Real Science Exchange-Dairy

Real Science Exchange-Dairy

Balchem Real Science Exchange isn’t just any old boring podcast. You’ll get to know top researchers like you’ve never known them before. Go behind the scenes and hear the conversations that take place over a few drinks with friends. Join us as we discuss the hot topics in animal science and share a range of new ideas.

Episodes

August 4, 2026 82 mins

Dr. Mike Van Amburgh begins by outlining how amino acid nutrition has historically been viewed almost exclusively through the lens of milk protein. He explains that emerging research clearly shows amino acids play far broader roles in the cow, influencing milk fat synthesis, energy metabolism, and overall efficiency. As genetic potential has increased, amino acids are now supporting many biological pathways beyond simple milk prote...

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The episode begins with an introduction to the panel and research objectives. This sets the stage for a deeper discussion on how elevated liver copper levels may influence immune resilience in crossbred calves. The panel examines why the impact of excess concentrations of liver copper is significant for animal health. (00:0002:55)

Dr. Hansen then provides an overview of the featured Journal of Animal Science study, emphasi...

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Why the Transition Period Is a Critical Window for Dairy Cow Health (02:10 – 10:36)

The discussion begins by examining the transition period as one of the most challenging phases in a dairy cow’s lifecycle. Research suggests that 30–50% of disease events occur within the first three weeks after calving, making this a key window for understanding and supporting immune function.

Dr. Rostoll-Cangiano shares insights ...

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The episode opens with a discussion on the growing importance of milk components in today's dairy economy (00:0003:52). As demand for cheese, yogurt, high-protein dairy products, and dairy nutritional ingredients continues to increase, producers are finding greater value in maximizing milk fat and protein production. Rather than focusing solely on milk volume, they prioritize these components. The panel explains how evolvi...

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The episode opens with introductions and an overview of the discussion, establishing the critical role trace minerals play in modern beef production (00:0001:35). The conversation frames mineral nutrition not simply as a requirement for preventing deficiencies, but as a strategic management tool that can influence animal performance, health, reproductive success, and profitability throughout the production cycle.

Early in ...

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The episode opens with introductions to the panel and co-host Dr. Mariana Marenho, highlighting her background in ruminant nutrition and setting the stage for a discussion that bridges academic research with real-world application. (00:00 – 01:27) 

The conversation then introduces the featured Journal of Dairy Science review paper, focusing on the regulation of hepatic glucose production “carbon by carbon.” D...

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Lara Moody (iFeeder), Dr. Yuan-Tai Hung, and Leah Wilkinson (AFIA) join the Real Science Exchange podcast to explore the growing concern around vitamin and amino acid supply chain disruptions—and their potential impact on U.S. food security.

Recorded live at IPPE, this episode dives into how feed ingredient availability influences animal performance, producer profitability, and long-term resilience across the food system. The...

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The episode opens with a welcome to the podcast and introductions to the panelists. It highlights their diverse expertise in mineral metabolism, applied nutrition, and industry insights. (00:0002:38)

The discussion begins with a deep dive into the mechanisms of mineral absorption, focusing on epithelial barriers and transporters. The panel discusses how minerals like magnesium are absorbed across the rumen wall. Moreover, ...

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The episode opens with introductions to the panel, including Kurt Cotanch, Gianni Raffrenato, Steve Martin, and Jacob Copeland, establishing a diverse mix of academic, applied, and field-based expertise in dairy nutrition and forage systems. (00:0007:39

The conversation begins with a deep dive into forage quality, emphasizing the importance of harvest timing, speed, and efficiency. The panel discusses how mold and y...

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The discussion opens with a welcome to the Real Science Exchange and an introduction to the expert panel, followed by foundational context around amino acid nutrition and its growing importance in dairy production systems. Early in the episode, the panel introduces the concept of feeding the “one-ton” component cow, highlighting the nutritional intensity required for high-output animals and comparing genomic potential w...

