In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Peter Erickson from the University of New Hampshire shares practical strategies to improve colostrum yield and quality in dairy herds. He unpacks new research on environmental impacts, dry period length, and the physiological triggers influencing colostrum production. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Even just how we feed that calf on day one can impact how much milk she makes two or three or four years down the road."

Meet the guest: Dr. Peter Erickson earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Science from the University of Illinois, with prior degrees in Animal Sciences from the University of Maine and the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. He serves as Professor of Dairy Management and Extension Dairy Specialist at the University of New Hampshire. His research focuses on calf and heifer nutrition, especially colostrum management.

Click here to read the full research articles:

Factors influencing colostrum production of multiparous Holstein and Jersey cows

Creating models for the prediction of colostrum quantity, quality, and immunoglobulin G yield in multiparous Jersey cows from performance in the previous lactation and environmental changes

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What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:27) Introduction
• (02:03) Guest background overview
• (03:34) Colostrum insights
• (05:57) Maximizing yield and quality
• (08:39) Effects of dry periods
• (09:24) Nutritional influence
• (10:28) Closing thoughts

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

* Afimilk

* Adisseo

* Priority IAC

* Kemin

- Zinpro

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Doug Waterman from Virtus Nutrition explains how management and nutritional strategies influence uterine involution and overall reproductive success in dairy cows. He discusses key factors like inflammation control, calving management, and omega-3 supplementation to improve cow health and future productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Uterine involution typically occurs within 20 to 50 days, but various stressors can significantly extend this recovery period."

Meet the guest: Dr. Doug Waterman, Eastern Technical Sales Director at Virtus Nutrition, LLC, brings over 30 years of experience in the dairy industry, specializing in nutrition and supporting field nutritionists. His expertise spans reproductive health, inflammation control, and optimizing cow performance through targeted nutritional strategies.

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Renee Smith: Omega-3 Benefits in Dairy

Dr. Daniel Rico: Vitamin D3 & Omega-3 Effects on Cattle Stress - Part 1

Dr. Daniel Rico: Omega-3 & Vitamin D3 for Cow Health - Part 2

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:39) Introduction
• (02:37) Uterine involution basics
• (04:19) Calving difficulties impact
• (05:09) Key management strategies
• (07:07) Inflammation and reproduction
• (08:47) Omega-3 research findings
• (11:02) Closing thoughts

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

Virtus Nutrition

* Kemin

* Afimilk

* Adisseo

* Priority IAC

- Zinpro

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kirby Krogstad, from The Ohio State University, examines the role of niacin in dairy cow health and performance. Highlighting niacin's impact on immune regulation, rumen functionality, and lactation outcomes, Dr. Krogstad unpacks recent research findings and their practical applications in dairy nutrition. Listen now on all major platforms!

"When we provided niacin to those cows, the acute phase proteins that would suggest a general systemic inflammation were blunted by about 30%."

Meet the guest: Dr. Kirby Krogstad is an Assistant Professor of Dairy Nutrition and Health at The Ohio State University, where his research and extension mission is to improve dairy cow health, welfare, and longevity through nutrition. With a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr. Krogstad focuses on optimizing dairy nutrition to enhance sustainability and herd performance.

Click here to read the full research article!

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
• (02:55) Niacin's & metabolism
• (03:46) Rumen protection
• (04:47) Immune function
• (08:03) Lactation performance
• (09:09) Niacin supplementation
• (10:46) Closing thoughts

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

* Priority IAC

* Kemin

* Afimilk

* Adisseo

- Zinpro

- 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