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Real Science Exchange-Dairy

Real Science Exchange-Dairy

210 episodes — Page 4 of 5

Ep 57World Dairy Expo Producer Panel

Our podcast is recorded at World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. At the 55th Annual World Dairy Expo we were celebrating FFA day. We have a star-studded guest panel today to discuss the latest ideas and trends in animal nutrition. Jeff King is one of our guests from Kings-Ransom Farm in New York. Their operation includes registered holsteins and row crops, and they have a marketing program with registered holsteins. Kelly Reynolds is originally from Wisconsin but now lives in New York and works on Reyncrest Farm with her husband's family, which also has registered holsteins and row crops. Joey Ariosa comes from Airosa Dairy, his family’s operation in California with holsteins, jerseys and row crops. When asked about philosophy, Kelly said as they have grown each person has been able to focus on their passion, which they hope trickles down to their entire team (7:52) Joey spoke about one of their biggest hurdles in California: regulations from the state. California has one of the highest minimum wages and requires overtime pay. So it is important to strike a balance between caring for your animals and putting their needs first, but living within the regulations the state of California requires (12:07) Jeff mentioned communicating with consumers is always an area for growth. A lot of consumers visit their operation and make assumptions. Spending 15 minutes chatting with that consumer and answering questions is necessary. (29:20) Kelly said that the global demand for dairy is real, with a growing demand for high-quality proteins. When they are making decisions about the future of their business, they keep that in mind. Our population isn’t getting smaller, and everyone has to eat. (40:35) Looking to the future, Joey said you have to work together to deal with your problems and fix them because basic things in life are important; clean air, clean water and safe food. In California, Airosa Dairy is trying to do its part with water management and use less water. (46:34) In summary, Jeff wrapped up by emphasizing you should never stop learning. The key to setting yourself up for success starts with the more you can open your horizons and learn at every turn. Look at someone who is successful and ask how did they accomplish what they are doing? (49:13) Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.

Nov 22, 202254 min

Ep 56Virtual Farm Tour-Bateman's Mosida Farms

Today in our pubcast, we are taking a deeper dive into Mosida Farms after a fascinating virtual farm tour at World Dairy Expo. The Bateman family operation includes 20,000 animals and over 5,000 crop acres in Cita, Utah. Wayne Bateman started Mosida Farms and once said, “We didn’t have it all together, but together we had it all.” The Batemans decided to diversify and added beef to their offering. Kaleb Bateman, joined the podcast via video, and says that Mosida Farms produces 40 to 100 beef calves a week. Those calves are fed and eventually sold in one of three Mosida Market locations. Mosida Market once was just the Bateman family selling beef to their neighbors before it evolved to where it is today. (15:03)The Bateman family breeds their own beef and dairy crosses, including a Jersey x Charolais cross. Steve Bateman said the Jersey x Charolais crosses gain just as well as an Angus x Holstein cross. They are running trials with all different crosses and so far the Wagyu crosses are the flagship meat in the market. (27:30) A labor shortage has helped push the Bateman family to put in a robotic milking system. Brad Bateman said the family traveled to look at different systems before finding one that will work. The stress level of cows has decreased in the robotic barn and it has allowed them the option to grow at a different rate. (29:25) Brad Bateman says the family has a philosophy that if you take care of the cow, they will take care of you. To implement that idea there is weekly employee training. The desire of the Bateman family is to do what is best for the cow. (39:00) Laun Hall, nutritionist for Mosida Farms, says there are two different diets, one is acidifying rations and the other is more basic. While they want to meet the nutritional needs of the cow, they also want as few ration changes as possible. (42:31) Jason Bateman mentioned the robot barn is a controlled environment to test different feeds like specific hybrids of corn and the digestibility of different starches. By drilling down on this information, it will impact their bottom line. (52:30) Steve Bateman wrapped up the podcast by commenting that a lot of dairies don’t have family to succeed them. Steve says you have to work to make it possible for your kids to continue the business, and get them involved early to keep them there. (1:02:10) Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.

Nov 8, 20221h 5m

Ep 552022 Journal Club October

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University; Dr. Victor Cabrera, University of Wisconsin-MadisonGathering over cold drinks at the World Dairy Expo pubcast to discuss recent research on nutritional grouping among dairy farms are Dr. Bill Weiss, Dr. Victor Cabrera and Dr. Pete Morrow.Dr. Bill Weiss, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, began the conservation through the recently published research paper in the Journal of Dairy Science, introducing one of the authors, Dr. Victor Cabrera, Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 2:25 Here is a link to the article: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(21)01082-1/fulltextWhat strategies in dairy cow nutritional grouping does the research recommend? Victor added that along with help from a graduate student Jorge Bartos, research shows the opportunity to group animals with similar homogenous nutritional requirements. 3:40He noted the underlying concepts like production, lactation, pregnancy stages and sometimes herd sizes are also drivers for grouping considerations. 5:70Dr. Cabrera said he would first separate by lactation or production, but when calculating the density of nutritional requirements for each animal, he said the animal grouping typically happens naturally. 9:30He also said nutritional requirements play a factor, adding the concept-lead factor of following the diet of the 83rd percentile cow. But how can we improve the nutritional accuracy and formulate the best diet for the group, Dr. Bill Weiss then asked. 12:40Dr. Cabrera mentioned the research paper showed the overweight concern for animals within the transitional period and said another challenge the research indicated was the lower metabolic energy and body score conditions. He added that diets ultimately improve the health and welfare of the animals in all cases. 19:45Dr. Pete Morrow, podcast co-host, said that early in his career he had a dairy do grouping according to production on a late lactation cow on a cheap diet. He added the diet was formulated for 10 pounds less of milk and later realized lead factors was instead the key measure. 24:20There are two points to grouping, Dr. Cabrera said. The journal research was collected from a large farm in Wisconsin, with around 2,400 lactating cows used for the data. Within the grouping for this farm, cows were moved from the 14 different pens each week. Dr. Cabrera mentioned that there are multiple pens for each lactation type, adding the nutrition for the animal's changes based on feed prices and not requirements. 29:31Dr. Cabrera said he and his team thought the roadblock in nutritional grouping for farmers would be fear that moving them frequently would decrease their productivity and labor management throughout the process. 34:49From the paper, however, he added the research doesn’t show a decrease in milk production, but instead, the grouping concept yields opportunities for extra milk production, health gain, environmental benefits and more. 36:30Wrapping up the conversation, Dr. Cabrera emphasized two points, mentioning he believes farmers have a great opportunity to improve nutritional accuracy and believes nutritional grouping offers an effective and efficient system. 41:48Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.

Oct 25, 202244 min

Ep 54What’s happening to older cows?

Guests: Dr. Ian Lean, Scibus; Dr. Todd Duffield, University of Guelph; Dr. Stephen LeBlanc, University of GuelphCo-host: Dr. Pete Morrow, Animal Health SpecialistGathering around the pub to discuss body condition, productivity and the impact older cows have on herds are Dr. Ian Lean, Dr. Todd Duffield and Dr. Stephen LeBlanc. Dr. Ian Lean, Scibus Founder and Manager Director and leading authority in dairy cattle medicine, kicked off the conversation to discuss his data set research around cow removal and reproduction. 9:11Ian noted those involved with the older cow research looked at the disease, reproduction and metabolic data differently than most people. Sharing the impact of various diseases in older cows. 11:03What is the relationship between production and reproduction? Dr. Stephen LeBlanc, a veterinarian professor at the University of Guelph, added this is the common question he receives. Sharing the challenge as dairy scientists, Stephen said the importance of figuring out how to support a cow’s lifespan by choice instead of failing to stay healthy, fertile and productive. 15:20Dr. Todd Duffield, a professor at the University of Guelph, believes there are misconceptions about older cow production and reproduction. He suggests that instead of wanting cows to live forever, profitability or not, he adds that it’s all really about limiting or reducing the farmers' decisions and optimizing the cows' health and performance. 20:29Stephen discusses a win-win approach for the producer, herd and cow itself - optimization and economic longevity. But how do you create farm conditions to know when the optimum time to cull is, Stephen added. 27:04Does a different feeding program matter, asked Ian. From the first webinar, he added that the older cows you could leave on 28 days and still have increased milk production and solids. He suggested when formulating diets for the average cow; he calculates eight pounds more and about three to five kilos more milk than the average cow. 33:18Stephen added cows are both ketotic and have low blood glucose ultimately show varying production outcomes. Suggesting early lactation studies, tough calving and blood BHB all having different risk categories for each animal, said Stephen. 48:57Rounding out the conversation, Stephen closed by suggesting there is an opportunity to possibly rethink some nutritional paradigms in terms of protein and bone metabolism. 1:00:38Additionally, Todd mentioned the direct difference between heifers and older cows. Adding the importance in studying management and feeding qualities for both production and reproduction optimization. 1:04:39Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.

Oct 11, 20221h 11m

Ep 53Kooler Kids

Guests: Stephanie Walsh (Dairy Farmers of America), Melissa Malcolm-Cullison (Cooler Management), Mark Inkrott (Owner of Cooler Management) and co-host: Charlie BenzJoining us at the table to discuss what their organizations are doing to make significant impacts on food security and hunger are Stephanie Walsh, Melissa Malcolm-Cullison and Mark Inkrott. Stephanie Walsh, Director of Industry and Community Affairs for DFA (Dairy Farmers of America) highlights their Farmers Feeding Families Fund, ensuring community members receive the dairy products they need. 1:08Vice President for Cooler Management, Melissa Malcolm-Cullison also joined the evening discussion, sharing her teams’ experience building infrastructure for food banks and food pantries across the country. 2:20Co-Founder of the UpField Group and Owner of Cooler Management, Mark Inkrott also joined in on the discussion. For his entire career after sports, Inkrott noted that he’s been involved in supply chain work with both various brands and farmers alike. Since acquiring Cooler Management a few years ago, they have been specializing in cold storage ever since. 3:44Analyzing the impacts COVID-19 had on the supply chain, Melissa talked about her connection with Charlie Benz of Balchem early in the pandemic. Adding that she saw wasted food due to the influx of food donations during that time, caused by a shortage in refrigerator space. 10:30After brainstorming solutions with Charlie, Melissa said they realized infrastructure was the key to storing food donations safely to get them to families in need. Today, she added she is proud of the program because it offered a solution for nutritious foods like dairy to be donated without spoiling. 14:37Stephanie said in support of food insecurity concerns, the DFA Cares Foundation offers education and scholarships to students studying agriculture. Additionally, she added that in 2022 the foundation provided 53 scholarships through the program. 15:22 Bringing the Cooler Management team and DFA together, Stephanie added in 2020 the two established a partnership to help donate coolers across the country and dairy products to local food pantries. 19:15Melissa noted most people usually think about donating food to food pantries, but not dairy products or even refrigeration needs until programs like Cooler Management or Kooler Kids (from Balchem) begin. 30:26 To date, Mark said they have placed over 3,000 pieces of equipment into food pantries across the country. As for the Cooler Management team, they work with various retailers on finding adequate coolers for food banks and food pantries. 38:41Healthy food equals a healthy family, Mark stated, adding that’s why investing 90 million dollars into 30,000 coolers for food pantries across the country just makes sense and keeps the team motivated. 48:09 It’s September Hunger Action month and so far Stephanie said the Farmers Feeding Families Fund has raised more than $950,000. Their goal is to raise the last $50,000. If anyone is called to help, she encourages everyone to make sure their own fridge is full of dairy products and also asks people to volunteer at their local food pantry. 57:50Donations for the DFA Farmers Feeding Families Fund can happen at DFA.Wrapping up, Mark reflected saying we have an influx of food going into the system, but without proper infrastructure and foundation, it will go to waste. He said if the industry does something about the 30,000 coolers, in 10 years we won’t have to think about refrigeration.1:13:02Be a part of feeding the hungry and bringing the benefits of fresh dairy, produce and meat to those in need. Contact Your Balchem Representative or email [email protected] to learn more.Learn more about these great programs:https://www.coolermanagement.com/https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/social-responsibility/kooler-kids-program/https://www.dfamilk.com/our-commitment/dfa-caresPlease subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.

Sep 27, 20221h 15m

Ep 522022 Journal Club September

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State UniversityCo-host: Dr. Clay Zimmerman and Dr. Glen AinesDiving into two recent Journal of Dairy Science publications, Dr. Bill Weiss, Emeritus Professor at Ohio State University is back again to discuss the latest ideas and trends in animal nutrition. Dr. Weiss highlights two papers published in the Journal of Dairy Science earlier this year, adding one is focused on production while the other highlights fermentation digestibility. One key point Dr. Weiss highlighted was the controversial discussion around supplementing molasses or sugar. 3:02Dr. Clay Zimmerman with Balchem also joined the evening discussion, adding that currently it is common to add a liquid sugar source for a certain level of sugar to optimize microbial protein synthesis. 6:02Diving into the first paper, Dr. Weiss suggested the positive response to molasses would be affected by the RDP (Ratio Degradable Protein), adding he believes this was a valid hypothesis. He went on to highlight fiber differences, digestibility measures and the impact of inputting the data into the NRC (National Research Council) old database. 9:09Analyzing a few key conclusions and surprises from the first production study, Dr. Weiss pointed out his thoughts on the milk efficiency components and intake digestibility results. 16:04On the 10-week intake study, Dr. Zimmerman noted the results showed cows were on a two-week covariate diet and then eight weeks on the treatment diet, plus adding in high moisture corn as a grain source. Additionally, he added the only key parameter that wasn’t negatively affected by the increasing molasses was fat. 24:26In fact, Dr. Glen Aines with Balchem, who also joined in on the conversation, was surprised the journal cited about 42% of VFA’s coming out of the molasses due to the belief it will produce less acidosis. 29:16In the second paper, Dr. Weiss mentioned the results of no impact to RDP (Ratio Degradable Protein) from the models. Dr. Weiss added if he expects the diets to be deficient in RDP, he would also expect increased intake and digestibility. 31:16No models are ever perfect, so analyzing the results from any study is essential. Dr. Aines reflected on key takeaways from the second paper, highlighting the different fermentation battens between the various treatments and microbial population shifts. 49:54Rounding out the conversation, Dr. Weiss closed suggesting the understanding that nothing works all the time and that’s why replicating experiments is so important. 53:41If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. Links to Papers: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030222001874https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35346474/

Sep 13, 202256 min

Ep 5151. Understanding Dairy Cow Behavior to Optimize Nutritional Management with Dr. Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph; Dr. Tom Tylutki, AMTS

Joining the group at the pub for cold brews and conversations this evening is Dr. Trevor DeVries and Dr. Tom Tylutki. While Dr. Tom Tylutki’s passion lies among dairy cow nutrition through various research in growth and maintenance management, Dr. Trevor DeVries has focused his career on studying animal behavior through academia. Both joined together to lead the pubcast this evening covering dairy cow consumption and nutrition management. Dr. DeVries reflects on his career and shares insight into the synthesis between intake and production, adding that when trying to optimize production, optimizing dry matter intake for cows also occurs. His point being, if the goal is to have cows eat more, changing their behavior is important. 11:30 Dr. Tylutki highlights his consulting experience in nearly 46 countries educating livestock owners by commercializing ration formulation packages and notes the critical importance in gathering research data to better understand behavior. 16:20Dr. DeVries adds his perspective in forage quality variation and the studies of both him and Dr. Tylutki have done on fiber length and digestibility. One key point Dr. DeVries shares is the value in making specific recommendations instead of generalized solutions, due to varying factors, operation goals and even some breed differences. 25:32Dr. Pete Morrow also joins the evening discussion, sharing his thoughts on rumination monitors for management practices, highlighting the potential artificial intelligence has through management data points. 37:14Dr. DeVries suggested the cow’s behavior is just as important as the diet itself, which is ultimately impacted externally. Adding, continuous improvement in technology and automation management is also going to play a large role in welfare longevity. 1:04:37If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.

Aug 30, 20221h 7m

Ep 50Legacy Series, Dr. Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois

Guests: Dr. Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois, Dr. Dave Fischer, University of Illinois, Dr. John Goeser, Rock River Lab and co-host, Dr. Jeff Elliott, BalchemThis week's episode is a favorite for many as part of our Legacy Series. We are toasting Dr. Mike Hutjens with the University of Illinois. Mike is a pioneer in the field and has combined his love for education and passion for the dairy industry throughout his career. He continues to keep learning to this day. Plus, he was the one who famously coined the term “pubcast” for the Real Science Exchange. The Real Science Exchange is the discussion that happens in the bar after scientific meetings, making the term “pubcast” even more relevant!Joining us to toast Dr. Hutjens is Dr. Dave Fischer, University of Illinois; Dr. John Goeser, Rock River Lab and co-host Dr. Jeff Elliott, Balchem.Dr. Hutjens reflects on his career, and one industry controversy that dates him was the discussion by producers between high moisture and shell corn. His point is, that there will always be new topics to discuss and research to share with producers. 11:45Through Dr. Hutjens and Dr. Fischer’s tenure with Extension, priorities and approaches have evolved from regional experts who were an inch deep and a mile wide to very specific focus areas over time. 15:44Dr. Goeser added his perspective as someone established as a researcher but still evolving in his career and how the specialization in the industry can also create silos of thinking with very narrow areas of focus. 20:42Dr. Hutjens and Dr. Fischer highlighted one of their biggest accomplishments in evolving producer education is they have successfully moved all of their training online even though the doubters said it wouldn’t work for producers. 29:43Dr. Goeser shared that we all know the industry is evolving, and research, producers and education must do the same. One obvious example is how much milk each cow produces today compared to 20 or 40 years ago. 42:27If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

Aug 16, 20221h 11m

Ep 49Up-Cycling Low Value Proteins Through Food Technologies Promotes Sustainability

This week's episode features several guests from one of the top companion animal research programs in the country, Auburn University. This group focuses on joining sustainability with functionality, specifically up-cycling low value proteins with food technology. Dr. Starkey begins by explaining that changing eating habits of Americans has led to utilizing organ meats for pet food, as the supply is plentiful and the cost is low. (10:35) Joshua Flees said that while the research isn’t complete, by using these types of products (organ meats, wing tips) a few dollars worth of value can be added to a feasible product. (20:40) Dr. Altom summarized the process used to turn some of these products into a more usable protein, which is hydro coli technology, where a sodium algenate is blended into the meat mixture to be properly hydrated, then mixed with a calcium ion. (25:28) Dr. Starkey addresses the concern of bone fragments in pet food. He mentioned there are a lot of technologies such as x-ray to make sure fragments aren’t included. By grinding bone fine enough to be below the safe threshold, they can still utilize the protein and how it aids the hydrocoli technology and gelling. (36:51) Dr. Altom wrapped up by commenting that as the pet and human population grows around the world, pets and humans will be competing for the same protein and amino acid choices. We will have to find new and different ways to provide nutrition to pets, such as these co-products and whole animal opportunities. (54:15)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

Aug 2, 20226 min

ADSA Research Winners Live at the Ice Cream Social

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Today’s episode was recorded live at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting in Kansas City, MO. Joining us are the ADSA research winners to discuss their projects. Lautaro Rostoll Cangiano joins us first. Lautaro is the president of ADSA’s Grad Student Division (GSD) program, which provides networking opportunities at the ADSA meetings in addition to professional development opportunities. Lautaro is wrapping up his time as president. Our next guests are Dr. Corwin Nelson from the University of Florida and Kari Estes with Balchem giving us the judge's perspective on the contest. Each student is judged on four major categories including presentation, design, how they interpret results and the data itself. Kari said the enthusiasm of the students was the highlight for her. Third, we have Alisson Da Mota Santos from Michigan State University who presented on the effectiveness of GnRH as a resynchronization tool in lactating dairy cows. The main findings of the study were that treatments were effective in synchronizing cows. Next up is Jackson Seminara from Cornell University, winner of the PhD poster contest, discussing calcium dynamics and associated patterns of milk constituents in early lactation multiparous Holsteins. Cows with different calcium dynamics have different milk profiles, and the healthy cows had higher levels of proteins. Ursula Abou-Rjeileh and Dr. Andres Contreras from Michigan State joined us as the winner of the masters oral presentation. The study topic was oleic acid limits lipolysis and improves mitochondrial function in adipose tissue from periparturient dairy cows. The focus on oleic acid was to determine how it minimizes body condition score loss. The results showed oleic acid increased insulin sensitivity, minimized lipid mobilization and improved mitochondrial function.Thaina Minela, also from Michigan State, spoke about her project. Her results showed that lactating cows inseminated following estrus have greater early pregnancy losses compared to the fertility program Double-Ovsynch. Thaina won the PhD oral competition. Our final guest is Conor McCabe from the University of California Davis. Conor just finished a term as Dairy Production Manager and is continuing on as the ADSA GSD Vice President in 2022. Looking forward, ADSA will be in Ottawa in 2023 and wants to look at ADSA as more than just a place for students to present their research. Conor mentioned a possible mentorship program available for GSD coming up.

Jul 21, 202253 min

ADSA Balchem Research of Interest

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Today’s episode is hosted live at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. It’s the second in our three-part series from the ADSA meetings.Abomasal infusion of branched-chain amino acids or branched-chain keto acids alter lactation performance in early lactation dairy cows. Joining us is Kristin Gallagher from Michigan State University discussing her research on branched-chain amino and keto acids. Associations of pen-level and herd-level management factors with biomarkers, health, milk-yield and reproduction. Associations of nutritional strategies with biomarkers, health, milk yield and reproduction. Joining us is Dr. Tom Overton from Cornell University discussing research on management factors and nutritional strategies. Linking amino acids to milk fat synthesis. Joining us are Yumi C.T. Taguti from Virginia Tech University and Izabelle Teixeira from the University of Idaho to discuss linking amino acids to milk fat synthesis. Relationships of blood-based indices of liver health during the transition period with performance and health. Joining us is Dr. Tom Overton from Cornell University to discuss blood-based indices of liver health. Effects of Feeding Rumen-Protected Methionine & calcium salts enriched in omega-3 fatty acids on lactation in periparturient dairy cows Joining us is Tanya France and Dr. Joe McFadden from Cornell University discussing her research on the effects of feeding rumen-protected methionine and calcium salts enriched in omega-3 fatty acids. Determining the relative metabolizable methionine content of rumen-protected products and their effect on production responses. Joining us is Jair Parales Giron from Michigan State University and Jonas de Souza from Perdue AgriBusiness discussing research on metabolizable methionine and its effect on production responses. Dry period environmental impact on colostrum volume and quality. Joining us is Kayla Alward from Virginia Tech University to discuss dry period environmental impact on colostrum volume and quality. Lipolysis inhibition improves clinical outcomes in the treatment of ketosis in dairy cows: an individually randomized multigroup parallel controlled trial. Joining us is Miguel Chirivi and Dr. Andres Contreras from Michigan State University, discussing their research on lipolysis inhibition. Lactational performance of dairy cows receiving supplemental His: A meta-analysis Joining us is Susanna Raisanen from Pennsylvania State University discussing her research on supplemental histidine and how it affects lactational performance.

Jul 20, 20221h 48m

Ep 48ADSA Balchem Highlighted Research

Today’s episode is hosted live at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. It’s the first in our three-part series from the ADSA meetings where we are featuring graduate and post-doc students and their research. We have confirmed the future of the dairy research industry is bright hands with the next generation of leaders we had the opportunity to interview.Effects of maternal dietary rumen-protected choline supplementation during late gestation on calf growth and metabolism.Joining us is Turner Swartz from Michigan State University discussing his poster on the effects of maternal dietary rumen-protected choline during late gestation. In general during the study, calves born to pre-natal treated cows showed lower amounts of oxidative stress and reduced inflammation. Studies on these calves ended at 21 days, but it is possible if the study had continued through weaning, that the choline supplementation could have resulted in better calf growth. Additionally, cows that received choline produced 80% more colostrum than the control group, without diluting the IGG’s. For more details, view the abstract summary here: https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/5-Effects-of-maternal-dietary-rumen-protected-choline-supplementation-during-late-gestation-on-calf-growth-and-metabolism.pdfChanges in plasma and milk choline metabolite concentrations in response to the provision of various rumen-protected choline prototypes in lactating cows.Joining us is Tanya France and Dr. Joe McFadden from Cornell University discussing her research on the effects of choline. The goal of the study was to define the best rumen-protected choline technologies that enhance choline bioavailability. The study included two different experiments featuring mid and late-lactation cows. Varying doses of choline chloride were given as a ruminal bolus to the cow and measured the plasma in milk over the course of 36 hours. For more details, view the abstract summary here: https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/3-Changes-in-plasma-and-milk-choline-metabolite-concentrations-in-response-to-the-provision-of-various-rumen-protected-choline-prototypes-in-lactating-cows.pdfRumen-protected choline (RPC) reduces hepatic triacylglycerol content by increasing hepatic triglyceride-rich lipoprotein secretion.Joining us is Usman Arshad from the University of Florida discussing his research on choline reducing hepatic triacylglycerol content. The study analyzes the effects of choline on reducing fatty liver at the cellular level, much more granular than studies done in the past. In the study the effect of choline was isolated, which proved that choline is a lipotropic agent that should be fed with other agents such as methionine. In the experiment, feeding choline resulted in fewer cows with fatty liver, which means better health and milk production. For more details, view the abstract summary here: https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/1-Rumen-protected-choline-RPC-influences-hepatic-metabolism-during-induction-of-fatty-liver.pdfhttps://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/2-Rumen-protected-choline-RPC-reduces-hepatic-triacylglycerol-content-by-increasing-hepatic-triglyceride-rich-lipoprotein-secretion.pdfRumen protected choline (RPC) influences hepatic metabolism during induction of fatty liver.Joining us is Usman Arshad from the University of Florida discussing his research on how rumen-protected choline influences metabolism. For the study, cows were induced with fatty liver via caloric restriction, then fed them a diet high in fatty acids. Then they looked at triacylglycerides in the blood and collected lymphatic fluid. The study found that triacylglycerol levels were increased in both the blood and lymphatic system which suggests that choline increases digestibility of nutrients concurrent with enhanced absorption of triacylglycerols. The study also found that choline reduces inflammation in cows, which could result in less mastitis or matritus. Choline could actually impact the immune function of the cows. For more details, view the abstract summary here: https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/1-Rumen-protected-choline-RPC-influences-hepatic-metabolism-during-induction-of-fatty-liver.pdfIncreasing dose of prepartum rumen protected choline: Effects on milk production in Holstein dairy cows and Increasing dose of prepartum rumen protected choline: Effects on energy and nitrogen metabolism in Holstein dairy cowsJoining us is Dr. Henry Holdorf from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discussing his research on postpartum and prepartum rumen protected choline. These studies focused on higher producing cows, as they were second or greater lactation cows. The results of feeding rumen-protected choline still created an increase in milk production. While the cows h

Jul 19, 20221h 20m

Ep 47Surviving HPAI

Guests: Dr. Carol Cardona, University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Julie Helm, Clemson Livestock Poultry Health; Myah Walker, Director of Quality and Training at Sparboe Farms; Co-host: Tom Powell, Director of Monogastric Business Balchem, Dr. Zack Lowman, Balchem Technical ServiceToday’s episode is focused on a hot topic in the poultry industry and that is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The poultry industry has come a long way in how we manage HPAI outbreaks, and we will touch on what we continue to learn and how that will help us moving forward. Dr. Cardona starts with some background on HPAI. The outbreak in 2022 has so far affected more than 30 states and 50 million birds. (5:07) Dr. Helm explained that wild ducks and geese in North America carry many different strains of a low pathogenic AI. When high pathogenic strains come from Europe and Asia they intermix with the North American strains, which typically mellows the high pathogenic strains. (15:19) Myah Walker shared lessons learned from the 2015 outbreak, which includes ensuring biosecurity is tidied up. This can be employee training which is constant because of turnover, communication internally and externally about biosecurity processes and communication with peers to share best practices. (23:48) Dr. Cardona addressed free-range birds being infected by wild birds and said that wild birds are attracted to poultry farms either by food or water. By protecting feed and ensuring wild birds don’t come for feed, the outdoor spaces could have the same infection rate as indoor birds. (33:03) Myah Walker said in addition to economic impacts, there are mental health impacts of HPAI as well. Depopulating a house takes a mental toll on employees, owners, and growers because they feel a lack of control and sometimes blame themselves. (38:43) Dr. Helm wrapped up by saying if you’re in the industry, get to know the state person who will help you with a response and get to know them before an outbreak hits to go over your plans. (50:30) If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

Jul 5, 202257 min

Ep 46Wonderful World of Fungal Toxins

Guests: Dr. Duarte Diaz, University of Arizona; Dr. Lon Whitlow, North Carolina State UniversityThere are a few things present in almost all environments and one of them is mold. Today on the Real Science Exchange we talk about molds and toxins in agriculture and the opportunity they have to impact the health and profitability of animals and crops. Dr. Diaz begins by saying molds that produce toxins will grow in a building off of air particles because they are pretty adaptable. They can find a way to enter a system and produce toxins. (17:21) Dr. Whitlow mentioned molds cause problems in addition to mycotoxins. As the mold grows, it will use some of the nutrients and the feed will have less nutritional value. In some cases, molds may use individual amino acids, so it could change the amino acid profile. (29:31) Dr. Diaz recommends building a risk assessment model that takes into account the commodities you feed, where they’re coming from and how much of your total diet is made up of this ingredient. You use those data points to decide when to take a sample and see what is being brought in. (38:51)Dr. Whitlow said one of the biggest effects of mycotoxins is suppressing the immune system. Dry cows are already immune suppressed so if you add the mycotoxin on top of that they don’t have any chance of getting started. You’ve got to keep clean feed in front of the dry cows and the calves. Calves don’t have the functional rumen which allows them to destroy mycotoxins. (51:55)Dr. Whitlow emphasizes that for dairy farms management needs to be a big emphasis. Planting and harvesting at the correct time and rotating crops is vital. We know continuous corn will create more mold problems. In addition, follow best management practices for silage making and storage to reduce mold. (1:13:56)Dr. Diaz summarizes by saying he would like to see more work on the identification of biomarkers of exposure. If we are better able to identify exposure to toxins through animal tissues or samples, we would eliminate errors associated with sampling. We would also have a solid diagnostic tool. Ideally, we’d get to a point where we can do diagnostics on-farm. (1:18:37)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

Jun 21, 20221h 22m

Ep 45Managing Poultry Coccidiosis and Its Effects in Antibiotic-Free Production

Guests: Dr. TJ Gaydos, Gaydos Technical Services, and Andy Flickinger, Broiler Manager at Miller PoultryIn today’s podcast we are focusing on the costs and implications of poultry diseases and practical ways to reduce antibiotic resistance with Dr. TJ Gaydos and Andy Flickinger. Dr. Gaydos said that in the poultry industry, disease prevention through vaccines is the focus for birds' health, rather than the treatment of illnesses. (15:39) Andy mentioned that litter amendments, specifically PLT, is a mainstay at their operation on the non-organic side. PLT acidifies the litter and is used for ammonia and pathogen control. On the organic side however, there are fewer options available. (22:06) Dr. Gaydos said that intestinal health in general is an issue in the poultry industry and toxicosis is a part of that. Infectious bronchitis virus is a concern everywhere as well as blackhead disease, so the industry is always working to improve those situations. (27:34) Dr. Gaydos wrapped up by saying a lot of genetic research is being done to help with disease resistance and how that relates to performance in the industry, and will continue to be a focus for years to come. (34:56)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

Jun 7, 202239 min

Ep 44May Journal Club

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University; Dr. Chanhee Lee, The Ohio State University; Haley Zynda, The Ohio State University Special Guest: Dr. Maurice Eastridge, The Ohio State University Today’s episode is an installment of the Journal Club and is around an actual table once again! Our guests gathered at the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference to discuss some of the newest research published in the Journal of Dairy Science surrounding reducing DCAD, nutrient digestibility and ammonia emissions from manure. Dr. Lee stated that by reducing DCAD, the urine or lactating cows would have a lower pH, leading to reduced ammonia emission. Traditionally this leads to decreased milk production. (7:48)Haley Zynda mentioned that there was milk fat depression across all three diets, even the high or average DCAD diets. (16:50) Dr. Lee said their study saw a 15% decrease in ammonia, which is a significant environmentally beneficial benefit and increases the mineral value. (26:45)Dr. Lee also mentioned that in this study, they saw a negative production effect, so at this time, it would not be economically viable. But over the next 5-10 years, we can improve upon the strategy and make it practical. (34:47) Haley Zynda wrapped up by commenting the natural next step in research would be a field trial and trying to grow these crops, especially those using sulfur to decrease the DCAD and soils that are sulfur deficient. (50:09)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

May 24, 202253 min

Ep 43Exploring In Utero Influences on Transgenerational Performance

Guests: Dr. Jack Britt, Jack Britt Consulting; Dr. Jimena LaPorta, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Dr. Eric Ciappio, Balchem Corporation; Dr. Pete Hansen, University of Florida; Dr. Clay Zimmerman, Balchem CorporationToday’s episode was filmed live and in-person from the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference! This episode will focus on the symposium exploring in utero influences on transgenerational performance. Dr. Jack Britt started by saying when managing your dairy herd, if the cow is pregnant, you are managing the next three generations simultaneously. We need to be focused on the long term in how we care and feed the animal. (5:10) Dr. Pete Hansen mentioned breeding for heat stress is challenging because there is so much movement of cattle across the U.S. However, there is genetic regulation of resistance to heat stress and how cells respond to hyperthermia. Dr. Hansen believes dairy cattle breeders will start to put out heat tolerance genetic data. (15:15) Dr. Eric Ciappio has studied the role of choline in human pregnancy and its increase in infant cognition. While there is currently no direct data supporting choline fed in human pregnancies will also help the child’s immune system as it does in cattle, you could someday make that assumption. (25:48) Dr. Clay Zimmerman shared a study that showed improved ADG through ten months of age when supplementing the cow with choline during pregnancy. Furthermore, the benefit was seen in utero, with less improvement but still some coming from colostrum. (38:19) Dr. Jimena LaPorta said that her research focused on understanding if you can reverse heat stress in utero. Heifers born to heat stress cows were cooled and provided the opposite environment, but they didn’t recover. They responded to the treatment physiologically, but growth wasn’t recovered. (44:28) Dr. Jack Britt wrapped up by emphasizing the importance of a single compound like a methyl group and how it could have a huge influence on the biology of an animal. You can look at big things, but we also need to look at the little things. (1:04:24)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

May 10, 20221h 7m

Ep 42April Journal Club

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University; Dr. Matt Akins, University of Wisconsin Co-host: Dr. Clay Zimmerman, BalchemAir date – April 26, 20222203-045Today’s podcast is the latest installment of the Journal Club where we take a closer look at some of the newest research published around the world. Today we are focused on research centered around dietary energy and genomic residual feed intake in bred heifers. Dr. Akins explained RFI is residual feed intake, and is the difference between the actual energy intake and the expected intake based on equations. If it’s negative, the animal ate less than predicted and a positive RFI means they ate more and were less efficient. (7:38)Dr. Akins also said that diet, high versus low energy, had about a 9-10% reduction in intake, which is about two to two and a half pounds, which was right where predictions were. (19:00)Dr. Akins compared strategies for bred heifers to limit feedings and said both are good options. Limit feeding takes a lot to manage dry matter, animal intakes and body measurements as underfeeding or overfeeding can have major effects and is less forgiving than a high fiber forage system. (32:15) Dr. Akins mentioned a big take-home for producers from this study would be that diet energy and fiber can be useful to control body weight. Use NDF and the diet as a control measure for dry matter intake and make sure you’re balancing the energy content to meet the needs of the heifer. (57:29) To read the article referenced in this podcast click here: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(21)01092-4/fulltextYou can contact Dr. Akins for more information or questions at [email protected]. If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

Apr 26, 20221h 7m

Ep 41Why Heifer Maturity Matters

Guests: Dr. Gavin Staley, Diamond V and Dr. Al Kertz, ANDHIL LLCCo-host: Dr. Glen Aines, BalchemToday’s episode is focused on one of our most important resources: calves. Calves set the trajectory of our herd and represent our future productivity and profitability. In this Real Science Exchange episode, we will show how appropriate investment in young stock will pay off big in later years. Dr. Staley noticed in data there is a correlation between 10-week milk and the average annual herd of the whole dairy. (12:25)Dr. Kertz spoke on the importance of height in addition to the weight of a calf. Height is the best indicator of the frame that weight will be deposited on and there are some consequences to heifers and cows with too much weight. (20:10)Dr. Staley said it is worth the time to measure your dairy animals, somewhere in mid-lactation, to establish the genetic makeup and the genetic body condition score to know what you are aiming for. (31:46)Dr. Kertz closed by saying it’s important to measure birth weights, weaning weights and heights periodically. By looking at those numbers a few times a year, you’ll have a good idea of where your dairy is at and what may need to be fixed. (56:47)If you’d like to find Dr. Al Kertz’s book, you can find it here: https://outskirtspress.com/dairycalfandheiferfeedingandmanagementIf you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

Apr 12, 202259 min

Ep 40Managing Dairy Cows in an Extreme Environment – An Israeli Perspective

Guests: Dr. Israel Flamenbaum, Cow Cooling Solutions; Dr. Shimon Carmi, SH Design; and Dr. Lance Baumgard, Iowa State UniversitySpring is upon us in most parts of the world and the heat of summer will not be far behind. The impact that heat has on our cows can be devastating. Today’s episode will focus on managing dairy cows in high heat environments which takes a combination of mechanical intervention and precise feeding. Dr. Israel Flamenbaum spoke about his summer lecture and the extreme environments that Israeli dairy farmers deal with. In the Jordan Valley, cows are under heat stress for almost six months per year. Whereas in the mountains there might be heat stress two or three months out of the year. But the cooling systems are the same. He explained that facilities there have high roofs and more space and lounging area for cows due to these extreme environments. (8:41)Dr. Shimon Carmi discussed detecting stress in the herd and using different cooling practices to keep milk production steady. He mentioned farms starting the cooling practices early will still see a drop in milk production for a few days during those heat spikes but the farms starting their cooling practices later, and aren’t proactive about it, will experience decreased milk production for a month or longer after a heat spike. (28:00)Dr. Lance Baumgard discussed data demonstrating in lactating cows, that lower producing cows will drink more water than higher producing cows. So the cow could be reducing milk yield to maintain healthy hydration. (37:15)Dr. Shimon Carmi spoke about research to help desalinate water which could help immensely in the water depletion issues across the world. Cooling systems in dairy facilities are directly correlated to the water supply in that area and their water availability per facility. (49:08)Dr. Israel Flamenbaum referred to a scientific committee that he heads whose mission is finding the appropriate cooling system for every kind of climate and dairy farm. (53:05)Dr. Flamenbaum's articles he referenced can be found here:https://outskirtspress.com/dairycalfandheiferfeedingandmanagementIf you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Mar 29, 20221h 1m

Ep 39Interaction Between Nutrition & Genetics

Guests: Dr. Tom Rathje and Dr. Jason Schneider both with DNA GeneticsToday’s episode dives into the genetic advancements made in the swine industry and the impact those advancements have on all other parameters. Joining us to help dig into this genetics topic are Dr. Tom Rathje and Dr. Jason Schneider, both with DNA Genetics. Dr. Rathje spoke about how genetic change has accelerated in recent years due to the adoption of genomic selection, which improves the accuracy with which we identify a superior animal. You use that information to decide which animals are retained to reproduce. (8:23)Dr. Schneider mentioned that with genetic makeup changing, the nutritional needs for swine are changing as well. He said amino acids are ratioed off of lysine, and the assumption is if lysine levels are correct, you’re in the ballpark. But different breeds have different feed intakes and performances in lean gain, so changes to nutrition are coming. (17:38)Dr. Rathje discussed that labor is always discussed as a big challenge in the swine industry, so we have to produce an animal that is more self-sufficient and able to produce and wean pigs on her own. The 14, 14, 21 program was designed to identify sows that have the ability to wean 14, 14lb pigs for 21 days on her own. (26:25). Dr. Schneider said the largest sustainability area we can increase is reducing mortality. If we can increase survivability through our genetic selection index, it’s a huge saver in less inputs to create the same amount of product. (46:56) Dr. Rathje wrapped up by saying research is taking place that looks at the activation of a pig's immune system and looks at the genes that might turn on. Now we have to figure out how to implement the knowledge. (51:40)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Mar 15, 20221h 2m

Ep 38Legacy Series, Dr. Peter J. Van Soest

Guests: Dr. Mary Beth Hall, USDA; Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell University; Dr. David Mertens, Mertens Innovation & ResearchToday’s episode is a fan-favorite, the Legacy Series. In this series we celebrate the pioneers of the industry, take a look back at their research, their impact and their lives. Specifically today we are honoring and memorializing Dr. Peter J. Van Soest. Dr. Soest passed away in March of 2021, but his legacy will forever be felt in the animal nutrition world. In this episode, we hear from three students of Dr. Van Soest who have gone on to illustrious careers of their own. Dr. Mary Beth Hall with USDA, Dr. Mike Van Amburgh from Cornell and Dr. David Mertens with Mertens Innovation & Research. Dr. Mertens said that Dr. Van Soest started his career at USDARS, and was given the mission to create an alternative to crude fiber. The breakthrough came from his knowledge of biochemistry and his work at Walter Reed hospital. Dr. Soest used detergents to remove protein from feed so you could measure fiber. (13:35) Dr. Hall emphasized that one of Dr. Van Soest’s legacies lives through the students he trained and the students they trained. Dr. Van Soest passed on the idea that you don’t stop with what you have and say it’s good enough. If new information presents itself, you consider them and test them and move on from there. (21:37)Dr. Amburgh spoke about the lectures from Dr. Van Soest that are being digitized and will be available to listen to, which includes his popular periodic table lecture. (41:15)Dr. Mertens recommended reading Dr. Van Soest papers on the development of ADF or NDF and AOAC. They give you an insight into how he did what he did - which was built on nothing that was done before. (56:12)Dr. Amburgh believes that Dr. Van Soest’s legacy is teaching people how to think. He had a tremendous thought process and it wasn’t whether you were right or wrong, it was about what you learned in the process of thinking through all that. (1:10:53)If you’d like to find Dr. Van Soest’s book, you can find it here on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sYFpiX.If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Mar 1, 20221h 16m

Ep 37Global Market and Supply Chain Trends for 2022

On this episode of the Real Science Exchange we are looking into 2022 and what is shaping up for agriculture around the globe. Brett Stewart thinks that with the expansion of the world-wide money supply, current prices won’t break lower, and especially not in commodity markets. (6:26)John Bedell spoke about the five headwinds, which are: increased demand, constrained supply, commodity price pressure, domestic logistics and international logistics. Of these, the only one that John expects to change is demand. (13:18)Richard Fritz spoke on the China trade agreement and he believes the most important aspect of the agreement is setting standards for animal health. However, it is an agreement made on price, not volume so it is a very unique agreement. (31:11)Brett Stewart addressed the labor shortage and said that as wages increase to keep up with inflation, inflation will continue to increase as well. The labor shortage is not unique to the United States, some beef processors in South America are 30% below average slaughter rates because of lack of workers. (42:47) Richard Fritz mentioned the Russia/Ukraine situation and the impact on agriculture, mostly in grain export out of the Black Sea which could become a problem. (55:01) John Bedell added that Russia supplies natural gas to Europe and that can have a lot of trickle down effects as well. (56:04)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Feb 15, 20221h 12m

Ep 36Improving Protein Utilization to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Dairy Production

On this episode of the Real Science Exchange we focus on ways to improve protein utilization in dairy cows to reduce our overall environmental footprint. Dr. Chris Reynolds said that moving towards precision feeding and feeding animals closer to dietary requirements would reduce surplus nitrogen. (8:19)It was mentioned by Dr. Mark Hanigan that a small, internal survey was taken in which nutritionists said they were focusing on nitrogen efficiency, which shows the industry is evolving. (18:41)Furthermore, Dr. Chris Reynolds referenced the variation in forage composition and that cows respond to the longer term average, not the day-to-day variation. (39:05)The conversation continued as Dr. Mark Hanigan said a practical way to decrease nitrogen is to decrease salt in the diet. You can always figure a benchmark for your herd once you figure out what the milk-nitrogen rate is for that diet. Then you can start pulling some protein out. If you don’t lose production or dry matter intake, then you have a new benchmark. (51:17)To conclude, Dr. Chris Reynolds talked about the possibility of genetic testing cows for nitrogen efficiency. If we can phenotype enough cows we can look for a genetic correlation and find out if it's an inheritable trait. (57:43)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Feb 1, 20221h 8m

Ep 35Combatting Lipid-Enveloped Viruses - PRRSV, PEDV, ASFV and Maybe Even Covid-19

Guests: Dr. Charlie Elrod, Natural Biologics and Dr. Josh Jackman, Tropical Innovations/Sungkyunkwan UniversityCo-host: Dr. Ken Sanderson, BalchemToday’s podcast tackles a big topic in the global swine industry - African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). This virus has recently been reported in Thailand and continues to spread throughout the globe. While North America looks for any sign of ASFV, it continues to struggle with other lipid-enveloped viruses as well. Dr. Josh Jackman states that over 80% of livestock and human population epidemics and pandemics are caused by lipid enveloped viruses, making it of huge economic significance. (14:31) Dr. Charlie Elrod spoke of balancing the need for that macrophage recruitment and fighting the infection versus keeping them away. By tamping the virus down, or reducing the viral load that results in fewer macrophages getting infected, and fewer virus particles surviving in the mucosal environment, then you’ve improved. (27:02)Dr. Josh Jackman explains that you need more than one hole in a virus membrane to become inactive or broken down. The structural damage is really important to break the structural integrity of the virus particle. Another mode to prevent infection is with compounds that prevent the viral membranes from fusing with cellular membranes. (33:09) Dr. Charlie Elrod mentions that when feeding GML to sows, it does get into the milk circulation and can have a positive effect on piglets in the form of antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. Being able to mitigate risks to the most susceptible neonatal animals would be a good thing. (47:01) Dr. Josh Jackman adds that there is an association between higher GML levels and reduced disease severity. The potential is huge because GML targets lipid enveloped viruses broadly. Since you can’t predict which virus will cause the next outbreak, GML is something that has the potential to be a first-line counter measure to the next pandemic. (57:27)Dr. Charlie Elrod closes by saying there is a lot of potential discoveries out there.We need to continue exploring and bring in different sources of genetic mechanisms or more specific mechanisms like a flavonoid. This is really just the first chapter. (1:14:37)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Jan 25, 20221h 23m

