The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this special re-run episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, we bring back our conversation with Dr. Mutian Niu, Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, who explains exhalomics, an approach for assessing rumen fermentation by analyzing volatile organic compounds in cattle breath. He discusses how this technique can provide valuable insights into rumen function and help improve cattle health monitoring, with potential applications in managing methane emissions and optimizing dairy production. Listen now on all major platforms!"We’re using exhalomics to study the volatile compounds in cattle breath, which provides new insights into ruminant metabolism and health monitoring."Meet the guest: Dr. Mutian Niu is an Assistant Professor of Animal Nutrition at ETH Zürich, focusing on ruminant nutrition, precision livestock farming, and data science to improve sustainability. He earned his PhD in Animal Sciences and a Master’s in Statistics from UC Davis, with research on methane emissions and rumen metabolism. Click here to read the full research articles:Exhalomics as a noninvasive method for assessing rumen fermentation in dairy cows: Can exhaled-breath metabolomics replace rumen sampling?Exhaled volatile fatty acids, ruminal methane emission, and their diurnal patterns in lactating dairy cowsLiked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:44) Introduction(02:39) What is exhalomics?(03:55) Why study exhalomics?(06:19) Research discoveries(07:46) Rumen fermentation analysis(09:32) Future of exhalomics(12:40) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Fortiva* Vetagro* Kemin* Adisseo* Barentz- DietForge- Virtus Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. 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 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!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:43) Introduction(02:47) Omega-3 role(04:52) Inflammation's importance(07:33) Omega-6 balance(09:18) Stress inflammation(10:19) Omega-3 sources(15:01) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:- Virtus Nutrition* Fortiva* Vetagro* Kemin* Adisseo* Barentz- 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. Arthur Behling Neto, professor at the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil, explains the role of sorghum varieties for silage production in tropical regions like Brazil. Discussion highlights productivity, nutritional quality, dry matter management, and how sorghum performs compared with corn under limited rainfall conditions. Learn how different sorghum types support forage systems and dairy nutrition strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!“Different sorghum categories such as grain, forage, sweet, biomass, and broom types demonstrate the genetic diversity available for distinct agricultural and forage production purposes.”Meet the guest: Dr. Arthur Behling Neto is a professor at the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil. He earned degrees in Agronomy, Animal Science, and Tropical Agriculture, including doctoral research with international experience in Sweden, focused on forage conservation. Current research examines sorghum varieties, forage conservation, and integrated crop livestock systems that support efficient feed production. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:36) Introduction(03:56) Sorghum vs corn(05:17) Sorghum types(06:25) Sorghum uses(08:40) Yield differences(12:13) Harvest management(14:48) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Kemin* Vetagro* Barentz* Fortiva- 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. 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 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!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:58) Introduction(02:44) Guest background(03:33) Amino acid needs(06:46) Milk fat role(10:27) Production potential(13:17) Herd performance(14:58) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Barentz* Fortiva* Adisseo* Kemin* Vetagro- DietForge- Virtus Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. Sonia Rodríguez, Ruminant Technical Innovation Manager at Vetagro, explains how rumen protected organic acids and botanicals support intestinal health in lactating cows. She discusses micro encapsulation technology, heat stress mitigation, inflammation control, and performance outcomes. Learn how improving gut integrity can enhance milk production and farm profitability. Listen now on all major platforms!“Rumen protected combinations of organic acids and pure botanicals can synergistically reduce undesired bacterial load while supporting intestinal barrier integrity under normal and stressful conditions.”Meet the guest: Dr. Sonia Rodríguez received her DVM from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, her Master’s in Dairy Science from South Dakota State University, and her PhD in Animal Science from Iowa State University under Dr. Lance Baumgard. Her research focuses on immune activation, heat stress, metabolism, and gastrointestinal health in ruminants. She currently serves as Ruminant Technical Innovation Manager at Vetagro.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:48) Introduction(03:27) Rumen protected organics(04:42) Micro encapsulation process(06:11) Heat stress effects(06:55) Research results(08:03) Economic benefits(08:57) Final QuestionsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Vetagro* Barentz* Fortiva* Adisseo* Kemin- 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

Dr. Megan Abeyta, a dairy nutrition and management consultant who researched hindgut acidosis and leaky gut at Iowa State, explains what causes leaky gut in cows. She discusses how stressors like heat and acidosis trigger inflammation and energy drains. Practical tools covered include biomarkers and rumination data to spot problems and management strategies to reduce stacked stressors.

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Mike VandeHaar from Michigan State University discusses his recent studies on short-stature corn hybrids and their impact on dairy cow performance. He breaks down how these hybrids perform in yield, fiber digestibility, and milk production, and what that could mean for on-farm feed efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!"The short corn varieties showed better fiber digestibility than the tall hybrid we tested."Meet the guest: Dr. Mike VandeHaar is a Professor of Animal Science at Michigan State University, where he’s been teaching and conducting research in dairy cattle nutrition and feed efficiency since 1988. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from Iowa State University. His work focuses on improving dairy production efficiency through nutrition and genetics. Click here to learn more!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:42) Introduction(02:47) Short corn variety research(04:51) Fiber digestibility results(07:10) Energy-corrected milk yield(08:56) Hybrid yield comparisons(11:07) Practical recommendations(12:20) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Fortiva* Kemin* Adisseo* Barentz* Vetagro- DietForge- Virtus Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. 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 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!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:33) Introduction(03:09) Model accuracy(05:26) Starter intake bias(07:28) Feeding strategies(10:48) Mammary gland growth(12:33) Weaning transition(16:09) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Vetagro* Fortiva* Kemin* Adisseo* Barentz- 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. Dwain Bunting, Technical Service Dairy Nutritionist at Barentz Animal Nutrition, explains how DCAD products can influence palatability and short-term feed intake in dairy cows. He shares insights from controlled research evaluating cow behavior, intake patterns, and product formulation strategies. Dr. Bunting highlights practical implications for formulation decisions and field expectations. Get a technical perspective that supports better nutritional outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!“DCAD products allow chlorides to be incorporated into a feed matrix in a way that supports palatability and consistent intake.”Meet the guest: Dr. Dwain Bunting is a ruminant nutritionist with more than 27 years of industry and academic experience across dairy and beef systems. He holds a PhD in Nutrition and Biochemistry and has served in research, teaching, and global technical support roles. Currently a Technical Consultant at Barentz Animal Nutrition, his work focuses on applied dairy nutrition and formulation strategies. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:19) Introduction(02:19) DCAD background(04:43) Study design(05:45) Feeding strategy(07:13) Intake measurement(07:53) Palatability outcomes(09:24) Final QuestionsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Barentz* Vetagro* Fortiva* Kemin* Adisseo- 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 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 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!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:57) Introduction(02:19) Dr. Hernandez's background(03:05) Preventing hypocalcemia(06:22) Transient hypocalcemia(09:27) Dietary strategies for prevention(10:25) Calcium binders and phosphorus(12:45) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Barentz* Vetagro* Kemin* Fortiva- DietForge- Virtus Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastInstagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastLinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast