The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Nicole Reisinger from dsm-firmenich breaks down how phytogenic feed additives fit into practical dairy nutrition. She shares how these plant-based compounds can influence rumen function, gut integrity, inflammation, and overall cow comfort, and highlights how biomarkers and modern in vitro tools help fine-tune their use on farm. Hear how phytogenics can support cows facing heat stress, subacute acidosis, and other common herd challenges. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Phytogenic feed additives support rumen function, strengthen gut barrier function, and moderate inflammatory activity during critical challenges."

Meet the guest: Dr. Nicole Reisinger is a Senior Scientist at the dsm-firmenich Animal Health and Nutrition Center in Tulln, Austria, with a PhD in biotechnology and advanced training in behavior, neurobiology, and cognition. Her research focuses on biomarkers in ruminants, endotoxins, gut health, and complex host-based in vitro and organ chip models, with applications in dairy cattle nutrition, welfare, and precision solutions. 

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Dr. Andy Mueller: Sugar in Dairy Diets | Ep. 105
Dr. Gustavo Schuenemann: Mycotoxins & Dairy Feed | Ep. 125
Ignacio Artavia: Vitamin D & Dairy Cows | Ep. 132

What you'll learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(01:25) Introduction
(02:03) Career path
(07:32) What are phytogenics
(09:31) Testing plant compounds
(14:55) Findings in cow challenges
(19:15) Evaluating payback
(24:12) Final three questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- dsm-firmenich

* Evonik
* CowManager
* Adisseo
* Priority IAC
* Lallemand
* Afimilk
* Agri-Comfort
* Jones-Hamilton Co.
- SmaXtec
- Protekta
- DietForge
- Berg + Schmidt
- BoviSync
- Natural Biologics
- AHV

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Podcast Show
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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Rick Grant, Trustee of Miner Institute and the William H. Miner Foundation, discusses how cow behavior, nutrition, and management intersect to influence performance and well-being. He shares how two decades at Miner Institute reshaped his understanding of time budgets, stocking density, and feed access, revealing how these factors influence chewing behavior and rumen health. Learn what “feeding from the cow’s perspective” truly means for nutrition and productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!

"If cows spend over 3.5 hours outside the pen, they sacrifice resting time, which directly reduces rumination and overall efficiency."

Meet the guest: Dr. Rick Grant, Trustee of Miner Institute and the William H. Miner Foundation, was raised on a dairy farm in northern New York and earned his B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University and Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from Purdue University. His research focuses on forage quality, dairy cattle nutrition, and cow behavioral management. A pioneer in linking cow comfort with feeding efficiency, Dr. Grant’s insights help shape modern dairy management.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
Dr. Adrian Barragan: Managing Transition Period Inflammation | Ep. 106
Dr. Chris Chase: Gut Health’s Impact on Cattle | Ep. 114

What you'll learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(01:33) Introduction
(07:11) Behavior and nutrition
(09:27) Miner Institute overview
(12:42) Time budgets
(19:03) Cow comfort insights
(26:52) Management takeaways
(28:11) Final three questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- Natural Biologics

* Jones-Hamilton Co.
* Evonik
* Adisseo
* Priority IAC
* Lallemand
* Afimilk
* Agri-Comfort
* CowManager
- AHV
- dsm-firmenich
- SmaXtec
- Protekta
- DietForge
- Berg + Schmidt
- BoviSync

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Podcast Show
Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show
LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jim Salfer, Regional Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, explores the world of robotic milking systems. From barn design that supports cow flow to strategies for maximizing milk per robot and improving labor efficiency, Jim discusses the economic and practical considerations of implementing this technology. Whether you're managing robots or considering the transition, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss it—listen now on all major platforms!

"Robots started as a lifestyle choice, but now we’re maximizing efficiency and milk per robot."

Meet the guest: Jim Salfer, Regional Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, has served the dairy industry for 30 years. With a BS in Animal Science from South Dakota State University and a Master’s in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota, Jim has pioneered research and outreach in dairy management and technology.

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What you'll learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(01:51) Introduction
(06:35) Dairy extension changes over time
(08:15) Evolution of robotic milking
(16:45) Guided vs. free-flow barns
(20:13) Milk per cow vs. robot
(30:33) Addressing common challenges
(36:05) Final three questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Afimilk
* Jones-Hamilton Co.
* Evonik
* Adisseo
* Priority IAC
* Lallemand

- DietForge
- Berg + Schmidt
- Natural Biologics
- AHV
- BoviSync
- dsm-firmenich
- SmaXtec
- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Podcast Show
Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show
LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Steve Martin from DNMCmilk discusses the evolution and optimization of distillers grains in dairy cow diets. Drawing from decades of experience, he explains the nutritional and economic factors driving ingredient selection, the balance of fatty and amino acids, and strategies for feed cost efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Understanding how distillers grains are produced is essential because each processing pathway creates a different nutritional profile for dairy cattle diets."

Meet the guest: Steve Martin earned his B.S. in Animal and Dairy Science from Auburn University and his M.S. in Animal Nutrition from Texas A&M University. With more than 30 years in the industry, he has served as a dairy nutritionist, consultant, and founder of DNMCmilk, providing expertise in feed formulation, milk economics, and heifer nutrition. 

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What you'll learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(01:40) Introduction
(07:55) History of distillers grains
(11:10) Feeding management rules
(16:10) Fat and protein balance
(21:25) Diet optimization
(26:40) Dairy risk and innovation
(29:20) Final three questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Lallemand
* Adisseo
* Afimilk
* Evonik
* Priority IAC

- Protekta
- AHV
- Natural Biologics
- Berg + Schmidt
- SmaXtec
- dsm-firmenich
- ICC

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Podcast Show
Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show
LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Miel Hostens from Cornell University shares how data integration and AI are reshaping dairy herd management. He discusses key challenges in data systems, explains the role of sensors and cloud tools in farm-level decisions, and highlights how smarter data handling leads to more sustainable dairy production. Learn how digital tools are powering the future of dairy analytics. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Everyday decision-making should be somehow driven by data to make sure choices are grounded in measurable insights and not assumptions."

Meet the guest: Dr. Miel Hostens received his MSc and PhD in Veterinary Medicine from Ghent University. He is the Robert and Anne Everett Associate Professor of Digital Dairy Management and Data Analytics at Cornell University, Dr. Hostens leads a lab focused on precision dairy science and sustainable food systems.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you'll learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(01:10) Introduction
(09:06) Data integration challenges
(12:48) Herd-level analytics
(14:40) Sensor-based monitoring
(16:20) AI and language models
(24:20) Behavior and milk yield
(35:37) Final questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Priority IAC
* Lallemand
* Adisseo
* Afimilk
* Evonik

- dsm-firmenich
- ICC
- Protekta
- AHV
- Natural Biologics
- Berg + Schmidt
- SmaXtec

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Podcast Show
Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show
LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show