Kansas State Pet Food Program Research Showcase

Kansas State Pet Food Program Research Showcase

Author: Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health June 2, 2021 Duration: 58:59

Guests:  Dr. Greg Aldrich, K-State University, Dr. Amanda Dainton, K-State University, Dr. Heather Acuff, K-State University, Krystina Lema Almeida, K-State University

In this episode, you’ll feel like we're back on campus because we've gathered together some of the top minds in the Kansas State University pet food program for this week's pubcast. The discussion started at our very first research showcase webinar, which aired on March 16th. We'll feature other university programs going forward. And if you'd like for us to consider showcasing your university program, simply email us anh.marketing@balchem.com. To find a recording of the K-State showcase webinar, go to www.balchem.com/realscience.

Dr. Greg Aldrich discussed some of the successes and careers his students have found in the pet food industry after going through the program at K-State. 

22:15

Dr. Heather Acuff gave advice, to future students, to ask their professors about programs they are interested in joining. Also, nobody needs to tell themselves they are too old to go back to school. 

25:39

Dr. Amanda Dainton discussed the option of internships and immersive experiences for college students. 

26.59

Dr. Heather Acuff discussed probiotics and their possible benefits. As well as integrating vitamins and minerals versus consumers having to worry about doses and mixes for their pets. 
41:27

Krystina Lema Almeida discussed sustainability, product variety and ingredients in the pet food industry. 54:53

Dr. Greg Aldrich discussed how protein will be the biggest challenge for the pet food industry moving forward. With a growing world population, the pet food industry will have to embrace different varieties of protein. 56:21

If you want one of our new Real Science Exchange t-shirts, make sure to screenshot your rating, review or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address and we’ll get a shirt in the mail to you.

Please subscribe and share with your animal health industry friends to bring more friends to join us around the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.

This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.


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.
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