The Evolving Field of Nutritional Immunology

The Evolving Field of Nutritional Immunology

Author: Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health January 27, 2021 Duration: 51:05

Guests: Dr. Barry Bradford, Michigan State University 
Dr. Turner Swartz, Michigan State University 

We are back at the Real Science Exchange, and this week Dr. Barry Bradford and Dr. Turner Swartz, both from Michigan State University, join us. This week the pub table discussion is focused on The Evolving Field of Nutritional Immunology. 

Dr. Barry Bradford presented as part of the Real Science lecture series. His presentation, “Feeding the Immunity Defenders; The Evolving Field of Nutritional Immunology. You can find the link to that presentation here: https://youtu.be/UdcPNhrZk_o.

The conversation at The Exchange kicked off discussing that you can’t ignore the immune system and its integral involvement in day-to-day physiology. 

The dialogue continues to come back with the focus on micronutrients & trace minerals, including selenium, choline and vitamin E. Both Dr. Bradford and Dr. Swartz discuss how they play into their research and the day-to-day work on the dairy farm. 6:57 

Dr. Swartz has focused his research on mastitis, and he discusses the transition period and how one disease can lead to another in a domino effect. He talks about what role trace minerals play in cow health during this period. 10:01 

We circled back around to Dr. Bradford, discussing that hundreds of receptors are expressed by cells appearing to be designed by nature to respond to nutrients. He shares that it dramatically changes the ways we can think about using nutrients. 14:25 

As the discussion continues, both Dr. Swartz and Dr. Bradford dive into how the decisions made related to each other and what that means for your nutrition and health planning. 29:06 

If you have questions about nutritional immunology or suggestions for future sessions, feel free to email anh.marketing@balchem.com.


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: 205

Real Science Exchange-Dairy
Podcast Episodes
The Role of AAFCO in the Pet Nutrition Industry with Austin Therrell, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO); Dr. Haley Larson, Kansas State University; Dr. Charles Starkey, North American Renderers Association (NARA) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:24
This episode was recorded at the 2025 Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri. Austin begins with an overview of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Their membership consists of all government offi…
Diet Manipulation to Improve Nutrient Digestibility and Microbial Protein Synthesis with Dr. Jeff Firkins, The Ohio State University; Dr. Antonio Faciola, University of Florida & Dr. Jonas De Souza, Perdue AgriBusiness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:29
This episode was recorded at the 2025 Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium. Microbial protein has always been Dr. Frikins’ main interest. It’s the most important and consistent source of protein for the cow, with a very…
Emerging Issue: Impacts of Changes in Milk Component Pricing on Dairy Farm Revenue, with Dr. Chuck Nicholson, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Dr. Adam Lock, Michigan State University; Brian Troyer, Caledonia Farmers Elevator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:01
Dr. Nicholson details the high points of his presentation, including a milk price outlook, implications of changes to milk and milk component pricing that will take place in June, and changes in butterfat value over time…
Pet Food Ingredient Trends: Insights from 2024 Sales with Lara Moody, Institute for Feed Education and Research; Louise Calderwood, American Feed Industry Association; Dr. Charles Starkey, North American Renderers Association [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:48
This episode was recorded at the 2025 Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri.In 2020, the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), North American Renderers Associati…