The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating National Dairy Month, Dr. Alexandre Pedroso, dairy specialist and senior consultant at Plenteous Consultoria, discusses how productive longevity, animal welfare, and CowSignals principles support more sustainable and efficient dairy production. He explains how cow health, comfort, and management practices directly impact milk production, farm profitability, and the future of the dairy industry. Discover practical strategies shaping modern dairy systems. Listen now on all major platforms!"Longevity itself is not a good indicator of welfare or efficiency. Productive longevity depends on cows remaining healthy, comfortable, well-fed, and able to perform across multiple lactations."Meet the guest: Dr. Alexandre Pedroso earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from ESALQ USP in Brazil and has decades of experience in dairy cattle nutrition, animal welfare, and feed management. As founder of Plenteous Consultoria and a CowSignals expert, his work focuses on improving dairy farm efficiency, sustainability, and herd performance through better nutrition and cow comfort. Learn more from Dr. Alexandre Pedroso on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:39) Introduction(01:59) Guest background(02:46) Productive longevity(05:19) Welfare and nutrition(05:55) CowSignals mindset(09:32) Cow health(11:52) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Barentz* Vetagro* Kemin* Adisseo* Fortiva- Esmilco Inc.- Virtus Nutrition- DietForge𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastInstagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastLinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. José Santos, Professor at the University of Florida, explains calcium regulation in dairy cows and how mineral-related disorders during transition affect health, intake, immunity, and lactation outcomes. Learn the differences between clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia and why recovery after calving matters. Listen now on all major platforms! "Borderline low blood calcium that persists for a few days can alter intake, attenuate innate immune response, and contribute to negative outcomes." Meet the guest: Dr. José Santos is a Professor at the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. His work focuses on dairy cow health, production, reproduction, and nutrition-health interactions, with prior experience at UC Davis and training at the University of Arizona, UC Davis, and the University of Sydney. Hear more from Dr. Santos on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:13) Introduction (03:28) Calcium regulation (04:48) Clinical hypocalcemia (05:52) Dyscalcemia risk (07:32) Borderline calcium (08:38) Transition challenges (10:57) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) * Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) * Vetagro (https://www.vetagro.com/) * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) - Esmilco Inc. (https://www.esmilco.com/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Tatiane Fernandes, Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech, explains how stable isotope tracing improves dairy nutrition research. She explores amino acid absorption, rumen-protected product evaluation, and how labeled nutrients help track milk protein synthesis. Get practical insights on tracer design, nutrient metabolism, and precision feeding research. Listen now on all major platforms! "Rumen-protected amino acid absorption can be estimated by comparing labeled markers in blood with the amount absorbed after intestinal release." Meet the guest: Dr. Tatiane Fernandes https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatiane-fernandes-371b7134?originalSubdomain=br is an Assistant Professor in the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on ruminant nutrient metabolism, rumen fermentation, stable isotope tracer techniques, and metabolic modeling. Her work supports dairy nutrition studies on amino acid absorption, nutrient use, and milk protein formation. Hear more from Dr. Fernandes on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:02) Introduction (02:00) Stable isotopes (03:54) Amino acid tracing (04:53) Study design (06:55) Protected amino acids (08:02) Milk protein (11:14) Closing Thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) * Vetagro (https://www.vetagro.com/) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) - Esmilco Inc. (https://www.esmilco.com/) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Frank Delfino, owner of Delfino Nutrition and Management, shares practical strategies for managing potassium and DCAD in dairy cattle under extreme heat stress conditions. He explains sourcing challenges, ration adjustments, and global constraints affecting implementation. Get key insights, including potassium supplementation methods and maintaining intake during high temperatures. Listen now on all major platforms! "Maintaining proper potassium levels becomes critical in hot climates where intake drops, requiring accurate measurement and consistent adjustments to sustain optimal DCAD balance across lactating dairy cattle systems." Meet the guest: Dr. Frank Delfino https://www.linkedin.com/in/fjdelfino/ earned his PhD in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Arizona and has built a global career in dairy cattle nutrition, working across the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. As owner of Delfino Nutrition and Management, he focuses on practical solutions for heat stress and mineral balance in dairy systems. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:43) Introduction (01:37) Potassium levels (02:16) Potassium sources (03:44) Heat stress strategy (05:45) Liquid potassium use (07:23) Group feeding approach (13:13) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) * Vetagro (https://www.vetagro.com/) * Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Lance Baumgard, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, explains how stress affects gut barrier function and dairy cow productivity. He highlights how immune activation redirects nutrients away from milk synthesis and discusses key stressors like heat, overcrowding, and transition periods. Learn how stacked stressors amplify biological responses and impact performance. Listen now on all major platforms! "Stress across production systems consistently disrupts gut barrier integrity, allowing harmful compounds to cross into circulation and initiate immune responses that directly reduce dairy cow performance." Meet the guest: Dr. Lance Baumgard is a Distinguished Professor and Norman L. Jacobson Endowed Professor in Dairy Nutrition at Iowa State University. His research focuses on stress physiology, gut health, and nutrient partitioning in dairy cattle, helping advance understanding of how stress impacts productivity and biological function. Click here to read the full research article: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25794 Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:47) Introduction (01:25) Gut barrier (03:04) Immune response (04:33) Nutrient demand (06:00) Glucose priority (07:57) Farm stressors (11:21) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Vetagro (https://www.vetagro.com/) * Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Eduardo Rico, Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, explains how omega-3 fatty acids influence inflammation and metabolic balance in dairy cows. Discussion includes the biological role of essential fatty acids, the control of inflammation during critical periods such as calving, and challenges related to dietary supply and rumen protection. Learn how nutrition strategies may support healthier immune responses in modern dairy herds. Listen now on all major platforms! "Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to controlling inflammation by counteracting pro-inflammatory compounds generated through omega-6 metabolic pathways." Meet the guest: Dr. Eduardo Rico https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardo-rico-8457b938/ is an Assistant Professor of Population Medicine, Sustainable Agriculture, and Food Security at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on how nutrition influences metabolism, inflammation, and health in dairy cows, especially during the transition from gestation to lactation. Work includes studies on fatty acids, metabolic dysfunction, and immune responses in modern dairy systems. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:48) Introduction (01:52) Omega-3 role (03:57) Inflammation's importance (06:38) Omega-6 balance (08:23) Stress inflammation (09:24) Omega-3 sources (14:06) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) * Vetagro (https://www.vetagro.com/) * Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Michael Van Amburgh from Cornell University explains how modern dairy cows respond to balanced essential amino acids and why energy-based models reshape requirement predictions. He explains new insights from the CNCPS model, unexpected links between amino acids and milk fat synthesis, and what future high-component cows may be capable of producing. Listen now on all major platforms. "Energy supply provides a clearer foundation for determining essential amino acid requirements in modern dairy cattle, especially as production levels continue to shift." Meet the guest: Dr. Mike Van Amburgh https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-van-amburgh-1b7b2812/ is a Professor of Animal Science at Cornell University, where he has been a faculty member for 30 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Cornell and a BS in Dairy Science from The Ohio State University. He is well known for his work on the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System and his leadership in the Cornell Dairy Fellows program. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:06) Introduction (01:52) Guest background (02:41) Amino acid needs (05:54) Milk fat role (09:35) Production potential (12:25) Herd performance (14:06) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) * Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) * Vetagro (https://www.vetagro.com/) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating International Women’s Day, Dr. Megan Abeyta from GPS Dairy Consulting breaks down the physiological and metabolic costs of stress, inflammation, and leaky gut in dairy cattle. She explains how heat stress, acidosis, and management practices influence immune activation and productivity losses. Learn how to use practical indicators like rumination data to identify and reduce risk on-farm. Listen now on all major platforms! "Leaky gut occurs when the gut lining is compromised, allowing harmful substances like endotoxins into the bloodstream." Meet the guest: Dr. Megan Abeyta https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-abeyta-b11077a7/ earned her bachelor’s and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Iowa State University, focusing her doctoral research on the impact of stress, hindgut acidosis, and leaky gut on dairy cow health and productivity. Now an Independent Dairy Nutrition and Management Consultant with GPS Dairy Consulting, she brings a science-based, practical approach to farm management. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:31) Introduction (01:42) Leaky gut causes (02:57) Inflammation and energy (05:11) Biomarker indicators (07:48) Identifying farm stressors (09:14) Diet-energy balance (11:20) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Vetagro (https://www.vetagro.com/) * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) * Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Marcos Marcondes from the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute discusses key insights into calf and heifer nutrition. He shares findings on feed intake modeling, pre- and post-weaning transitions, and how feeding strategies influence mammary gland development and long-term milk yield. Listen now on all major platforms! "Pushing heifers to calve too early reduces milk production, even when body weight is adequate; mammary development needs time." Meet the guest: Dr. Marcos Marcondes https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcos-marcondes/ is a Dairy Research Scientist at the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Florida. His work focuses on feed evaluation, nutrient requirements, and methane mitigation in dairy cattle. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:40) Introduction (02:16) Model accuracy (04:33) Starter intake bias (06:35) Feeding strategies (09:55) Mammary gland growth (11:40) Weaning transition (15:16) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Vetagro (https://www.vetagro.com/) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) * Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Laura Hernandez, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explores key insights on managing hypocalcemia in dairy cattle. She discusses strategies to prevent both delayed and persistent hypocalcemia, as well as the concept of transient hypocalcemia, highlighting their impact on cow health and lactation performance. Don't miss the chance to revisit this discussion on optimizing dairy cattle health, productivity, and lifetime performance. Listen now on all major platforms. "Delayed hypocalcemia is when you have a normal blood calcium concentration within the first two days postpartum, but then at four days postpartum, it becomes clinical or subclinical hypocalcemia." Meet the guest: Dr. Laura Hernandez https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hernandez-6538a91b/ is a Professor of Lactation Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she directs the Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Graduate Program. With a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Arizona, her research focuses on calcium homeostasis during lactation and preventing milk fever in dairy cattle. Click here to learn more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37769944/ Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:05) Introduction (01:27) Dr. Hernandez's background (02:13) Preventing hypocalcemia (05:30) Transient hypocalcemia (08:35) Dietary strategies for prevention (09:33) Calcium binders and phosphorus (11:53) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) * Vetagro (https://www.vetagro.com/) * Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Melissa Cantor from Penn State University breaks down the science and management of pair housing for dairy calves. She explains the benefits and challenges of early pairing, behavioral concerns, and the latest findings from her team’s recent study. Explore strategies to support calf health and optimize early-life performance. Listen now on all major platforms! "Pairing calves before 14 days of age supports social facilitation, improving starter intake and adaptation to new diets and environments." Meet the guest: Dr. Melissa Cantor https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-cantor-815871b9/ is an Assistant Professor of Precision Dairy Science at Penn State University. She earned her B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky, and an M.Sc. in Dairy Science from UW–Madison. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Guelph. Her work focuses on dairy calf nutrition, behavior, and smart management systems. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:30) Introduction (02:31) Pair housing benefits (04:14) Abnormal behavior (06:50) Cross-sucking behavior (10:27) Research insights (12:41) Study design (18:22) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) * Vetagro (https://www.vetagro.com/) * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) * Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jessica Halfen from Mississippi State University discusses how polyphenols and phytochemicals can improve dairy cow health during transition and heat stress periods. She shares her in vitro findings, explains the potential of using local byproducts as feed additives, and highlights the future of nutraceuticals in dairy nutrition. Listen now on all major platforms! "These polyphenols can interact with the immune system, modulating response or decreasing pro-inflammatory response." Meet the guest: Dr. Jessica Halfen https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-halfen-683712104/ is an Assistant Extension Research Professor of Dairy Science at Mississippi State University. She earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil. Her research focuses on transition cow nutrition and health, with deep expertise in phytochemicals and immune function. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:04) Introduction (02:54) Role of polyphenols (04:21) Antioxidant mechanisms (05:29) Byproduct feed potential (07:11) Transition period health (10:54) Nutraceuticals in dairy (12:09) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) * Barentz (https://www.barentz-na.com/animalnutrition) - DietForge (https://dietforge.ai/) - Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Mary Beth Hall from The Cows Are Always Right LLC, shares expert insights on water-soluble carbohydrates in dairy cow diets. She explains how these nutrients differ from starch, their unique fermentation pathways, and the role they play in promoting rumen health and milk production. Listen now on all major platforms! "The water-soluble carbohydrates, when a cow consumes them and they go into the rumen, they're taken up by both bacteria and protozoa." Meet the guest: Dr. Mary Beth Hall https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-hall-6989313a/ is a dairy cattle nutritionist consulting through The Cows Are Always Right LLC. She earned her BS and PhD from Cornell University and MS from Virginia Tech. A retired USDA-ARS research scientist, her work focuses on nonfiber carbohydrates, rumen fermentation, and practical feeding strategies. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+dairy+nutrition+blackbelt What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:02) Introduction (02:02) Water-soluble carbs (04:23) Microbial glycogen storage (06:28) Fermentation vs. starch (09:14) Carbohydrate sources (11:07) Diet formulation tips (12:53) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Adisseo (https://www.adisseo.com/en/) * Fortiva (https://www.fortivaimpact.com/) * Priority IAC (https://priorityiac.com/) - Virtus Nutrition (https://virtusnutrition.com/essentialstrata/) - Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/dairy) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://www.wisenetix.com/dairynutritionblackbelt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/