Dr. Renée Petri: Understanding the Rumen Microbiome | Ep. 135

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Susanna Räisänen, Assistant Professor at Aarhus University, discusses the growing importance of histidine in dairy cow nutrition. She explains how lower-protein diets affect amino acid balance, the role of microbial protein, and the challenges of improving nitrogen utilization while maintaining milk production. Learn how histidine may shape future dairy nutrition strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!"In a meta-analysis compiling all histidine studies, histidine supplementation increased dry matter intake and increased milk protein, milk yield, and energy-corrected milk yield."Meet the guest: Dr. Susanna Räisänen is an Assistant Professor at Aarhus University specializing in nitrogen utilization in lactating dairy cows. She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Animal Science from SLU in Sweden and completed her Ph.D. at Penn State University. Her research focuses on amino acid nutrition, protein efficiency, and sustainable dairy production. Listen to Dr. Susanna Räisänen on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Sonia Rodríguez: Improving Milk Production with Gut Health Strategies | Ep. 125Dr. Lance Baumgard: Stress Impact on Gut Health | Ep. 130Dr. Richard Paratte: Lysine and Milk Production | Ep. 133What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:41) Introduction(03:31) Histidine interest(06:08) Low-protein diets(07:31) Supplementation responses(08:28) Feed sources(09:46) Practical limits(14:38) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Vetagro* Adisseo* Fortiva* Barentz* Kemin- DietForge- Esmilco Inc.- 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. Massimo Bionaz from Oregon State University explains how nutrigenomics can support 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!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 Lactation"Nutrigenomics is trying to exploit bioactive compounds in the feed that interact with the genome."Meet the guest: Dr. Massimo Bionaz is an Associate Professor at Oregon State University. His research focuses on nutrigenomics, milk and human health, dairy cow welfare, systems biology, and hemp byproducts as livestock feed. He 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. Learn more from Dr. Massimo Bionaz on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.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(04:52) What is nutrigenomics(06:28) Transcription factors explained(08:40) Fatty acids and health(09:53) Inflammation during transition(12:10) Benefits for producers(15:21) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Kemin* Adisseo* Vetagro* Fortiva* Barentz- Virtus Nutrition- DietForge- Esmilco Inc.𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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, celebrating National Dairy Month, Dr. Alexandre Pedroso, dairy specialist and senior consultant at Plenteous Consultoria, continues the discussion on how animal welfare shapes dairy cattle nutrition, herd health, and production efficiency. He explores the impact of heat stress, cow comfort, lying time, feed intake, and labor challenges on modern dairy systems, while sharing practical strategies to support sustainability and long-term herd performance. Listen now on all major platforms!"Cow comfort, nutrition, hygiene, and environmental management together establish the essential conditions required for maintaining strong herd health and sustainable dairy production."Meet the guest: Dr. Alexandre Pedroso earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from ESALQ USP in Brazil and has decades of experience in dairy cattle nutrition, animal welfare, and feed management. As founder of Plenteous Consultoria and a CowSignals expert, his work focuses on improving dairy farm efficiency, sustainability, and herd performance through better nutrition and cow comfort. Learn more from Dr. Alexandre Pedroso on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:38) Introduction(02:05) Welfare and nutrition(02:31) Heat stress impact(03:25) Cow comfort(03:53) Nutrition and immunity(05:52) Labor challenges(08:15) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Barentz* Vetagro* Kemin* Adisseo* Fortiva- Esmilco Inc.- 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, celebrating National Dairy Month, Dr. Alexandre Pedroso, dairy specialist and senior consultant at Plenteous Consultoria, discusses how productive longevity, animal welfare, and CowSignals principles support more sustainable and efficient dairy production. He explains how cow health, comfort, and management practices directly impact milk production, farm profitability, and the future of the dairy industry. Discover practical strategies shaping modern dairy systems. Listen now on all major platforms!"Longevity itself is not a good indicator of welfare or efficiency. Productive longevity depends on cows remaining healthy, comfortable, well-fed, and able to perform across multiple lactations."Meet the guest: Dr. Alexandre Pedroso earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from ESALQ USP in Brazil and has decades of experience in dairy cattle nutrition, animal welfare, and feed management. As founder of Plenteous Consultoria and a CowSignals expert, his work focuses on improving dairy farm efficiency, sustainability, and herd performance through better nutrition and cow comfort. Learn more from Dr. Alexandre Pedroso on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:39) Introduction(01:59) Guest background(02:46) Productive longevity(05:19) Welfare and nutrition(05:55) CowSignals mindset(09:32) Cow health(11:52) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Barentz* Vetagro* Kemin* Adisseo* Fortiva- Esmilco Inc.- 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. Brian Campbell, ruminant product manager at Fortiva, explores how heat stress affects dairy cattle across multiple lactations and generations. He explains nutritional strategies, including yeast, chromium, and betaine, and why combining approaches improves resilience, intake, and milk production under varying climate conditions. Learn how to manage heat stress more effectively in dairy systems. Listen now on all major platforms!Click here to read the full research articles:Effects of feeding live yeast at 2 dosages on performance and feeding behavior of dairy cows under heat stressEffects of supplemental calcium salts of palm oil and chromium-propionateon insulin sensitivity and productive and reproductive traits of mid- to late-lactating Holstein × Gir dairy cows consuming excessive energySoybean hulls as a primary ingredient in forage-free diets for limit-fed growing cattle"Heat stress creates multiple lactation and multigenerational impacts across dairy systems, requiring nutritional strategies that support several biological pathways to maintain long-term productivity."Meet the guest: Dr. Brian Campbell earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee, along with a Master’s in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and an MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He has served as a research and extension professor at Virginia Tech and now works as a ruminant product manager at Fortiva, focusing on applied dairy nutrition solutions. Learn more on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast with Dr. Brian Campbell. Listen now on all major platforms!