Dairy Cow Personality Traits: A New Frontier for Precision Feeding Management with Dr. Anna Schwanke, University of Guelph and Bill Earley, ADM Animal Nutrition

Dairy Cow Personality Traits: A New Frontier for Precision Feeding Management with Dr. Anna Schwanke, University of Guelph and Bill Earley, ADM Animal Nutrition

Author: Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health October 14, 2025 Duration: 40:18
Dr. Schwanke begins by describing how we can shape cattle personalities through handling and management and adapting our strategies to accommodate different personality traits so as to not cause undue stress. Personality traits are consistent across time and context, which is nuanced by the other animals in a particular group. There are five generally recognized personality traits: boldness, exploration, activity, sociability and aggressiveness. Some debate exists as to whether dominance should be considered a sixth trait or if it’s just an outcome of the other five. (5:43)

Ever wonder what animal scientists talk about after the formal presentations are over and the notebooks are put away? Real Science Exchange-Dairy captures that exact spirit, moving beyond the lecture hall to explore the ideas shaping dairy and animal nutrition. Presented by Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health, this series feels more like a lively, insightful table conversation among colleagues than a staged interview. You’ll hear leading researchers and experts discuss pressing topics in the field, but in a relaxed, unfiltered way that reveals the person behind the data. The dialogue is driven by genuine curiosity and a shared passion for natural sciences, covering everything from emerging research to practical applications. Each episode is an exchange of perspectives, offering a range of new ideas that challenge conventional thinking. It’s a podcast for anyone interested in the real-world science that impacts animal health and productivity, delivered with the authenticity of a discussion among friends. Tune in for thoughtful, accessible conversations that connect complex concepts to the bigger picture of life and scientific discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Real Science Exchange-Dairy
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Milk production responses of dairy cows to fatty acid supplements with different ratios of palmitic and oleic acids in low- and high-fat basal diets with Dr. Adam Lock, Michigan State University; Dr. Bill Weiss, Professor Emeritus, Ohio State University [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:21
In this study, two basal diets were fed, one low-fat and one high-fat. The low-fat diet contained cottonseed meal and cottonseed hulls and the high-fat diet contained whole cottonseed. This balanced fiber and protein to…