressed, then they don’t lie down for enough time."

Meet the guest: Dr. Alexandre Pedroso holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science with a focus on dairy cattle nutrition. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked as a consultant for dairy farms and animal health companies. He also specializes in animal welfare using the CowSignals methodology. Currently, Dr. Pedroso is a Senior Consultant at Plenteous Consultoria, helping dairy producers optimize efficiency and profitability. 

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:21) Introduction
• (05:51) Welfare in dairy
• (06:54) Heat stress
• (09:09) Welfare & intake
• (12:54) Cow comfort
• (14:36) Stocking density
• (18:21) 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

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Addison Carroll, Research Coordinator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses the critical role of maintenance energy requirements in dairy cattle. Dr. Carroll breaks down how changes in maintenance energy requirements are influencing diet formulation and feed efficiency strategies. Tune in now—available on all major platforms!

"What we've seen now is that previously we used .08 make cows per unit of metabolic body weight, now it's increased to 0.10."

Meet the guest: Dr. Addison Carroll holds a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition and is currently the Research Coordinator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research focuses on improving energy utilization in dairy cattle to enhance both production efficiency and sustainability. She also earned her M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her B.S. in Animal Science from Northwest Missouri State University.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:10) Introduction
• (01:47) What is maintenance?
• (02:39) Energy requirements
• (03:40) Measuring maintenance
• (04:37) Diet formulation
• (05:20) Maintenance & efficiency
• (06:59) 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

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast