In this special episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. James Spain, Professor at the University of Missouri, discusses how increasing milk production has intensified heat stress challenges in modern dairy cows. With warmer months placing additional pressure on herd performance, he explains the effects on feed intake, milk production, thermal balance, and cooling strategies, highlighting why cow-centered temperature management may improve performance and efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The thermometer we should be using to run our cooling systems is not measuring air temperature; it really should be based on cow temperature."

Meet the guest: Dr. James Spain earned his PhD in Animal Sciences from Virginia Tech and his BS in Animal Sciences from North Carolina State University. As a Professor at the University of Missouri, his work has focused on dairy cattle management, environmental challenges, and production efficiency. Learn more from Dr. James Spain 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
• (01:43) Introduction
• (02:43) Heat stress challenges
• (04:06) Internal heat production
• (05:44) Cow-centered cooling
• (08:10) Thermal balance indicators
• (08:56) Nighttime cooling benefits
• (11:30) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Priority IAC

* Kemin

* Fortiva

* Adisseo

* Vetagro

* Barentz

- Esmilco Inc.

- 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

Facebook: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

TikTok: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Dwain Bunting from Barentz Animal Nutrition North America discusses how summer humidity affects the stability of potassium carbonate, mineral buffers, and dairy concentrate mixes. He explains ingredient reactivity, moisture risks, formulation considerations, and practical strategies to improve mix stability during periods of hot, humid weather. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Summer humidity raises the reactivity of potassium carbonate and mineral buffers, making chemical stability a serious concern inside dairy concentrate mixtures during the hottest months."

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 worked in research, teaching, product development, and global technical support roles. Currently serving as a Technical Service Dairy Nutritionist at Barentz Animal Nutrition North America, he focuses on applied dairy nutrition and formulation strategies. Listen to Dr. Dwain Bunting 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. Dwain Bunting: DCAD And Palatability | Ep. 121

Dr. Frank Delfino: Potassium Strategies & Heat Stress | Ep. 132

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:42) Introduction
• (02:17) Summer humidity
• (04:24) Mineral risks
• (06:26) Potassium buffers
• (07:41) Moisture control
• (08:42) Summer caution
• (09:32) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Barentz

* Adisseo

* Fortiva

* Kemin

* Vetagro

- DietForge

- Esmilco Inc.

- 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

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Susanna Räisänen, Assistant Professor at Aarhus University, discusses the growing importance of histidine in dairy cow nutrition. She explains how lower-protein diets affect amino acid balance, the role of microbial protein, and the challenges of improving nitrogen utilization while maintaining milk production. Learn how histidine may shape future dairy nutrition strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!

"In a meta-analysis compiling all histidine studies, histidine supplementation increased dry matter intake and increased milk protein, milk yield, and energy-corrected milk yield."

Meet the guest: Dr. Susanna Räisänen is an Assistant Professor at Aarhus University specializing in nitrogen utilization in lactating dairy cows. She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Animal Science from SLU in Sweden and completed her Ph.D. at Penn State University. Her research focuses on amino acid nutrition, protein efficiency, and sustainable dairy production. Listen to Dr. Susanna Räisänen 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. Sonia Rodríguez: Improving Milk Production with Gut Health Strategies | Ep. 125

Dr. Lance Baumgard: Stress Impact on Gut Health | Ep. 130

Dr. Richard Paratte: Lysine and Milk Production | Ep. 133

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:41) Introduction
• (03:31) Histidine interest
• (06:08) Low-protein diets
• (07:31) Supplementation responses
• (08:28) Feed sources
• (09:46) Practical limits
• (14:38) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Vetagro

* Adisseo

* Fortiva

* Barentz

* Kemin

- DietForge

- Esmilco Inc.

- 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

In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Massimo Bionaz from Oregon State University explains how nutrigenomics can support dairy cow performance. He details how bioactive compounds can regulate gene expression to reduce inflammation, improve transition periods, and support metabolic balance. Understand the science behind transcription factors and fatty acid interactions. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to read the full research articles:

Nutrigenomics in dairy cows: Nutrients, transcription factors, and techniques

Advances in fatty acids nutrition in dairy cows: from gut to cells and effects on performance

Functional Role of PPARs in Ruminants: Potential Targets for Fine-Tuning Metabolism during Growth and Lactation

"Nutrigenomics is trying to exploit bioactive compounds in the feed that interact with the genome."

Meet the guest: Dr. Massimo Bionaz is an Associate Professor at Oregon State University. His research focuses on nutrigenomics, milk and human health, dairy cow welfare, systems biology, and hemp byproducts as livestock feed. He 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. Learn more from Dr. Massimo Bionaz 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
• (01:48) Introduction
• (04:52) What is nutrigenomics
• (06:28) Transcription factors explained
• (08:40) Fatty acids and health
• (09:53) Inflammation during transition
• (12:10) Benefits for producers
• (15:21) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Kemin

* Adisseo

* Vetagro

* Fortiva

* Barentz

- Virtus Nutrition

- DietForge

- 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

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating National Dairy Month, Dr. Alexandre Pedroso, dairy specialist and senior consultant at Plenteous Consultoria, continues the discussion on how animal welfare shapes dairy cattle nutrition, herd health, and production efficiency. He explores the impact of heat stress, cow comfort, lying time, feed intake, and labor challenges on modern dairy systems, while sharing practical strategies to support sustainability and long-term herd performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Cow comfort, nutrition, hygiene, and environmental management together establish the essential conditions required for maintaining strong herd health and sustainable dairy production."

Meet the guest: Dr. Alexandre Pedroso earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from ESALQ USP in Brazil and has decades of experience in dairy cattle nutrition, animal welfare, and feed management. As founder of Plenteous Consultoria and a CowSignals expert, his work focuses on improving dairy farm efficiency, sustainability, and herd performance through better nutrition and cow comfort. Learn more from Dr. Alexandre Pedroso 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
• (01:38) Introduction
• (02:05) Welfare and nutrition
• (02:31) Heat stress impact
• (03:25) Cow comfort
• (03:53) Nutrition and immunity
• (05:52) Labor challenges
• (08:15) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Barentz

* Vetagro

* Kemin

* Adisseo

* Fortiva

- Esmilco Inc.

- 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

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating National Dairy Month, Dr. Alexandre Pedroso, dairy specialist and senior consultant at Plenteous Consultoria, discusses how productive longevity, animal welfare, and CowSignals principles support more sustainable and efficient dairy production. He explains how cow health, comfort, and management practices directly impact milk production, farm profitability, and the future of the dairy industry. Discover practical strategies shaping modern dairy systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Longevity itself is not a good indicator of welfare or efficiency. Productive longevity depends on cows remaining healthy, comfortable, well-fed, and able to perform across multiple lactations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Alexandre Pedroso earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from ESALQ USP in Brazil and has decades of experience in dairy cattle nutrition, animal welfare, and feed management. As founder of Plenteous Consultoria and a CowSignals expert, his work focuses on improving dairy farm efficiency, sustainability, and herd performance through better nutrition and cow comfort. Learn more from Dr. Alexandre Pedroso 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
• (01:39) Introduction
• (01:59) Guest background
• (02:46) Productive longevity
• (05:19) Welfare and nutrition
• (05:55) CowSignals mindset
• (09:32) Cow health
• (11:52) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Barentz

* Vetagro

* Kemin

* Adisseo

* Fortiva

- Esmilco Inc.

- 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

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Brian Campbell, ruminant product manager at Fortiva, explores how heat stress affects dairy cattle across multiple lactations and generations. He explains nutritional strategies, including yeast, chromium, and betaine, and why combining approaches improves resilience, intake, and milk production under varying climate conditions. Learn how to manage heat stress more effectively in dairy systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to read the full research articles:

Effects of feeding live yeast at 2 dosages on performance and feeding behavior of dairy cows under heat stress

Effects of supplemental calcium salts of palm oil and chromium-propionate

on insulin sensitivity and productive and reproductive traits of mid- to late-lactating Holstein × Gir dairy cows consuming excessive energy

Soybean hulls as a primary ingredient in forage-free diets for limit-fed growing cattle

"Heat stress creates multiple lactation and multigenerational impacts across dairy systems, requiring nutritional strategies that support several biological pathways to maintain long-term productivity."

Meet the guest: Dr. Brian Campbell earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee, along with a Master’s in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and an MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He has served as a research and extension professor at Virginia Tech and now works as a ruminant product manager at Fortiva, focusing on applied dairy nutrition solutions. Learn more on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast with Dr. Brian Campbell. Listen now 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
• (01:41) Introduction
• (02:17) Heat stress impact
• (03:30) Yeast role
• (04:40) Chromium effects
• (05:56) Betaine insights
• (07:31) Multi-ingredient approach
• (11:14) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Fortiva

* Barentz

* Vetagro

* Kemin

* Adisseo

- DietForge

- Esmilco Inc.

- 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

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. José Santos, Professor at the University of Florida, explains calcium regulation in dairy cows and how mineral-related disorders during transition affect health, intake, immunity, and lactation outcomes. Learn the differences between clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia and why recovery after calving matters. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Borderline low blood calcium that persists for a few days can alter intake, attenuate innate immune response, and contribute to negative outcomes."

Meet the guest: Dr. José Santos is a Professor at the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. His work focuses on dairy cow health, production, reproduction, and nutrition-health interactions, with prior experience at UC Davis and training at the University of Arizona, UC Davis, and the University of Sydney. Hear more from Dr. Santos 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
• (04:29) Calcium regulation
• (05:49) Clinical hypocalcemia
• (06:53) Dyscalcemia risk
• (08:33) Borderline calcium
• (09:39) Transition challenges
• (11:58) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Adisseo

* Kemin

* Vetagro

* Barentz

* Fortiva

- 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