The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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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.

  1. Dr. Marcos Marcondes: Growth Models for Dairy Calves | Ep. 122

    1D AGO

    Dr. Marcos Marcondes: Growth Models for Dairy Calves | Ep. 122

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Marcos Marcondes from the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute discusses key insights into calf and heifer nutrition. He shares findings on feed intake modeling, pre- and post-weaning transitions, and how feeding strategies influence mammary gland development and long-term milk yield. Listen now on all major platforms! "Pushing heifers to calve too early reduces milk production, even when body weight is adequate; mammary development needs time." Meet the guest: Dr. Marcos Marcondes is a Dairy Research Scientist at the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Florida. His work focuses on feed evaluation, nutrient requirements, and methane mitigation in dairy cattle.  Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:33) Introduction(03:09) Model accuracy(05:26) Starter intake bias(07:28) Feeding strategies(10:48) Mammary gland growth(12:33) Weaning transition(16:09) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Vetagro * Fortiva * Kemin * Adisseo * Barentz - Virtus Nutrition - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    16 min
  2. Dr. Dwain Bunting: DCAD And Palatability | Ep. 121

    FEB 12

    Dr. Dwain Bunting: DCAD And Palatability | Ep. 121

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Dwain Bunting, Technical Service Dairy Nutritionist at Barentz Animal Nutrition, explains how DCAD products can influence palatability and short-term feed intake in dairy cows. He shares insights from controlled research evaluating cow behavior, intake patterns, and product formulation strategies. Dr. Bunting highlights practical implications for formulation decisions and field expectations. Get a technical perspective that supports better nutritional outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms! “DCAD products allow chlorides to be incorporated into a feed matrix in a way that supports palatability and consistent intake.” Meet the guest: Dr. Dwain Bunting is a ruminant nutritionist with more than 27 years of industry and academic experience across dairy and beef systems. He holds a PhD in Nutrition and Biochemistry and has served in research, teaching, and global technical support roles. Currently a Technical Consultant at Barentz Animal Nutrition, his work focuses on applied dairy nutrition and formulation strategies.  Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:19) Introduction(02:19) DCAD background(04:43) Study design(05:45) Feeding strategy(07:13) Intake measurement(07:53) Palatability outcomes(09:24) Final Questions The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Barentz * Vetagro * Fortiva * Kemin * Adisseo - Virtus Nutrition - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    10 min
  3. Dr. Laura Hernandez: Managing Hypocalcemia | Ep. 120

    FEB 5

    Dr. Laura Hernandez: Managing Hypocalcemia | Ep. 120

    In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Laura Hernandez, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explores key insights on managing hypocalcemia in dairy cattle. She discusses strategies to prevent both delayed and persistent hypocalcemia, as well as the concept of transient hypocalcemia, highlighting their impact on cow health and lactation performance. Don't miss the chance to revisit this discussion on optimizing dairy cattle health, productivity, and lifetime performance. Listen now on all major platforms. "Delayed hypocalcemia is when you have a normal blood calcium concentration within the first two days postpartum, but then at four days postpartum, it becomes clinical or subclinical hypocalcemia." Meet the guest: Dr. Laura Hernandez is a Professor of Lactation Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she directs the Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Graduate Program. With a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Arizona, her research focuses on calcium homeostasis during lactation and preventing milk fever in dairy cattle. Click here to learn more! Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:57) Introduction(02:19) Dr. Hernandez's background(03:05) Preventing hypocalcemia(06:22) Transient hypocalcemia(09:27) Dietary strategies for prevention(10:25) Calcium binders and phosphorus(12:45) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Adisseo * Barentz * Vetagro * Kemin * Fortiva - DietForge - Virtus Nutrition 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    12 min
  4. Dr. Melissa Cantor: Long-Term Effects of Early Lung Consolidation | Ep. 119

    JAN 29

    Dr. Melissa Cantor: Long-Term Effects of Early Lung Consolidation | Ep. 119

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Melissa Cantor from Penn State University unpacks new research on beef-on-dairy calves and their long-term performance. She explains the surprising impacts of early-life respiratory disease, what it means for marbling and carcass traits, and how management practices can reduce risks. Learn how dairy calf health decisions carry lasting value for beef outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms! "Very early lung consolidation, often invisible to farmers, was linked to reduced growth for weeks after diagnosis." Meet the guest: Dr. Melissa Cantor is an Assistant Professor of Precision Dairy Science at Penn State University, where her work focuses on calf nutrition, health, and precision management practices. With over 30 scientific publications, she leads extension efforts such as the Penn State Dairy Nutrition Workshop and supervises graduate research on calf health and dairy-beef systems.  Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:34) Introduction(03:14) Early lung disease(06:59) Carcass performance(09:24) Energy efficiency(10:29) Liver abscesses(13:52) Final remarks(15:19) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Barentz * Kemin * Adisseo * Fortiva * Vetagro - Virtus Nutrition - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    14 min
  5. Dr. Melissa Cantor: Pair Housing Insights | Ep. 118

