In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Benoit St-Pierre from South Dakota State University explores the crucial role of the gut microbiome in livestock production. He discusses how microbial communities influence animal health and productivity, highlighting the differences between species and the challenges of understanding microbial genomics. Listen for insights into maintaining a healthy microbiome and avoiding dysbiosis in swine. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"A healthy microbiome is a community that eats things the host cannot, which keeps both parties in harmony."

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Introduction
• (00:35) Guest introduction
• (01:25) Microbiome dynamics
• (02:30) Defining a healthy microbiome
• (04:08) Common misconceptions
• (05:25) Microbiome comparison
• (07:42) Closing thoughts

Meet the guest:

Dr. Benoit St-Pierre is an Associate Professor at South Dakota State University specializing in gut microbiology of food animals. With over 14 years of research in microbiomes across swine, ruminants, and aquatic species, he has authored 34 peer-reviewed articles.

Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- Essential Ag Solutions

- Kemin

- Fortiva

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Josep Garcia Sirera from Agrimprove breaks down the key differences between mycotoxins and endotoxins, explaining their impact on swine health. He explores the challenges of diagnosing endotoxin exposure, the limitations of current detection methods, and the role of mycotoxin binders in mitigating endotoxin-related issues. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The primary effect of endotoxins is inflammation, which can impact the gut or spread systemically through the bloodstream."

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:00) Endotoxins vs. mycotoxins
• (01:47) Endotoxin effects on pigs
• (03:51) Antibiotics and endotoxins
• (05:20) Mitigating endotoxin impact
• (07:41) Measuring endotoxin exposure
• (10:50) Closing thoughts

Meet the guest:

Dr. Josep Garcia Sirera holds a Ph.D and M.Sc in Animal Science from Michigan State University and a D.V.M. from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. With over 20 years in the animal nutrition industry, he specializes in toxin management, focusing on mycotoxins and endotoxins. Currently, he serves as the Global Technical Lead of Toxin Solutions at Agrimprove.

Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Regiane Santos, Researcher and Innovation Coordinator at Schothorst Feed Research, discusses the complexities of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed. She explains the challenges in preventing mycotoxins, highlights how climate change impacts their production, and outlines the advancements in diagnostic tools. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"We can prevent a huge contamination, but we cannot prevent it totally because any foodstuff is contaminated with mycotoxins."

Meet the guest: Dr. Regiane Santos is a researcher and Innovation Coordinator at Schothorst Feed Research (SFR) - Netherlands. With a Ph.D. in Animal Reproduction and a postdoctoral focus on toxicology, she has spent over a decade studying the impact of mycotoxins on farm animal health. Dr. Santos has contributed to numerous scientific publications and is the editor of ‘Mycotoxins from Field to Feed.’

What you will learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:18) Introduction
• (04:44) Mycotoxins overview
• (05:24) Sampling and contamination
• (06:40) Mycotoxin analysis technology
• (08:00) Climate change impact
• (09:20) Mycotoxins insights
• (11:09) Closing thoughts

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Kemin

- Fortiva

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Marco de Mik, Senior Consultant in Swine Nutrition, explores how to enhance gastrointestinal health in piglets for optimal growth. He shares his expertise on how feed formulation, stomach function, and gastrointestinal health directly impact the pig’s growth and development. Learn how to balance nutrient absorption, reduce diarrhea risks, and optimize feed performance. Tune in on all major platforms!

"The stomach is the first barrier to kill bacteria, and it’s crucial for storage, digestion, and antibacterial functions. All of these contribute to overall gastrointestinal health."

Meet the guest: Dr. Marco de Mik holds a veterinary medicine degree from Utrecht University and an M.Sc. in Animal Nutrition from Wageningen University. With over a decade of experience in swine nutrition, he currently works as a Senior Consultant at Schothorst Feed Research. He specializes in feed formulation, animal physiology, and metabolism. Marco is also a resident of the European College of Veterinary Comparative Nutrition.

Click here to read the full research article!

What you will learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:04) Introduction
• (02:25) Weaning challenges
• (03:33) Role of the stomach
• (06:14) Effective feed ingredients
• (08:53) Inert fiber in diets
• (10:13) Importance of fiber size
• (12:06) Closing thoughts

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- Kemin

- Fortiva

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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LinkedIn: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this special rerun episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, we revisit our conversation with Dr. Paulo Cesar Pozza, from the State University of Maringá in Brazil, who explores the critical role of lifecycle assessments in pig nutrition. Dr. Pozza shares insights on optimizing environmental impacts and sustainability in swine production practices. He explains how regional factors influence lifecycle assessments and the significance of adjusting practices based on local agricultural conditions. Tune in now, available on all major platforms.

"Lifecycle assessment gives a more complete evaluation of emissions, acidification potential, and other environmental parameters in swine nutrition."

Meet the guest: Dr. Paulo Cesar Pozza is an associate professor at the State University of Maringá, Brazil. With over 27 years of expertise in swine nutrition, his research focuses on lifecycle assessment, feed evaluation, and additive efficacy in non-ruminants. He holds a Ph.D. and Master’s in Non-Ruminant Nutrition from the Federal University of Viçosa. 

What you will learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:52) Introduction
• (02:05) Lifecycle assessment research
• (05:24) Region-specific LCA challenges
• (07:09) Environmental benefits of LCAs
• (08:02) Protein reduction strategies
• (11:35) Future research plans
• (13:17) Closing thoughts

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- Fortiva

- Kemin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Daniel Rosales from South Dakota State University shares insights into his research on swine water intake and the effects of dietary components like phytase and distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS). He discusses the sustainability implications of water usage in pig production and how optimizing diets can improve efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Water usage in livestock production is a growing concern, and optimizing swine diets to minimize unnecessary water consumption is becoming increasingly important."

Meet the guest: Daniel Rosales is a Graduate Research Assistant at South Dakota State University, where he is pursuing his MSc in Animal Science. His research focuses on swine nutrition, particularly evaluating the impact of dietary strategies on growth performance and nutrient utilization. With experience in commercial swine production and processing, Daniel brings a strong background in monogastric nutrition and physiology.

What you will learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:17) Introduction
• (02:49) Research trial insights
• (03:47) Phytase and DDGS effects
• (06:12) Study design
• (08:01) Water intake research results
• (13:13) Practical applications
• (14:47) Closing thoughts

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- Kemin

- Fortiva

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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LinkedIn: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ashley Wagner, Director of US Business and Technical Sales at Probiotech International Inc., explores a new approach to managing stress in pigs. She breaks down the physiological and behavioral impacts of stress on sow performance and fertility. Discover how feed additives targeting the brain-gut axis can improve serotonin levels, reduce circulating cortisol during stress events, and boost sow and piglet performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Monoterpenes can reduce norepinephrine and cortisol circulating levels, improving stress tolerance and fertility outcomes."

Meet the guest: Dr. Ashley Wagner is the Director of US Business and Technical Sales at Probiotech International Inc. She earned her BS and MS from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, specializing in nonruminant nutrition, and a PhD from the University of Kentucky. She stayed in the UK to complete post-doctoral training in the Department of Physiology with a research emphasis on metabolism and skeletal muscle chronobiology.

What you will learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:01) Introduction
• (02:10) Defining stress in pigs
• (02:44) Economic impact stress
• (03:01) Heat stress mechanisms
• (07:21) Nutritional mitigation tools
• (09:51) Trial results insights
• (10:50) Closing thoughts

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

Essential Ag Solutions

- Fortiva

- Kemin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Stacie Crowder from Land O’Lakes, who currently leads the Fortiva innovation team, discusses the challenges and opportunities in late-finishing pig nutrition. She breaks down nutrition strategies to keep pigs on track, improve gut health, and get the most out of late-finishing diets. Learn about new research on feed additives and how nutrition and management tweaks can improve efficiency in the final weeks. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"Any disturbance in gut health during late finishing steals energy that should go toward growth, impacting overall performance."

Meet the guest: Dr. Stacie Crowder has been with Land O’Lakes for 12 years. She currently leads the Fortiva innovation team by collaborating with research platforms, international business development, sales, and marketing to deliver non-medicated feed additives that support animal resilience in U.S. and international markets. Dr. Stacie has spent her career developing ways to enhance swine production through ingredient nutrition. She holds a Ph.D. in Monogastric Nutrition from Purdue University. Her main research centers around the impact of activated medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), an area of increased importance to animal health and performance.

What you will learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:55) Introduction
• (01:35) Late finishing challenges
• (02:44) Nutrient inefficiencies
• (03:45) Feed additives impact
• (04:36) Industry advancements
• (05:55) Gut health strategies
• (07:55) Closing thoughts

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

Fortiva

- Jyga

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Mark Knauer from North Carolina State University shares insights on strategies to shorten farrowing duration. He explores the impact of genetics, nutrition, and environmental factors on farrowing outcomes, highlighting research-backed techniques to improve piglet vitality and reduce stillbirths. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Only about 7% of the variation in farrowing duration is explained by genetics, which means there’s a significant opportunity for nutritionists to optimize outcomes."

Meet the guest: Dr. Mark Knauer is a Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University with over 13 years of experience in swine genetics and production management. He previously served as Director of Animal Science at the National Pork Board and holds degrees from Iowa State University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

What you will learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:47) Introduction
• (01:47) Farrowing duration
• (02:50) Environmental impact on farrowing
• (03:28) Tech to shorten farrowing
• (05:38) Calcium chloride
• (06:05) Feeding frequency strategies
• (11:02) Closing thoughts

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

 Jyga

- Fortiva

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this second part of our special episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating National Ag Day, Dr. Jean Noblet, a consultant in monogastric nutrition, continues to explore energy utilization in swine feeds. He breaks down the debate over the energy value of soybean meal relative to corn, the role of net energy systems, and the impact of caloric efficiency on feed formulation. Listen now on all major platforms!

"I think we should use the same system, and the system should be consistent for all the ingredients that are available, either cereals or protein-rich ingredients or fat sources."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jean Noblet is a retired researcher from INRAE (National Institute for Agricultural Research) in France. He holds an Agronomist Engineer degree and a Ph.D. in Nutrition. His expertise lies in energy and protein nutrition of swine, poultry, and calves, with major contributions to calorimetry methods, feed energy evaluation, and modeling of energy requirements. He has authored over 220 peer-reviewed papers and developed key nutrition software, InraPorc and EvaPig.

What you will learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:54) Introduction
• (01:22) Guest background
• (02:19) Soybean meal energy debate and study frustration
• (03:55) Discussing caloric efficiency and the flawed approach
• (07:05) Mentioning a relevant discussion paper
• (08:03) What’s next for energy research in animal nutrition
• (10:26) Closing thoughts

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- Fortiva

- Jyga

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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LinkedIn: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast