Real Science Exchange-Dairy

The episode opens with introductions and an overview of the discussion, establishing the critical role trace minerals play in modern beef production ( 00:00 – 01:35 ). The conversation frames mineral nutrition not simply as a requirement for preventing deficiencies, but as a strategic management tool that can influence animal performance, health, reproductive success, and profitability throughout...

The episode opens with introductions to the panel and co-host Dr. Mariana Marenho, highlighting her background in ruminant nutrition and setting the stage for a discussion that bridges academic research with real-world application. (00:00 – 01:27)  The conversation then introduces the featured Journal of Dairy Science review paper, focusing on the regulation of hepatic glucose production “carbon b...

Lara Moody (iFeeder), Dr. Yuan-Tai Hung, and Leah Wilkinson (AFIA) join the Real Science Exchange podcast to explore the growing concern around vitamin and amino acid supply chain disruptions—and their potential impact on U.S. food security. Recorded live at IPPE, this episode dives into how feed ingredient availability influences animal performance, producer profitability, and long-term resilienc...

The episode opens with a welcome to the podcast and introductions to the panelists. It highlights their diverse expertise in mineral metabolism, applied nutrition, and industry insights. ( 00:00 – 02:38 ) The discussion begins with a deep dive into the mechanisms of mineral absorption, focusing on epithelial barriers and transporters. The panel discusses how minerals like magnesium are absorbed ac...

The episode opens with introductions to the panel, including Kurt Cotanch, Gianni Raffrenato, Steve Martin, and Jacob Copeland, establishing a diverse mix of academic, applied, and field-based expertise in dairy nutrition and forage systems. ( 00:00 – 07:39 )  The conversation begins with a deep dive into forage quality, emphasizing the importance of harvest timing, speed, and efficiency. The pane...

The discussion opens with a welcome to the Real Science Exchange and an introduction to the expert panel, followed by foundational context around amino acid nutrition and its growing importance in dairy production systems. Early in the episode, the panel introduces the concept of feeding the “one-ton” component cow, highlighting the nutritional intensity required for high-output animals and compar...

Recorded live at the Florida Ruminant Nutrition Conference, this episode of the Real Science Exchange explores how improving nitrogen efficiency can enhance both dairy performance and environmental sustainability. Featuring Dr. Kelly Nichols (UC Davis), Dr. Jonas de Souza (Perdue Animal Nutrition), and Dr. Ben Wenner (Feed Works), the conversation brings together leading perspectives on how nitrog...

The episode opens with a welcome to the Real Science Exchange and introductions to the panel, including Steve Martin, Maria Spindola, Stephanie Hansen, and Dr. Bill Weiss, setting the stage for a deep dive into mineral nutrition. (00:00 – 02:19)  The discussion begins by comparing NASEM requirements with practical feeding recommendations, emphasizing how minimum requirements are designed to preven...

Yeast supplements play a critical role in modern animal nutrition , gut health , and feed efficiency , but not all yeast products work the same way. In this episode of the Real Science Exchange , recorded live at IPPE in Atlanta , Dr. Melina Bonato of ICC Animal Nutrition breaks down the science behind yeast supplements , yeast cultures , and pure yeast products , and explains how different yeast...

Recorded live at the Florida Ruminant Nutrition Conference, this episode of the Real Science Exchange features Drs. Heather White and Brad Johnson exploring the role of maternal choline nutrition and its emerging impact on beef × dairy calf performance.  Maternal nutrition plays a powerful role in shaping beef quality outcomes. In this episode, Dr. Heather White explores how maternal choline suppl...

This episode of the Real Science Exchange features Dr. Mary Beth Hall, founder of The Cows Are Always Right and former USDA‑ARS scientist, discussing her highly attended Real Science Exchange webinar, Manure Evaluation: Figuring Out What’s Going On Between Cows and Their Rations. Joining the pub‑table conversation are Dr. Clay Zimmerman, Dr. Stefano Vandoni, and Dr. Sion Richards. Dr. Mary Beth Ha...

This episode of Real Science Exchange was recorded live at the 2026 IPPE Show and focuses on the newly formalized IFEEDER Research Submission Program and its role in advancing innovation across the animal feed and pet food industries.  Lara Moody, Executive Director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), opens the discussion by outlining IFeeder’s mission to advance understand...

