The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast - Dr. Victoria Asselstine and Dr. Mélissa Duplessis: B Vitamins For Better Dairy Cattle Efficiency | Ep. 160

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Victoria Asselstine from Jefo Nutrition and Dr. Mélissa Duplessis, research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, discuss B-vitamin nutrition in modern dairy cows. They explain why older assumptions about rumen synthesis may not fully match today’s production demands, how transition cows rely on B vitamins for protein and energy metabolism, and why regional diet differences can influence folate and B12 status. Listen now on all major platforms!

What you’ll learn: 

• B vitamin metabolism
• Transition cow demands
• Folate and B12 variation
• Subclinical deficiency signals
• Precision vitamin nutrition

Meet the guests:

Dr. Victoria Asselstine earned her Ph.D. in Animal Genetics and Immunology from the University of Guelph and serves as Ruminant Technical Service Manager at Jefo Nutrition. She collaborates with industry and academic partners to evaluate nutritional strategies supporting transition cow health, calf development, productivity, and sustainability.

Dr. Mélissa Duplessis is a Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Her research focuses on dairy cattle nutrition, ruminant metabolism, and animal physiology, including nutritional factors affecting dairy cow health, performance, and nutrient utilization.

Learn more from Dr. Asselstine and Dr. Duplessis on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

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Dr. Victoria Asselstine and Dr. Lance Baumgard: B Vitamins in Transition Cow Nutrition | Ep. 154