Dr. Eduardo Rico: Feeding Insects to Cows | Ep. 100

To celebrate the 100th episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, we’re bringing you a special conversation with Dr. Eduardo Rico from the University of Pennsylvania. He explores the promising potential of insect-based protein in dairy cow diets and explains how nutritional quality, sustainability, and public perception could shape its future use in the U.S. and beyond. Listen now on all major platforms!"When you look at the preliminary data, it doesn't seem like replacing part of the soybean meal makes cows crash in performance—if the diet is balanced for protein and amino acids."Meet the guest: Dr. Eduardo Rico is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, with a strong background in nutritional biochemistry and applied dairy nutrition. His current research focuses on improving cow health through nutrition, including alternative feeds like insects and their impact on metabolism and sustainability. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:35) Introduction(03:24) Insect feeding strategy(05:04) Sustainability benefits(06:04) Nutritional comparisons(09:00) Resistance barriers(12:25) Research insights(15:58) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Kemin* Priority IAC* Afimilk* 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

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Peter Erickson from the University of New Hampshire continues to explore the environmental and nutritional factors that influence colostrum yield and quality in dairy cows. He shares data on cold stress, niacin supplementation, and dry cow cooling, along with fresh insights into IgG, intestinal development, and calf outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!"The calves that were born of dams that received niacin supplementation showed significantly greater feed efficiency during early growth stages."Meet the guest: Dr. Peter Erickson earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Science from the University of Illinois, with prior degrees in Animal Sciences from the University of Maine and the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. He serves as Professor of Dairy Management and Extension Dairy Specialist at the University of New Hampshire. His research focuses on calf and heifer nutrition, especially colostrum management.Click here to read the full research articles:Factors influencing colostrum production of multiparous Holstein and Jersey cowsCreating models for the prediction of colostrum quantity, quality, and immunoglobulin G yield in multiparous Jersey cows from performance in the previous lactation and environmental changesLiked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:45) Introduction(02:10) Temperature vs photoperiod(04:40) Niacin and colostrum(06:42) Cooling and cow comfort(08:48) Colostrum testing tips(09:40) Colostrum quality insights(13:18) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Kemin* Afimilk- 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, Dr. Peter Erickson from the University of New Hampshire shares practical strategies to improve colostrum yield and quality in dairy herds. He unpacks new research on environmental impacts, dry period length, and the physiological triggers influencing colostrum production. Listen now on all major platforms!"Even just how we feed that calf on day one can impact how much milk she makes two or three or four years down the road."Meet the guest: Dr. Peter Erickson earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Science from the University of Illinois, with prior degrees in Animal Sciences from the University of Maine and the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. He serves as Professor of Dairy Management and Extension Dairy Specialist at the University of New Hampshire. His research focuses on calf and heifer nutrition, especially colostrum management.Click here to read the full research articles:Factors influencing colostrum production of multiparous Holstein and Jersey cowsCreating models for the prediction of colostrum quantity, quality, and immunoglobulin G yield in multiparous Jersey cows from performance in the previous lactation and environmental changesLiked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:27) Introduction(02:03) Guest background overview(03:34) Colostrum insights(05:57) Maximizing yield and quality(08:39) Effects of dry periods(09:24) Nutritional influence(10:28) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Afimilk* Adisseo* Priority IAC* 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, Dr. Doug Waterman from Virtus Nutrition explains how management and nutritional strategies influence uterine involution and overall reproductive success in dairy cows. He discusses key factors like inflammation control, calving management, and omega-3 supplementation to improve cow health and future productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!"Uterine involution typically occurs within 20 to 50 days, but various stressors can significantly extend this recovery period."Meet the guest: Dr. Doug Waterman, Eastern Technical Sales Director at Virtus Nutrition, LLC, brings over 30 years of experience in the dairy industry, specializing in nutrition and supporting field nutritionists. His expertise spans reproductive health, inflammation control, and optimizing cow performance through targeted nutritional strategies.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Renee Smith: Omega-3 Benefits in Dairy Dr. Daniel Rico: Vitamin D3 & Omega-3 Effects on Cattle Stress - Part 1Dr. Daniel Rico: Omega-3 & Vitamin D3 for Cow Health - Part 2  What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:39) Introduction(02:37) Uterine involution basics(04:19) Calving difficulties impact(05:09) Key management strategies(07:07) Inflammation and reproduction(08:47) Omega-3 research findings(11:02) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: Virtus Nutrition* Kemin* Afimilk* Adisseo* Priority IAC- 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 special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kirby Krogstad, from The Ohio State University, examines the role of niacin in dairy cow health and performance. Highlighting niacin's impact on immune regulation, rumen functionality, and lactation outcomes, Dr. Krogstad unpacks recent research findings and their practical applications in dairy nutrition. Listen now on all major platforms!"When we provided niacin to those cows, the acute phase proteins that would suggest a general systemic inflammation were blunted by about 30%."Meet the guest: Dr. Kirby Krogstad is an Assistant Professor of Dairy Nutrition and Health at The Ohio State University, where his research and extension mission is to improve dairy cow health, welfare, and longevity through nutrition. With a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr. Krogstad focuses on optimizing dairy nutrition to enhance sustainability and herd performance. 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(01:41) Introduction(02:55) Niacin's & metabolism(03:46) Rumen protection(04:47) Immune function(08:03) Lactation performance(09:09) Niacin supplementation(10:46) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Priority IAC* Kemin* Afimilk* Adisseo- 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, Dr. Massimo Bionaz from Oregon State University explains the power of nutrigenomics in enhancing dairy cow performance. He details how bioactive compounds can regulate gene expression to reduce inflammation, improve transition periods, and support metabolic balance. Understand the science behind transcription factors and fatty acid interactions. Listen now on all major platforms!"Nutrigenomics is trying to exploit bioactive compounds in the feed that interact with the genome."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 articles:Nutrigenomics in dairy cows: Nutrients, transcription factors, and techniquesAdvances in fatty acids nutrition in dairy cows: from gut to cells and effects on performanceFunctional Role of PPARs in Ruminants: Potential Targets for Fine-Tuning Metabolism during Growth and LactationLiked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:29) Introduction(04:33) What is nutrigenomics(06:09) Transcription factors explained(08:21) Fatty acids and health(09:34) Inflammation during transition(11:51) Benefits for producers(14:02) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Kemin* Afimilk- 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, Dr. Roni Yair from Afimilk shares how advanced algorithms are transforming dairy cattle feed efficiency through behavioral data of individual cows. He explains the science behind predictive models, cross-farm research, and how dairies can use this data for strategic culling and breeding decisions. Listen now on all major platforms!"The two major applications of our feed intake prediction system are culling and breeding—using feed efficiency and profitability to guide better decision-making on timing and selection."Meet the guest: Dr. Roni Yair holds a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and completed postdoctoral research at Michigan State University, focusing on ruminant nutrition and hepatic metabolism. Now an animal scientist at Afimilk, he leads research in feed efficiency and dairy cattle behavior analytics.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:27) Introduction(03:17) Predicting feed intake(05:07) Sensor behavior data(08:37) Cross-farm prediction(10:48) Culling and breeding(15:57) Next research directions(20:14) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:Afimilk* Adisseo* Kemin* Priority IAC- 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

