Real Science Exchange-Dairy

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Virtual Farm Tour-Bateman's Mosida Farms Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

Today in our pubcast, we are taking a deeper dive into Mosida Farms after a fascinating virtual farm tour at World Dairy Expo. The Bateman family operation includes 20,000 animals and over 5,000 crop acres in Cita, Utah. Wayne Bateman started Mosida Farms and once said, “We didn’t have it all together, but together we had it all.”

The Batemans decided to diversify and added beef to their offering. Kaleb Bateman, joined the podcast via video, and says that Mosida Farms produces 40 to 100 beef calves a week. Those calves are fed and eventually sold in one of three Mosida Market locations. Mosida Market once was just the Bateman family selling beef to their neighbors before it evolved to where it is today. (15:03)

The Bateman family breeds their own beef and dairy crosses, including a Jersey x Charolais cross. Steve Bateman said the Jersey x Charolais crosses gain just as well as an Angus x Holstein cross. They are running trials with all different crosses and so far the Wagyu crosses are the flagship meat in the market. (27:30)

A labor shortage has helped push the Bateman family to put in a robotic milking system. Brad Bateman said the family traveled to look at different systems before finding one that will work. The stress level of cows has decreased in the robotic barn and it has allowed them the option to grow at a different rate. (29:25)

Brad Bateman says the family has a philosophy that if you take care of the cow, they will take care of you. To implement that idea there is weekly employee training. The desire of the Bateman family is to do what is best for the cow. (39:00)

Laun Hall, nutritionist for Mosida Farms, says there are two different diets, one is acidifying rations and the other is more basic. While they want to meet the nutritional needs of the cow, they also want as few ration changes as possible. (42:31)

Jason Bateman mentioned the robot barn is a controlled environment to test different feeds like specific hybrids of corn and the digestibility of different starches. By drilling down on this information, it will impact their bottom line. (52:30)

Steve Bateman wrapped up the podcast by commenting that a lot of dairies don’t have family to succeed them. Steve says you have to work to make it possible for your kids to continue the business, and get them involved early to keep them there. (1:02:10)

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2022 Journal Club October Oct 25, 2022

Show notes

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University; Dr. Victor Cabrera, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Gathering over cold drinks at the World Dairy Expo pubcast to discuss recent research on nutritional grouping among dairy farms are Dr. Bill Weiss, Dr. Victor Cabrera and Dr. Pete Morrow.

Dr. Bill Weiss, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, began the conservation through the recently published research paper in the Journal of Dairy Science, introducing one of the authors, Dr. Victor Cabrera, Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 2:25

Here is a link to the article: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(21)01082-1/fulltext

What strategies in dairy cow nutritional grouping does the research recommend? Victor added that along with help from a graduate student Jorge Bartos, research shows the opportunity to group animals with similar homogenous nutritional requirements. 3:40

He noted the underlying concepts like production, lactation, pregnancy stages and sometimes herd sizes are also drivers for grouping considerations. 5:70

Dr. Cabrera said he would first separate by lactation or production, but when calculating the density of nutritional requirements for each animal, he said the animal grouping typically happens naturally. 9:30

He also said nutritional requirements play a factor, adding the concept-lead factor of following the diet of the 83rd percentile cow. But how can we improve the nutritional accuracy and formulate the best diet for the group, Dr. Bill Weiss then asked. 12:40

Dr. Cabrera mentioned the research paper showed the overweight concern for animals within the transitional period and said another challenge the research indicated was the lower metabolic energy and body score conditions. He added that diets ultimately improve the health and welfare of the animals in all cases. 19:45

Dr. Pete Morrow, podcast co-host, said that early in his career he had a dairy do grouping according to production on a late lactation cow on a cheap diet. He added the diet was formulated for 10 pounds less of milk and later realized lead factors was instead the key measure. 24:20

There are two points to grouping, Dr. Cabrera said. The journal research was collected from a large farm in Wisconsin, with around 2,400 lactating cows used for the data. Within the grouping for this farm, cows were moved from the 14 different pens each week. Dr. Cabrera mentioned that there are multiple pens for each lactation type, adding the nutrition for the animal's changes based on feed prices and not requirements. 29:31

Dr. Cabrera said he and his team thought the roadblock in nutritional grouping for farmers would be fear that moving them frequently would decrease their productivity and labor management throughout the process. 34:49

From the paper, however, he added the research doesn’t show a decrease in milk production, but instead, the grouping concept yields opportunities for extra milk production, health gain, environmental benefits and more. 36:30

Wrapping up the conversation, Dr. Cabrera emphasized two points, mentioning he believes farmers have a great opportunity to improve nutritional accuracy and believes nutritional grouping offers an effective and efficient system. 41:48

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What’s happening to older cows? Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

Guests: Dr. Ian Lean, Scibus; Dr. Todd Duffield, University of Guelph; Dr. Stephen LeBlanc, University of Guelph

Co-host: Dr. Pete Morrow, Animal Health Specialist

Gathering around the pub to discuss body condition, productivity and the impact older cows have on herds are Dr. Ian Lean, Dr. Todd Duffield and Dr. Stephen LeBlanc.

Dr. Ian Lean, Scibus Founder and Manager Director and leading authority in dairy cattle medicine, kicked off the conversation to discuss his data set research around cow removal and reproduction. 9:11

Ian noted those involved with the older cow research looked at the disease, reproduction and metabolic data differently than most people. Sharing the impact of various diseases in older cows. 11:03

What is the relationship between production and reproduction? Dr. Stephen LeBlanc, a veterinarian professor at the University of Guelph, added this is the common question he receives. Sharing the challenge as dairy scientists, Stephen said the importance of figuring out how to support a cow’s lifespan by choice instead of failing to stay healthy, fertile and productive. 15:20

Dr. Todd Duffield, a professor at the University of Guelph, believes there are misconceptions about older cow production and reproduction. He suggests that instead of wanting cows to live forever, profitability or not, he adds that it’s all really about limiting or reducing the farmers' decisions and optimizing the cows' health and performance. 20:29

Stephen discusses a win-win approach for the producer, herd and cow itself - optimization and economic longevity. But how do you create farm conditions to know when the optimum time to cull is, Stephen added. 27:04

Does a different feeding program matter, asked Ian. From the first webinar, he added that the older cows you could leave on 28 days and still have increased milk production and solids. He suggested when formulating diets for the average cow; he calculates eight pounds more and about three to five kilos more milk than the average cow. 33:18

Stephen added cows are both ketotic and have low blood glucose ultimately show varying production outcomes. Suggesting early lactation studies, tough calving and blood BHB all having different risk categories for each animal, said Stephen. 48:57

Rounding out the conversation, Stephen closed by suggesting there is an opportunity to possibly rethink some nutritional paradigms in terms of protein and bone metabolism. 1:00:38

Additionally, Todd mentioned the direct difference between heifers and older cows. Adding the importance in studying management and feeding qualities for both production and reproduction optimization. 1:04:39

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Kooler Kids Sep 27, 2022

Show notes

Guests: Stephanie Walsh (Dairy Farmers of America), Melissa Malcolm-Cullison (Cooler Management), Mark Inkrott (Owner of Cooler Management) and co-host: Charlie Benz

Joining us at the table to discuss what their organizations are doing to make significant impacts on food security and hunger are Stephanie Walsh, Melissa Malcolm-Cullison and Mark Inkrott.

Stephanie Walsh, Director of Industry and Community Affairs for DFA (Dairy Farmers of America) highlights their Farmers Feeding Families Fund, ensuring community members receive the dairy products they need. 1:08

Vice President for Cooler Management, Melissa Malcolm-Cullison also joined the evening discussion, sharing her teams’ experience building infrastructure for food banks and food pantries across the country. 2:20

Co-Founder of the UpField Group and Owner of Cooler Management, Mark Inkrott also joined in on the discussion. For his entire career after sports, Inkrott noted that he’s been involved in supply chain work with both various brands and farmers alike. Since acquiring Cooler Management a few years ago, they have been specializing in cold storage ever since. 3:44

Analyzing the impacts COVID-19 had on the supply chain, Melissa talked about her connection with Charlie Benz of Balchem early in the pandemic. Adding that she saw wasted food due to the influx of food donations during that time, caused by a shortage in refrigerator space. 10:30

After brainstorming solutions with Charlie, Melissa said they realized infrastructure was the key to storing food donations safely to get them to families in need. Today, she added she is proud of the program because it offered a solution for nutritious foods like dairy to be donated without spoiling. 14:37

Stephanie said in support of food insecurity concerns, the DFA Cares Foundation offers education and scholarships to students studying agriculture. Additionally, she added that in 2022 the foundation provided 53 scholarships through the program. 15:22

Bringing the Cooler Management team and DFA together, Stephanie added in 2020 the two established a partnership to help donate coolers across the country and dairy products to local food pantries. 19:15

Melissa noted most people usually think about donating food to food pantries, but not dairy products or even refrigeration needs until programs like Cooler Management or Kooler Kids (from Balchem) begin. 30:26
To date, Mark said they have placed over 3,000 pieces of equipment into food pantries across the country. As for the Cooler Management team, they work with various retailers on finding adequate coolers for food banks and food pantries. 38:41

Healthy food equals a healthy family, Mark stated, adding that’s why investing 90 million dollars into 30,000 coolers for food pantries across the country just makes sense and keeps the team motivated. 48:09

It’s September Hunger Action month and so far Stephanie said the Farmers Feeding Families Fund has raised more than $950,000. Their goal is to raise the last $50,000. If anyone is called to help, she encourages everyone to make sure their own fridge is full of dairy products and also asks people to volunteer at their local food pantry. 57:50
Donations for the DFA Farmers Feeding Families Fund can happen at DFA.

Wrapping up, Mark reflected saying we have an influx of food going into the system, but without proper infrastructure and foundation, it will go to waste. He said if the industry does something about the 30,000 coolers, in 10 years we won’t have to think about refrigeration.1:13:02

Be a part of feeding the hungry and bringing the benefits of fresh dairy, produce and meat to those in need. Contact Your Balchem Representative or email anh.marketing@balchem.com to learn more.

Learn more about these great programs:

https://www.coolermanagement.com/

https://balchem.com/animal-nutrition-health/social-responsibility/kooler-kids-program/

https://www.dfamilk.com/our-commitment/dfa-cares

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2022 Journal Club September Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

Guests: Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University

Co-host: Dr. Clay Zimmerman and Dr. Glen Aines

Diving into two recent Journal of Dairy Science publications, Dr. Bill Weiss, Emeritus Professor at Ohio State University is back again to discuss the latest ideas and trends in animal nutrition.

Dr. Weiss highlights two papers published in the Journal of Dairy Science earlier this year, adding one is focused on production while the other highlights fermentation digestibility. One key point Dr. Weiss highlighted was the controversial discussion around supplementing molasses or sugar. 3:02

Dr. Clay Zimmerman with Balchem also joined the evening discussion, adding that currently it is common to add a liquid sugar source for a certain level of sugar to optimize microbial protein synthesis. 6:02

Diving into the first paper, Dr. Weiss suggested the positive response to molasses would be affected by the RDP (Ratio Degradable Protein), adding he believes this was a valid hypothesis. He went on to highlight fiber differences, digestibility measures and the impact of inputting the data into the NRC (National Research Council) old database. 9:09

Analyzing a few key conclusions and surprises from the first production study, Dr. Weiss pointed out his thoughts on the milk efficiency components and intake digestibility results. 16:04

On the 10-week intake study, Dr. Zimmerman noted the results showed cows were on a two-week covariate diet and then eight weeks on the treatment diet, plus adding in high moisture corn as a grain source. Additionally, he added the only key parameter that wasn’t negatively affected by the increasing molasses was fat. 24:26

In fact, Dr. Glen Aines with Balchem, who also joined in on the conversation, was surprised the journal cited about 42% of VFA’s coming out of the molasses due to the belief it will produce less acidosis. 29:16

In the second paper, Dr. Weiss mentioned the results of no impact to RDP (Ratio Degradable Protein) from the models. Dr. Weiss added if he expects the diets to be deficient in RDP, he would also expect increased intake and digestibility. 31:16

No models are ever perfect, so analyzing the results from any study is essential.

Dr. Aines reflected on key takeaways from the second paper, highlighting the different fermentation battens between the various treatments and microbial population shifts. 49:54

Rounding out the conversation, Dr. Weiss closed suggesting the understanding that nothing works all the time and that’s why replicating experiments is so important. 53:41

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Links to Papers:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030222001874

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35346474/

51. Understanding Dairy Cow Behavior to Optimize Nutritional Management with Dr. Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph; Dr. Tom Tylutki, AMTS Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

Joining the group at the pub for cold brews and conversations this evening is Dr. Trevor DeVries and Dr. Tom Tylutki. While Dr. Tom Tylutki’s passion lies among dairy cow nutrition through various research in growth and maintenance management, Dr. Trevor DeVries has focused his career on studying animal behavior through academia.

