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. 14h ago

    Dr. Alice Brandao: Insulin Resistance in Dairy Cows | Ep. 161

    In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Alice Brandao from Texas A&M University examines how dairy nutrition can support cows facing metabolic and environmental stress. Drawing on research conducted in Brazil, she discusses insulin sensitivity, chromium supplementation, starch alternatives, immune-modulating additives, and the limits of translating controlled trials into commercial decisions. Listen now on all major platforms! "Feed additives can support the cow, but they cannot correct poor management." Meet the guest: Dr. Alice Brandao is an Instructional Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University. Trained as a veterinarian in Brazil, she earned a Master’s degree in Dairy Science and a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences. Her experience with transition-cow nutrition and metabolism now informs the physiology and rumen-function foundations she teaches to undergraduate students. Learn more from Dr. Alice Brandao on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:58) Introduction(07:35) Insulin resistance factors(09:40) Chromium supplementation effects(10:33) Non-starch energy sources(12:13) Immune modulation strategies(14:40) Feed additive challenges(17:33) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Fortiva * Priority IAC * Vetagro * Adisseo * Barentz * Kemin - DietForge - Virtus Nutrition - Esmilco Inc. 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 Facebook: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Alice Brandao: Insulin Resistance in Dairy Cows | Ep. 161

  2. Oct 29

    Dr. Victoria Asselstine and Dr. Mélissa Duplessis: B Vitamins For Better Dairy Cattle Efficiency | Ep. 160

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Victoria Asselstine from Jefo Nutrition and Dr. Mélissa Duplessis, research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, discuss B-vitamin nutrition in modern dairy cows. They explain why older assumptions about rumen synthesis may not fully match today’s production demands, how transition cows rely on B vitamins for protein and energy metabolism, and why regional diet differences can influence folate and B12 status. Listen now on all major platforms! "Dairy cows are now producing more milk, and their nutrient needs have increased accordingly, including B vitamins." Meet the guests: Dr. Victoria Asselstine earned her Ph.D. in Animal Genetics and Immunology from the University of Guelph and serves as Ruminant Technical Service Manager at Jefo Nutrition. She collaborates with industry and academic partners to evaluate nutritional strategies supporting transition cow health, calf development, productivity, and sustainability. Dr. Mélissa Duplessis is a Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Her research focuses on dairy cattle nutrition, ruminant metabolism, and animal physiology, including nutritional factors affecting dairy cow health, performance, and nutrient utilization. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! Dr. Victoria Asselstine and Dr. Lance Baumgard: B Vitamins in Transition Cow Nutrition | Ep. 154 What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:04) Introduction(02:54) Modern B-vitamin needs(06:23) Folate and B12 status(08:54) B vitamins to watch(09:44) Subclinical deficiency(12:09) Formulating requirements(14:08) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Jefo 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 Facebook: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Victoria Asselstine and Dr. Mélissa Duplessis: B Vitamins For Better Dairy Cattle Efficiency | Ep. 160

  3. Oct 29

    Brittany Herzfeldt: Forage Quality and Rumen Stability | Ep. 159

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Brittany Herzfeldt, Microbiology Nutritionist/Consultant at Priority IAC, discusses forage quality through the lens of usable fiber, moisture, lignin, chop length, and rumen fermentation. She explains why early, wetter forage harvests can improve digestibility, how excess lactic acid can create acidosis pressure, and why targeted bacteria can help cows utilize highly available diets more effectively. Listen now on all major platforms! "We want the most dense forages and grains. We do not want to fill the cow up with anything that she cannot use." Meet the guest: Brittany Herzfeldt is a Microbiology Nutritionist and Consultant at Priority IAC, working with dairy producers across the United States. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin River Falls, she combines hands-on dairy experience with expertise in forage quality, rumen stability, feed efficiency, forage utilization, and microbiology-based nutrition strategies. Learn more from Brittany Herzfeldt on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(02:14) Introduction(02:54) Usable fiber(04:14) Forage moisture(06:48) Harvest maturity(07:44) Lignin and density(08:44) Straw and acidosis(11:53) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Priority IAC * Vetagro * Fortiva * Kemin * Adisseo * Barentz - DietForge - Virtus Nutrition - Esmilco Inc. 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 Facebook: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Brittany Herzfeldt: Forage Quality and Rumen Stability | Ep. 159

  4. Oct 22

    Bennet Crochet: Practical Transition Cow Nutrition | Ep. 158

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Bennet Crochet, owner of BC Dairy Consulting, discusses practical transition cow nutrition and management. Drawing on 28 years of consulting experience, he covers calcium status, anionic diets, urine pH monitoring, targeted feed additives, and metabolic markers while emphasizing cow comfort and farm-specific decisions. Learn how practical nutrition and thoughtful monitoring can support transition success. Listen now on all major platforms! "Effective transition cow nutrition starts with a comfortable environment, allowing natural cow behavior while nutritional strategies complement the demands of high milk production." Meet the guest: Bennet Crochet owns BC Dairy Consulting, a private consulting business serving dairy farms across the Upper Midwest and Northeast. He brings 28 years of dairy nutrition consulting experience across much of North America, helping producers apply research through practical, farm-specific nutrition and management decisions. Learn more from Bennet Crochet on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! Dr. Frank Delfino: Potassium Strategies & Heat Stress | Ep. 132 Dr. Dwain Bunting: Summer Humidity and Mineral Stability | Ep. 142 What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:52) Introduction(02:31) Transition philosophy(03:39) Feeding evolution(07:45) Farm variability(10:30) Targeted additives(12:42) BHB thresholds(16:20) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Barentz * Priority IAC * Vetagro * Fortiva * Kemin * Adisseo - Esmilco Inc. - 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 Facebook: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Bennet Crochet: Practical Transition Cow Nutrition | Ep. 158

  5. Oct 15

    Dr. Jorge Barrientos Blanco: Strategies to Improve Feeding Accuracy in Dairy Farms | Ep. 157

    Every productive dairy starts with the decisions farmers make each day. As we celebrate National Farmers Day this month, The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast welcomes Dr. Jorge Barrientos Blanco, Dairy Nutritionist at Progressive Dairy Solutions, to explain how feeding accuracy, forage sampling, mixer performance, feed delivery, and cow grouping help match nutrient supply with cow requirements. Celebrate the work behind efficient, sustainable, and profitable dairy production. Listen now on all major platforms! Click here to read the full research articles: Improving nutritional accuracy and economics through a multiple ration-grouping strategy Partitioning of nutrient variation in alfalfa and corn silage by source on New York dairy farms Farm-specific estimates of forage variability result in larger optimal control limits for forage quality monitoring “Greater feeding accuracy improves dairy efficiency, supports economic and environmental sustainability, and strengthens profitability by reducing differences between nutrient requirements and actual nutrient supply.” Meet the guest: Dr. Jorge Barrientos Blanco is a Dairy Nutritionist and Nutrition Consultant at Progressive Dairy Solutions, Inc. He earned a PhD in Dairy Science from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Dairy Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Learn more from Dr. Jorge Barrientos Blanco on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! Dr. Eduardo Rico: Omega-3 & Inflammation Control | Ep. 128 Dr. Mike Van Amburgh: What is Limiting Milk Components? | Ep. 147 What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:56) Introduction(03:13) Feeding accuracy and precision(06:00) Forage variability(08:15) Sampling frequency(10:31) Mixer loading and delivery(15:11) Accuracy priorities(16:15) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: - Virtus Nutrition * Fortiva * Barentz * Kemin * Adisseo * Priority IAC * Vetagro - Esmilco Inc. - 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 Facebook: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Jorge Barrientos Blanco: Strategies to Improve Feeding Accuracy in Dairy Farms | Ep. 157

  6. Oct 8

    Dr. Andres Contreras: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation During Transition | Ep. 156

