Animal Agriculture Podcast

Managing Molds and Mycotoxins: Critical for Livestock and Poultry Performance

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! 

Evaluating Sustainability in Cattle Production

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! 

Organic Acids to Maximize Pig Performance

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! 

Organic Acids to Maximize Pig Performance

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! 

Receiving Cattle and Stress

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! 

Zinc for High Producing Livestock

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! 

Zinc for High Producing Livestock

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! 

Rev up the rumen even with suboptimal forages

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! 

Bioavailability of Key Nutrition Components

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. 

Bioavailability of Key Nutrition Components

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. 

Early Microbial Colonization in the Young Pig

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! 

Hydroxychloride Mineral Manufacturing and Source Selection Criteria for Improved Animal Performance

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! 

Hydroxychloride Mineral Manufacturing and Source Selection Criteria for Improved Animal Performance

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! 

Using Flies to Study Additives

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! 

Solubility of Key Trace Minerals

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! 

Effects of Organic Trace Mineral Source on Animal Bioavailability and Performance

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! 

Effects of Organic Trace Mineral Source on Animal Bioavailability and Performance

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! 

Negative DCAD Diets Improve Transition Period Health in Dairy Cows

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! 

The Real Impact of Oxidation on Feed Quality and Animal Health  

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!  

Identifying Barriers to Maximal Milk Fat Production

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! 

Heifer Development

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. J...

Nutritional Considerations for Health Challenged Pigs

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! 

Nutritional Considerations for Health Challenged Pigs

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! 

Today's Advancement in Pet Nutrition

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! 

Sustainability in Cattle Production

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 Agricultu...

Yin and Yang

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! 

Improving Feed Pelleting Efficiency

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 mil...

Transition Cow Management

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 B...

PRRSv and Prevacent

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! 

Traceability

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! 

Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Your Horse

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! 

Stability

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! 

Biotics

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! 

Heat Stress, Gut Integrity

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!

Heat Stress, Gut Integrity

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!

Don’t Let the Rumen Overheat

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!

Immune System Influences on Swine Productivity

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! 

Strategic Deworming a Key for Maximizing Profits

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 ...

Chicken or The Egg, Which Came First?

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!

Chicken or The Egg, Which Came First?

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!

ClariFly Larvicide - Buzzkillers

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 fo...

Supplementing Selenium is Vital in Poultry and Livestock Diets

Supplementing Selenium is Vital in Poultry and Livestock Diets

Bad Digestion

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! 

Horn Fly Control

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 specifica...

Helping Calves Reach Their Genetic Potential

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! 

What Are Probiotics?

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 Agri...

Increase Milk Component Yield for a Larger Milk Check

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! 

Advancements in Cattle Nutrition Today, and Beyond

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! 

Improving Feed Palatability

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!