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In the concluding episode of "Diamond V at 75: Immune Strength for Life,” video host Kevin Corizzo reported from the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis. He interviewed Dr. Bill Stone, Diamond V's ruminant technical services director, on how dairy producers can optimize milk fat, the bright spot in the long-lasting low dairy market.

Kevin Corizzo (L) and Dr Bill Stone (R)

"There are two big areas that can really influence milk fat," Dr. Stone said. "First, getting as stable a ruminal fermentation as we can, and second, avoiding large amounts of plant oils or polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet."


Dr. Stone highlighted management and feeding tips to sustain milk fat concentration, including helping rumen microbes fully saturate fatty acids so that they pass out of the rumen in a form that does not impair milk fat synthesis at the udder. He also noted how producers were keeping calves healthy and Salmonella under control.


Corizzo also asked Dr. Ilkyu Yoon, director of ruminant research and technical support at Diamond V, about how the cow's immune system affects her productivity.


"A strong immune system is vital," Dr. Yoon said, "to make the cow more resilient to pathogen challenges and protect her from becoming infected and sick. However, once the cow is infected, the immune system is activated to clear the inviting pathogens."


Activation of the immune response increases demand for energy and other nutrients even as the cow goes off feed, which reduces milk production.


"By supporting the cow's immune system," Dr. Yoon said, "we can help the cow sustain good health and productivity."


Corizzo wrapped up the 75th Anniversary video series with an update on construction of Diamond V's new $30 million South Plant 2, which is scheduled to come online in Cedar Rapids in mid-2019.


More than two dozen Diamond V experts from diverse disciplines, based around the world, participated in the Diamond V at 75 video series, providing insight on the company's wide range of expertise and experience to help all types of customers worldwide. These animal scientists, veterinarians, and other professionals provided personal perspectives on Diamond V’s discovery and development of unique, natural, microbial fermentation technology.


To view the October video, click here or watch below.



To watch previous videos, take a look at the Diamond V at 75 Playlist and the Spotlight Video Playlist on Diamond V’s YouTube channel.


Diamond V is a leading global animal health company, conducting research in many species, and manufacturing natural, fermentation-based, immune support products for animal health, animal performance, and food safety worldwide. Global headquarters and all manufacturing is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA. Diamond V also has offices in five other countries and markets products in more than 70 countries. More than 75 years of science, innovation, technology, and quality have earned Diamond V the reputation of The Trusted Experts in Nutrition and Health®. Contact Diamond V at tel. +1.319.366.0745, email info@diamondv.com, or website www.DiamondV.com.