Animal Agriculture Podcast: Recent Episodes
Nutra Blend
Animal agriculture is an ever changing industry. Science is driving rapid changes in how we feed and care for our animals. In order to keep up on the changing landscape, nutritionists and veterinarians are turning to new formats to get timely research in a quick and efficient manner. Nutra Blend’s Animal Agriculture podcasts offers this informative platform to keep you up to date on the latest research.
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Kemin's Dr. Vanessa Iseri to disucss how livestock and poultry producers are continuously faced with challenges to feed quality. Molds and mycotoxins are two such feed quality profit robbers that can have significant negative impacts on animal health and performance. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Elanco's Dr. Sara Place to discuss how climate change is a hot topic today. Today we will take a deep dive into cattle's role in helping to nurture the earth. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Novus' Dr. Brad Lawrence to discuss how when pigs don’t eat, bad bacteria can take over the gut. When these bad bugs outnumber the good ones, producers may see diarrhea or loss of productivity. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zinpro's Dr. Chris Reinhardt to discuss how it seems that receiving cattle and stress are synonymous. Much care goes into the planning process of bringing cattle into an operation, and ensuring they stay healthy and get up on feed quickly. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zinpro's Dr. Jeff Weyers and Dr. Chris Reinhardt to to discuss how zinc plays a critical role in immune function, tissue healing, muscle growth, hoof tissue generation, and epithelial barrier function throughout the animal’s body. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Lallemand's Dr. Angel Aguilar to to discuss how out of all the engines and heavy machinery you may find on a dairy operation, do you know what really drives the productivity of a dairy farm? The rumen. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Micronutrient's Dr. Josh Steed to discuss how a current buzz word in the animal nutrition world is bioavailability. Getting the animal to utilize the trace mineral supplemented in their ration is key to the performance and health benefits that come with it.
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Church and Dwight's Dr. Ellen Davis to discuss how microbial colonization is the succession event that happens very early in the pig’s life, in the life of all mammals, by which the gastrointestinal tract of the animal is colonized by bacteria. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Phibro's Dr. Angie Boyer to discuss how, recently, hydroxy chloride sourced minerals have become more available and utilized industry wide. Today we will discuss their advantages. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Biozyme's Dr. Lynsey Whitacre to discuss how research is imperative to making continued strides in studying health and nutrition for livestock. But have you thought about some unlikely research subjects that can help make improvements in the way we raise our animals?Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Micronutrient's MAris McCarthy to discuss how there are many differences in trace minerals for poultry and livestock. Terms such as bioavailability, solubility, organic, inorganic, are often utilized to describe them, and today we will try and shed some light on what those terms mean and their significance in the trace mineral market. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Phibro's Dr. Angie Boyer to discuss how organic mineral sources continue to grow in popularity in the poultry and livestock industries, but with so many types and options available, how do we know what to feed and why. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zoetis' Dr. Kevin Eggers how to discuss howIleitis is a common and costly disease in grow-finish pigs. It is estimated that nearly 94% of herds with no clinical signs of disease were found to have subclinical ileitis. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Church and Dwight's Dr. Joel Pankowski to discuss how the transition period is one of the most important determinants of productivity and postpartum health, and ultimately sets the stage for the entire lactation. Having cows freshen in peak health allows for healthier calves and full production potential. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Elanco's Dr. Darren McGee to discuss how dairies are paid for their milk varies across the country. One constant is the value of milk components, and in particular, milk fat. Today we will discuss how to maximize profits through milk fat. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Kemin's Vanessa Iseri to discuss how when we hear the term “oxidation”, many of us thing about rusting metal or corrosion on our cars. Oxidation goes well beyond that in the feed industry. Today we will hear about the detrimental effects it has on today’s poultry and livestock feeds. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Diamond V's Dr. Gavin Staley to discuss how a dairy farmer knows when to breed virgin heifers. On many dairies the decision is entirely based on if the heifers look “big” enough, reach a certain age, or the pen is getting crowded and they need to move on. But the critical question should be when are they mature? Today we’ll talk about how breeding immature heifers has a profoundly negative impact on the entire herd’s future productivity. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with ZInpro's Dr. wes Schweer to discuss how feeding healthy pigs can be challenging enough based on the changing environment and health status of the pigs. Today we will discuss how to approach nutrition for health challenged pigs. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Alltech's Kami Grandeen to discuss how companion animal nutrition has become more refined, mostly driven by well educated pet owners. There are unlimited choices when it comes to dog and cat foods. Today we will examine a key ingredient that can help today’s pets thrive. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Merck's Dr. Grant Crawford to discuss how today’s consumer is more interested than ever in the way their food is produced. As a part of this, consumer concern exists regarding the use of chemicals to control infective disease within livestock systems. Yet, as the global human population increases, livestock productivity must be improved in order to fulfill consumer demand. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Biozyme's Dr. Lynsey Whitacre to discuss how “Gut health” is a term that is being used increasingly in scientific literature, health magazines, and blogs, and is even making its way into everyday conversation. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Kemin's Jerilyn Hergenreder to discuss how the advantages of pelleting swine and poultry feeds are well documented. However, the costs associated with making highly digestible, durable and low-dust pellets are a big challenge for feed mill operators worldwide. The increased demand for electricity, the cost of pellet mill maintenance, and the reduced throughput are all factors which increase the cost of pelleting feed. So, what can feed mill managers do to reduce the cost of pelleting or at least increase throughout? Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Diamond V's Dr. Kelly Reed to discuss how dairy producers work to efficiently produce nutritious products for the consumer. When running a business, the healthier the animals are, the more productive they will be and the more profitable the business can be. As the dynamics of milk marketing continue to evolve, focusing on key bottlenecks in dairy management systems will be more and more important. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Elanco's Dr. Jessica Risser to discuss how swine producers and swine veterinarians have been battling PRRS since the earlier 1990’s. The goal has been to control, manage, and eradicate the virus from all herds. Today we will visit the latest information about PRRS, and the advances being made. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Elanco's Dr. Jessica Risser to discuss how traceability is the ability to track any product lot through all stages of production, processing and distribution. Traceability mean that movements can be traced one step backwards and one step forward from raw materials sourcing to customer location. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Kemin's Michael Eggleston to discuss how Leaky Gut Syndrome has been an emerging topic in the equine field for quite some time. Much research has gone into helping today’s horse owners deal with this mysterious syndrome. Today, we will look into the cause and effect to better understand how to minimize its effects. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Micronutrient's Dr. Jeff Heldt o discuss how nutrient stability is key to a successful animal diet. There are many factors that affect the stability. Today, we will examine those factors and help our listeners understand how to pick the right products to maximize feed stability. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Biozyme's Dr. Lynsey Whitacre o discuss how most of us the suffix to the word "biotics" is quite common. Antibiotics and Probiotics are two of the more common ones that come to mind. But apparently, there are a lot more biotics out there than you think. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zinpro's Research Nutritionist, Dr. Jeff Weyers to discuss how heat stress affects livestock performance in all parts of the U.S. Some areas deal with it a lot longer than others, but no one escapes without some impact from it. Today we will find out what can be done to minimize it’s affect. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Ag Podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Lallemand's Dr. Angel Aguilar to to discuss how today’s high-performing dairy cows produce more than just milk. They also generate a lot of heat. That leaves them especially sensitive to heat stress. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Ag Podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Arm and Hammer's Dr. Ellen Davis to discuss how the immune system is a complicated topic that seems to evolve every year. With new innovations, we’re learning more about the amazing things it does, and where the immune responses can occur. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Merck's Dr. Grant Crawford to discuss how all grazing cattle have the potential to be infected by internal parasites, or worms. These worms can limit growth, reproduction, and milk production of cattle and can cause an increase in sickness. In fact, dewormers have the biggest economic impact of all animal health products in the cow/calf and stocker segments of the beef industry and the second-biggest impact in the feedlot segment. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Novus' Melanie Roux to discuss how the main goal of any broiler breeder program is to produce eggs. To do this, feed management is important. During the rearing phase, these birds should be closely monitored because they have a hard time self-regulating their feed intake which leads to overweight birds and poor egg production in the hen house. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Ag Podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Central Life Sciences' Casey White to discuss how a fly infestation on confined animal operations, such as dairies and feedlots are more than just a nuisance – it’s a real problem. House, stable, face and horn flies are all known to spread disease, interfere with weight gain and hinder milk production, hurting your bottom line. With so many options to control flies, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your operation. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with BioZyme's Dr. Lynsey Whitacre to discuss how healthy animals start with a healthy digestive system. Today, we are going to learn how the intestinal tract impacts more than just nutrient absorption. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Central Life Sciences' Casey White to discuss how Horn Fly control is an essential consideration on any beef operation. When left unchecked, horn fly populations can affect the health and profitability of beef cattle. With options for fly-control solutions growing by the day, it can be difficult to know which product to select. When it comes to fly infestations on cattle, the best results are going to come from a product designed specifically to control horn flies. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Diamond V's Dr. Kelly Reed to discuss how an extensive amount of time and energy is focused on breeding programs to create a calf with great production potential. However, there is opportunity for many dairies to improve calf-rearing programs to help realize the genetic potential of the calf. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with CHR Hansen's Dr. Steve Lerner to discuss how there’s a lot of buzz these days about probiotics and their role in human medicine and animal agriculture. There’s an ever-increasing range of probiotic products in our grocery and health food stores and available to us from animal product suppliers. However, what they are and how they work isn’t really well understand by the consumer. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Lallemand's Dr. Angel Anguilar to discuss howMilk component levels are important measures for dairy herd management. Higher milk component levels directly impact profitability for dairy producers. Plus, higher milk components are a measurement of cow health and nutrition. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Alltech's Dr. Vaugn Holder to discuss how science is driving new and innovative products. Yeast is no exception! Today’s yeast cultures are designed to have beneficial effects in the rumen that lead to a more stable fermentation, improved animal health, enhanced digestive processes, and increased production of protein in the form of beneficial microbial biomass. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Micronutrient's Dr. Chance Farmer to discuss how If an animal won’t eat their feed, we know they can’t utilize the nutritional value contained within it. That’s why the palatability of the feed is so important. Today we will visit the reasons why trace minerals play a vital role in the animal’s consumption. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Church & Dwight's Dr. Joel Pankowski to discuss how reproduction remains one of the key metrics for dairy and beef producers a like. Health of the animal is paramount; however, nutrition remains the building blocks to a productive and profitable life. There are many factors that come into effect when formulating cattle rations. Today we will examine essential fatty acids and their role in reproduction. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with CHR Hansen's Head of Marketing and Production Management - North America, Dr. Steve Lerner to discuss how we’re hearing more and more about the potential benefits of effective probiotics in human medicine and in animal agriculture. Research has shown that effective probiotics support the majority of normal, healthy functions of our gastrointestinal tracts and those of the animals in our care. “Supporting Normal with Probiotics” is the topic of our discussion today. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zinpro's Research Nutritionist, Dr. Wes Schweer to discuss how having thrifty, well doing pigs is the goal of all swine producers. Many times, when we consider the animal’s health status, we automatically think of vaccines and medications. However, nutrition plays a huge roll in the health of today’s high performing pigs. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Elanco's Beef Technical Consultant, Dr. Nathan Pyatt to discuss how cattle feeders face many challenges during the growing and finishing production phases. Genetics, weather, nutrition and management can be key for producers, but ultimately maintaining optimum cattle health, performance and market timing sets the stage for profitability. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Phibro's Animate Product Director, Dr. Ken Zanzalari to discuss how today’s agricultural business environment does not allow for complacency. Businesses must pay attention to every detail affecting the profitability of their operation. For dairy producers, managing areas that impact herd health, milk production and reproductive efficiency are paramount to operational success. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Alltech's Equine and Mineral Management Teams Global Director, Steve Elliott. They discuss how there are many trace minerals on the market and differentiating them can be difficult. Along with differences in minerals, they act differently in the animal as well. Today we will help explain what they are and how the animal utilizes them. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Alltech's Research Scientist Dr. Kamal Mjoun. They discuss how some say feeding cattle is more of an art than science. However, we rely on science to dictate how to utilize available feedstuffs, and how best to feed them to help cattle stay healthy and perform up to their genetic potential. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Arm & Hammer's Swine Field Technical Service Manager Dr. Ellen Davis. They discuss what we feed pigs, and the impact it has on what goes into swine waste systems and the environment. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Lallemand's Technical Service Manager, Dr. Angel Aguilar. They discuss how there are thousands of yeast and bacteria strains and each can have a different effect - or sometimes no effect at all. In order to obtain products that perform, you need to work with a reputable company that backs their products up with sound science. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Alltech's Training, Talent Development and Retention (T2R) Program Trainer, Dr. Jorge Delgado. The discuss how on-farm support programs are vital to becoming successful in today’s dairy industry. These programs often bring another set of eyes, along with expertise in such areas as fresh cow management, cattle handling, and milker training. These programs are typically at no expense to the dairy, or at a reduced cost. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Diamond V's Swine Business Strategy Leader, Dr. Karen Robertson. They discuss how swine producers that have switched to an antibiotic free production system continue to look for new alternatives to fight swine diseases. They will dive into new research on utilizing nutritional products to help fight Strep suis. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zoetis' Swine Senior Technical Services Veterinarian, Dr. Dave Baumert. They discuss Ileitis, an enteric disease that has challenged pork producers for years. Once in a herd, it can linger and have long-term productivity and cost impacts. Antibiotics have played an important role in treating ileitis, but changes in on-farm use have challenged producers and veterinarians alike. We’ll discuss the ileitis prevention, control and treatment options available. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Kemin's Technical Services Manager, Dr. Tom Marsteller. They discuss how beta glucans have been used in humans and livestock to enhance host protective immunity. Minimizing the impact of disease challenges early on in an animal’s life can improve its ability to gain weight faster, increase feed efficiency and reduce its likelihood to spread disease. They will also review outcomes from a PRRSv-positive nursery trial and demonstrate applicability across other species. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zinpro's Research and Nutritional Service team member, Dr. Jeff Weyers. They discuss an age-old problem in raising dairy animals that is known as “Hairy Heel Warts”. As it is not a new problem, dairymen & women continue to battle it and its negative effects. Research has shown a “program” approach to be most effective rather than just focusing on hygiene. Research has shown the positive affect of nutrition in combating this long standing disease. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Diamond V's Ruminant Business Strategy and Food Safety Director, Dr. Darin Henry. They discuss nutrition's role in the micro biome maintenance and how it can generate a more stable, efficient rumen as well as confer immunity through genetic up-regulation. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zinpro's Beef Research Nutritionist, Dr. Jason Russell. They discuss how improving reproduction rates is a goal in all species of livestock. Advances in the health of the animals has made great strides over the last couple of decades. We now understand the role of nutrition and can utilize it to further improve reproduction efficiencies. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Lallemand's Technical Service Manager, Dr. Angel Aguilar. They discuss how heat stress comes to different parts of the country at different times, and for differing lengths of time. One thing that’s the same, is the effect of heat stress. It causes a host of negative symptoms including reduced intakes, energy wasted on trying to cool the body, and overall poor production. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Swine Nutritionist, Dr. Daniel A. Nelson. They discuss how heat stress is one of those reoccurring factors that impacts pigs across the country on so many levels. It can reduce performance, compromise the gastrointestinal system, cause chronic disease and increase mortality rates, just to cite a few challenges. The key is to recognize your options and act early. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Kemin's Technical Services Manager, Dr. Tom Marsteller. They discuss a new approach to healthier animals that is not an antibiotic but is characterized as an “active microbial”. It is fed daily but has no withdrawal. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Diamond V's Swine Business Strategy Leader, Dr. Karen Robertson. They discuss the leaky gut and its impact on pig health. We will learn how nutrition can play a key role in minimizing leaky gut and how it affects the pig. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Swine Nutritionist, Dr. Daniel A. Nelson. They discuss Clostridium perfringens, a widespread pathogen in the pig environment, but it can be especially problematic for newborn piglets. It causes clostridial enteritis, which results in stunted growth and increased mortality. Producers and veterinarians are looking for options in today’s evolving production climate to control this enteric challenge. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Arm & Hammer's Dr. Joel Pankowski. They discuss how BRD continues to be one of the biggest disease challenges in raising beef and dairy cattle. In most cases, vaccines and antibiotics are used to prevent and treat this disease but new approaches are being introduced including prebiotics. Research in this area is showing promise and looks to be part of the overall solution. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Lallemand's Technical Service Manager, Dr. Angel Aguilar to discuss how getting calves off to a good start is often a challenge on many operations. Getting the calf to eat and keeping them healthy are lofty goals for all farms! There are no silver bullets, but staying to the basics like: good hygiene, sound nutrition, vaccinations, & good housing are usually a good recipe to get them going. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zinpro's Research Nutritionist, Dr. Wes Schweer. They discuss how gut integrity gets a lot of press today. With advances in science, we now can see how the function of the gut affects the animal’s health and overall performance. This is evident in today’s pigs and we will examine what we know, and how we can positively affect the pig. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Lallemand's Technical Service Manager, Dr. Angel Aguilar. They discuss a confusing topic in the marketplace. What is the difference between a prebiotic and a probiotic? We will define each of these and give you the science backing the use of these products. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Alltech's European Bioscience Centre Research Director, Dr. Richard Murphy. They discuss how having healthy gut microbiome is key to having a healthy animal. From a management point of view, the environment serves as a source of microbes, and care needs to be taken not to inadvertently introduce pathogenic species. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Lallemand's Technical Service Manager, Dr. Angel Aguilar. They discuss how cattle are under heavy stress when being transported to backgrounders or feed yards. First and foremost, specialized care must be thought of. A program approach including rest, water, nutrition, and animal health pay big dividends down the road if taken into consideration during shipping time. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Diamond V's Ruminant Business Strategy and Food Safety Director, Dr. Darin Henry. They discuss how the future of protein production is at an important crossroads for the industry. Technologies that help preserve and maintain current practices are important, as are new approaches to animal health and producer profitability. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Arm & Hammer's Dr. Joel Pankowski. They discuss an area where most farms that raise dairy calves struggle, calf scours. Despite the use of good hygiene practices, vaccines and antibiotics, scours still show up in many operations. New and innovative products are entering the market. One of the promising categories, RFC’s, are making there way onto farms across the country. We will discuss the research behind these new products. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Kemin's Technical Services Manager, Dr. Tom Marsteller. They discuss how today, gut health is synonymous with animal health and encompasses many health priorities. Proper management, along with the correct feed additives specifically targeting improving nutrient digestion and absorption, gut integrity and immune response can help each animal reach its full potential. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zinpro's Beef Research Nutritionist, Dr. Jason Russell. They discuss how what the dam is fed has an impact on the health and performance of its offspring. Many factors are in play as producers, veterinarians, & nutritionist assemble health and nutrition platforms to maximize her genetic potential. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Alltech's On-Farm Support Team Member, Dr. Luke Miller. They discuss how many older schools of thought were focused around using only vaccines and antibiotics to prevent and treat disease in poultry & livestock. New research has shown us new tools for addressing health issues through dietary inclusion.
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Kemin's Technical Services Manager, Dr. Tom Marsteller. They discuss how it is well established that feed and feed ingredients are possible transmission routes for pathogens, including some emerging swine diseases. With many producers evaluating the risk of internationally sourced ingredients and feed contamination, chemical mitigants are being considered as part of a comprehensive biosecurity. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Novus' North American Ruminant Sales Team Executive Manager Dr. Jim Sullivan. They will discuss how not all trace minerals are created equal, and thus don’t perform the same in today’s dairy animals. These differences affect the cow’s ability to utilize them in various manners. We will dive into those distinctions and why they perform the way they do. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Diamond V's Ruminant Technical Services Specialist, Dr. Sam Barringer. They discuss how not many dairy producers know that when a young calf gets pneumonia, her lungs are marked for life. What this means for her growth as a heifer and performance as a dairy cow is open to question. Finding the answer quickly can make a difference between profit and loss. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zoetis' Cattle Strategic Technical Services Ruminant Nutritionist, Dr. Blaine Corners. They discuss Coccidiosis, a disease that can impact light weight cattle at a stocker or backgrounder level. Coccidiosis affects many factors of the calf’s health, so an effective control and treatment plan is critical. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Arm & Hammer's Swine Field Technical Service Manager Dr. Ellen Davis. They discuss how healthy sows can stay in the herd longer, have larger liters, & pass along protection to their offspring through their colostrum. Maintaining a healthy environment, good nutrition, & a complete vaccination program are keys to a healthy sow. But one thing that is not often considered is the microbial environment that the sow is transferring to her pigs. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Kemin's Technical Services Manager, Dr. Tom Marsteller. They discuss how water has a dirty little secret and it’s full of bacteria and contaminants. They continue to plague today’s poultry & livestock operations, causing disease and poor performing animals. Today we’ll discuss a novel approach to keep these waters clean. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zinpro's Research and Nutritional Service team member, Dr. Jeff Weyers. They discuss how not all trace minerals are created equal, and thus don’t perform the same in today’s livestock and poultry. Differences in trace minerals affects the animal’s ability to utilize them in different manners. We will discuss the differences in products and why they perform the way they do. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Alltech's Beef Research Scientist Dr. Shelby Roberts. They discuss how good gut health in calves is and it's paramount importance for good performance. Scours can open up the calf for other severe disease challenges. Dr. Roberts gives you the tools to build resilience to your calf crop to improve your overall herd performance. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zoetis' Swine Senior Technical Services Veterinarian, Dr. Dave Baumert. They discuss how Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is a long-standing challenge for pork producers. Although they’ve made progress in managing the disease, the virus’ persistence and extended shedding period has producers and veterinarians searching for more solutions. From vaccines to feed and injectable medications to elimination strategies, all cards are on the table. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Novus' North American Ruminant Sales Team Executive Manager Dr. Jim Sullivan. They discuss how cow comfort is paramount to healthy, high producing dairy cows. Bench marking programs are always a great way to compare operational efficiencies. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zoetis' Cattle Strategic Technical Services Ruminant Nutritionist, Dr. Blaine Corners. They discuss starter cattle. Starting light weight cattle at a stocker or backgrounder level offers many challenges for the cattle producer, nutritionist and veterinarian. It takes team effort and a well-managed arrival program to get calves started on a healthy path. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Elanco Sales Representative, Amy Gillmore. They discuss how cattle feeders face many challenges during the growing and finishing production phases. Genetics, weather, nutrition and management can be key for producers, but ultimately maintaining optimum cattle health sets the stage for future success. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Lallemand's Technical Service Manager, Dr. Angel Aguilar. They discuss how advances in science have made it possible to learn much more about how the “gut” plays into immune responses and the overall health and performance of the animal. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Diamond V's Ruminant Technical Services Specialist, Dr. Sam Barringer. They discuss how traditional approaches to animal health are morphing from prevention or treatment of disease to maintaining good health from the start. We’re learning more about how to help the animal defend itself from disease, naturally, under all sorts of potentially adverse conditions. The immune system is key and cattle production provides some great examples. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Arm & Hammer's Dr. Joel Pankowski. They discuss how the immune system continues to be an “unknown” frontier. The scientific community continues to learn more about it’s functions every day and are learning more about the guts role in mounting an immune response. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Zinpro's Research Nutritionist, Dr. Wes Schweer. They discuss how inflammation has been attributed to many negative effects in livestock production. As we see in today’s research, most inflammation is deemed “negative” by veterinarians and nutritionist alike. We are learning about new ways to combat it & help today’s producers grow healthier, better performing pigs. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Alltech's Mycotoxin Management Team Member Dr. Alexandra Weaver. They discuss how Mycotoxins continue to pose a real threat to poultry and livestock operations. They are the “invisible” toxin that cannot be seen by the naked eye, but can have detrimental effects. A comprehensive mycotoxin mitigation program should be in all poultry and livestock operations. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!
On today's episode, John Ratzenberger sits down with Phibro's Swine Technical Services Veterinarian, Dr. Dwain Guggenbiller. They discuss how Carbadox has been a key antibiotic in the swine industry for many years. It’s proven efficacy on enteric diseases, and non–VFD classification has made it more attractive today than ever. They explore the new ways to utilize it in today’s production systems. Join us for this week's episode of Nutra Blend's Animal Agriculture podcast!