This episode features Andrea Lendewig, Head of Research & Development at IFCN, discussing her Real Science Exchange webinar presentation Global Dairy Market Status and 2035 Perspectives . Joining the conversation are Philipp Goetz, Head of Sales and Business Development at IFCN; Lucas Fess, Senior Dairy Analyst with Rabobank; and Jeremy Painter, Vice President of Global Commercial Operations for A...

Dr. Mike Van Amburgh begins by outlining how amino acid nutrition has historically been viewed almost exclusively through the lens of milk protein. He explains that emerging research clearly shows amino acids play far broader roles in the cow, influencing milk fat synthesis, energy metabolism, and overall efficiency. As genetic potential has increased, amino acids are now supporting many biologica...

Dr. Baumgard opens by explaining the origin of the “immune suppression” theory in transition cows. Research dating back to the late 1970s showed slower neutrophil infiltration into the mammary gland in early lactation, which led to the assumption that cows are immunosuppressed after calving. This idea has shaped industry thinking for more than 40 years. (10:43) He outlines two primary mechanisms t...

Dr. Penner presented “Progress in the gut: What we know about ‘gut health’” to lead off the symposium. He highlights using rumen acidosis as a model for gut health, focusing on key structures and how paracellular permeability is maintained or dysregulated, absorptive function, and microbiology. He notes that rumen acidosis affects other parts of the gut besides the rumen. (4:52) Dr. Laarman wrappe...

Recommendations for identification and selection of bioactive compounds to develop antimethanogenic feed additives. Dr. Yáñez-Ruiz (8:23) How can we search for molecules that modify how feed is fermented in the rumen? Conventionally, we have used scientific literature to look for plant extracts and compounds that have been researched before. Now, we have computational technology that offers opport...

Dr. Nichols opens by outlining her background in protein nutrition research spanning Canada, the Netherlands, industry R&D, and now academia at UC Davis. Her research has focused on mammary amino acid metabolism, nitrogen efficiency, and the interaction between protein and energy supply in dairy cattle. (1:00–4:05) Dr. Räisänen shares her path from Penn State to Finland, Switzerland, and now Aarhu...

Dr. Ricklefs-Johnson talks about bone health and the cardiovascular health benefits of cheese. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins D, K, and B12 are all important for bone health, and cheese is a good source of each. In the past, saturated fat in cheese would have been demonized, but research is finding that saturated fat isn’t created equally across all food types, and cheese has many unique fatty...

Dr. Rico’s presentation was titled “Of cows and bugs: Using insects as alternative feeds in dairy cattle nutrition.” He gives an overview of his presentation, noting that while insects are not a major focus of US dairy nutrition, they are of interest in other parts of the world as a protein source to substitute for soybean or fish meal. (2:12) Dr. Dou’s talk was “Alternative feed for livestock: Op...

This episode’s guests were speakers on a Hot Topic Panel titled “Farm Management for the Future - Managing for Health, Welfare, and Performance” at the 2025 ADSA annual meeting.  Dr. Nelson gives some background on how the Hot Topic Panel idea came to be and introduces the rest of the guests. (1:07) Dr. Devries describes his research program in dairy cattle behavior and nutrition, particularly usi...

Genetic resilience and the dynamics of inbreeding and diversity in dairy breeding. Dr. Maltecca (6:43) The main issues in managing genetic diversity in dairy cattle include inbreeding depression and continuing selection without exhausting the available variability in the population. These are difficult to investigate in a breeding population, as there is not a model algorithm where there is the lu...

Host Scott Sorrell begins the episode by setting expectations for a science-first conversation on chelated trace minerals, noting panelist affiliations while emphasizing that the discussion is grounded in research, not promotion. Stephen Ashmead, Senior Fellow for Chelates with Balchem, shares the origins of chelated mineral technology through Albion Laboratories, founded in 1956 by his grandfathe...

Greg Nye introduces himself and Mountain View Dairy, where he manages three facilities and associated farm ground. He outlines the design and construction timeline of their fully enclosed feed center and shares the three primary benefits behind the project: reduced shrinkage, improved ration consistency, and enhanced employee safety. (1:41) Greg explains how external receiving and intentionally se...

This episode’s guests were speakers on the Joint ADSA-CSAS Breeding and Genetics Symposium: Dairy Welfare—Breeding and Management Strategies at the 2025 ADSA annual meeting.  Jessica’s talk was titled “Herd Sustainability Index: Using milk recording data to evaluate dairy herd sustainability.” This index provides a national percentile ranking benchmark for producers relative to sustainability from...