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Arthur Neto from the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil explores the principles and benefits of crop-livestock integration systems. He explains how combining trees, forage, and livestock in rotational systems can improve soil health, enhance sustainability, and support carbon neutrality in livestock operations. Listen now on all major platforms!"Integration helps both the environment and the farmer, improving soil fertility and animal welfare through shade and comfort."Meet the guest: Dr. Arthur Neto is a professor at the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil, with a Ph.D. in Tropical Agriculture and training in forage conservation at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. His research focuses on integrated systems that combine crop, livestock, and forestry components to improve sustainability.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(03:03) Crop-livestock integration(04:54) Carbon and soil benefits(05:43) Certification and emissions(07:29) Grass species selection(09:16) Balancing economics(10:19) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Kemin* Afimilk- 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, 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. Learn about nutritional strategies to optimize calcium homeostasis during the transition period. 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 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(01:47) Introduction(02:09) Dr. Hernandez's background(02:55) Preventing hypocalcemia(05:12) Transient hypocalcemia(08:17) Dietary strategies for prevention(09:15) Calcium binders and phosphorus(12:35) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Kemin* Afimilk* Adisseo* Priority IAC- 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, Dr. Carla Bittar from the University of São Paulo in Brazil talks about feeding forage to dairy calves. She shares her groundbreaking research on including corn silage in young calf diets and what it means for intake, behavior, and performance in pre-weaning calves. Listen now on all major platforms!"Feeding corn silage to calves increased total solid feed intake, especially around weaning, with no adverse effects on performance."Meet the guest: Dr. Carla Bittar earned her M.S. at the University of Arizona and her Ph.D. in Animal Science at ESALQ/USP, where she now serves as an Associate Professor. Her research centers on nutrition and metabolism of dairy calves during the pre-weaning phase, focusing on forage inclusion and rumen development.Click here to read the full research articles:Whole-plant flint corn silage inclusion in total mixed rations for pre- and postweaning dairy calvesForage sources in total mixed rations early in life influence performance, metabolites, and behavior of dairy calvesForage sources in total mixed rations on rumen fermentation, gut fill, and development of the gastrointestinal tract of dairy calvesLiked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:35) Introduction(04:28) Corn silage feeding(05:45) Fiber requirements(07:24) Rumen development(09:43) Intake insights(12:23) Choosing the right forage(13:28) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Kemin* Priority IAC- Virtus Nutrition- Zinpro- Afimilk𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastInstagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastLinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast