Real Science Exchange-Dairy

The panel features the speakers behind the symposium "Concepts and Strategies to Improve Physiological Resilience to Heat Stress in Dairy Cows": Dr. Yun Jiang (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Dr. Jimena Laporta (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Dr. Vincenzo Lopreiato (University of Messina), and Dr. Maya Zachut (Volcani Institute). The episode begins with introductions. Dr. Jiang describes her...

The episode opens with introductions. Dr. Santos, who has been at the University of Florida for almost 20 years, explains that Giovanna's undergraduate mentor at the University of São Paulo was his friend from grad school at the University of Arizona. She came to Florida with high recommendations after an externship at the University of Georgia. ( 00:00 – 03:06 ) The discussion then shifts to Giov...

Host Scott Sorrell is joined by co-host Dr. Laura Nihus (Balchem), Dr. Bill Weiss, and Steve Massie (Renaissance Nutrition) for a wide-ranging discussion on heat stress, leaky gut biology, transition cow management, inflammation, precision technologies, and the future of dairy cow health monitoring. The conversation opens with introductions and backgrounds from the panel, highlighting decades of e...

The conversation begins with introductions and an overview of Dr. Wilkens' research examining vitamin D biology across ruminants and other livestock species. It is explained that vitamin D should not be viewed solely as a vitamin but rather as the precursor to a highly regulated steroid hormone system with complex feedback mechanisms that influence numerous physiological processes throughout the b...

Introduction The episode opens with introductions of Dr. Jonas de Souza, Steve Martin, and Dr. Ben Wenner, who discuss their backgrounds and experiences in dairy nutrition. The panel outlines the key topics shaping modern dairy nutrition, including fresh cow management, nutrient utilization, amino acid balancing, and the industry's growing adoption of response-based nutrition models designed to im...

Recorded live at the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference , this episode of the Real Science Exchange podcast explores one of the biggest opportunities facing modern dairy producers: unlocking the full genetic potential of today's high-producing cows through nutrition. The conversation opens with introductions and a discussion of each speaker's background in dairy nutrition, fatty acid research, a...

The episode opens with a discussion of the Florida Ruminant Nutrition Conference, one of the dairy industry's leading educational events. Dr. Santos reflects on the conference's growth, its practical focus on dairy nutrition, and the diverse international audience of researchers, nutritionists, and industry professionals it attracts each year. The speakers also discuss the critical role industry p...

The conversation begins with introductions from experts specializing in dairy genetics, reproductive management, transition cow health, and calf monitoring technologies, providing insight into how precision dairy tools are being applied across the dairy industry. 0:00 - 6:21 The panel then explores the evolution of computer vision and artificial intelligence, discussing how modern dairy technologi...

Stress is often associated with obvious challenges such as heat or transportation, but Dr. Baumgard explains that many stressors trigger similar biological responses. Understanding these shared pathways provides important insight into how stress influences animal health, nutrient utilization, immune function, and ultimately dairy cow performance. ( 00:00  –  05:16 )  The panel examines common stre...

The discussion begins with the origins of the research and the collaboration between Dr. Santos and Dr. Lima on large commercial dairies in California. They also share the challenges of conducting nutrition research under real-world dairy conditions. Additionally, they explain how these early studies became a cornerstone of transition cow nutrition research. Their experiences implementing treatmen...

Drawing on decades of research and practical field experience, the panel begins by examining large laboratory datasets that reveal substantial variation in trace mineral concentrations across forages and total mixed rations. These observations highlight the importance of understanding real-world variability rather than relying solely on average values when making nutritional decisions. ( 00:00–03:...

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...

The episode begins with an introduction to the panel and research objectives. This sets the stage for a deeper discussion on how elevated liver copper levels may influence immune resilience in crossbred calves. The panel examines why the impact of excess concentrations of liver copper is significant for animal health. ( 00:00 – 02:55 ) Dr. Hansen then provides an overview of the featured Journal o...

Why the Transition Period Is a Critical Window for Dairy Cow Health (02:10 – 10:36) The discussion begins by examining the transition period as one of the most challenging phases in a dairy cow’s lifecycle. Research suggests that 30–50% of disease events occur within the first three weeks after calving, making this a key window for understanding and supporting immune function. Dr. Rostoll-Cangiano...

The episode opens with a discussion on the growing importance of milk components in today's dairy economy ( 00:00 – 03:52 ). As demand for cheese, yogurt, high-protein dairy products, and dairy nutritional ingredients continues to increase, producers are finding greater value in maximizing milk fat and protein production. Rather than focusing solely on milk volume, they prioritize these components...

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...