Both joined together to lead the pubcast this evening covering dairy cow consumption and nutrition management.

Dr. DeVries reflects on his career and shares insight into the synthesis between intake and production, adding that when trying to optimize production, optimizing dry matter intake for cows also occurs. His point being, if the goal is to have cows eat more, changing their behavior is important. 11:30

Dr. Tylutki highlights his consulting experience in nearly 46 countries educating livestock owners by commercializing ration formulation packages and notes the critical importance in gathering research data to better understand behavior. 16:20

Dr. DeVries adds his perspective in forage quality variation and the studies of both him and Dr. Tylutki have done on fiber length and digestibility. One key point Dr. DeVries shares is the value in making specific recommendations instead of generalized solutions, due to varying factors, operation goals and even some breed differences. 25:32

Dr. Pete Morrow also joins the evening discussion, sharing his thoughts on rumination monitors for management practices, highlighting the potential artificial intelligence has through management data points. 37:14

Dr. DeVries suggested the cow’s behavior is just as important as the diet itself, which is ultimately impacted externally. Adding, continuous improvement in technology and automation management is also going to play a large role in welfare longevity. 1:04:37

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Legacy Series, Dr. Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

Guests: Dr. Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois, Dr. Dave Fischer, University of Illinois, Dr. John Goeser, Rock River Lab and co-host, Dr. Jeff Elliott, Balchem

This week's episode is a favorite for many as part of our Legacy Series. We are toasting Dr. Mike Hutjens with the University of Illinois. Mike is a pioneer in the field and has combined his love for education and passion for the dairy industry throughout his career. He continues to keep learning to this day. Plus, he was the one who famously coined the term “pubcast” for the Real Science Exchange. The Real Science Exchange is the discussion that happens in the bar after scientific meetings, making the term “pubcast” even more relevant!

Joining us to toast Dr. Hutjens is Dr. Dave Fischer, University of Illinois; Dr. John Goeser, Rock River Lab and co-host Dr. Jeff Elliott, Balchem.

Dr. Hutjens reflects on his career, and one industry controversy that dates him was the discussion by producers between high moisture and shell corn. His point is, that there will always be new topics to discuss and research to share with producers. 11:45

Through Dr. Hutjens and Dr. Fischer’s tenure with Extension, priorities and approaches have evolved from regional experts who were an inch deep and a mile wide to very specific focus areas over time. 15:44

Dr. Goeser added his perspective as someone established as a researcher but still evolving in his career and how the specialization in the industry can also create silos of thinking with very narrow areas of focus. 20:42

Dr. Hutjens and Dr. Fischer highlighted one of their biggest accomplishments in evolving producer education is they have successfully moved all of their training online even though the doubters said it wouldn’t work for producers. 29:43

Dr. Goeser shared that we all know the industry is evolving, and research, producers and education must do the same. One obvious example is how much milk each cow produces today compared to 20 or 40 years ago. 42:27

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This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health. This podcast is sponsored by Balchem. All views expressed by the guests are the opinions of those individuals and are not the views of the Balchem, its affiliates or employees.

Up-Cycling Low Value Proteins Through Food Technologies Promotes Sustainability Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

This week's episode features several guests from one of the top companion animal research programs in the country, Auburn University. This group focuses on joining sustainability with functionality, specifically up-cycling low value proteins with food technology.

Dr. Starkey begins by explaining that changing eating habits of Americans has led to utilizing organ meats for pet food, as the supply is plentiful and the cost is low. (10:35)

Joshua Flees said that while the research isn’t complete, by using these types of products (organ meats, wing tips) a few dollars worth of value can be added to a feasible product. (20:40)

Dr. Altom summarized the process used to turn some of these products into a more usable protein, which is hydro coli technology, where a sodium algenate is blended into the meat mixture to be properly hydrated, then mixed with a calcium ion. (25:28)

Dr. Starkey addresses the concern of bone fragments in pet food. He mentioned there are a lot of technologies such as x-ray to make sure fragments aren’t included. By grinding bone fine enough to be below the safe threshold, they can still utilize the protein and how it aids the hydrocoli technology and gelling. (36:51)

Dr. Altom wrapped up by commenting that as the pet and human population grows around the world, pets and humans will be competing for the same protein and amino acid choices. We will have to find new and different ways to provide nutrition to pets, such as these co-products and whole animal opportunities. (54:15)

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ADSA Research Winners Live at the Ice Cream Social Jul 21, 2022

Show notes

Today’s episode was recorded live at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting in Kansas City, MO. Joining us are the ADSA research winners to discuss their projects.

