Understanding Nutrients as Metabolic Signals, Postcalving Inflammation, and the Value of University Research Dairies with Barry Bradford, PhD

<p>In the latest installment of <em>Dairy Digressions</em>, host Matt Lucy sits down with <a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/bradford-barry">Barry Bradford, PhD</a>, professor and C. E. Meadows Endowed Chair in Dairy Management and Nutrition at Michigan State University’s (MSU) Department of Animal Science, senior editor for the <em>Journal of Dairy Science</em>, and co-host of <a href="https://www.wisenetix.com/dairypodcast"><em>The Dairy Podcast Show</em></a>. After growing up on a seedstock beef operation, Barry was drawn to dairy science because of its incredible complexity. After some gentle pressure from the renowned Don Beitz (and without ever taking a dairy science class!), Barry went to graduate school and now oversees a diverse research program focused on dairy cattle metabolic physiology and providing evidence-based dairy management tips to producers. Listeners will hear Barry’s elevator pitch on the hepatic oxidation theory, which posits that the liver may play a crucial role in appetite regulation in cows, acting as the “traffic cop” of metabolism by sending signals to a cow’s brain regarding feeding behavior. He and Matt also discuss his recent work on inflammation and nutrition during the transition period, touching on how nutrients—including rumen-protected choline and niacin—can act as signals to influence cell physiology and boost performance. Barry also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at <a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/dairy-facility/index">MSU’s brand-new, state-of-the-art research dairy</a>, and shares how the facility came to life and why university dairies are <em>essential</em> to advancing real world solutions for producers and the global dairy sector as a whole. From mentoring young scientists to solving on-farm challenges, Barry reflects on the moments that make the long haul of research worthwhile—and offers his best advice on finding your calling and setting the world on fire.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Episode Twenty-Nine Show Notes</strong></p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/bradford-barry">Barry Bradford, PhD</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-bradford-1b42126b">connect with him on LinkedIn</a>.</p><p>Want even more of the latest dairy food science? Join us at the <a href="https://www.adsa.org/Meetings/2026-Annual-Meeting">ADSA 2026 Annual Meeting</a> in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, next June! </p><p>Start earning rewards and journal savings via the <a href="https://www.adsa.org/Publications/Journal-Rewards"><strong>ADSA Loyalty Rewards Program</strong></a> for the <a href="https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/"><em><strong>Journal of Dairy Science</strong></em></a> and <a href="https://www.jdscommun.org/"><em><strong>JDS Communications</strong></em></a>.</p><p>Are you looking for tips on crafting your own “on fire” graphic for your next scientific paper? <a href="https://www.adsa.org/Publications/JDS-Communications/Savvy-Science-Styling">We’ve got you covered with tips and resources</a> for maximizing your research’s visual appeal. </p><p><strong>Catch up on the papers discussed in the episode and takea virtual tour of MSU’s new dairy:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/msu-hosts-tour-of-new-dairy-cattle-teaching-and-research-center">MSU hosts tour of new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center</a>, Michigan State University (2025) </p><p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030215005159"><em>Invited review:</em> Inflammation during the transition to lactation: New adventures with an old flame</a>, <em>Journal of Dairy Science </em>(2015)</p><p><a href="https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22239" target="_blank">Effects of prenatal dietary rumen-protected cholinesupplementation during late gestation on calf growth, metabolism, and vaccine response</a>, <em>Journal of Dairy Science</em> (2022) </p><p><a href="https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22429"><em>Symposium review:</em> Fueling appetite: Nutrient metabo