Real Science Exchange-Dairy

This episode of Real Science Exchange was recorded live at the 2026 IPPE Show and focuses on the newly formalized IFEEDER Research Submission Program and its role in advancing innovation across the animal feed and pet food industries. 

Lara Moody, Executive Director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), opens the discussion by outlining IFeeder’s mission to advance understanding and trust in a sustainable animal feed and pet food supply chain. Founded in 2009, IFEEDER has steadily expanded its scope of work, recently releasing key industry resources including feed ingredient consumption reports, a comprehensive pet food ingredient report covering more than 600 ingredients, and a strategic assessment of vitamins and amino acids related to U.S. food security. (0:46) 

Lara then introduces Dr. Yan‑Tai Hung, IFeeder’s Senior Research Manager, whose background as a swine nutritionist brings additional technical depth to the organization’s research efforts. Dr. Hung discusses his experience in applied nutrition research and how IFEEDER is expanding beyond individual ingredients to address the broader animal food production chain and food availability challenges. (2:05) 

The conversation turns to IFEEDER’s funding model and organizational growth, with Laura explaining how the foundation has diversified beyond industry funding alone. Over the past five years, IFeeder has shifted from relying almost entirely on industry contributions to securing significant support through grants and partnerships with organizations such as the USDA, commodity groups, and other stakeholders—allowing annual project funding to grow substantially. (3:24) 

Dr. Chad Risley, Research Committee Chair, shares his long‑standing involvement with IFeeder and reflects on how the organization has evolved from early educational initiatives to a more focused, impact‑driven research foundation. He highlights the importance of IFEEDER’s sustainability toolkit and strategic planning in helping the organization gain momentum and relevance across the industry. (4:29) 

A major focus of the episode is the new IFeeder Research Submission Program, which formalizes how research ideas move from concept to funded projects. Previously, projects originated informally through committees and the board. The new process provides clear submission guidelines and evaluation criteria to ensure proposed projects align with AFIA priorities and deliver practical value to the industry. (8:39) 

The panel explains that while the submission process is newly approved, outreach is already underway with AFIA committees and industry stakeholders to encourage future submissions. With 14 AFIA committees representing diverse areas of animal nutrition, IFEEDER aims to ensure broad participation across the feed and pet food sectors. (11:28) 

Dr. Risley discusses how IFEEDER‑supported research has already driven regulatory and policy wins, including data used to demonstrate the economic impact of delayed feed additive approvals—a project that helped secure additional FDA resources to improve regulatory efficiency. (12:04) 

The discussion then shifts to collaboration with universities, where Laura emphasizes IFEEDER’s role as a bridge between academic research, industry needs, and nonprofit funding. By partnering with universities, IFEEDER helps align research proposals with real‑world challenges while strengthening grant competitiveness and knowledge transfer. (13:26) 

Looking ahead, the panel outlines research priorities for 2026 and beyond, including sustainability, foreign animal disease prevention, biosecurity risks, and improving communication around animal health and nutrition. Sustainability is framed not only as environmental stewardship, but as the long‑term viability and profitability of the animal feed and pet food industries. (16:21) 

Lara highlights strategic wins over the past five years, including the development of a formal strategic plan, increased industry visibility, and the creation of tools and datasets that support foot printing, feed formulation decisions, and industry advocacy. (18:59) 

The episode wraps up with discussion of IFEEDER’s feed consumption reports, which quantify the economic impact of the feed industry at state and congressional district levels. These reports have become valuable tools for educating policymakers and supporting science‑based advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. (21:52) 

Final remarks encourage listeners to stay engaged with IFEEDER, subscribe to its newsletter, share research ideas, and support the foundation’s work through contributions and participation in its annual Day of Giving. (24:41) 

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This episode features Andrea Lendewig, Head of Research & Development at IFCN, discussing her Real Science Exchange webinar presentation Global Dairy Market Status and 2035 Perspectives. Joining the conversation are Philipp Goetz, Head of Sales and Business Development at IFCN; Lucas Fess, Senior Dairy Analyst with Rabobank; and Jeremy Painter, Vice President of Global Commercial Operations for Animal Nutrition & Health at Balchem. Together, the panel examines current milk production trends, regional differences, butter and protein markets, exports, herd dynamics, and what the next decade may hold for global dairy.

Andrea opens by outlining IFCN’s global dairy data network and explains how annual farm‑level data collection and monthly updates allow IFCN to monitor milk production, prices, and costs across major dairy regions. She highlights a major industry milestone: global milk production surpassing 1 billion tons, driven by growth across multiple regions. (04:40)

The discussion then turns to recent production trends. The panel explains how the U.S. has shown consistent strength, while the EU experienced slower growth early before unexpected late‑season increases. China and parts of Latin America continue to grow production but remain dependent on international markets. Weather, animal health, and strong milk prices aligned to create production surprises in several regions. (17:30)

Andrea and Lucas examine global milk price dynamics, focusing on the growing divergence between butter and cheese prices over the last decade. Butter prices have increasingly driven global milk price signals, influencing producer behavior and trade flows. One notable shift discussed is the U.S. becoming a net exporter of butter in 2025 after more than a decade as a net importer. (25:10)

The panel also explores rising costs of milk production. IFCN data show that milk production costs have increased sharply over the last five years, with roughly 75% of countries now facing costs above $40 per hundredweight. These pressures are influencing farm investment decisions, particularly in regions with stricter environmental regulations. (28:30)

Herd dynamics and beef‑on‑dairy economics are another key theme. Lucas and Jeremy describe how record beef prices have reshaped breeding decisions in the U.S., increased calf values, and encouraged producers to keep cows longer. This dynamic has contributed to U.S. herd growth and stronger-than-expected milk supply, raising the question of whether current production trends represent a new normal. (35:00)

The conversation contrasts structural differences between Europe, and the U.S. European producers face tighter environmental regulations, land constraints, and aging farmer demographics, limiting expansion. In response, many EU farmers are diversifying income through solar energy, agri‑tourism, and land leasing rather than increasing milk output. Both IFCN and Rabobank suggest 2025 may represent peak milk production for the EU under current conditions. (45:00)

Attention then shifts to exports and demand. Lucas outlines where U.S. dairy exports are growing—especially in Mexico, Asia, and emerging markets—and explains why exports will be critical as domestic consumption grows more slowly than production. The panel also discusses rising consumer interest in protein, from high‑protein milk and beverages to whey ingredients, and how this trend supports long‑term dairy demand. (51:00)

Looking ahead to 2035, Andrea and Philip share IFCN’s long‑term outlook. The U.S. is expected to drive most global production growth, while Europe trends closer to self‑sufficiency and Oceania remains export‑focused. Demand growth—driven by population increases and more westernized diets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—is expected to outpace supply growth, supporting higher dairy prices over time. (57:30)

In closing, the panel reflects on key takeaways: the importance of data‑driven decisions, diversification of farm income, continued productivity gains through genetics and technology, and strong long‑term fundamentals for dairy. While risks remain, the group agrees the global dairy sector is well positioned for the next decade. (01:02:00)

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Dr. Mike Van Amburgh begins by outlining how amino acid nutrition has historically been viewed almost exclusively through the lens of milk protein. He explains that emerging research clearly shows amino acids play far broader roles in the cow, influencing milk fat synthesis, energy metabolism, and overall efficiency. As genetic potential has increased, amino acids are now supporting many biological pathways beyond simple milk protein yield. (05:50)

The discussion quickly expands to nitrogen efficiency and environmental sustainability. Dr. Van Amburgh explains that dairy systems across Europe and North America are under increasing pressure to reduce nitrogen losses. By formulating more precise diets that better match amino acid requirements, cows can excrete significantly less urinary nitrogen while maintaining—or even improving—milk production, creating both environmental and economic benefits. (09:30)

An audience question shifts the conversation toward the challenge of quantifying amino acids in forages. The panel discusses the robustness of current CNCPS model libraries and explains why forage amino acid profiles tend to be relatively conserved. While management factors like heat damage or poor fermentation can alter availability, microbial protein ultimately supplies a large and consistent portion of metabolizable amino acids to the cow. (12:15)

Building on this, the panel explores where required amino acids actually come from. Dr. Van Amburgh emphasizes that microbial protein should supply roughly half of total amino acid needs, making rumen efficiency critical. However, as production levels rise, microbial protein alone is no longer sufficient—creating a clear role for rumen‑protected amino acids to close growing nutritional gaps. (16:20)

Dr. Usman Arshad then leads a deep discussion on choline and methionine in transition cows. He explains why these two nutrients are not interchangeable, despite both acting as methyl donors. Choline has a unique lipotropic role in supporting liver fat export and reducing fatty liver risk during early lactation, while methionine primarily supports milk production and protein synthesis. Research shows that choline supplementation during the transition period alone can generate lasting carryover improvements in milk yield later in lactation. (29:00)

The panel addresses a common industry question: how much choline is enough? Dr. Arshad reviews decades of research, including meta‑analyses showing a largely linear response between choline ion intake and milk production. While 12–13 g/day of choline ion remains the standard recommendation based on most available studies, data suggest additional benefits may exist at higher levels—even though more research is still needed. (34:00)

Attention then turns to amino acid nutrition in close‑up and fresh cows. Dr. Van Amburgh explains that recent infusion and feeding studies demonstrate much higher metabolizable protein requirements than traditionally assumed, driven in part by the important role of non‑essential amino acids. These nutrients support energy generation, glucose synthesis, and tissue metabolism during early lactation—contributing to substantial gains in energy‑corrected milk when requirements are met. (44:30)

The panel also discusses whether amino acid balancing can help cows cope with heat stress. While amino acids do not eliminate heat stress, improving metabolic efficiency appears to reduce wasted heat production and support immune function and gut integrity, potentially helping cows better navigate stressful conditions. (54:45)

From science to economics, producers raise questions about return on investment. The group shares real‑world examples showing that improving amino acid balance often increases milk components without increasing intake, frequently delivering returns of 2:1 or greater, depending on milk pricing and market structure. (58:00)

Dr. Van Amburgh then offers candid insights into rumen‑protected amino acid bioavailability, explaining that products on the market are not created equal. Independent testing has shown efficiencies ranging from as low as ~10% to as high as ~80%. The panel stresses that transparent, published bioavailability data are essential for accurate formulation and for maintaining credibility across the industry. (01:01:30)

A technical discussion follows on measuring amino acid bioavailability, comparing isotope dilution, selenium‑methionine, and in vitro approaches. The group agrees that no method is perfect, but understanding assumptions and applying methods consistently can produce reliable, actionable data. (01:06:00)

In the final phase of the episode, the panel examines modern high‑starch diets, monensin use, and intake regulation. Dr. Van Amburgh suggests many systems may now be producing excessive propionate, potentially limiting intake through chemical fill. He argues that rebalancing starch and NDF—rather than simply adding more concentrate—may unlock better efficiency and performance. (01:10:00)

The episode concludes with final audience questions and a call to rethink traditional nutrition paradigms. The panel emphasizes that precision amino acid nutrition—supported by sound science, verified bioavailability, and thoughtful diet structure—is becoming essential for meeting the production, economic, and environmental demands facing dairy systems today. (01:20:29)

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

He outlines two primary mechanisms traditionally blamed for immune suppression: the cortisol surge at calving, which may impair neutrophil migration, and the metabolic changes of early lactation—high NEFAs, ketones, and low calcium—which appear to reduce neutrophil function in laboratory settings. (13:16)

Dr. Baumgard then challenges the central assumption: are cows truly immunosuppressed, or are they simply exposed to greater pathogen loads and stressors during a narrow window around calving? He argues that morbidity may reflect increased environmental and physiological challenges rather than a dysfunctional immune system. (15:25)

Dr. Fry shares field data from three herds representing over 100,000 calvings. After implementing management changes—primarily building a well-designed transition barn with lower stocking density, improved hygiene, and better cow flow—metritis rates dropped from 21.3% to 9.7%. Nutrition and innate immunity remained unchanged, suggesting management and environment were key drivers. (21:29)

The panel discusses the role of stress stacking during the transition period. Dr. Baumgard explains that multiple simultaneous stressors, such as overcrowding, heat stress, hygiene challenges, social stress, and nutritional shifts, may overwhelm cows. He emphasizes growing evidence that stress compromises gut integrity (“leaky gut”), potentially triggering systemic inflammation and increasing susceptibility in tissues like the mammary gland. (27:27)

Heat stress provides another example. While mastitis rates often increase during humid Midwest summers, they decline in arid regions like Arizona and Israel despite severe heat stress. Dr. Baumgard suggests environmental pathogen load—not immune suppression—is the primary driver. (27:43)

The conversation shifts to ketosis and hyperketonemia. Dr. Baumgard and Dr. Pralle discuss how elevated BHB and NEFAs may not always indicate disease but instead reflect normal metabolic adaptation to support milk production. The key distinction is productivity: cows milking well with high ketones may not require intervention, while cows with high ketones and poor milk production warrant deeper investigation into underlying causes such as metritis, mastitis, hypocalcemia, gut inflammation, or environmental stress. (37:13)

Dr. Fry reinforces the importance of whole-cow and whole-environment evaluation rather than treating metabolic markers in isolation. Monitoring milk yield, rumination, activity, and cow demeanor—along with assessing stocking density, pen hygiene, hoof health, and stockmanship—are critical to identifying true problems. (44:00)

The group emphasizes reducing pathogen load through simple, practical management: minimizing manure accumulation, maintaining clean and dry bedding, improving calving hygiene, and lowering stocking density—especially for close-up and fresh cows. (33:39)

Looking ahead, Dr. Baumgard describes his lab’s focus on modeling “stacked stressors” to better replicate the real-world transition period. Rather than studying stressors in isolation, his team is investigating how combined stressors influence physiology, particularly gut health. (47:11)

In closing, the panel encourages industry professionals to reconsider the immune suppression paradigm. Instead of trying to “fix” the immune system at calving, the emphasis should shift toward removing stressors and minimizing environmental challenges that create excessive pathogen exposure. (53:01)

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

Dr. Laarman wrapped up the  symposium with “Gut health in ruminants: Where to from here?” He agrees with Dr. Penner that we need to look beyond the rumen at all other gut organs. His group has researched rumen acidosis in calves and how it’s linked to hindgut acidosis and pH dynamics. Calves behave very differently from cows in this model. Gut health begins from birth and is the whole tract, not just the rumen.  (7:35)

Work in Dr. Penner’s lab showed that inducing inflammation in the mammary gland actually tightened permeability in the GI tract, which was opposite of their initial hypothesis. Dr. Baumgard’s lab found similar results in a heat stress model, and Dr. Laarman echoes that his group has also found this result.  The panel discusses possible mechanisms of action. Dr. Penner explains that diet may also have an influence on gut permeability. (11:01)

The panel talks more about what we know and don’t know about gut health. We probably know which regions of the gut are most likely to be affected by challenges, what those impacts are, how fast those gut changes occur, and how nutrient absorption can be affected by challenges. The group hypothesizes that pH alone does not have a negative effect, but if low pH occurs at the same time as other signals or molecules, then pathology happens. Dr. Laarman shares some of the observations his group has made with calves, which withstand low pH that would kill a mature cow if she experienced it. (18:40)

Guests talk about some of the reasons why we know less about ruminant gut health compared to monogastric species. They also visit about the microbiome and how perhaps what the microbiome is doing and producing is more important than who all is present in the microbiome. (23:44)

Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (29:33)

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