Ep 342022 Journal Club- Phosphorus in Dairy Diets

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University; Dr. Jesse Goff, Iowa State UniversityCo-host: Dr. Clay Zimmerman, BalchemToday’s podcast is our January installment of the Journal Club, styled after the traditional journal clubs at universities across the country and around the world. Today we’re a closer look at some of the newest research published in the Journal of Dairy Science.Article 1: https://bit.ly/3zCBdIADr. Jesse Goff, in summarizing a paper from the Netherlands, stated animals on a low phosphorus diet had lower blood phosphorus than the other animals, which isn’t unexpected. But the animal's calcium concentration had improved on a lower phosphorus diet. (5:53)Dr. Bill Weiss emphasized a two to one phosphorus ratio isn’t always correct. The important thing is to meet the NRC requirements for both phosphorus and calcium. (11:38) Dr. Jesse Goff warned that even if you think you are feeding a low phosphorus diet if you are using byproducts - such as soybean meal, canola meal and wet brewers - it can all bring in a lot of phosphorus. You need to be wary of that in the diet. (17:20)Dr. Bill Weiss mentioned you should be in a slightly deficient diet postpartum and not meet the NRC requirements. Dr. Jesse Goff added that a postpartum cow would be pulling phosphorus and calcium out of her bones, needing less in her diet. (29:26)Article 2: https://bit.ly/33hKjyIDr. Jesse Goff and Dr. Bill Weiss summarized the second article, which covered a study with an even lower phosphorus diet than the first article. This study promotes a low phosphorus diet as a way to control hypocalcemia. (36:49)Dr. Bill Weiss mentioned that based on these papers, he thinks the low phosphorus diets in the pre-fresh and in the far-off should not worry as much so you can have some cost-savings in your feed.If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Jan 11, 202256 min

Ep 33Real Science Exchange - Year in Review

Guests: Drs. Clay Zimmerman, Glen Aines, Eric Altom, Jeff ElliottAs we close out 2021 we want to take a few minutes to look back. The Real Science Exchange was started to have a more in-depth and intimate conversation with our guests from the Real Science Lecture Series. We began in the fall of 2020 and have modeled this podcast after the time spent around the pub table at scientific meetings. This is where you get out the cocktail napkin and solve all the research problems presented during the conference.We would like to thank all our loyal listeners around the world. We have been so blessed with an ever-growing audience. We now have listeners from all 50 states and 62 countries. We’ve had over 24,000 views and continue to gain listeners. Thank you to everyone that has joined, shared the messages and all who have participated. Get ready for new ways to interact in 2022.Do you have a bourbon or scotch suggestion for Scott? If so, email your recommendations to [email protected] and he will give it a try! The speakers discuss their favorite podcasts of 2021 and what they learned from those discussions. Clay discusses the expansion of the Real Science Exchange Podcast with the Journal Club in 2022. Journal articles will be selected, and guests will come on the podcast to discuss them. 14:53Jeff explains the Legacy Series which will also continue in 2022. Pioneers will lead the discussion on the history of the industry. If you have anyone you would recommend for the Legacy Series please reach out and let us know at [email protected]. 16:53Scott also talks about the possibility of more in-person podcasts at 2022 industry conferences. If you are attending those future conferences, come let us know that you are a listener and have a drink with us! 23:40If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Dec 21, 202133 min

Ep 32Impact of Thermal Processing on Protein Quality and Monogastric Nutrition

Guests: Dr. Chad Paulk, Kansas State University and Dr. JT Pope, Nutritionist at House of Raeford FarmsCo-host: Dr. Zack Lowman, BalchemToday’s podcast is part of a continuing conversation started during the Real Science Lecture Series, where we look deeper into the impact of thermal processing on protein quality and the forms of thermal processing in the industry. Dr. Chad Paulk mentioned there are two major categories of thermal processing, ingredients and complete diets. Complete diets in the U.S. use thermal processing most often in the pelleting process via steam conditioning and frictional heat and is a combination of heat and moisture. On the ingredient side, by-products or co-products are processed by heat most often to pull moisture or pathogen control. (4:11)Drs. Chad Paulk and JT Pope agreed there are a wide variety of effects thermal processing has on protein. Thermal processing can “unfold” proteins and provide access to enzymes, which aids in digestibility. But if you expose protein too much, they start to bind to sugars and actually prevent them from being digested. (7:02)Dr. JT Pope mentioned that in the Southeast especially, pelleting is a winning situation due to economic reasons. Dr. Chad Paulk added to that idea by saying the higher the ingredient cost, the greater the value of pelleting. For swine especially it is influenced by location and access to feed. In the poultry industry a large percentage pellet feed. (20:57)Dr. JT Pope discussed that thermal processing can negatively impact enzymes. It’s important to understand the enzymes you’re feeding and how they will survive the pelleting process. It is possible through formulations and other methods to ensure the enzyme survives the pelleting process. (26:30) Dr. Chad Paulk and Dr. JT Pope agree that the strategy for pellets is dependent on the outcome you are looking for. If the intention is for a high-quality pellet more heat may be used, but you may lose some nutritional density. If the focus is on available enzymes, the pellet may not be as high quality. More research is needed to create a high-quality pellet with the same enzyme availability. (30:28)Dr. JT Pope emphasized this is a complex process and there is a lot left to learn. For now, pelleting and thermal processing being in the middle is ideal because over processing can be bad, and so can under processing. Dr. Chad Paulk added it’s important to know your ingredients and your supplier and understand how different factors influence the pelleting process. (49:18)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Dec 7, 202153 min

Ep 31Biosecurity Imperatives and the Feed Supply

Guests: Dr. Jordan Gebhardt, Kansas State University and Dr. Chad Paulk, Kansas State University Co-host: Dr. Zack Lowman, BalchemTonight we are talking feed supply biosecurity and the many challenges we face as we try to keep various animal diseases at bay. In late July, the USDA announced that African Swine Fever was detected in the Dominican Republic, inching dangerously close to the U.S. swine herd.Dr. Jordan Gebhardt explained that African Swine Fever (ASF) is caused by a virus. He discussed the history of the virus and the impact that a disease like this can have on the animals, the producer and the industry. He also expressed his concern of the virus spreading to South America or Central America from its current location in the Dominican Republic. (7:26)Dr. Chad Paulk discussed the potential contamination of the feed supply if or when the virus reaches the United States and how the feed supply chain can be changed to help reduce the spread of the virus. (16:36)Dr. Jordan Gebhardt explains that African Swine Fever can only infect swine - domesticated pigs or wild boar. If a human were to consume a contaminated product, there would be no threat to them whatsoever. (24:03)Dr. Chad Paulk discusses prevention of the virus and steps to take in order to reduce the risk. He gave the example of a feed mill processing a potential contaminated product and producing particles in the air that could contaminate the airspace of a road that has a lot of swine in transit. The steps will have to be used by everyone involved in production to help eliminate the spread of the virus so it needs to be built into the industry culture if that time comes. (40:00)Dr. Jordan Gebhardt discusses the importance of making biosecurity practices convenient for the producer and their employees. If it is convenient for employees, they will be more likely to stick with the biosecurity measures to go about their daily routine. (51:43)Dr. Chad Paulk and Dr. Jordan Gebhardt both discuss the importance of working together as an industry to prevent this disease from making it to the United States as well as working together with biosecurity as an industry if/when it does get here. (1:01:05)To find Dr. Jordan Gebhardt’s presentation from the K-State Swine Day, visit Latest findings from the K-State-Vietnam partnership – Jordan Gebhardt If you like what you heard, please remember to hit the 5-star rating on your way out. Don’t forget to request your Real Science Exchange t-shirt. You just need to like or subscribe to the Real Science Exchange and send us a screenshot along with your address and size to [email protected]. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Nov 23, 20211h 3m

Ep 30NRC Series: Vitamins & Minerals

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University and Dr. Rich Erdman, University of MarylandTonight we finish the conversation on the new NRC with two legends in the industry. We’ll first focus on macro minerals, trace minerals and vitamins, but then we’ll also put a bow on the NRC series and wrap it up for our listeners tonight. Dr. Bill Weiss says the new NRC defines “requirements” which was never done in past NRCs. They give a specific number for a specific population which is a large improvement for the reader. (9:55) Dr. Rich Erdman discusses the animal’s needs or requirements in order to maintain herself. He discusses the availability of vitamins, trace minerals and macros as well. (19:50) Dr. Bill Weiss discusses trace minerals and the factorial system used in the new NRC for these minerals such as manganese, iron, selenium and iodine. He discusses the copper and zinc data found in the 2021 version are based on the maintenance requirements of the cow. (33:33)Dr. Rich Erdman stresses there is still a need for more specific data on the availability of supplements and feed. (50:10)Dr. Bill Weiss discusses challenges for the next editions of the NRC (now NASEM) such as finding young scientists specializing in minerals, funding and the USDA recognizing that minerals are important and should be focused on. (1:05:53)This concludes our series on the 2021 8th Revised Edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Animals. If you’d like to pre-order a copy and receive a 25% discount, visit Balchem.com/realscience and click on the NRC series for a link and the discount code. If you like what you heard, please remember to hit the 5-star rating on your way out. Don’t forget to request your Real Science Exchange t-shirt. You just need to like or subscribe to the Real Science Exchange and send us a screenshot along with your address and size to [email protected]. Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Nov 9, 20211h 15m

Ep 29NRC Series: Feed Intake & Carbohydrates

Guests: Dr. Mary Beth Hall with the USDADr. Paul Kononoff from the University of Nebraska-LincolnCo-host: Dr. Clay Zimmerman, BalchemWe continue our discussions on the new 2021 dairy NRC, now known as NASEM. This is a follow-up to our Real Science Lecture series of five webinars that officially unveiled the content back in September. We’ll be breaking down the feed intake and carbohydrates sections during this episode.Dr. Mary Beth Hall discusses the changes in the dry matter intake equations in the new NASEM. She explains that there are two different dry matter intake equations, and those equations have new factors that give producers a much closer look at the diet and what factors will influence intake. (7:29)Dr. Paul Kononoff discusses the new feed factor equations and using different forage decisions. He explains when using it for forages, the new equation will be very useful to producers especially with all the factors involved. He also discusses byproducts and his hope for them to be included for future equations once more research is done. (26:19)Dr. Mary Beth Hall discusses the carbohydrate chapter. She explained the equations didn’t drastically change but they discussed the different types of carbohydrates in more detail and had a better understanding of starch and fiber. (30:40)Dr. Paul Kononoff discusses the gaps that are possibly in the new NASEM for the next committee to work on in the future. He stressed the importance of reporting chemical composition of feeds and forages. This will not only give a better understanding to those using the current equations, but it will also help the next committee when deciding on changes to those equations in the future. (45:55)As a reminder, we finish breaking down the new 2021 8th Revised Edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Animals in one more podcast releasing next week. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the new episodes. If you’d like to pre-order a copy and receive a 25% discount, visit Balchem.com/realscience and click on the NRC series for a link and the discount code. If you like what you heard, please remember to hit the 5-star rating on your way out. Don’t forget to request your Real Science Exchange t-shirt. You just need to like or subscribe to the Real Science Exchange and send us a screenshot along with your address and size to [email protected] subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Nov 2, 20211h 6m

Ep 28NRC Series: Dry Cows, Calves and Heifers

Guests: Dr. Jim Drackley, University of Illinois Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State UniversityDr. Mike VandeHaar, Michigan State UniversityTonight, we continue our discussions with the authors of each chapter of the new NASEM, formerly the dairy NRC. We’re focusing on dry cows, calves and heifers for our conversation and it should be a lively one. Here is a link to the webinar on the new report: https://bit.ly/3B5z2MZ. Also, we've got a new co-host tonight with Dr. Jeff Elliott joining us.Dr. Bill Weiss discusses changes in the chapter regarding dry cows and transition cows. The biggest update was the changes in intake prediction, which changes every day substantially as the cow gets close to calving, making intake prediction difficult to model. There is also up-to-date discussion on all the metabolic problems within the text that doesn’t all show up in the software but is great for users to have as a reference. (7:08)Dr. Jim Drackley discusses steam-up rations and high energy density diets. He explains there are large steps from the dry cow to the close-up cow but not a large step to the fresh cow. That is part of the problem and why they took a more moderate steam-up approach. The other problem is that cows are becoming catabolic the last few days before calving. So adjustments are made to focus on metabolism and divert nutrients to the mammary gland. (12.05)Dr. Mike VanderHaar discussed a big change in the composition of gain. They used data from Holstein cattle instead of growing beef cattle. By doing this the intake equations are better than the last model. They also include feed factors and are size scaled. (41:44)Dr. Jim Drackley discusses updates to the calf chapter. The requirements on the conversion of nutrients into gain are much improved because of better data based on Holstein and Jersey calf studies. (58:14)As a reminder, we will continue breaking down the new 2021 8th Revised Edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Animals in podcasts releasing over the coming weeks. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the new episodes. If you’d like to pre-order a copy and receive a 25% discount, visit Balchem.com/realscience and click on the NRC series for a link and the discount code. If you like what you heard, please remember to hit the 5-star rating on your way out. Don’t forget to request your Real Science Exchange t-shirt. You just need to like or subscribe to the Real Science Exchange and send us a screenshot along with your address and size to [email protected] subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Oct 26, 20211h 2m

Ep 27NRC Series: Protein and Amino Acids

Guests: Dr. Mark Hanigan, Virginia TechDr. Jeff Firkins, The Ohio StateDr. Hélène Lapierre, Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaOur Dairy NRC series of Real Science webinars was very well received and tonight we are talking about the chapter on protein and amino acids.Dr. Mark Hanigan discussed the sections his team worked on in the new NRC. First thing was updating the feed library. After the feed library was updated they identified other updates like the microbial equations and RUP equations, adjustability data for the RUP and for microbes as well as composition of the microbes. (6:49)Dr. Jeff Firkens discussed the difference with the amino acid profile by accounting for protozoa flow which is important for lysine, because protozoa have a lot more lysine than bacteria. So they are attributing microbial protein sources as better sources of lysine. (22:02)Dr. Hélène Lapierre discussed their updates to metabolic fecal output and urinary endogenous output since the previous data dated back to 1977. The updated data showed a large change. Endogenous urine output was twice as much as it was previously, and fecal output was much lower than it was previously. (36:36)Dr. Mark Hanigan discussed the new milk protein yield equation and used the analogy of an assembly line. Each nutrient is a separate contributor to the assembly line and without a certain nutrient that assembly line will slow down. Once a little more of that nutrient is provided the assembly line speeds back up. (47:33)Dr. Hélène Lapierre discussed efficiency and working with cows of the past, and their published data, to provide the specifications for cows of the future that are producing more. So the scaling factor should be based on current herd averages. (58:33)As a reminder, we will continue breaking down the new 2021 8th Revised Edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Animals in podcasts releasing over the coming weeks. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the new episodes. If you’d like to pre-order a copy and receive a 25% discount, visit Balchem.com/realscience and click on the NRC series for a link and the discount code. If you like what you heard, please remember to hit the 5-star rating on your way out. Don’t forget to request your Real Science Exchange t-shirt. You just need to like or subscribe to the Real Science Exchange and send us a screenshot along with your address and size to [email protected] subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Oct 19, 20211h 9m

Ep 26NRC Overview Fats & Energy

Guests: Dr. Lou Armentano, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Dr. Mike Vandehaar, Michigan State University. Co-host: Dr. Glen Aines, BalchemWe are just coming off a very successful Real Science Lecture Series set of five webinars where we unveiled the new 2021 dairy NRC, a chapter at a time, and we can’t wait to have these sit-down conversations with each of our presenters and their guest.Dr. Lou Armentano summarizes the biggest changes from the 2001 edition to the 2021 edition within the energy chapter. He explained that their resource data shows that cows have changed, therefore the maintenance requirements for cows have changed. Since cows have biologically changed with genetic selection, they use more energy to maintain themselves. So that part of the chapter needed to be updated to reflect that change. (14:19)Dr. Lou Armentano discusses the reporting of fatty acid content in the feed. He expands upon fatty acid digestion, and how those fatty acids affect milk fat. (29:52)Dr. Mike Vandehaar discusses frame growth, which is the true structural growth of the animal, including muscle, bone, fat, gut tissues and gut fill as well as reserve depletion, which happens in all cows even when they hit maturity. The 2001 model wouldn’t change the equation solution when you entered structural growth as a factor. So they wanted to make sure that oversight was fixed in the new model. (37:33)Dr. Mike Vandehaar discusses feeding high starch diets versus high fiber by-products to cows through their lactation cycles. (45:47)Dr. Mike Vanehaar stresses that you can’t just trust the model you have to watch the cows and when you make a diet change try to figure out what the cows are telling you by observing and measuring things like milk production, milk compensation, intake, and body condition score. (1:04:04)Dr. Lou Armentano says that they have been playing with a functioning model for only about a month and a half so he encourages those who are going to use the new model to speak up if something seems to be a mistake so changes can be made to correct any issues. (1:04:40)As a reminder, we will continue breaking down the new 2021 8th Revised Edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Animals in podcasts releasing over the coming weeks. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the new episodes. If you’d like to pre-order a copy and receive a 25% discount, visit Balchem.com/realscience and click on the NRC series for a link and the discount code. If you like what you heard, please remember to hit the 5-star rating on your way out. Don’t forget to request your Real Science Exchange t-shirt. You just need to like or subscribe to the Real Science Exchange and send us a screenshot along with your address and size to [email protected] subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Oct 12, 20211h 7m

Ep 25Dairy Producer Panel

Guests: Jim Ostrom, MilkSource, with locations in Wisconsin, Michigan and MissouriPat Maddox, RuAnn Genetics and Maddox Dairy in CaliforniaJonathan Lamb, Oakfield Corners Dairy and Lamb Farms in New York & OhioCo-host: Brian Garrison, Balchem Animal Nutrition & HealthWe are so excited to come to you from the World Dairy Expo today. We are happy to be back at World Dairy Expo in Madison in 2021. We are also doing things a little different today and are welcoming three icons in the dairy industry to sit at the pub table with us – and not virtually. To kick things off Pat Maddox discussed his genetic and commercial business and how they go hand-in-hand for the number one goal of increasing the genetics in the herd for better production, better productive life, and better health. The second goal is meeting the needs of the market and demand. This entails breeding for high indexes, breeding for show and breeding for AI. (6:07)The producers weighed in on the discussion of the evolution of breeding for the “big cows” trait. Now in the showring and in production, it is important that the cattle be good first and not just big. The production must be considered as well. (6:54)Jim Ostrom discussed dairy strength improvements versus big and big bones. Dairy strength is hard to physically see on an animal but when they have it they have better balance. He also discussed the improvements in mammary systems in the industry. (8:27)Jonathan Lamb discussed improvements into the industry due to genomics. He explained that the commercial herd and the showring cattle don’t always line up on the productivity scale. Sometimes the old show cattle struggle to get pregnant and have different health traits. It’s important for showring animals to translate back to that productive commercial herd. Genomics could help breed some desirable traits into the commercial herd as well. (11:56)Jim Ostrom discussed the importance of communication with consumers. Whether you have 50 or 50,000 social media followers all producers need to tell their story. Producers need to communicate animal care, animal health, soil erosion, sustainability, etc. Occasionally we have to be aggressive on the national stage when things are being said about our industry that are not true. (10:31)Pat Maddox discusses his use of outsourcing in his operation to improve efficiencies. His operation outsources Human Resources and Nutrition. They use internal veterinarians because of the amount of need for veterinarians in their operations. (28:44)Jonathan Lamb talks about establishing a culture about animal care among employees so it is a trickle-down effect. If the employees know the importance of what should and shouldn’t be done, then they will feel comfortable reporting bad behavior to those in charge. And the managers have to follow through and terminate bad actors on their farms, so it is not an ongoing issue. (30:55)Pat Maddox discusses the role innovation plays in the industry like embryo transfer and genetics as well as biosolids. The co-op their operation belongs to is focusing on butter powder and other powder mixes that can be exported to feed the world. (41:47)As a reminder, we will continue breaking down the new 2021 8th Revised Edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Animals in podcasts releasing over the coming weeks. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the new episodes. If you’d like to pre-order a copy and receive a 25% discount, visit Balchem.com/realscience and click on the NRC series for a link and the discount code. If you like what you heard, please remember to hit the 5-star rating on your way out. Don’t forget to request your Real Science Exchange t-shirt. You just need to like or subscribe to the Real Science Exchange and send us a screenshot along with your address and size to [email protected] subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Oct 5, 202152 min

Ep 24Energy Metabolism and Feed Efficiency – Feeding the Metabolic Race Car

Guests: Dr. Paul Kononoff, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Dr. Logan Morris, Perdue AgriBusiness. Co-host is Dr. Clay Zimmerman.As we move into the fall and new silage is going into the bunkers, we wanted to take a closer look at energy metabolism and the mechanics of feed efficiency. Let’s talk about heat production and metabolism. Dr. Paul Kononoff joined us for a webinar on August 4th, 2021, to review the basics of energetics and new science that will help feed cows better. If you want to watch the webinar, go to Balchem.com/realscience.To kick things off, Dr. Paul Kononoff answers Scott’s question about how our understanding of energetics changed over the last 60 years. He explained the animals have changed dramatically as well as how we view energy when it is supplied to the cows. Feed characterization has changed since the sixties as well as NRC requirements of dairy cattle and how we measure it. (7:00) Dr. Logan Morris discussed their study on factors that influence heat production. They found the two biggest factors were dry matter and body weight. Bodyweight represents the maintenance energy expenditure, which keeps the cow alive and functioning. Dry matter intake drives the rest of heat production. Higher dietary protein leads to more heat production and generates more milk protein which leads to more heat production. (15:04)Dr. Logan Morris discusses the change in the industry over the past four or five years and how producers now face production caps and quota systems. He discussed his research on starch and fat and how higher starch increased milk yield. To produce a concentrated product for lowest milk volume, with maximum components, the study suggested feeding a lower dietary starch to prevent an increase in milk yield. (28:56)Dr. Paul Kononoff discussed the effect energy mobilization of tissue has on feed efficiency. When looking at dairy cattle there are different physiological stages, different ages and different lactation stages. Feed efficiency can be extremely valuable and a useful proxy but can be misleading so you have to understand the conditions around it. (34:46)Dr. Logan Morris discusses his research that shows starch and fat act differently when influencing milk protein production. (49:43)Dr. Paul Kononoff is also participating in the new NRC release. You can view the five-webinar series from Balchem on the NRC at Balchem.com/RealScience.If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Sep 21, 20211h 0m

Ep 23Journal Club Edition #1 Reviewing RP-Lysine and Silage Cover studies

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University; Dr. Paul Kononoff, University of Nebraska, and Journal of Dairy Science Editor-In-Chief. Co-host: Dr. Clay Zimmerman, BalchemWe’re excited to introduce a new segment into our podcast rotation; The Journal Club. Styled after the traditional journal clubs convened at universities across the US, we’ll take a closer look at some of the newest research being published. Once a month we will welcome Dr. Bill Weiss, Emeritus Professor from The Ohio State University, to the pub table where we will discuss selected papers that were recently published. To gain additional insight and liven up the discussion, we’ll also invite the authors to join us whenever possible.Dr. Bill Weiss introduced two papers that the guests would discuss throughout the episode. “Effects of rumen-protected lysine and histidine on milk production and energy and nitrogen utilization in diets containing hydrolyzed feather meal fed to lactating Jersey cows” published in June 2020 by Dr. Morris and Dr. Kononoff at the University of Nebraska. The second “Effect of sealing strategy on the feeding value of corn silage for growing dairy heifers” published in March 2021 from a lab at State University of Maringá in Brazil. (1:37)Dr. Bill Weiss discussed the first paper about feather meal. He explained that feather meal is a bargain feed, however, you get more nutrients for a cheaper product. The research was also done on Jersey cattle instead of Holsteins which is unique as there is not as much research done on Jersey cattle. (7:06)Dr. Paul Kononoff discussed feed bypass sources and milk performance while feeding feather meal within his study. He also discussed the variance in feed composition, for example, dry matter content, crude protein, and crude fat differences of feather meal. (11:17)Dr. Paul Kononoff discussed a theory that one of his grad students (who was also an author on the paper) brought to his attention about methane production relating to rumen-protected lysine. (29:21)Dr. Bill Weiss discussed the second study about feeding corn silage to dairy heifers. He explained the silage sealing and feeding processes used within the study. (41:11)Dr. Paul Kononoff discussed palatability and animal behavior as it relates to the silage study. A producer has to consider the economics of affecting feed intake with picky animals. Is the saved cost worth a loss in intake? (47:06)Chart Referenced as Table 7 on page 11 of the paper. If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Sep 7, 202157 min

