In this episode of The Feed Science Podcast Show, Dr. Kevin Harvatine, Professor of Nutritional Physiology at Penn State, explains how nutrition and management shape milk fat, from avoiding milk fat depression to strategically increasing it. He breaks down seasonal milk fat patterns, photoperiod management, and the role of fat sources like palmitic acid and high oleic soybeans. Get practical, research-backed strategies for dairy performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Palmitic acid consistently supports higher milk fat, while eighteen-carbon fatty acids interact with basal fat levels and exhibit less predictable responses.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kevin Harvatine is a Professor of Nutritional Physiology at Penn State whose research integrates ruminant nutrition and molecular biology to improve milk component synthesis and rumen fatty acid metabolism. His work spans dietary factors that alter biohydrogenation, regulation of milk fat synthesis, and practical feeding strategies using targeted fatty acids and management. 

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

What will you learn: 

• (00:00 ) Highlight
• (00:47 ) Introduction
• (03:30 ) Milk fat depression
• (06:54 ) Seasonal pattern
• (09:31 ) Photoperiod strategy
• (12:15 ) Fat supplements
• (18:28 ) High oleic soy
• (27:01 ) Final Questions

The Feed Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Kemin

* Evonik

- VAL-CO

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Feed Science Podcast Show

Instagram: The Feed Science Podcast Show

LinkedIn: The Feed Science Podcast Show