    JAN 22

    Dr. Melissa Cantor: Pair Housing Insights | Ep. 118

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Melissa Cantor from Penn State University breaks down the science and management of pair housing for dairy calves. She explains the benefits and challenges of early pairing, behavioral concerns, and the latest findings from her team’s recent study. Explore strategies to support calf health and optimize early-life performance. Listen now on all major platforms! "Pairing calves before 14 days of age supports social facilitation, improving starter intake and adaptation to new diets and environments." Meet the guest: Dr. Melissa Cantor is an Assistant Professor of Precision Dairy Science at Penn State University. She earned her B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky, and an M.Sc. in Dairy Science from UW–Madison. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Guelph. Her work focuses on dairy calf nutrition, behavior, and smart management systems.  Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:22) Introduction(03:23) Pair housing benefits(05:06) Abnormal behavior(07:42) Cross-sucking behavior(11:19) Research insights(13:33) Study design(19:14) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Fortiva * Vetagro * Barentz * Kemin * Adisseo - DietForge - Virtus Nutrition 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    17 min
  6. Dr. Massimo Bionaz: Spent Hemp Biomass for Dairy Cows | Ep. 117

    JAN 15

    Dr. Massimo Bionaz: Spent Hemp Biomass for Dairy Cows | Ep. 117

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Massimo Bionaz explores the potential of hemp byproducts in dairy cattle nutrition. He shares insights on the nutritional potential of hemp-derived byproducts, challenges related to compound residues in animal feed, how regulatory frameworks influence feed innovation, and the future of feed trials. Discover what current research reveals and what still needs to be addressed before hemp can enter ruminant diets legally. Listen now on all major platforms! "Spent hemp biomass has a nutrient profile comparable to alfalfa, making it a potentially valuable feed ingredient." Meet the guest: Dr. Massimo Bionaz earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Husbandry and Production from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy, where he studied liver function and inflammation in dairy cows. He is currently an Associate Professor at Oregon State University, focusing on nutrigenomics, byproducts as feed, and dairy cow welfare. 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(01:22) Introduction(02:02) Legal status explained(04:22) Nutritional profile insights(05:05) Residual compound concerns(06:50) Research insights(10:49) Residue data(14:20) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Kemin * Adisseo * Fortiva * Barentz - Virtus Nutrition - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    14 min
  7. Dr. Jessica Halfen: Phytochemicals & Cow Health | Ep. 116

    JAN 8

    Dr. Jessica Halfen: Phytochemicals & Cow Health | Ep. 116

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jessica Halfen from Mississippi State University discusses how polyphenols and phytochemicals can improve dairy cow health during transition and heat stress periods. She shares her in vitro findings, explains the potential of using local byproducts as feed additives, and highlights the future of nutraceuticals in dairy nutrition. Listen now on all major platforms! "These polyphenols can interact with the immune system, modulating response or decreasing pro-inflammatory response." Meet the guest: Dr. Jessica Halfen is an Assistant Extension Research Professor of Dairy Science at Mississippi State University. She earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil. Her research focuses on transition cow nutrition and health, with deep expertise in phytochemicals and immune function. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:51) Introduction(03:41) Role of polyphenols(05:08) Antioxidant mechanisms(06:16) Byproduct feed potential(07:58) Transition period health(11:41) Nutraceuticals in dairy(12:56) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Adisseo * Fortiva * Barentz - DietForge - Kemin - Virtus Nutrition 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    13 min
  8. Dr. Alice Brandao: Insulin Resistance in Dairy Cows | Ep. 115

    JAN 1

    Dr. Alice Brandao: Insulin Resistance in Dairy Cows | Ep. 115

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Alice Brandao from Texas A&M University explores how insulin resistance, feed additives, and energy sources influence dairy cattle health. She shares insights from her work in Brazil, where challenging conditions call for adaptive nutritional strategies. Learn what impacts immune modulation and metabolic responses in transition cows. Listen now on all major platforms! "Feed additives are great tools, but they are not silver bullets or magic wands." Meet the guest: Dr. Alice Brandao is an Instructional Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University's Department of Animal Science. With a background in veterinary medicine from Brazil, she pursued her M.S. in Dairy Science and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:07) Introduction(06:44) Insulin resistance factors(08:49) Chromium supplementation effects(09:42) Non-starch energy sources(11:22) Immune modulation strategies(13:49) Feed additive challenges(16:42) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Adisseo * Fortiva * Priority IAC - Kemin - Virtus Nutrition 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    18 min
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2 Ratings

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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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