In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Carla Bittar from the University of São Paulo in Brazil talks about feeding forage to dairy calves. She shares her groundbreaking research on including corn silage in young calf diets and what it means for intake, behavior, and performance in pre-weaning calves. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Feeding corn silage to calves increased total solid feed intake, especially around weaning, with no adverse effects on performance."

Meet the guest: Dr. Carla Bittar earned her M.S. at the University of Arizona and her Ph.D. in Animal Science at ESALQ/USP, where she now serves as an Associate Professor. Her research centers on nutrition and metabolism of dairy calves during the pre-weaning phase, focusing on forage inclusion and rumen development.

Click here to read the full research articles:

Whole-plant flint corn silage inclusion in total mixed rations for pre- and postweaning dairy calves

Forage sources in total mixed rations early in life influence performance, metabolites, and behavior of dairy calves

Forage sources in total mixed rations on rumen fermentation, gut fill, and development of the gastrointestinal tract of dairy calves

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What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:35) Introduction
• (04:28) Corn silage feeding
• (05:45) Fiber requirements
• (07:24) Rumen development
• (09:43) Intake insights
• (12:23) Choosing the right forage
• (13:28) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Adisseo

* Kemin

* Priority IAC

- Virtus Nutrition

- Zinpro

- Afimilk

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating National Cow Appreciation Day, we revisit our conversation with Dr. Michael Hutjens, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, who provides an update on rumen buffers and key considerations for their optimal use in dairy diets. Dr. Hutjens explains the sources of buffers, their role in rumen health, and practical strategies for effective integration into dairy rations. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Buffers stabilize rumen health and optimize microbial growth."

Meet the guest: Dr. Michael Hutjens, Professor Emeritus of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, grew up on a Holstein dairy farm in Wisconsin and earned his bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With decades of experience as an extension dairy specialist, Dr. Hutjens has delivered expert insights on dairy nutrition worldwide, speaks at numerous conferences, and writes for prominent dairy publications.

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What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:28) Introduction
• (02:35) Buffer usage in dairy diets
• (03:14) Rumen environment optimization
• (03:55) Key buffer sources
• (07:11) Calcium carbonate
• (08:16) Reasons to use buffers
• (11:14) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Priority IAC

* Adisseo

* Kemin

- Zinpro

- Afimilk

- Volac

- Virtus Nutrition

- Zinpro

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Pedro Melendez from City University of Hong Kong discusses the genetic and nutritional factors behind abdominal adiposity and hypocalcemia in dairy cows. He shares research findings on metabolic health risks, prevention strategies, and the importance of monitoring nutritional management. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Abdominal adiposity significantly increases the risk of developing metabolic disorders such as mastitis, ketosis, and fatty liver."

Meet the guest: Dr. Pedro Melendez, DVM, MS, PhD, DABVP (Dairy), serves as Clinical Full Professor in Bovine Production Medicine at City University of Hong Kong. With a DVM from the University of Chile and an MS and PhD from the University of Florida, his work focuses on dairy production medicine, nutritional management, and metabolic diseases in dairy cattle.

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What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:26) Introduction
• (01:00) Guest background
• (02:16) Abdominal adiposity risks
• (05:27) Genetic factors role
• (07:00) Preventing hypocalcemia
• (09:26) Calcium bolus use
• (10:50) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Adisseo

* Kemin

* Priority IAC

- Zinpro

- Afimilk

- Volac

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Chris Chase, Professor Emeritus at South Dakota State University, breaks down the critical link between gut health and immune function in dairy cattle. He covers how diet, water quality, and stress impact gut integrity and the pro-inflammatory response, plus practical strategies to support a healthy microbiome. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The gut microbiome and immune system are deeply connected. Maintaining this balance through diet and management is key to animal health."

Meet the guest: Dr. Chris Chase, Professor Emeritus at South Dakota State University, has dedicated his career to veterinary immunology and virology. He earned his DVM from Iowa State University and his MS and PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Chase co-founded RTI (Research, Technology Innovation LLC), now ClinVet-South Dakota, an animal health research organization. Dr. Chase is the Past-President of the American College of Veterinary Microbiology and the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Disease.

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:46) Introduction
• (03:12) Gut health and immunity
• (05:51) Role of water quality
• (07:06) Stress and gut integrity
• (09:33) Additives for gut health
• (13:35) Key takeaways
• (16:16) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

Volac

* Adisseo

- Virtus Nutrition

- Zinpro

- Afimilk

- Kemin

- Priority IAC

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Duarte Diaz from the University of Arizona tackles the complex issue of mycotoxins in dairy feeds. He explores how mycotoxin contamination levels vary by region, season, and climate and how different feedstuffs, besides corn silage, are at high risk. Dr. Diaz also shared insights on testing frequency for mycotoxins and strategies for preventing contamination and growth in stored feed. Additionally, he discusses the role of feed additives and binders in mitigating the harmful effects of mycotoxins. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Mycotoxins interact with the plant, soil, and environment. Depending on the mold, climate, and competition, certain species dominate in different regions."

Meet the guest: Dr. Duarte Diaz holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Nutrition and Toxicology from North Carolina State University. With over 15 years of research on mycotoxins, Dr. Diaz has made significant contributions to understanding how mycotoxins affect agriculture. He is currently a Professor and Dairy Extension Specialist at the University of Arizona. Dr. Diaz’s work focuses on feed quality, mold interactions, and mycotoxin control.

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Dr. Marcos Marcondes: Protein Requirements of Gestating Cows | Ep. 44

Dr. Jim Drackley: Nutrition & Transition Cows - Part 1 | Ep. 52

Dr. Maurice Eastridge: Nutrition & Cow Health | Ep. 69

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:47) Introduction
• (03:06) Mycotoxins by region
• (05:44) Common contaminated feeds
• (08:46) Diagnosing mycotoxin issues
• (10:54) Testing for mycotoxins
• (12:07) Dietary interventions
• (15:37) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Adisseo

- Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

- Zinpro

- Volac

- Afimilk

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this second part of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast episode with Dr. Claira Seely, from the University of New Hampshire, she discusses identifying metabolic disorders and diagnosing subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows. She also highlights effective prevention strategies, focusing on key nutritional approaches like negative DCAD rations and the use of calcium binders. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Low blood calcium at four days in milk will give you a better idea of what percent of your herd is experiencing a calcium issue."

Meet the guest: Dr. Claira Seely is an Assistant Professor of Precision Dairy Management at the University of New Hampshire. With a PhD in Dairy Science from Cornell University, Dr. Seely's research focuses on transition cow biology and precision technology integration.

Click here to read the full research articles:

The association of subclinical hypocalcemia at 4 days in milk with reproductive outcomes in multiparous Holstein cows

Association of transient, persistent, or delayed subclinical hypocalcemia with early lactation disease, removal, and milk yield in Holstein cows

Association of subclinical hypocalcemia dynamics with dry matter intake, milk yield, and blood minerals during the periparturient period

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:32) Introduction
• (01:19) Diagnosing subclinical hypocalcemia
• (02:16) Prevention strategies
• (03:25) Negative DCAD and zeolite
• (04:54) Oral boluses
• (05:46) Delayed bolus administration
• (08:06) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Adisseo

- Afimilk

- Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

- Zinpro

- Volac

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Claira Seely, from the University of New Hampshire, sheds light on the evolving understanding of subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cattle. Dr. Seely explains how the understanding of this condition has evolved over time, especially in diagnosing it at the right moment. Learn how the timing of calcium monitoring can impact milk production, reproduction, and overall cow health. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Cows with low blood calcium at four days in milk produced significantly less milk and had lower reproductive success."

Meet the guest: Dr. Claira Seely is an Assistant Professor of Precision Dairy Management at the University of New Hampshire. With a PhD in Dairy Science from Cornell University, Dr. Seely's research focuses on transition cow biology and precision technology integration.

Click here to read the full research articles:

The association of subclinical hypocalcemia at 4 days in milk with reproductive outcomes in multiparous Holstein cows

Association of transient, persistent, or delayed subclinical hypocalcemia with early lactation disease, removal, and milk yield in Holstein cows

Association of subclinical hypocalcemia dynamics with dry matter intake, milk yield, and blood minerals during the periparturient period

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:21) Introduction
• (01:03) Guest background
• (02:59) Hypocalcemia insights
• (04:16) Diagnosis timing for hypocalcemia
• (05:26) Blood calcium dynamics
• (07:49) Reproductive and intake effects
• (09:05) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Adisseo

- Zinpro

- Volac

- Afimilk

- Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Michael VandeHaar from Michigan State University shares insights on bridging nutrition and genetics to breed more efficient dairy cows. He also discusses the upcoming ADSA meeting, highlighting sessions on applied nutrition, feed efficiency, and milk fat optimization. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Some cows eat less than expected for whatever reason, and those are the cows we want in the future."

Meet the guest: Dr. Michael VandeHaar earned his Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Iowa State University and has been a Professor at Michigan State University since 1988. With over 35 years of experience, his research focuses on dairy cattle nutrition and improving feed efficiency through genetics. He also teaches mammary physiology and leads major initiatives in the American Dairy Science Association.

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What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:38) Introduction
• (03:58) Applied nutrition sessions
• (06:13) Milk fat and profitability
• (07:30) Overview of the ADSA
• (10:25) Nutrition and genetics link
• (13:28) Methane insights
• (16:05) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Adisseo

- Virtus Nutrition

- Zinpro

- Volac

- Afimilk

- Kemin

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast