Ruminate This by Agrarian Solutions is your trusted source for insights on safeguarding ruminant health for a lifetime. From tackling the hidden threats of mycotoxins to optimizing gut health, immune function, and nutrition, we break down the biggest challenges impacting animal performance and producer profitability. But it’s not just about the science—we also explore workplace culture, leadership, and people development, because a strong team drives success. Tune in the first, third, and fi ...
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Scott Zehr Podcasts

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51: Optimizing Transition Cow Health to Boost Fertility and Milk Production
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21:23The first week after calving is a critical window that impacts reproductive performance and overall lactation success in dairy cows. In this episode, we discuss how supporting transition cows’ immune systems and addressing common nutritional deficiencies can reduce inflammation, prevent uterine diseases, and minimize early pregnancy loss after firs…
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50: Drone Technology for Accurate Silage and Feedstuff Inventory
19:26
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19:26Accurate feed inventory management is crucial for dairy producers and nutritionists to optimize ration formulation, improve herd performance, and meet lender requirements. In this episode of Ruminate This, discover how drone technology is transforming feedstuff inventory by providing safer, faster, and more precise measurements of corn silage and h…
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49: Mycotoxins, Inflammation, or Something Else?
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14:30Are mycotoxins really limiting performance, or is something else happening? In episode 49 of Ruminate This, we tackle common questions from dairy professionals. When should you consider an immune enhancement product? How can you tell if toxins are the hidden culprit? Why is listening to your cows might be the best diagnostic tool you have. Pinpoint…
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48: Fishing for Feedback: Its Role in Building Strong Teams and Culture
44:02
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44:02In this episode of Ruminate This, we explore how creating a culture of openness and trust can transform your dairy. Whether you're a producer, nutritionist, or team leader, the ability to foster honest communication and welcome feedback is a key driver in building stronger teams and improving performance. Jamie Propst, founder of Anglers Unlimited …
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47: Invest in Yourself: The Power of YDLI
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24:46In Episode 47 of Ruminate This, we’re joined by Jodi Hoynoski, a driving force behind the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), to explore how this program is shaping the future of the dairy industry. YDLI isn’t just another leadership seminar, it’s a hands-on, real-world development experience focused on communication, relationship building, and p…
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46: How to Make High-Quality Haylage from Grass, Alfalfa, and Winter Annuals
43:48
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43:48In this episode of Ruminate This, Dr. Larry Roth revisits the fundamentals of high-quality haylage. From managing moisture to minimizing oxygen exposure, this conversation sharpens your edge heading into haylage season. Even seasoned pros will get value from the timely reminders, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes factors that make or break fora…
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45: Mycotoxins on the Rise: Tips to Protect your Livestock
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26:28Mycotoxin problems are rising, but do you know where they’re really coming from and how to protect your herd? In Episode 45 of Ruminate This, Caroline Knoblock, Director of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions, breaks down what dairy producers and nutritionists need to know about Fusarium molds, feed contamination, and practical ways to get ahead of myc…
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44: Rising Fumonisin Threat: What You Need to Know
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17:27New findings in the Spring Mycotoxin Report highlight a growing threat to dairy herd health and profitability. In this episode of Ruminate This, Scott Zehr and Dr. Larry Roth break down the newly released Spring Mycotoxin Report and what over 800 feed samples reveal about mycotoxins growing risk, especially from fumonisin. We discuss how this incre…
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43: Strong Starts, Strong Futures: Mastering Colostrum Management
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40:25Want healthier, more productive calves? It all starts with colostrum management. In this episode of Ruminate This, we're joined again by Danielle Varner, Calf and Heifer Specialist at Cargill Animal Nutrition, to explore why quality and quantity matter, especially for bull calves and beef-on-dairy crosses. We discuss how investing in a well-execute…
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42: Boost Calf Health by Strengthening Farm Teamwork
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30:38Danielle Varner, Calf and Heifer Specialist at Cargill Animal Nutrition, joins Ruminate This for an insightful discussion on improving calf health and performance through effective farm team communication. Learn about the common challenges that often lead to calf health issues, the importance of training beyond just protocols, and the key areas whe…
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41: Optimizing Calf Health: Managing Mycotoxins in Pre-Weaned Diets
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28:42Mycotoxins in young stock diets can hinder growth and performance by triggering an immune response that diverts nutrients away from productive purposes. When calves face additional stressors like poor passive transfer, ventilation issues, or pathogen exposure, mycotoxins amplify these challenges, making it harder for them to thrive. Despite their i…
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40: The challenges and rewards of working with family in business
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42:47Working with family in the dairy industry is both common and uniquely rewarding, though it comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode of Ruminate This, Mary Taylor, Administrative Assistant, and her daughter, Kelbi Veenstra, Office Manager at Agrarian Solutions, share their experiences balancing personal and professional relationships wh…
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39: How LivOx Boosts Gut Health, Liver Function, and Milk Production in Dairy Cows
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32:52In this episode of Ruminate This, Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions, discusses the science behind LivOx, the next evolution of DTX™ and BioCycle Plus. This proprietary blend of plant-based actives, including curcumin, naringin, and carnosic acid, is redefining mycotoxin mitigation, gut health, and liver protection in…
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In this episode of Meet the Team, we sit down with Morgan Ekovich, the organizing force behind Agrarian Solutions’ podcast operations. Morgan shares her journey into podcast production, her background in fitness and nutrition coaching, and her strong connection to agriculture, rooted in her family’s heritage. Discover how Morgan’s project managemen…
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37: Unlocking Calf Success: The Science of Developmental Programming with Dr. Billy Brown
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32:27Explore the science behind early care and its lasting impact on dairy cattle in this must-listen episode of Ruminate This. Dr. Billy Brown, dairy cattle nutrition expert from Kansas State University, discusses the science of developmental programming, covering in utero influences, colostrum management, and dry cow care, to reveal proven strategies …
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In this episode of Meet the Team, we spotlight Ambar Ramirez, the creative force behind the editing and production of Ruminate This. From teaching English in Venezuela to joining Agrarian Solutions while living thousands of miles away, listen in as she reflects on her unique perspective as a consumer-turned-collaborator, the power of teamwork, and …
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35: Winning the Battle for Calf Gut Health
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33:39The critical first moments of a calf's life are essential in shaping its future productivity. Poor calf health leads to both direct and indirect costs, including reduced growth rates, increased mortality, and lower future productivity, all of which significantly impact long-term profitability. Early intervention is critical for improving calf healt…
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34: Meet the Team: Kelly Bristle, Community Manager
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40:45In this Meet the Team episode, we sit down with Kelly Bristle to discuss her behind-the-scenes role at Agrarian Solutions. With a lifetime of experience in agriculture and communications, Kelly shares her insights on teamwork, leadership, and the lessons learned from mentors, including her daughters. The conversation also explores how Agrarian Solu…
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For over 25 years, the DTX product line has been a trusted solution for improving ruminant health and production. Now, it’s been improved with the addition of a proprietary blend of natural plant actives and advanced synergistic technology to enhance digestive tract integrity, support liver health, and maximize herd performance and profitability. 🎧…
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32: Meet The Team: Scott Zehr, Regional Business Development Manager
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36:34In this special Meet the Team episode, we’re turning the tables as Jamie Propst, entrepreneur and podcast host, interviews none other than the host of Ruminate This and Regional Business Development Manager, Scott Zehr. This fun and insightful episode dives into Scott's journey, from his roots on a dairy farm in New York to his entrepreneurial vent…
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31: Season 2 Sneak Peek: Cutting-Edge Dairy Nutrition Insights
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17:02Get ready for an exciting Season 2 of Ruminate This, the podcast that delivers cutting-edge insights in dairy nutrition. Tune in for a sneak peek at the groundbreaking lineup, featuring top researchers and renowned speakers from leading scientific and producer conferences. From developmental programming in calves, strategies to maximize cow health,…
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30: Nutrition Insights for Livestock Health
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31:21In this episode of Ruminate This, Caroline Knoblock, Agrarian Solutions’ Director of Nutrition, examines the complexities of managing mycotoxins in livestock feed. Learn why fungicides, though beneficial for crop yields, often fail to reduce toxin levels, and uncover the limitations of traditional solutions like clay and yeast binders. Tune in for …
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29: Meet the Team: Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition
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30:01Welcome to Ruminate This with Agrarian Solutions! In this special episode of our Meet the Team series, host Scott Zehr sits down with Dr. Larry Roth, Agrarian's "resident geek" and a cornerstone of our technical team. As Vice President of Nutrition, Dr. Roth is a key contributor to our mission of improving livestock health and performance. With hum…
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DTX isn’t just for dairy cows! In this episode, we explore the research on DTX and its impact on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut health in weanling pigs—even in the absence of mycotoxins. Learn how DTX supports GI microbial balance, enhances intestinal morphology, and delivers measurable results. DTX isn’t just for dairy cows—it…
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27: Meet the Team: Dan Hoying, National Farm Program Manager
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40:50This week we continue our "Meet the Team" series with National Farm Program Manage, Dan Hoying. Dan shares his journey, including his philosophy on proactive service and the critical role of trust in building long-term customer relationships. Whether it’s troubleshooting on-farm issues or going the extra mile to ensure animal health, Dan embodies a…
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26: Culture and Character: Building a Winning Team
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28:08Creating the right team starts with choosing the right people. On Ruminate This, Scott Zehr and Jeff Hostetter from Premier Select Sires break down how selecting industry professionals—like nutritionists, vets, and AI technicians—should be treated just like hiring employees for your farm. They explore how aligning external experts with your operati…
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25: Meet the Team: Cody Cline, International Account Manager
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42:58In this episode of Meet the Team, we sit down with Cody Cline, Agrarian Solutions' International Account Manager, as he shares his journey. Cody's passion for international business and agriculture has taken him around the globe, with experiences in China, Thailand, and Colombia, where he connects with diverse cultures in the ag industry. Listen in…
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24: Sustainable Beef Production Insights: Innovations in Cattle Management
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43:47In this episode of RUMINATE THIS, host Scott Zehr sits down with Dr. Kee Jim, founding partner, veterinarian, and manager at Feedlot Health Management Services, to explore the groundbreaking business strategy behind Blackshirt Feeders, one of North America’s largest feedlot operations with an annual capacity of up to 150,000 head of cattle. Dr. Jim…
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23: Meet the Team: Caroline Knoblock: Bridging Connections in the Dairy Industry
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28:35In this episode of our “Meet the Team” series, you’ll meet the newest member to Agrarian Solutions, Caroline Knoblock, Director of Nutrition. Listen in as Caroline shares her journey in the dairy industry, from her roots helping on a farm to her academic achievements at Michigan State University and the University of Alberta and into her profession…
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22: Global Solutions for Livestock Health
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14:37While DTX is well-known in the U.S. for enhancing dairy and beef cattle health, this episode of RUMINATE THIS with Cody Cline, Agrarian Solutions' International Account Manager, reveals its global impact on poultry and swine. We discuss how DTX is driving healthier, more productive poultry flocks in Middle Eastern markets like Egypt and the UAE, wh…
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21: Meet the Team: Chad Christensen, Regional Business Development Manager
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19:49Welcome to a special bonus episode of Ruminate This! In this installment of our “Meet the Team” series, join host Scott Zehr as he chats with Chad Christensen, Regional Business Development Manager at Agrarian Solutions. Discover Chad’s journey, his role in driving regional business development, and his passion for agriculture. Tune in to learn abo…
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20: 2024 Mycotoxin Contamination Trends: DON, Zearalenone, and More
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29:31In this episode of Ruminate This, host Scott Zehr interviews Dr. Larry Roth to address the growing problem of mycotoxin contamination in dairy cattle across the U.S. Dr. Roth shares alarming 2024 corn silage data from the Northeast, Great Lakes, and East Coast, highlighting the presence of multiple mycotoxins at concerning levels. He also discusses…
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19: Meet the Team: Nic Bradley on Leading Agrarian Operations
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24:12In this special bonus episode of Ruminate This, we kick off our “Meet the Team” series, where you’ll get to know the people behind the scenes who help drive success at Agrarian Solutions. Hosted by Scott Zehr, this episode features an insightful conversation with Nick Bradley, Agrarian's Director of Operations. Nick shares about his journey from ma…
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18: Top Dairy Diseases: How Nutrition and Mycotoxins Impact Herd Health and Economic Losses
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30:10In this episode of Ruminate This, we explore the top 12 diseases causing the greatest economic losses in the global dairy industry and the critical role nutrition and mycotoxins play. At an alarming cost of $12 billion annually, subclinical ketosis leads the list globally, while in the U.S., mastitis ranks number one, with yearly losses reaching $2…
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This week on Ruminate This, we talk with Dr. Kevin Ziemba, Global Support Specialist at STgenetics, about the essentials of proactive farm management and its role in building a sustainable farm team. Dr. Ziemba shares how moving beyond constant crisis management to building a team-oriented culture centered around compliance and problem-solving, is …
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16: Why Do Liver Abscesses Plague Both Dairy and Feedlot Cattle?
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27:55Today’s podcast digs into the dogma and new thinking about liver abscess development in feedlot and dairy cattle. The entire June 2024 Journal of Applied Animal Science was devoted to the liver abscess phenomena which is estimated to cost the US beef packing industry at least $400 million dollars each year. While liver abscesses in traditional beef…
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15: The Hidden Costs of Feeding Binders: What You Need to Know
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21:50In this episode we discuss the hidden costs of binders in dairy cow rations with Caroline Knoblock, Director of Nutrition. We explore how binders, while effective against Aflatoxin, can inadvertently bind essential nutrients like amino acids and vitamins—costing an additional 4-6 cents per cow per day. Discover why some experts believe this cost co…
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14: Mycotoxin Binders: Proven to bind more nutrients than mycotoxins.
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32:05Are binders truly effective in combating harmful toxins in feed, or could they be causing more harm than good? In this episode, we delve into the suprising research by Kihal et al. (2020, 2022), which examined the effectiveness of yeast cell wall and clay binders in binding mycotoxins. While binders were originally developed to target Aflotoxin—a t…
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In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking L-Form Technology and its vital role in supporting every animal on a farm from day one. We address the important issue of mycotoxins and their impact on pre-weaned calves, along with the critical periods of transition in an animal’s life. Livestock face their greatest challenges during these transition…
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12: Unveiling the Truth: Immune support effectiveness in the face of mycotoxins
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30:23In this episode we discuss the nuances of immune support in dairy cows with Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions. We explore why many immune support products fall short, offering a little of everything but not enough to be truly effective. We discuss commonly touted ingredients for immune support like plant extracts, ye…
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11: Predicting Reproductive Success: Insights from the Last 100 Days
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33:30In this episode, we dig into "The Britt Hypothesis" to understand how the dry period impacts dairy cow fertility and the significant role of epigenetics. Dr. Jack Britt joins us to discuss dry cow management and its influence on future generations. Dr. Britt challenges traditional dairy management practices, questioning the standard voluntary wait …
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10: Genetics and Nutrition: The Keys to Healthier, Longer-Living Cows
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29:10When it comes to creating healthier, longer-living cows, genetics are the engine and nutrition is the fuel. This week Dr. Kevin Ziemba, Global Support Specialist at STgenetics, discusses strategies for better cow management, focusing on improving cow welfare, genetics, and reducing epigenetic risks. Our discussion covers the importance of managing …
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9: Literature Review: Impact of Inflammatory Diseases on Fertility
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32:56In this episode, Dr. Larry Roth reviews research on the impact of inflammatory diseases on fertility in cattle, focusing on studies from Eduardo S. Ribeiro and Murilo R. Carvalho of the University of Guelph. We will dig into how unresolved inflammation affects every stage of the reproductive cycle—from oocyte development and embryo implantation to …
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8: Dairy's Future: Innovation and Sustainability with Dr. Jack Britt
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30:58In this episode, Dr. Jack Britt discusses the importance of dairy in global nutrition and the future of sustainable farming practices. Dairy plays a crucial role in feeding the growing world population, and as a leading dietary component, it can feed the greatest number of people. Listen in as Dr. Britt discusses the importance of innovation and su…
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In this episode we explore the cornerstone of thriving dairies … heifers. While heifer nutrition often takes a back seat to the milking herd, it deserves our full attention as it drives growth, reproductive performance, mammary development, immune function, production and ultimately profitability. Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition at Agra…
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6: The domino effect of mycotoxins in cattle
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43:35In today’s episode we explore the complicated web of mycotoxins and their compounding effects on cattle health. Together with Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions, we discuss the multifaceted ways mycotoxins target cows, creating a domino effect of adverse consequences that are often misunderstood. Discover how multiple…
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In this episode, we dive deep into the challenge of identifying the root causes of herd health performance issues. Among a complex web of factors impacting herd performance—including genetics, management practices, environmental conditions, nutrition balancing, and more —it's all too easy to overlook the presence of toxins until things don’t add up…
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In this episode we unravel the intricate layers of a cow's biological hierarchy, where the immune system takes precedence over milk production and reproduction. Discover why immune challenges such as mycotoxins, heat stress, overcrowding, mastitis, and lameness trigger an inflammatory response, leading to a redirection of nutrients towards immune s…
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3: Research Proven: DTX is the ultimate X-factor in combating mycotoxins!
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26:13On today’s episode Scott Zehr and Dr. Larry Roth further discuss the 920-cow study focusing on the statistically significant reproduction improvements. Even with DON and Zearalenone toxins present in the feed at levels considered acceptable by many, the study revealed tremendous potential for improving first-service conception rates when mycotoxins…
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2: The ultimate X-factor in combating mycotoxins: Production outcomes
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21:29We're diving into a fascinating study that sheds light on mycotoxin management in cattle. Despite the presence of DON and Zearalenone toxins in the feed at levels deemed tolerable by many, the study yielded statistically significant improvements in production and reproduction metrics when they are controlled. In this episode Scott Zehr and Dr. Larr…
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