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Andres Contreras, Professor at Michigan State University, explains how adipose tissue supports dairy cows during negative energy balance. He discusses omega-3 fatty acids, inflammation, insulin sensitivity, fatty acid mobilization, and the differences among fish, algae, and canola sources. Learn why selecting the right fatty acid source can help transition cows manage circulating fatty acids more efficiently. Listen now on all major platforms! Click here to read the full research article! “Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce adipose tissue inflammation while supporting mitochondrial function, creating important metabolic effects during the transition into early lactation.” Meet the guest: Dr. Andres Contreras is Professor of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University. He earned his DVM from the National University of Colombia, followed by an MS and Ph.D. at Michigan State University and postdoctoral training at Wayne State University. His research focuses on adipose tissue metabolism, inflammation, and targeted fatty acid supplementation in dairy cows, with significant contributions to understanding metabolic adaptations during negative energy balance. Learn more from Dr. Contreras on the Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! Dr. Eduardo Rico: Omega-3 & Inflammation Control | Ep. 128 Dr. Mike Van Amburgh: What is Limiting Milk Components? | Ep. 147 What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(02:26) Introduction(03:28) Adipose tissue function(04:58) Fatty acid supplementation(07:10) Omega-3 sources(08:30) Transition cow effects(10:59) Practical sources(12:10) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: - Virtus Nutrition * Fortiva * Barentz * Kemin * Adisseo * Priority IAC * Vetagro - Esmilco Inc. - 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 Facebook: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Andres Contreras: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation During Transition | Ep. 156

  7. Oct 1

    Dr. Alexander Hristov: Rumen Methanogenesis and Mitigation Options | Ep. 155

    In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Alexander Hristov, Distinguished Professor of Dairy Nutrition at Penn State, discusses rumen methane formation and practical mitigation strategies for dairy cattle. He explains how fiber, starch, diet formulation, and feed additives influence hydrogen flow in the rumen, why production trade-offs matter, and why producers should evaluate methane-reduction claims through independent science. Listen now on all major platforms! "Feed additives can produce the most practical methane reduction, but producers need to look at the science behind each product." Meet the guest: Dr. Alexander Hristov is a Distinguished Professor of Dairy Nutrition in the Department of Animal Science at Penn State. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition in Bulgaria and has worked with USDA-ARS, Ag Canada, the University of Idaho, and Penn State. His research focuses on dairy cattle protein and amino acid nutrition, nutrient losses, and gaseous emissions. He has given over 120 invited presentations and published over 230 books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed journal articles. Learn more from Dr. Alexander Hristov on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(02:12) Introduction(02:52) Methanogenesis(03:40) Feed effects(05:12) Starch trade-offs(07:12) Diet tools(08:23) Additive science(11:24) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Vetagro * Priority IAC * Fortiva * Barentz * Kemin * Adisseo - DietForge - Virtus Nutrition - Esmilco Inc. 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 Facebook: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Alexander Hristov: Rumen Methanogenesis and Mitigation Options | Ep. 155

  8. Sep 24

    Dr. Victoria Asselstine and Dr. Lance Baumgard: B Vitamins in Transition Cow Nutrition | Ep. 154

    In this special roundtable episode of The Dairy Nutrition Black Belt Podcast, Dr. Victoria Asselstine, Ruminant Technical Team Manager at Jefo Nutrition, and Dr. Lance Baumgard, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, discuss transition cow health and challenge long-held assumptions about its management. They explore B vitamins, inflammation, ketones, subclinical hypocalcemia, feed intake, and stress management. Discover why the same metabolic marker can reflect either high production or hidden illness. Listen now on all major platforms! “B vitamins support major pathways involving carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism, making nutritional support especially relevant during substantial metabolic shifts around calving.” Meet the guests: Dr. Victoria Asselstine earned her Ph.D. in Animal Genetics and Immunology from the University of Guelph and serves as Ruminant Technical Service Manager at Jefo Nutrition. She collaborates with industry and academic partners to evaluate nutritional strategies supporting transition cow health, calf development, productivity, and sustainability. Dr. Lance Baumgard is a Distinguished Professor and Norman L. Jacobson Endowed Professor in Dairy Nutrition at Iowa State University. His research focuses on nutritional and environmental physiology, including metabolism, inflammation, heat stress, nutrient partitioning, and transition cow biology. His work supports nutritional strategies for dairy cow health and performance. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(02:17) Introduction(03:16) Transition cow dogmas(04:21) Targeted nutrition(06:17) Metabolic markers(08:55) Ketones and inflammation(12:17) Stress management(14:19) Closing thoughts The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Jefo 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 Facebook: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Victoria Asselstine and Dr. Lance Baumgard: B Vitamins in Transition Cow Nutrition | Ep. 154
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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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