Ep 22Your Practical Guide to Achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions

Guests: Dr. Frank Mitloehner, University of California, Davis; Dr. Jim Wallace, Dairy Management, Inc.; Dr. Juan Tricarico, Dairy Management, Inc. and Caleb Harper, Dairy Scale for GoodIn May 2021 the Florida Ruminant Nutrition Conference’s Preconference Symposium titled, “Your Practical Guide to Achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions” welcomed five speakers and a Q&A session to follow. This was sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health. What you’re about to hear is that Q&A session. Full presentations can be found here.Dr. Jim Wallace discussed the decision for the 2050 goal for net zero emissions. He said that the 30-year goal provides an adequate window and runway for more innovations. He also touched upon three ways to reduce emissions within the dairy industry by focusing on manure, energy and feed production. (4:42)Caleb Harper discussed his background in the greenhouse industry and talked about the similarities he sees with cross ventilated barns and greenhouses. Cross ventilated barns are allowing producers to reduce emissions by using new technologies. (13:10)Dr. Frank Mitloehner played out a scenario with his students in the classroom by asking about technology in human health first then technology in agriculture second. He claimed that the overwhelming majority were in favor of technology in human health but were against technology in animal agriculture. He also pointed out that there are more patents in a tomato than in a smart phone. (18:16)Dr. Juan Tricarico discussed his study on byproducts fed in the dairy industry. His study focused on removing those byproducts from the diet to see if they could limit emissions. By removing byproducts from the diet they could reduce emissions but where would those byproducts go if they were not being used by the dairies? The byproducts produce less emissions being digested by the cow than they would in the landfill where the nutrients would also be wasted. (39:22)Dr. Frank Mitloehner discussed nitrates being high in California water. Some California dairies must purchase drinking water because the nitrates are so high in their water supply. He pressed that there are more components to focus on, besides methane and greenhouse emissions, when it comes to the bigger picture of the environment and sustainability. (58:46)If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Aug 24, 20211h 11m

Ep 21Calves Are Your Future. Are You Investing Wisely?

Guests: Dr. Bob James, Down Home Heifer Solutions and Dr. Ed Kreykes, GPS Dairy Consulting. Calves are the future of every operation and represent a huge investment in both time and money before they make it to the milking string. But those first two years are the foundation for the rest of their productive lives. Tonight, we get to talk all things calves. From colostrum processes to feeding protocols. We are joined by Dr. Glen Aines as this week's co-host.Dr. Bob James discusses the importance of raising dairy calves. Since the producer doesn’t see the end result, it can be hard for them to justify the cost of gain. He referenced the beef industry’s focus on calf development and how the dairy industry can work on calf health and their productivity later in life by focusing on nutrition and development within the beginning stages of life. 8:15Dr. Ed Kreykes jumps in to discuss the importance of colostrum, testing colostrum, and pasteurizing colostrum if certain levels are reached during testing. He agrees with Dr. James that maternity pen maintenance, as well as cow and calf care and handling, is important especially within the first hour after birth. 12:02Dr. Bob James provides insights into his research success with automatic feeders and how mortalities and morbidities were low. He also mentions calfblog.com and how he uses the blog to educate and teach producers how to use the automatic feeding systems. The technology is great, but producers need to understand the benefits and how to use the system properly. 21:00Both our guests discuss the importance of having a good calf manager – an employee that excels at paying attention to the calves and notices the small details within the calf herd. Dr. Kreykes also mentions the “MBWA method” aka Management By Walking Around, and how visually observing the calves will provide different information than the automatic feeder. 28:08Finally, Dr. Bob James shares research on average daily gain during the first 45 – 60 days of life and how it had as much impact on productivity as the animal’s genetics. He also highlights the mammary gland development and how nutrition can have a potentially positive effect on a cow’s later performance. 50:00If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more people to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Aug 10, 20211h 4m

Ep 20Transition Cows, Looking in the Rear-View Mirror as We Speed into the Future

Guests: Dr. Ric Grummer, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Dr. Jesse Goff, Iowa State University; Dr. Heather White, University of Wisconsin-MadisonTonight is our second installment of what we call our legacy series. The legacy series honor those individuals that have a profound impact on our industry. For this conversation, we're going to zero in on the history of transition cow management. We are joined by Dr. Ric Grummer and Dr. Heather White from University of Wisconsin-Madison and Dr. Jesse Goff of Iowa State University.Dr. Ric Grummer discusses the transition cow and the feeding process of pre and postpartum cows from an energy deficit standpoint as well as the lactation dry periods. 8:00Moving into today’s research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Heather White discusses her work on liver cells. She discusses the different studies on cells done by manipulating treatments and then using that data to determine what to do in a cow study without using thousands of cows in the process. 23:47The discussion continues with Dr. Jesse Goff sharing about his studies involving milk fever. These studies branched off of a Norwegian scientist’s studies on AIV silage and making haylage by pouring hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid onto the forages. 31:45Then Dr. Heather White discusses NEFA and the profile of fatty acids. She discussed manipulating the fatty acids in the blood and the impacts of those fatty acids. 43:00As a veteran of the field, Dr. Jesse Goff discusses where he sees the future of immunology. He discussed his studies on the effects of calcium as well as manipulation of the immune system. He also discussed the options to help treat animals coming out of the COVID pandemic by manipulating messenger RNA to boost various immunological parameters to boost the immune system at the right time. 47:42A fruitful area of research around protein imbalance was discussed by Dr. Ric Grummer and how it effects the postpartum cow. 55:00 Dr. Jesse Goff and Dr. Ric Grummer discuss more on the transition cow and how there is still a lot of research to be done on storage of protein during lactation and transition cycles. 58:40As promised, “The Grummertini” also known as a Tangueray Martini Up & Dirty with Ric’s variationsTangueray GinUp (no ice cubes)Dirt on the side (side of olive juice)Shaken & PouredIf you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more friends to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Jul 27, 20211h 13m

Ep 19Transgenerational Impact of Poultry Diets

Guests: Dr. Chris Ashwell, North Carolina State University Chandler Keck, Graduate Student, North Carolina State UniversityTonight, we're going to switch it up a little bit and address some issues within the monogastric realm, but the ideas are ones that are generating a lot of interest across all segments of animal agriculture. And that topic is transgenerational inheritance.Dr. Chris Ashwell discusses different research studies supplementing nutrients inside of the egg. He described a study that introduced a nutrient to the egg that ultimately had a negative influence on another trait. Trying to understand the equilibrium is always important. 10:30Chandler Keck described his research and dissertation focusing on various stressors, mainly stocking density and feed restrictions, in poultry and how they affect each bird, as well as the transgenerational effects to the progeny of that bird. 13:45The conversation then went on for Dr. Chris Ashwell to discuss clones of highly productive milking females in the dairy industry and how that relates to the poultry industry. The difference between species is, birds and reptiles have higher rates of new mutations, or variants in their sequences. The poultry industry is taking advantage of that by focusing on specific characteristics within superior individuals to change the heritability of these characteristics over time, instead of cloning. 20:00Adding to the conversation, cohost Dr. Zack Lowman discussed a few research projects he worked on regarding early life feeding changes. Some producers are trying to get the birds as big as they can, as fast as they can, but their skeletal structures cannot support the weight at that early stage. He also discussed the research being done on sex ratios, and the statistical differences in poultry. 23:33We continue with Dr. Chris Ashwell discussing the importance of more data for industry efficiencies and optimization of animal agriculture. But we also must be aware of how consumers are viewing our products in terms of animal welfare. We can grow a safe, efficient food supply, but must be cognizant of consumer concerns. 25:29Both our guest experts discuss the financial impacts of restricted feeding and if the resources used on the individual bird will be amplified in the enormous population structure in a positive or negative way. 38:07Closing out the conversation, Dr. Chris Ashwell discusses the idea of machine learning for big data. In machine learning you can analyze data you are currently focused on, while also seeing trends over time. Patterns might be discovered that are not being seen when focusing on certain values. 59:03Don’t forget, if you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to bring more friends to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Jul 13, 20211h 5m

Ep 18Impacting Milk Components

Guests: Dr. Tom Overton, Cornell UniversityCorwin Holtz, Holtz-Nelson Dairy ConsultantsThe last 18 months have been challenging for the ag industry, and we've seen a rollercoaster of milk prices throughout the COVID pandemic. As the world begins to normalize, we can now shift our focus to impacting efficiency and profitability across the dairy operation. Tonight, we’re going to get really practical and dig into ways we can improve milk component production. Corwin describes that he monitors, on a monthly basis, energy corrected milk, pounds of fat, pounds of protein, ratios relative to dry matter intake, what our energy corrected feed efficiency is. He also looks at our component efficiency, pounds of fat and pounds of protein combined, relative to herd average dry matter intake. 7:22Dr. Tom Overton discussed how components are heritable. This means some of your herds think about genetics and how they also use those strategies to try to improve, not just milk yield, but also component yields over time. 17:08There is a concern by many, Corwin Holtz shares, that we're probably not pushing up feed nearly as many times a day as what we should. In his opinion, if we're not close to 12 times a day, we're probably not getting the job done the way we ought to be. 38:26Dr. Tom Overton discusses that all fractions are going to move up or down together when you talk about milk fat protein or total milk fat percentages. He shares that if we're in a milk fat depression type scenario, they all go down, but the de novos go down proportionally more. It helps us identify where that issue may be, relative to saturated fatty acids. 51:20From Corwin Holtz’s experience, good fiber digestibility; that's the key to any nutrition program and feeding management. He describes that we deal with a lot of overcrowded barns and that's not going to change. But can we get our feeders and feeding management into a routine that we are not slug feeding? Can any cow at any time that wants to go up and eat has the ability to? I think those are two key things that we continue to press with our clients' day in and day out. 58:06If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your dairy industry friends to bring more friends to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Jun 29, 20211h 1m

Ep 18Impacting Milk Components

Guests: Dr. Tom Overton, Cornell UniversityCorwin Holtz, Holtz-Nelson Dairy ConsultantsThe last 18 months have been challenging for the ag industry, and we've seen a rollercoaster of milk prices throughout the COVID pandemic. As the world begins to normalize, we can now shift our focus to impacting efficiency and profitability across the dairy operation. Tonight, we’re going to get really practical and dig into ways we can improve milk component production. Corwin describes that he monitors, on a monthly basis, energy corrected milk, pounds of fat, pounds of protein, ratios relative to dry matter intake, what our energy corrected feed efficiency is. He also looks at our component efficiency, pounds of fat and pounds of protein combined, relative to herd average dry matter intake. 7:22Dr. Tom Overton discussed how components are heritable. This means some of your herds think about genetics and how they also use those strategies to try to improve, not just milk yield, but also component yields over time. 17:08There is a concern by many, Corwin Holtz shares, that we're probably not pushing up feed nearly as many times a day as what we should. In his opinion, if we're not close to 12 times a day, we're probably not getting the job done the way we ought to be. 38:26Dr. Tom Overton discusses that all fractions are going to move up or down together when you talk about milk fat protein or total milk fat percentages. He shares that if we're in a milk fat depression type scenario, they all go down, but the de novos go down proportionally more. It helps us identify where that issue may be, relative to saturated fatty acids. 51:20From Corwin Holtz’s experience, good fiber digestibility; that's the key to any nutrition program and feeding management. He describes that we deal with a lot of overcrowded barns and that's not going to change. But can we get our feeders and feeding management into a routine that we are not slug feeding? Can any cow at any time that wants to go up and eat has the ability to? I think those are two key things that we continue to press with our clients' day in and day out. 58:06If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your dairy industry friends to bring more friends to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Jun 29, 20211h 1m

Ep 17Heat Stress Interventions

Guests: Dr. Lance Baumgard, Iowa State UniversityDr. Rosemarie Zimbelman, Dairy Nutrition ServicesDr. Bob Collier, University of IdahoSummer heat is at full strength and that means heat stress for your animals. Tonight, we have brought together a powerhouse roundtable of experts in the field of heat stress management to talk through the physiology and mechanisms for effectively managing the heat. Dr. Bob Collier discussed how we have changed our cows in the past 50 years to produce milk production which increases maintenance requirements, making them more sensitive to heat stress and more resistant to cold. 2:50Dr. Rosemarie Zimbelman discussed some of the advancing technology seen over the past 40 years such as evaporative cooling methods and nutritional strategies improving cattle comfort. 6:10Dr. Bob Collier discussed the possibility of higher sweat rates in cows but also the negative effect which would be lower milk yields. 16:38Dr. Rosemarie Zimbelman discussed altering diets in the summer months to reduce heat stress. 20:00Dr. Lance Baumgard discussed the consequences of heat stress emanating from the gut (leaky gut). This causes an immune response, leading to heat stress and infections like mastitis. 22:06Dr. Bob Collier discussed the advantage and importance of high-quality water and cost-effective milk production. 31:56Dr. Lance Baumgard discussed the negative consequences of in utero heat stress and the calf becoming less feed efficient and less productive. 49:52If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your dairy industry friends to bring more friends to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Jun 15, 202156 min

Ep 16Kansas State Pet Food Program Research Showcase

Guests: Dr. Greg Aldrich, K-State University, Dr. Amanda Dainton, K-State University, Dr. Heather Acuff, K-State University, Krystina Lema Almeida, K-State UniversityIn this episode, you’ll feel like we're back on campus because we've gathered together some of the top minds in the Kansas State University pet food program for this week's pubcast. The discussion started at our very first research showcase webinar, which aired on March 16th. We'll feature other university programs going forward. And if you'd like for us to consider showcasing your university program, simply email us [email protected]. To find a recording of the K-State showcase webinar, go to www.balchem.com/realscience.Dr. Greg Aldrich discussed some of the successes and careers his students have found in the pet food industry after going through the program at K-State. 22:15Dr. Heather Acuff gave advice, to future students, to ask their professors about programs they are interested in joining. Also, nobody needs to tell themselves they are too old to go back to school. 25:39Dr. Amanda Dainton discussed the option of internships and immersive experiences for college students. 26.59Dr. Heather Acuff discussed probiotics and their possible benefits. As well as integrating vitamins and minerals versus consumers having to worry about doses and mixes for their pets. 41:27Krystina Lema Almeida discussed sustainability, product variety and ingredients in the pet food industry. 54:53Dr. Greg Aldrich discussed how protein will be the biggest challenge for the pet food industry moving forward. With a growing world population, the pet food industry will have to embrace different varieties of protein. 56:21If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your animal health industry friends to bring more friends to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Jun 1, 202158 min

Ep 15Heat Stress and Late Gestation Cows

Guests:Dr. Geoff Dahl, University of FloridaDr. Jimena Laporta, University of Wisconsin-MadisonWe are back at the Real Science Exchange and invite you to pull up a chair and join us to discuss the effects of heat stress on late gestation cows. Tonight’s guests, who have worked together on research in this area, Dr. Geoff Dahl with the University of Florida and Dr. Jimena Laporta with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, join Scott Sorrell and Dr. Clay Zimmerman.Dr. Dahl kicks off the discussion by level setting with the idea that cows have a thermal comfort zone and that it’s not just temperature but also humidity that can stress a cow. 4:44To get a more accurate stress reading, Dr. Laporta and Dr. Dahl’s research has focused on measuring stress and environmental indicators without getting in contact with the animal. 8:40Dr. Laporta discusses the stress can continue into future lactation periods of both the dam and the offspring. 16:45Both researchers highlight their opinion on cow longevity in the herd and how stress can change the length of the cows’ time in the herd. 22:48While the Florida humidity heightens the stress Dr. Dahl sees in Florida; both researchers highlighted they see seasonal effects on cows everywhere. If lactating cows are under stress for even a week, Dr. Laporta discusses the short-term event will have a long-term impact on the cow. 35:54Heat stress can also cause acceleration of the maturation process for gestation timing. Dr. Dahl discusses the calf is signaling it is ready to be born based on the increase in the cows’ internal temperature. 45:09If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your dairy industry friends to bring more into the conversation around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

May 19, 202159 min

Ep 14Assessing Mineral Availability

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University Dr. Mat Faulkner, Purina Welcome back to the Real Science Exchange. Before we get started tonight, we’d like to share how you can get our t-shirts. There are three steps, either subscribe, follow or like the Real Science Exchange podcast on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube, take a screenshot and send it to [email protected]. Include your name, shirt size and mailing address. This week, our hosts are joined by Dr. Bill Weiss from The Ohio State University and Dr. Mat Faulkner from Purina. This week’s podcast is a continuation of one of our most highly attended webinars in 2021. If you would like to listen to it, you can find it here: balchemanh.com/realscience. Dr. Bill Weiss is from The Ohio State University and has been doing research on minerals since 1978. Dr. Mat Faulkner was a graduate student under Dr. Bill Weiss. He earned his master’s at The Ohio State University and is now a nutritional consultant in Wisconsin for Purina. Dr. Bill Weiss discusses the minerals that should not be combined in a diet and that there are many factors that should be taken into account while determining your rations. (00:10:01) Both of the guests analyze exactly how much sulfur should be added into your cattle’s diet. (00:17:50) Dr. Bill Weiss reviews the dangers of overfeeding magnesium and copper. (00:34:20) Dr. Mat Faulkner discusses the risks of toxicity in zinc and copper and the microbiome effect in the rumen. (00:46:08) Both guest speakers analyze factors that may cause oxidative stress. (01:00:33) Thank you to our loyal listeners for stopping by once again at the Real Science Exchange to sit with us just for a while. If you like what you heard, please remember to drop us a five-star rating on the way out. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

May 4, 20211h 9m

Ep 13History of Feeding Fat to Dairy Cattle

Guests:Dr. Tom Jenkins, Clemson UniversityDr. Don Palmquist, The Ohio State UniversityDr. Kevin Harvatine, Pennsylvania State UniversityWe gather around the Real Science Exchange virtual table for another pubcast with leading researchers to dive into this week’s topic of the history of feeding fat to dairy cattle. Scott Sorrell and Dr. Clay Zimmerman are joined by tonight’s guests who span the history of the topic with Dr. Don Palmquist being one of the founding fathers and Dr. Tom Jenkins also providing much of the depth as we dive in on this topic. Dr. Kevin Harvatine is not new to the Real Science Exchange and we are excited to have him back for this discussion.Dr. Palmquist and Jenkins discussed the early years of their research finding the right combination, source and ration approach to including fat into dairy cow diets. 9:20Dr. Jenkins discussed the early failures and how they came to trial making calcium salts and seeing some early success in their research. 19:26To give perspective on today’s approach, Dr. Harvatine shared he’s seeing a reasonable amount of progress the last couple of years to getting fatty acids rather than extract or crude fat into rations. 29:36The trio gave their input on the practical limits of fat inclusion. 39:51With growing herd averages for pounds of milk produced, the experts discussed how to get enough into the diets to meet the growing output. 47:21Dr. Harvatine discussed his outlook on the future of how fatty acids can modify physiology. 55:48If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your dairy industry friends to bring more friends to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Apr 20, 20211h 7m

Ep 12Understanding Seasonal and Daily Rhythms on Milk & Component Yield

Guests: Dr. Kevin Harvatine, Pennsylvania State UniversityDr. Isaac Salfer, University of MinnesotaWe are back at the Real Science Exchange for another pubcast joined by dairy industry professionals. This week our hosts Scott Sorrell and Dr. Clay Zimmerman are joined by Dr. Kevin Harvatine from Penn State University and Dr. Isaac Salfer from the University of Minnesota. The discussion around the table is focused on understanding seasonal and daily rhythms on milk & component yield.Earlier this year, Dr. Harvatine joined Balchem for the Real Science Lecture Series on the same topic. Click here to check out his lecture: https://tinyurl.com/yfofvkhqDr. Salfer has a unique perspective on this topic as he was the PhD student who focused on daily rhythms when he was in school working under Dr. Harvatine. For more than 30 years, Dr. Zimmerman has been working in the dairy nutrition industry and he remembers early in his career having discussions with dairies that were curious as to why they were seeing a dip in the milk fat each spring, and that kicked off the discussion around what the research showed with changes in milk fat percentages through the seasons. 10:55Dr. Salfer discusses that they would like to understand the differences, if any, between the northern and southern hemispheres, but it’s hard to compare apples to apples when many of the southern hemisphere herds are grazing herds. That being said, through his students he has connections to Kenya and they are exploring research there to compare to the U.S. data set. 16:59Heat stress and seasonal rhythms are often lumped together as factors for changes in milk yield, but Dr. Harvatine explains their research shows it might not be that simple. 24:05Dr. Harvatine discusses what to consider if a dairy wants to minimize seasonality and maintain a herd at the high point. 37:58Both of the guests discuss the importance in adjusting rations to maximize input during season shifts. 42:40If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.Please subscribe and share with your dairy industry friends to bring more friends to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

Apr 6, 20211h 5m

Ep 11Global Mega Trends in Agriculture

Guests: Brett Stuart & Richard Fritz, co-founders of Global AgriTrends The pubcast table is filled with new guests as we jump into a global topic on the Real Science Exchange. This week we focus on ag trends worldwide and what we can learn from past indicators and future outlook. Our co-hosts Scott Sorrell and Jonathan Griffin, are joined by the co-founders of Global AgriTrends, Brett Stuart & Richard Fritz. In December, Brett first initiated this conversation for the Real Science Lecture focused on Global Mega Trends in Agriculture. You can find that lecture here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZcIwJkv-vs&t=1283s. For more information on Global AgriTrends, check out their website at https://www.globalagritrends.com/. As conversation kicks off, both Brett and Richard dive into considering all prosperity levels when creating legislation that ties into the food supply, including GMOs. While it might not have an incremental change in the U.S. on our supply, it drastically changes the effect of those in third-world countries, including much of the African continent. 14:22 Brett discusses the need to understand where the population is located relative to where arable land is found. This comes into play with Asia as they continue to increase their agriculture imports as their population grows and the wealth within that population evolves. 22:05 Richard dives into his perspective that the extension service model adopted by the United States and Canada, and parts of India to provide free information and introduce new technology to farmers has decreased in many ways. Because of the change with much of the research going into the private industry, it has decreased the public sharing of information and, therefore, the progress some farms can make, especially in developing countries. 28:22 According to Brett, China’s hurdles with African Swine Fever (ASF) have driven their markets out of whack. It has also meant changes in the global grain markets and U.S. supply. Richard added with the change in U.S. administration, we will see what that means for holding China accountable to follow international trade laws and agreements. 30:16 From a biosecurity standpoint, it is being reported that ASF is still in China and, therefore, will continue to be an issue even with new facilities under construction. Richard discussed that one biosecurity change they have seen is the decrease of backyard hog production with a movement to large-scale facilities, which does shift the biosecurity concerns slightly. 43:21 Richard discusses from his experience in Sub-Saharan Africa that when the population shifts to having a higher income, they become more food insecure because they are moving away from producing their own food. 47:07 When wrapping up the conversation, Brett recommended U.S. producers consider their debt load they are carrying forward as the current price and market trends could help protect against interest rates. 54:27 Richard shared his closing thoughts focused on carbon and the continued push for bringing production agriculture into conversations focused on carbon offsets. 58:32 If you have questions not covered in the lecture or podcast discussion on global ag trends, feel free to email [email protected].

Mar 23, 20211h 1m