The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Melissa Cantor from Penn State University unpacks new research on beef-on-dairy calves and their long-term performance. She explains the surprising impacts of early-life respiratory disease, what it means for marbling and carcass traits, and how management practices can reduce risks. Learn how dairy calf health decisions carry lasting value for beef outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!"Very early lung consolidation, often invisible to farmers, was linked to reduced growth for weeks after diagnosis."Meet the guest: Dr. Melissa Cantor is an Assistant Professor of Precision Dairy Science at Penn State University, where her work focuses on calf nutrition, health, and precision management practices. With over 30 scientific publications, she leads extension efforts such as the Penn State Dairy Nutrition Workshop and supervises graduate research on calf health and dairy-beef systems. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:34) Introduction(03:14) Early lung disease(06:59) Carcass performance(09:24) Energy efficiency(10:29) Liver abscesses(13:52) Final remarks(15:19) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Barentz* Kemin* Adisseo* Fortiva* Vetagro- 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. 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 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!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:22) Introduction(03:23) Pair housing benefits(05:06) Abnormal behavior(07:42) Cross-sucking behavior(11:19) Research insights(13:33) Study design(19:14) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Fortiva* Vetagro* Barentz* Kemin* Adisseo- 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. Massimo Bionaz explores the potential of hemp byproducts in dairy cattle nutrition. He shares insights on the nutritional potential of hemp-derived byproducts, challenges related to compound residues in animal feed, how regulatory frameworks influence feed innovation, and the future of feed trials. Discover what current research reveals and what still needs to be addressed before hemp can enter ruminant diets legally. Listen now on all major platforms!"Spent hemp biomass has a nutrient profile comparable to alfalfa, making it a potentially valuable feed ingredient."Meet the guest: Dr. Massimo Bionaz earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Husbandry and Production from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy, where he studied liver function and inflammation in dairy cows. He is currently an Associate Professor at Oregon State University, focusing on nutrigenomics, byproducts as feed, and dairy cow welfare.Click here to read the full research article!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:22) Introduction(02:02) Legal status explained(04:22) Nutritional profile insights(05:05) Residual compound concerns(06:50) Research insights(10:49) Residue data(14:20) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Kemin* Adisseo* Fortiva* 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. 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 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!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:51) Introduction(03:41) Role of polyphenols(05:08) Antioxidant mechanisms(06:16) Byproduct feed potential(07:58) Transition period health(11:41) Nutraceuticals in dairy(12:56) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Fortiva* Barentz- DietForge- Kemin- 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. Alice Brandao from Texas A&M University explores how insulin resistance, feed additives, and energy sources influence dairy cattle health. She shares insights from her work in Brazil, where challenging conditions call for adaptive nutritional strategies. Learn what impacts immune modulation and metabolic responses in transition cows. Listen now on all major platforms!"Feed additives are great tools, but they are not silver bullets or magic wands."Meet the guest: Dr. Alice Brandao is an Instructional Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University's Department of Animal Science. With a background in veterinary medicine from Brazil, she pursued her M.S. in Dairy Science and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:07) Introduction(06:44) Insulin resistance factors(08:49) Chromium supplementation effects(09:42) Non-starch energy sources(11:22) Immune modulation strategies(13:49) Feed additive challenges(16:42) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Fortiva* Priority IAC- Kemin- 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. 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 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!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:26) Introduction(02:26) Water-soluble carbs(04:47) Microbial glycogen storage(06:52) Fermentation vs. starch(09:38) Carbohydrate sources(11:31) Diet formulation tips(13:17) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Fortiva* Priority IAC- Virtus Nutrition- Kemin𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. Javier Alba Mayagoitia from Priority IAC explains how microbial-driven nutrition can stabilize rumen function and support healthier, more efficient dairy cows. He covers targeted strains, rumen fermentation challenges, and practical feeding principles producers can apply on-farm. Learn how microbiology connects with nutrition to strengthen performance. Listen now on all major platforms."Smartbacteria is a concept that includes strains with specific functions for digestion, disease prevention, and cow health."Meet the guest: Dr. Javier Alba Mayagoitia is a veterinary microbiology nutritionist and Director of Priority IAC México. With 32 years in dairy and beef cattle practice across mastitis, herd management, and nutrition, he now focuses on microbiology-based feeding strategies. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:21) Introduction(05:01) Smartbacteria explained(06:21) Preventing acidosis(08:09) Nutrition principles(10:07) Feed management tips(11:26) Protein efficiency(14:15) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Priority IAC* Fortiva* Adisseo- Kemin- 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 special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jeff Firkins from The Ohio State University explores how nutrient interactions influence fiber degradation in dairy cows. He explains the balance between starch and fiber digestion, the role of rumen pH, and the impact of feed additives on maintaining optimal rumen health. Learn how to maximize fiber utilization and improve energy efficiency in dairy diets. Listen now on all major platforms!"Positive and negative associative effects determine whether nutrients enhance or inhibit fiber degradation, directly influencing rumen function and energy utilization."Meet the guest: Dr. Jeff Firkins is a Professor at The Ohio State University. After earning his Ph.D. and completing a postdoc at the University of Illinois, he joined OSU, advancing to Professor. His research focuses on rumen fermentation, nutrient efficiency, and microbial interactions affecting fiber utilization in dairy cattle. With over 160 journal articles and 200 invited presentations, Dr. Firkins continues to guide advancements in dairy nutrition. 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(01:54) Guest background(02:44) Fiber degradation(04:49) Soluble carbohydrates(06:39) Starch in dairy diets(09:08) Feed additives(12:09) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Fortiva- Virtus Nutrition- Kemin𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. Frank Mitloehner from UC Davis explores the complex environmental impacts of nitrogen excretion in dairy cattle. He breaks down how nitrogen behaves in the environment, compares it to methane, and discusses the role of precision feeding and manure management in reducing emissions. Learn how to balance productivity with sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms!"Each percent of protein that you overfeed beyond what the animal needs can lead to 10% additional nitrogen emissions."Meet the guest: Dr. Frank Mitloehner is a professor and air quality specialist at UC Davis, where he leads the CLEAR Center, focused on the environmental impact of animal agriculture. His work targets air emissions and sustainable practices in livestock systems, with emphasis on nitrogen and methane management. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Elliot Neto: Amino Acids & Dairy Efficiency | Ep. 76What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:27) Introduction(02:05) Guest background(03:00) Nitrogen excretion(04:57) Reactive nitrogen(07:15) Precision protein feeding(12:47) Emerging technologies(15:55) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: Kemin* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Fortiva- Zinpro- 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, Shedrack Omale from Iowa State University shares his research on using red seaweed to reduce methane emissions in dairy cows. He explains how bromoform in seaweed disrupts methane production, its potential on-farm applications, and how it compares with other mitigation strategies. Learn how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. Listen now on all major platforms!"Red seaweed contains bromoform, which is the active ingredient that can cut down methane emissions."Meet the guest: Shedrack Omale is a Ph.D. student in Nutritional Physiology at Iowa State University and Feed Manager at the ISU Dairy Teaching and Research Farm. His research focuses on strategies to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows, advancing sustainability in cattle nutrition.Click here to read the full research article!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:21) Introduction(03:19) Guest background(05:11) Red seaweed(06:01) Environmental impact reduction(06:57) Seaweed effects(08:21) Cow health findings(11:47) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Priority IAC* Fortiva* Adisseo- Kemin- Zinpro- 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