Lautaro Rostoll Cangiano joins us first. Lautaro is the president of ADSA’s Grad Student Division (GSD) program, which provides networking opportunities at the ADSA meetings in addition to professional development opportunities. Lautaro is wrapping up his time as president.

Our next guests are Dr. Corwin Nelson from the University of Florida and Kari Estes with Balchem giving us the judge's perspective on the contest. Each student is judged on four major categories including presentation, design, how they interpret results and the data itself. Kari said the enthusiasm of the students was the highlight for her.

Third, we have Alisson Da Mota Santos from Michigan State University who presented on the effectiveness of GnRH as a resynchronization tool in lactating dairy cows. The main findings of the study were that treatments were effective in synchronizing cows.

Next up is Jackson Seminara from Cornell University, winner of the PhD poster contest, discussing calcium dynamics and associated patterns of milk constituents in early lactation multiparous Holsteins. Cows with different calcium dynamics have different milk profiles, and the healthy cows had higher levels of proteins.

Ursula Abou-Rjeileh and Dr. Andres Contreras from Michigan State joined us as the winner of the masters oral presentation. The study topic was oleic acid limits lipolysis and improves mitochondrial function in adipose tissue from periparturient dairy cows. The focus on oleic acid was to determine how it minimizes body condition score loss. The results showed oleic acid increased insulin sensitivity, minimized lipid mobilization and improved mitochondrial function.

Thaina Minela, also from Michigan State, spoke about her project. Her results showed that lactating cows inseminated following estrus have greater early pregnancy losses compared to the fertility program Double-Ovsynch. Thaina won the PhD oral competition.

Our final guest is Conor McCabe from the University of California Davis. Conor just finished a term as Dairy Production Manager and is continuing on as the ADSA GSD Vice President in 2022. Looking forward, ADSA will be in Ottawa in 2023 and wants to look at ADSA as more than just a place for students to present their research. Conor mentioned a possible mentorship program available for GSD coming up.

ADSA Balchem Research of Interest Jul 20, 2022

Show notes

Today’s episode is hosted live at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. It’s the second in our three-part series from the ADSA meetings.

Abomasal infusion of branched-chain amino acids or branched-chain keto acids alter lactation performance in early lactation dairy cows.

Joining us is Kristin Gallagher from Michigan State University discussing her research on branched-chain amino and keto acids.

Associations of pen-level and herd-level management factors with biomarkers, health, milk-yield and reproduction. Associations of nutritional strategies with biomarkers, health, milk yield and reproduction.

Joining us is Dr. Tom Overton from Cornell University discussing research on management factors and nutritional strategies.

Linking amino acids to milk fat synthesis.

Joining us are Yumi C.T. Taguti from Virginia Tech University and Izabelle Teixeira from the University of Idaho to discuss linking amino acids to milk fat synthesis.

Relationships of blood-based indices of liver health during the transition period with performance and health.

Joining us is Dr. Tom Overton from Cornell University to discuss blood-based indices of liver health.

Effects of Feeding Rumen-Protected Methionine & calcium salts enriched in omega-3 fatty acids on lactation in periparturient dairy cows

Joining us is Tanya France and Dr. Joe McFadden from Cornell University discussing her research on the effects of feeding rumen-protected methionine and calcium salts enriched in omega-3 fatty acids.

Determining the relative metabolizable methionine content of rumen-protected products and their effect on production responses.

Joining us is Jair Parales Giron from Michigan State University and Jonas de Souza from Perdue AgriBusiness discussing research on metabolizable methionine and its effect on production responses.

Dry period environmental impact on colostrum volume and quality.

Joining us is Kayla Alward from Virginia Tech University to discuss dry period environmental impact on colostrum volume and quality.

Lipolysis inhibition improves clinical outcomes in the treatment of ketosis in dairy cows: an individually randomized multigroup parallel controlled trial.

Joining us is Miguel Chirivi and Dr. Andres Contreras from Michigan State University, discussing their research on lipolysis inhibition.

Lactational performance of dairy cows receiving supplemental His: A meta-analysis

Joining us is Susanna Raisanen from Pennsylvania State University discussing her research on supplemental histidine and how it affects lactational performance.

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