Dr. Jessica Halfen: Phytochemicals & Cow Health | Ep. 116

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

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Gaelan Combs, a PhD student at Iowa State University, discusses the impact of dexamethasone pre-treatment on metabolism and productivity during a systemic immune challenge. He examines how inflammation affects productivity and why immune activation involves more than just inflammatory markers. Listen now on all major platforms!"Inflammation is one of the key responses that happens when the immune system is activated, but it’s not the only factor involved."Meet the guest: Gaelan Combs is a PhD student in Animal Nutrition at Iowa State University, where his research focuses on immune activation and its metabolic effects in dairy cattle. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he conducted undergraduate research 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(01:24) Introduction(03:31) Immune activation effects(04:06) Inflammation and productivity(04:51) Dexamethasone's role explained(06:19) LPS challenge model(11:19) Inflammation vs immune activation(13:24) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Fortiva- Virtus Nutrition- Kemin- Zinpro𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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, Jeff Tikofsky from Zinpro shares insights on how isoacids support rumen function and microbial protein synthesis. He explains how balanced nutrition strategies can improve fiber digestion, nitrogen use, and overall herd performance, particularly during the transition period. Get practical takeaways to help your herd make the most of every pound of feed. Listen now on all major platforms!"Isoacid supplementation enhances fiber degradation and helps cows extract more energy from feed."Meet the guest: Jeff Tikofsky is a Dairy Technical Nutritionist at Zinpro Performance Minerals, bringing decades of experience in dairy nutrition, technical support, and mentorship. With a Master of Science degree from Cornell University, under the guidance of Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, he has built a career focused on advancing rumen function, microbial efficiency, and producer success. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Andrew LaPierre: Isoacids in Cattle Diet | Ep. 79What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:29) Introduction(02:52) Isoacids' role(03:47) Rumen fermentation(04:59) Product benefits(06:29) When isoacids work best(07:50) Microbial synthesis(09:56) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: Zinpro* 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. José Eduardo Santos from the University of Florida continues exploring the science behind choline and its role in improving dairy cow performance. He explains the importance of rumen-protected choline, breaks down updated research on bioavailability, ideal dosage, and interactions with nutrients like methionine. Listen now on all major platforms!"The rumen microbes tend to destroy more than 90% of the choline in dietary ingredients or when supplemented as choline chloride."Meet the guest: Dr. José Eduardo P. Santos is a Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida, with a DVM from São Paulo State University and graduate degrees from the University of Arizona. His work focuses on improving health and performance in transition cows through nutritional strategies.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(01:08) Introduction(01:43) Rumen-protected choline(06:19) Measuring bioavailability(09:22) Effectiveness of protected choline(11:14) Optimal choline dose(16:48) Key takeaways on choline(21:02) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:Kemin* Priority IAC* Adisseo- Virtus Nutrition- Zinpro𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastInstagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastLinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast