

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
Wisenetix
Learn dairy nutrition from the brightest minds of the global dairy industry – in 9 minutes.If you are a dairy nutritionist who wants to stay up to date with all that is working in the industry, but doesn’t know how to start, doesn’t have the time, or feel most courses out there don’t deliver, then you have come to the right place.The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is specially designed by and for professionals just like yourself. With it, you can effortlessly have access to the thoughts of the most brilliant minds in our industry – all while going about your routine and saving your time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 17, 2025 • 13min
Dr. Sabine Mann: Protein Feeding in Transition Cows | Ep. 78
In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Sabine Mann from Cornell University discusses the importance of protein feeding during the transition period for dairy cows. She shares new insights on protein metabolism and how it affects postpartum milk production and overall cow health. Learn how diet strategies during this time can improve productivity and resilience in dairy herds. Tune in now on all major platforms!"In the postpartum diet, cows used the extra protein for milk production, making more milk without major changes in body weight or condition."Meet the guest: Dr. Sabine Mann is an Associate Professor at Cornell University, where she focuses on dairy cattle nutrition. With a background in veterinary medicine from Germany and a Ph.D. in veterinary preventive medicine from Cornell, her research emphasizes the intersection of metabolism, nutrition, and immunology to improve cow resilience.What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:16) Introduction(02:04) Dr. Mann's background(04:06) Transition period strategies(05:51) Protein feeding strategies(07:40) Prepartum vs. postpartum diet(09:40) Protein & colostrum production(13:05) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo- Virtus Nutrition- Volac- Afimilk- Zinpro- 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

Apr 10, 2025 • 8min
Dr. Robin White: Reducing Emissions in Dairy | Ep. 77
In a thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Robin White delves into the dairy industry's impact on climate change. She highlights strategies to minimize greenhouse gas emissions while emphasizing the essential nutrients dairy provides. The discussion reveals that eliminating dairy cows would only cut agricultural emissions by 30%. Dr. White also unpacks the delicate balance between nutrition and environmental impact, advocating for sustainable practices that can enhance both dairy economics and nutrient efficiency.

Apr 3, 2025 • 14min
Dr. Elliot Neto: Amino Acids & Dairy Efficiency | Ep. 76
Dr. Elliot Neto, Ruminant Technical Services Manager at Kemin Industries and a dairy nutrition expert, dives into the vital roles of amino acids in optimizing dairy efficiency. He highlights how balancing amino acids enhances feed efficiency and milk production, while also addressing nitrogen excretion through innovative, rumen-protected technology. The conversation underscores the importance of particle size and nutrient delivery for maximizing bioavailability and ultimately driving sustainability in dairy operations. Discover how these advancements can revolutionize your dairy practices!

Mar 27, 2025 • 10min
Dr. Jennifer Van Os: Air Speeds & Cow Comfort - Part 2 | Ep. 75
Dr. Jennifer Van Os, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, dives into the fascinating connection between air speeds and cow comfort. She reveals how optimized barn ventilation not only reduces heat stress but also improves cow behavior and milk production. Discover groundbreaking findings on the importance of cooling systems, including fans, which enhance lying times and overall well-being, making a significant impact on dairy farming practices.

Mar 20, 2025 • 11min
Dr. Jennifer Van Os: Heat Stress in Cows - Part 1 | Ep. 74
Dr. Jennifer Van Os, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, dives deep into heat stress in dairy cows. She discusses how thermal discomfort can affect cow welfare and production, emphasizing early signs like increased respiration rates. Van Os also outlines effective cooling strategies for various climates and production systems. By prioritizing thermal comfort, farmers can enhance animal welfare while ensuring productivity.

Mar 13, 2025 • 13min
Dr. William Brown: High-Protein Corn Co-Products | Ep. 73
Dr. William Brown, an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University specializing in dairy cattle nutrition, shares fascinating insights about high-protein corn co-products for dairy calf starters. He discusses how these ingredients can boost calf growth and feed efficiency while being cost-effective. The conversation delves into amino acid balance and innovative high-protein co-products like Protomax, underlining their importance in enhancing digestibility and overall calf health. It's a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in dairy nutrition!

Mar 6, 2025 • 12min
Dr. Jeffrey Firkins: Fatty Acids & Fiber - Part 2 | Ep. 72
Dr. Jeffrey Firkins, a leading expert in dairy cattle nutrition from The Ohio State University, dives into the fascinating interplay between fatty acids and fiber. He highlights the impact of palmitic acid and the benefits of citrus pulp, emphasizing its ability to enhance digestibility and milk production. Firkins also discusses how excessive fat can disrupt rumen function, while advocating for optimized diets to boost sustainability and productivity in dairy farming. His insights illuminate the future of effective dairy nutrition.

Feb 27, 2025 • 12min
Dr. Jeffrey Firkins: Fiber in Dairy Diets - Part 1 | Ep. 71
Dr. Jeffrey Firkins, a Professor at The Ohio State University and a dairy nutrition expert with over 160 journal articles, dives into the importance of fiber digestibility in optimizing dairy diets. He discusses how balancing starch and fiber impacts rumen health and milk production. The role of dietary protein and quality forages is highlighted as essential for microbial synergy. He also emphasizes the benefits of feed additives like yeast to manage rumen pH and enhance cattle well-being. Tune in for valuable, research-backed insights!

Feb 20, 2025 • 14min
Tales Lelis: Rumen-Protected Amino Acids | Ep. 70
Tales Lelis, Regional Business Director at Evonik and a veterinary medicine expert, discusses the revolutionary role of rumen-protected amino acids in dairy nutrition. He highlights the evolving landscape of the Latin American dairy market and the impact of technology on efficiency and animal welfare. Lelis delves into the challenges posed by heat stress and the importance of tailored dietary strategies. Tune in for insights on market trends and innovative approaches to optimize dairy production!

Feb 13, 2025 • 15min
Dr. Maurice Eastridge: Nutrition & Cow Health | Ep. 69
In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Maurice Eastridge, from The Ohio State University, explores strategies for optimizing dairy cow health during the postpartum period. He shares insights on balancing carbohydrates, protein, and minerals to prevent metabolic disorders like ketosis and hypocalcemia. Dr. Eastridge discusses how feed efficiency and other metrics can guide better nutritional strategies. Tune in for practical takeaways on improving herd health and maximizing productivity."It’s crucial to prepare cows well before parturition. Starting with the dry period and especially the three weeks before calving is fundamental to reducing health risks." Meet the guest: Dr. Maurice Eastridge, a Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist at The Ohio State University, has been a faculty member since 1986. He earned his MS and Ph.D. from Purdue University. His work focuses on teaching, research, and extension programs in dairy cattle nutrition, particularly on fat and fiber sources and milk fatty acid composition. What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:29) Introduction(02:46) Reducing postpartum risks(05:04) Ketosis and hypocalcemia(07:58) Nutrition strategies(10:00) Feed efficiency(13:00) Herd metrics(15:57) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo- Volac- Kemin- Virtus Nutrition- Evonik𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastInstagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastLinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast