Dr. Eduardo Rico: Feeding Insects to Cows | Ep. 100
To celebrate the 100th episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, we’re bringing you a special conversation with Dr. Eduardo Rico from the University of Pennsylvania. He explores the promising potential of insect-based protein in dairy cow diets and explains how nutritional quality, sustainability, and public perception could shape its future use in the U.S. and beyond. Listen now on all major platforms!"When you look at the preliminary data, it doesn't seem like replacing part of the soybean meal makes cows crash in performance—if the diet is balanced for protein and amino acids."Meet the guest: Dr. Eduardo Rico is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, with a strong background in nutritional biochemistry and applied dairy nutrition. His current research focuses on improving cow health through nutrition, including alternative feeds like insects and their impact on metabolism and sustainability. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:35) Introduction(03:24) Insect feeding strategy(05:04) Sustainability benefits(06:04) Nutritional comparisons(09:00) Resistance barriers(12:25) Research insights(15:58) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Kemin* Priority IAC* Afimilk* Adisseo- Virtus Nutrition- Zinpro𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastInstagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastLinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
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Dr. Peter Erickson: Colostrum Management Strategies - Part 2 | Ep. 99
In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Peter Erickson from the University of New Hampshire continues to explore the environmental and nutritional factors that influence colostrum yield and quality in dairy cows. He shares data on cold stress, niacin supplementation, and dry cow cooling, along with fresh insights into IgG, intestinal development, and calf outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!"The calves that were born of dams that received niacin supplementation showed significantly greater feed efficiency during early growth stages."Meet the guest: Dr. Peter Erickson earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Science from the University of Illinois, with prior degrees in Animal Sciences from the University of Maine and the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. He serves as Professor of Dairy Management and Extension Dairy Specialist at the University of New Hampshire. His research focuses on calf and heifer nutrition, especially colostrum management.Click here to read the full research articles:Factors influencing colostrum production of multiparous Holstein and Jersey cowsCreating models for the prediction of colostrum quantity, quality, and immunoglobulin G yield in multiparous Jersey cows from performance in the previous lactation and environmental changesLiked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:45) Introduction(02:10) Temperature vs photoperiod(04:40) Niacin and colostrum(06:42) Cooling and cow comfort(08:48) Colostrum testing tips(09:40) Colostrum quality insights(13:18) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Kemin* Afimilk- Zinpro- Virtus Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastInstagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastLinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
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Dr. Peter Erickson: What Impacts Colostrum Yield? - Part 1 | Ep. 98
In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Peter Erickson from the University of New Hampshire shares practical strategies to improve colostrum yield and quality in dairy herds. He unpacks new research on environmental impacts, dry period length, and the physiological triggers influencing colostrum production. Listen now on all major platforms!"Even just how we feed that calf on day one can impact how much milk she makes two or three or four years down the road."Meet the guest: Dr. Peter Erickson earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Science from the University of Illinois, with prior degrees in Animal Sciences from the University of Maine and the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. He serves as Professor of Dairy Management and Extension Dairy Specialist at the University of New Hampshire. His research focuses on calf and heifer nutrition, especially colostrum management.Click here to read the full research articles:Factors influencing colostrum production of multiparous Holstein and Jersey cowsCreating models for the prediction of colostrum quantity, quality, and immunoglobulin G yield in multiparous Jersey cows from performance in the previous lactation and environmental changesLiked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:27) Introduction(02:03) Guest background overview(03:34) Colostrum insights(05:57) Maximizing yield and quality(08:39) Effects of dry periods(09:24) Nutritional influence(10:28) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Afimilk* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Kemin- Zinpro- Virtus Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastInstagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastLinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
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Dr. Douglas Waterman: Fresh Cow Uterine Recovery Tips | Ep. 97
In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Doug Waterman from Virtus Nutrition explains how management and nutritional strategies influence uterine involution and overall reproductive success in dairy cows. He discusses key factors like inflammation control, calving management, and omega-3 supplementation to improve cow health and future productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!"Uterine involution typically occurs within 20 to 50 days, but various stressors can significantly extend this recovery period."Meet the guest: Dr. Doug Waterman, Eastern Technical Sales Director at Virtus Nutrition, LLC, brings over 30 years of experience in the dairy industry, specializing in nutrition and supporting field nutritionists. His expertise spans reproductive health, inflammation control, and optimizing cow performance through targeted nutritional strategies.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Renee Smith: Omega-3 Benefits in Dairy Dr. Daniel Rico: Vitamin D3 & Omega-3 Effects on Cattle Stress - Part 1Dr. Daniel Rico: Omega-3 & Vitamin D3 for Cow Health - Part 2 What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:39) Introduction(02:37) Uterine involution basics(04:19) Calving difficulties impact(05:09) Key management strategies(07:07) Inflammation and reproduction(08:47) Omega-3 research findings(11:02) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: Virtus Nutrition* Kemin* Afimilk* Adisseo* Priority IAC- Zinpro𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastInstagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastLinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
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Dr. Kirby Krogstad: Rumen-Protected Niacin | Ep. 96
In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kirby Krogstad, from The Ohio State University, examines the role of niacin in dairy cow health and performance. Highlighting niacin's impact on immune regulation, rumen functionality, and lactation outcomes, Dr. Krogstad unpacks recent research findings and their practical applications in dairy nutrition. Listen now on all major platforms!"When we provided niacin to those cows, the acute phase proteins that would suggest a general systemic inflammation were blunted by about 30%."Meet the guest: Dr. Kirby Krogstad is an Assistant Professor of Dairy Nutrition and Health at The Ohio State University, where his research and extension mission is to improve dairy cow health, welfare, and longevity through nutrition. With a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr. Krogstad focuses on optimizing dairy nutrition to enhance sustainability and herd performance. Click here to read the full research article!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:41) Introduction(02:55) Niacin's & metabolism(03:46) Rumen protection(04:47) Immune function(08:03) Lactation performance(09:09) Niacin supplementation(10:46) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Priority IAC* Kemin* Afimilk* Adisseo- Zinpro- Virtus Nutrition𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastInstagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt PodcastLinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
Learn dairy nutrition from the brightest minds of the global dairy industry – in 9 minutes.If you are a dairy nutritionist who wants to stay up to date with all that is working in the industry, but doesn’t know how to start, doesn’t have the time, or feel most courses out there don’t deliver, then you have come to the right place.The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is specially designed by and for professionals just like yourself. With it, you can effortlessly have access to the thoughts of the most brilliant minds in our industry – all while going about your routine and saving your time.
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