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

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Katherine Swanson, from Cal Poly, shares her insights into using byproducts in dairy cattle nutrition. Dr. Swanson discusses her research on how various agricultural byproducts, like almond hulls and rice bran, are used in California's livestock industry, focusing on their availability, variability, and economic impact. Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.

"Price, variability, and availability were ranked as the top concerns by nutritionists when considering the use of byproducts."

Meet the guest: Dr. Katherine Swanson, lecturer at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, specializes in dairy science. She holds a Ph.D. from Oregon State University and an M.S. from UC Davis. With over five years of postdoctoral research at UC Davis and industry experience, Dr. Swanson excels in dairy cattle nutrition.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:20) Introduction
• (01:58) Byproducts in California
• (03:20) Regional distribution
• (05:26) Nutrient variability concerns
• (06:36) Economic impact of byproducts
• (07:31) Year-round availability
• (09:26) 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. Daniel Rico continue the discution on the importance of optimizing omega-3 and vitamin D3 supplementation to enhance dairy cow health and production. He explores how these nutrients can improve cows' ability to manage stress while maintaining optimal milk quality. Dr. Rico also highlights key research outcomes and emphasizes the need for future research to refine nutrient strategies for various production scenarios. Tune in to gain valuable insights into optimizing nutrient requirements and the impactful role of omega-3 during stress periods. Listen now on all major platforms.

"Omega-3 supplementation isn't just about providing more; it's about finding the optimal dose that maximizes benefits while protecting the rumen and ensuring positive production outcomes."

Meet the guest: Dr. Daniel E. Rico is the Research Director and Scientist at CRSAD in Quebec, where he has been leading innovative research since 2017. With a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Animal Nutrition from Penn State University, Dr. Rico's work focuses on lipid regulation and nutritional strategies to enhance dairy cow health. His experience includes a postdoctoral fellowship at Université Laval and extensive research on lipid synthesis in ruminants.

Click here to read the full research article!

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:19) Introduction
• (01:53) Nutrient requirements
• (02:54) Immune challenges
• (03:50) Omega-3 research
• (05:08) Nutritional strategies
• (07:30) Future research directions
• (11:20) Closing thoughts

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

Virtus Nutrition

* Adisseo

- Volac

- Evonik

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Daniel Rico explores some challenges of dairy cattle nutrition, mainly focusing on mitigating stress in cows. Dr. Rico discusses the importance of glucose during stress periods and how targeted nutritional strategies, including vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids, can enhance immune response and mitigate the effects of heat stress. Tune in to explore cutting-edge research and practical solutions for optimizing dairy cow productivity and health.

"Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in synthesizing molecules that regulate the immune response, which can be pivotal during stress."

Meet the guest: Dr. Daniel E. Rico is the Research Director and Scientist at CRSAD in Quebec, where he has been leading innovative research since 2017. With a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Animal Nutrition from Penn State University, Dr. Rico's work focuses on lipid regulation and nutritional strategies to enhance dairy cow health. His experience includes a postdoctoral fellowship at Université Laval and extensive research on lipid synthesis in ruminants.

Click here to read the full research article!

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:21) Introduction
• (04:34) Nutrition & cow health
• (05:48) Addressing heat stress
• (06:29) Glucose during stress
• (07:45) Vitamin D3 benefits
• (10:21) Omega-3 fatty acids
• (10:58) Closing thoughts

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

Virtus Nutrition

* Adisseo

- Volac

- Evonik

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jacquelyn Boerman from Purdue University explores the cutting-edge application of video analytics in dairy cattle nutrition. She discusses how video systems can monitor and evaluate the uniformity of Total Mixed Rations (TMR) and assess individual cow feeding behaviors. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

"Our goal is to provide information in near real-time to improve the uniformity of Total Mixed Rations on farms."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jacquelyn Boerman completed her BS from Cornell University before continuing on to the University of Illinois for her MS, and Michigan State University for her PhD. Since 2017, Dr. Boerman has been at Purdue University, where she holds a three-way appointment in research, teaching, and extension focused on dairy nutrition and management.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:06) Introduction
• (01:42) What is video analytics?
• (02:59) Practical applications for farmers
• (04:21) Ensuring uniformity in TMR
• (07:06) Future research directions
• (08:56) Evaluating sorting in cows
• (09:49) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Evonik

- Virtus Nutrition

- Volac

Hello there!

In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, we revisit a conversation with Dr. Paul Kononoff, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Dairy Science. He discusses the vital importance of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) in dairy cattle nutrition, offering insights on how to assess the energy value of NDF. Dr. Kononoff highlights that research in this field is key for the dairy industry to create more effective and customized feeds. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch this important discussion—tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!

"We did expect some variation depending on the composition of that NDF, and in those feeds high in lignin, we expected the heat of combustion to be higher."

Meet the guest: Dr. Paul Kononoff earned his M.S. from the University of Saskatchewan and his Ph.D. in Dairy and Animal Science from Pennsylvania State University. After completing his doctorate, he joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he serves as a professor and extension specialist. Dr. Kononoff also holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at the Journal of Dairy Science. His research has impacted the dairy industry by improving the nutritional knowledge of dairy producers and nutritionists to allow the formulation of more effective and efficient diets.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:13) Introduction
• (01:27) Energy value of NDF
• (03:37) Analyzing feed samples
• (06:24) Heat of combustion variation
• (07:58) Implications for dairy nutrition
• (08:58) Future research plans
• (10:11) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Volac

- Virtus Nutrition

- Evonik

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Firkins, a professor of animal science at OSU, discusses the latest insights on isoacids and their role in dairy cattle nutrition. The conversation covers fiber digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and the impact of isoacids across different lactation stages. Tune in to explore how these factors contribute to improved feed efficiency and overall dairy production—listen now on your favorite platform!

"The most consistent benefits we see from isoacids are improvements in fiber digestibility and feed efficiency across different stages of lactation."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jeffrey Firkins, a professor at Ohio State University, has over 35 years of experience in rumen microbiology and microbial protein synthesis. His research focuses on optimizing dairy nutrition through improved protein efficiency. Dr. Firkins has contributed significantly to advancements in microbial protein modeling. 

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:18) Introduction
• (02:08) Overview of isoacids
• (03:28) Feed efficiency and lactation stages
• (04:58) Modes of action of isoacids
• (07:03) Adaptation of rumen bacteria
• (09:21) Future research directions
• (10:58) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Volac

- Virtus Nutrition

- Evonik

Hello there!

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kirby Krogstad, from Ohio State University, explores the impacts of acidosis and systemic inflammation, comparing different acidosis challenge models and examining practical methods for monitoring and reducing acidosis in dairy cattle. Dr. Krogstad shares valuable insights into future research directions, including the importance of maintaining a healthy gut barrier and the implications of long-term high-starch diets. Tune in now!

"When thinking of acidosis, always stick to fundamentals: watch your milk fats and manure scores."

Meet the guest: Dr. Kirby Krogstad, an Assistant Professor of Dairy Nutrition and Health at Ohio State University, specializes in improving dairy cow health through advanced nutritional strategies. His research focuses on gut physiology and inflammation, exploring how diet affects dairy cattle's immune response and sustainability. Dr. Krogstad has a rich background in dairy science, holding a Ph.D. from Michigan State University and a Master’s from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Click here to read the full research article.

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:12) Introduction
• (02:28) Model explanation
• (04:50) Measuring systemic inflammation
• (06:26) Monitoring acidosis
• (06:38) Large intestine acidosis
• (07:34) Reduce acidosis risk
• (10:50) Closing thoughts

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

* Adisseo

- Evonik

- Volac

- Virtus Nutrition