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Recorded live at the Florida Ruminant Nutrition Conference, this episode of the Real Science Exchange explores how improving nitrogen efficiency can enhance both dairy performance and environmental sustainability. Featuring Dr. Kelly Nichols (UC Davis), Dr. Jonas de Souza (Perdue Animal Nutrition), and Dr. Ben Wenner (Feed Works), the conversation brings together leading perspectives on how nitrogen utilization continues to shape ...
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The episode opens with a welcome to the Real Science Exchange and introductions to the panel, including Steve Martin, Maria Spindola, Stephanie Hansen, and Dr. Bill Weiss, setting the stage for a deep dive into mineral nutrition. (00:00 – 02:19) 

The discussion begins by comparing NASEM requirements with practical feeding recommendations, emphasizing how minimum requirements are designed to prevent deficiency—not m...

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Yeast supplements play a critical role in modern animal nutrition, gut health, and feed efficiency, but not all yeast products work the same way. In this episode of the Real Science Exchange, recorded live at IPPE in Atlanta, Dr. Melina Bonato of ICC Animal Nutrition breaks down the science behind yeast supplements, yeast cultures, and pure yeast products, and explains how different yeast types are produced, processed, and applied ...

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Recorded live at the Florida Ruminant Nutrition Conference, this episode of the Real Science Exchange features Drs. Heather White and Brad Johnson exploring the role of maternal choline nutrition and its emerging impact on beef × dairy calf performance. 

Maternal nutrition plays a powerful role in shaping beef quality outcomes. In this episode, Dr. Heather White explores how maternal choline supplementation influences fetal mu...

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This episode of the Real Science Exchange features Dr. Mary Beth Hall, founder of The Cows Are Always Right and former USDA‑ARS scientist, discussing her highly attended Real Science Exchange webinar, Manure Evaluation: Figuring Out What’s Going On Between Cows and Their Rations. Joining the pub‑table conversation are Dr. Clay Zimmerman, Dr. Stefano Vandoni, and Dr. Sion Richards. Dr. Mary Beth Hall explains why manure evalu...
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This episode of Real Science Exchange was recorded live at the 2026 IPPE Show and focuses on the newly formalized IFEEDER Research Submission Program and its role in advancing innovation across the animal feed and pet food industries. 

Lara Moody, Executive Director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), opens the discussion by outlining IFeeder’s mission to advance understanding and trust in a susta...

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This episode features Andrea Lendewig, Head of Research & Development at IFCN, discussing her Real Science Exchange webinar presentation Global Dairy Market Status and 2035 Perspectives. Joining the conversation are Philipp Goetz, Head of Sales and Business Development at IFCN; Lucas Fess, Senior Dairy Analyst with Rabobank; and Jeremy Painter, Vice President of Global Commercial Operations for Animal Nutrition & Health at ...

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Dr. Mike Van Amburgh begins by outlining how amino acid nutrition has historically been viewed almost exclusively through the lens of milk protein. He explains that emerging research clearly shows amino acids play far broader roles in the cow, influencing milk fat synthesis, energy metabolism, and overall efficiency. As genetic potential has increased, amino acids are now supporting many biological pathways beyond simple milk prote...

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Dr. Baumgard opens by explaining the origin of the “immune suppression” theory in transition cows. Research dating back to the late 1970s showed slower neutrophil infiltration into the mammary gland in early lactation, which led to the assumption that cows are immunosuppressed after calving. This idea has shaped industry thinking for more than 40 years. (10:43)

He outlines two primary mechanisms traditionally blamed for...

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Dr. Penner presented “Progress in the gut: What we know about ‘gut health’” to lead off the symposium. He highlights using rumen acidosis as a model for gut health, focusing on key structures and how paracellular permeability is maintained or dysregulated, absorptive function, and microbiology. He notes that rumen acidosis affects other parts of the gut besides the rumen. (4:52)

Dr. Laarman wrapped up the&nb...

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