Transition Cows, Looking in the Rear-View Mirror as We Speed into the Future

Transition Cows, Looking in the Rear-View Mirror as We Speed into the Future

Author: Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health July 28, 2021 Duration: 1:13:21

Guests: Dr. Ric Grummer, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Dr. Jesse Goff, Iowa State University; Dr. Heather White, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Tonight is our second installment of what we call our legacy series. The legacy series honor those individuals that have a profound impact on our industry. For this conversation, we're going to zero in on the history of transition cow management. We are joined by Dr. Ric Grummer and Dr. Heather White from University of Wisconsin-Madison and Dr. Jesse Goff of Iowa State University.

Dr. Ric Grummer discusses the transition cow and the feeding process of pre and postpartum cows from an energy deficit standpoint as well as the lactation dry periods. 8:00

Moving into today’s research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Heather White discusses her work on liver cells. She discusses the different studies on cells done by manipulating treatments and then using that data to determine what to do in a cow study without using thousands of cows in the process. 23:47

The discussion continues with Dr. Jesse Goff sharing about his studies involving milk fever. These studies branched off of a Norwegian scientist’s studies on AIV silage and making haylage by pouring hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid onto the forages. 31:45

Then Dr. Heather White discusses NEFA and the profile of fatty acids. She discussed manipulating the fatty acids in the blood and the impacts of those fatty acids. 43:00

As a veteran of the field, Dr. Jesse Goff discusses where he sees the future of immunology. He discussed his studies on the effects of calcium as well as manipulation of the immune system. He also discussed the options to help treat animals coming out of the COVID pandemic by manipulating messenger RNA to boost various immunological parameters to boost the immune system at the right time.  47:42

A fruitful area of research around protein imbalance was discussed by Dr. Ric Grummer and how it effects the postpartum cow. 55:00 

Dr. Jesse Goff and Dr. Ric Grummer discuss more on the transition cow and how there is still a lot of research to be done on storage of protein during lactation and transition cycles. 58:40

As promised, “The Grummertini” also known as a Tangueray Martini Up & Dirty with Ric’s variations
Tangueray Gin
Up (no ice cubes)
Dirt on the side (side of olive juice)
Shaken & Poured

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 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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 205

Real Science Exchange-Dairy
Podcast Episodes
Feed Additives to Mitigate Methane with guests: Dr. David Yáñez - Ruiz, CSIC; Dr. André Bannink, Wageningen Universi ty & Research; Dr. Alejandro Belanche, University of Zaragoza; Dr. Juan Tricarico, Dairy Management Inc.; Dr. Agustin del Prado [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:03
Recommendations for identification and selection of bioactive compounds to develop antimethanogenic feed additives. Dr. Yáñez-Ruiz (8:23) How can we search for molecules that modify how feed is fermented in the rumen? Co…
Farm Management for the Future - Managing for Health, Welfare, and Performance with guests: Dr. Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph; Dr. Jackie Boerman, Purdue University; Dr. Juilio Giordano, Cornell University; Dr. Corwin Nelson, University of Florida [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:38
This episode’s guests were speakers on a Hot Topic Panel titled “Farm Management for the Future - Managing for Health, Welfare, and Performance” at the 2025 ADSA annual meeting. Dr. Nelson gives some background on how th…
Management of Genetic Diversity for Future-Proofing Dairy Breeding; Dr. Maltecca, North Carolina State University; Dr. Huson, Cornell University; Dr. Macciotta, University Di Sassari; Dr. Baes, University of Guelph; Dr. Mapholi, University of South Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:56
Genetic resilience and the dynamics of inbreeding and diversity in dairy breeding. Dr. Maltecca (6:43)The main issues in managing genetic diversity in dairy cattle include inbreeding depression and continuing selection w…