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(02:17) Heat stress impact(03:30) Yeast role(04:40) Chromium effects(05:56) Betaine insights(07:31) Multi-ingredient approach(11:14) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Fortiva* Barentz* Vetagro* Kemin* Adisseo- DietForge- Esmilco Inc.- 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. José Santos, Professor at the University of Florida, explains calcium regulation in dairy cows and how mineral-related disorders during transition affect health, intake, immunity, and lactation outcomes. Learn the differences between clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia and why recovery after calving matters. Listen now on all major platforms!"Borderline low blood calcium that persists for a few days can alter intake, attenuate innate immune response, and contribute to negative outcomes."Meet the guest: Dr. José Santos is a Professor at the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. His work focuses on dairy cow health, production, reproduction, and nutrition-health interactions, with prior experience at UC Davis and training at the University of Arizona, UC Davis, and the University of Sydney. Hear more from Dr. Santos on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(02:14) Introduction(04:29) Calcium regulation(05:49) Clinical hypocalcemia(06:53) Dyscalcemia risk(08:33) Borderline calcium(09:39) Transition challenges(11:58) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Kemin* Vetagro* Barentz* Fortiva- DietForge- Virtus Nutrition- Esmilco Inc.𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. Renée Petri, Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, explains how rumen microbiome dynamics influence dairy cow performance, feed efficiency, and environmental outcomes. She explores diet changes, adaptation periods, and microbiome-informed nutrition strategies to improve milk components and sustainability. Discover how managing microorganisms drives production success. Listen now on all major platforms!"Dietary changes influence microbial populations and nutrient availability, creating ripple effects that impact intake behavior, milk components, and overall production efficiency in dairy systems."Meet the guest: Dr. Renée Petri is a Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Sherbrooke. Her work focuses on dairy rumen and gut microbiome research, including interactions during lactation, sustainability, gut health, and feed management in calves and dairy cattle. She holds a PhD in Ruminant Microbiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Learn more about microbiome-driven nutrition with Dr. Renée Petri on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast. Listen now on all major platforms!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:52) Introduction(03:23) Microbiome study(04:28) Feed changes(06:26) Adaptation time(08:22) Heritability insights(09:13) Informed nutrition(13:01) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Barentz* Fortiva* Adisseo* Vetagro* Kemin- Esmilco Inc.- 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. Tatiane Fernandes, Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech, explains how stable isotope tracing improves dairy nutrition research. She explores amino acid absorption, rumen-protected product evaluation, and how labeled nutrients help track milk protein synthesis. Get practical insights on tracer design, nutrient metabolism, and precision feeding research. Listen now on all major platforms!"Rumen-protected amino acid absorption can be estimated by comparing labeled markers in blood with the amount absorbed after intestinal release."Meet the guest: Dr. Tatiane Fernandes is an Assistant Professor in the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on ruminant nutrient metabolism, rumen fermentation, stable isotope tracer techniques, and metabolic modeling. Her work supports dairy nutrition studies on amino acid absorption, nutrient use, and milk protein formation. Hear more from Dr. Fernandes on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(02:03) Introduction(03:01) Stable isotopes(04:55) Amino acid tracing(05:54) Study design(07:56) Protected amino acids(09:03) Milk protein(12:15) Closing ThoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Kemin* Adisseo* Barentz* Fortiva* Vetagro- Virtus Nutrition- Esmilco Inc.- 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. Richard Paratte, dairy nutritionist at Vetagro, explains how lysine drives milk production efficiency beyond crude protein. He explores amino acid balance, rumen protection technologies, and how precision delivery improves milk protein and fat synthesis. Get practical insights on microencapsulation and metabolic coordination to improve performance. Listen now on all major platforms!"Dairy cow performance depends on amino acid balance rather than crude protein levels, since limiting amino acids like lysine directly influence milk protein synthesis efficiency and overall nutrient utilization."Meet the guest: Dr. Richard Paratte earned a PhD in Animal Science and has over 20 years of global experience in ruminant nutrition and agribusiness. As a dairy nutritionist and specialist in precision nutrition and microencapsulation, his work focuses on improving efficiency, animal health, and sustainability in dairy systems. Learn more from Dr. Richard Paratte on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast. Listen now on all major platforms!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(03:03) Lysine importance(03:59) Amino balance(06:48) Rumen protection(08:43) Matrix technology(10:39) Milk fat(13:57) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Vetagro* Kemin* Adisseo* Barentz* 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

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Frank Delfino, owner of Delfino Nutrition and Management, shares practical strategies for managing potassium and DCAD in dairy cattle under extreme heat stress conditions. He explains sourcing challenges, ration adjustments, and global constraints affecting implementation. Get key insights, including potassium supplementation methods and maintaining intake during high temperatures. Listen now on all major platforms!"Maintaining proper potassium levels becomes critical in hot climates where intake drops, requiring accurate measurement and consistent adjustments to sustain optimal DCAD balance across lactating dairy cattle systems."Meet the guest: Dr. Frank Delfino earned his PhD in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Arizona and has built a global career in dairy cattle nutrition, working across the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. As owner of Delfino Nutrition and Management, he focuses on practical solutions for heat stress and mineral balance in dairy systems. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:35) Introduction(02:29) Potassium levels(03:08) Potassium sources(04:36) Heat stress strategy(06:37) Liquid potassium use(08:15) Group feeding approach(14:05) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Barentz* Fortiva* Vetagro* 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