In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ilaria Minussi, postdoctoral research associate at Texas A&M University, explains how low protein diets influence pig behavior and performance. She discusses amino acid deficiencies, tail biting risk, and how pigs adjust feed intake when nutritional needs are unmet. Dr. Minussi highlights welfare, environmental impact, and practical formulation challenges for modern swine systems. Discover actionable insight for nutrition professionals. Listen now on all major platforms!

“When low crude protein diets are also deficient in amino acids, pigs reduce feed intake and increase foraging behavior to compensate for missing nutrients.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Ilaria Minussi is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas A&M University, working within the Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity. She earned her PhD at Wageningen University and Research, focusing on animal nutrition and adaptation physiology. Her work explores how amino acid supply influences pig behavior, welfare, and performance in commercial systems.

Click here to read the full research articles:

Amino acid supplementation counteracts negative effects of low protein diets on tail biting in pigs more than extra environmental enrichment

Pigs Can Detect Multiple Amino Acid Deficiencies in a Choice Feeding Setting

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:18) Introduction
• (02:31) Low protein diets
• (04:21) Feeding behavior
• (06:34) Choice feeding
• (07:44) Functional needs
• (08:48) Sanitary effects
• (10:46) Final Questions

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Fortiva

* Kemin

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this special re-run episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, we bring back our conversation with Casey Neill from Carthage Veterinary Services, who explores the critical aspects of sow and piglet feeding. He breaks down strategies for improving lactation diets, ensuring smooth transitions for nursery pigs, and optimizing feed forms like crumbles and meals for better performance. Tune in on your preferred platform today!

"The lactation diet is an area we need to focus on, considering how much pigs and milk these sows are producing."

Meet the guest: Casey Neill earned his M.S. in swine nutrition from Kansas State University and has built a strong career supporting commercial swine systems. He has served as a swine nutritionist with Christensen Farms, Genus PLC, Pipestone, and currently with Carthage Veterinary Service, where he consults with independent producers on diet formulation and feed mill management.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:15) Introduction
• (03:13) Sow nutrition
• (04:07) Optimizing lactation diets
• (05:15) Younger parity sows
• (08:35) Strategies for nursery diets
• (11:41) Feed forms for nursery pigs
• (13:32) Closing thoughts

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Kemin

* Fortiva

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jamie Studer, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Iowa State University, explains why the transition from late gestation to lactation is one of the most critical periods for sow productivity and longevity. She discusses postpartum dysgalactia syndrome, metabolic adaptations, immune activation, and nutrient partitioning that influence milk production and piglet survival. Learn practical insights grounded in research that matters to modern swine systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

“The transition period includes substantial metabolic and hormonal changes that shift nutrient partitioning toward milk production rather than supporting gestation.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Jamie Studer earned her M.S. in 2021 and Ph.D. in 2025 in animal physiology with a focus on swine reproductive physiology at Iowa State University under Dr. Jason Ross. Her research centers on late gestation and lactation disorders, including postpartum dysgalactia syndrome and pelvic organ prolapse, with emphasis on metabolic and physiological adaptations.

Click here to read the full research article!

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:31) Introduction
• (03:18) Research focus
• (04:20) Transition importance
• (05:52) PDS explained
• (06:41) Risk factors
• (08:38) Industry gaps
• (10:58) Final Questions

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Kemin

* Fortiva

- Keys Manufacturing

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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