In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jeff Firkins from The Ohio State University explains how fatty acids interact with rumen bacteria and influence fiber digestion in dairy cattle. He discusses the evolution of microbiome research, methane mitigation strategies, and the role of saturated versus unsaturated fats. Learn how a moderate fat strategy can help improve energy efficiency and cow performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Many microbes can pull in fatty acids from the environment, and providing palmitic acid saves the equivalent of producing eight acetates, significantly reducing energy costs for bacterial membrane synthesis."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jeff Firkins earned his B.S., M.S., Ph.D., and postdoctoral in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Illinois. As a Distinguished Professor at The Ohio State University, he researches dairy microbiology and nutrition, especially microbial protein synthesis and fiber degradation.

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

Dr. Rik Hendriks: Transition Cows Strategies | Ep. 95

Dr. Enrique Schcolnik: Feed Efficiency Tips | Ep. 120

Dr. Corinna Brock: Fatty Acids & Dairy Cattle | Ep. 131

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:15) Introduction
• (04:39) Microbiome diversity
• (09:10) Fatty acids in the rumen
• (15:00) Fiber digestion insights
• (18:15) Palmitic vs. oleic
• (26:50) Methane reduction via fat
• (31:12) Final questions

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

Berg + Schmidt

* Priority IAC

* Adisseo

* Afimilk

* Evonik

- Natural Biologics

- SmaXtec

- ICC

- Protekta

- AHV

- dsm-firmenich

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. Enrico Casella, from Penn State University, discusses how artificial intelligence drives innovation in dairy farming. From using computer vision to estimate body weight to implementing sustainable water management and monitoring heat stress, Dr. Casella explains high-impact solutions advancing cattle health and boosting efficiency on the farm. Tune in on all major platforms!

"Depth cameras use height data instead of color, enabling precise bodyweight estimation in dairy systems."

Meet the guest: Dr. Enrico Casella, Assistant Professor of Data Science for Animal Systems at Penn State University’s Animal Science Department and Co-Hire of the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, specializes in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for animal health and development. With a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Kentucky and postdoctoral experience at UW-Madison, his interdisciplinary research integrates AI, computer vision, and optimization techniques.

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

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:15) Introduction
• (01:67) Dr. Casella’s career
• (06:58) AI & bodyweight
• (15:22) Sustainable water use
• (19:10) Group data analysis
• (27:46) Future opportunities
• (31:49) Final three questions

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

* Adisseo

* Priority IAC

* Evonik

- dsm-firmenich

- SmaXtec

- Natural Biologics

- Berg + Schmidt

- ICC

- Protekta

- AHV

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. Geoff Ackaert, Technical Director at AHV International, shares how quorum sensing inhibition is reshaping dairy cattle health management. By targeting microbial communication, this approach offers proactive strategies to improve animal health. He explains its impact on udder health, mastitis prevention, and lifetime milk production, as well as how it supports sustainable farming practices. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Quorum sensing is simply communication between bacteria, enabling them to coordinate infection and biofilm formation."

Meet the guest: Dr. Geoff Ackaert holds a DVM from Ghent University and an MBA from Vlerick Business School. His work bridges veterinary science, research, and market strategies to support animal health and sustainable dairy production. He currently serves as Technical Director at AHV International, and his expertise includes quorum sensing inhibition, immune modulation, and sustainable health practices.

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

Dr. Johanna Fink-Gremmels: Biofilms & Dairy Health | Ep. 144

What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:10) Introduction
• (04:29) Concept explained
• (06:30) Quorum sensing inhibition
• (08:20) Science and marketing
• (14:00) Sustainable farming tools
• (20:18) Lifetime milk gains
• (23:39) Final three questions

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

AHV

* Evonik

* Adisseo

* Priority IAC

- dsm-firmenich

- SmaXtec

- Natural Biologics

- Berg + Schmidt

- ICC

- 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