The Real P3

Hosted by Casey L. Bradley

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150

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Real P3 Podcast, where innovation and resilience meet to shape the future of animal nutrition and health. Join us each week as we dive deep into the heart of the industry. Every Monday, the 'Unstoppable' team brings you powerful stories of resilience and inspiration from leaders shaping our industry. Then, on Thursdays, the Animistic team showcases how innovation drives solutions in animal nutrition and business. Our sessions feature groundbreaking developments and practical insights across all livestock and pet species. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the field, tune in to The Real P3 Podcast to empower your knowledge and inspire action in an industry where science meets heart.

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60 recent

June 23, 2026Episode 14417 min

Why ventilation, biosecurity, and animal resilience all matter in the fight against PRRS

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Real P3 Podcast, Casey Bradley sits down with Rob Langenhorst, technical sales manager with AAF International, at World Pork Expo to revisit one of the most persistent challenges in swine health: PRRS and the role of air filtration in reducing disease pressure. Rob shares how his background in microbiology shapes the way he follows PRRS virus evolution, especially the rapid changes seen in lineage 1C strains since 2021. As producers continue to face costly breaks, he explains why interest in air filtration has increased and why the goal is not always to eliminate risk completely, but to reduce the frequency and impact of disease events. The conversation breaks down the practical decision making behind filtered sow farms, including positive pressure versus negative pressure systems, ventilation requirements, barn age, exterior wall construction, ceiling and roof condition, and the many leak points that can affect system performance. Rob explains why there is no single answer for every farm and why the best filtration strategy depends on the structure, airflow needs, and production goals of each operation. Casey and Rob also clarify what makes animal agriculture filtration different from a standard home air filter. Rob explains how viruses are typically carried on dust particles, droplets, dander, and other transport vectors, and how properly designed filters help capture those particles before they enter the barn. The discussion expands beyond PRRS to include bacteria, influenza, HPAI, and the broader goal of providing cleaner air for pigs and people. A key segment of the episode focuses on research from the University of Minnesota using long term health monitoring data to compare filtered and unfiltered farms. Rob highlights reported PRRS break reductions of 58 percent in positive pressure farms and 51 percent in negative pressure farms, noting that both systems showed strong results and can help producers evaluate potential return on investment. The episode also explores the evolution of filtration options, from MERV 14 and MERV 16 filters to MERV 15, high flow MERV 16, Bio Shield filters, and 17 inch deep filters designed to improve airflow, protection, and project flexibility. Rob explains how these options can help producers protect pigs while balancing construction costs, airflow needs, and long term system performance. Beyond filtration itself, Casey and Rob discuss the layered nature of biosecurity. Air filtration is one important layer, but filtered barns can still break if other entry points are not controlled. The conversation touches on heated supply rooms, pressurized load chutes, shower protocols, UV boxes, feed bin risks, and the importance of consistent procedures every day of the year. Topics covered include: Why PRRS continues to challenge swine producers How lineage 1C strains have changed the conversation around disease prevention Why more producers are considering air filtration for sow farms Positive pressure versus negative pressure filtration systems How barn age, construction, and air leaks affect filtration decisions The difference between home air filters and animal agriculture filtration systems How viruses travel on dust, droplets, dander, and other particles What University of Minnesota data suggests about PRRS break reduction in filtered farms The potential return on investment from reducing PRRS breaks How MERV 15, high flow MERV 16, Bio Shield, and 17 inch filters fit into farm design Why clean air matters for both pigs and farm employees How filtration fits into a larger biosecurity program Why process, procedures, and daily consistency remain critical This episode is a great listen for swine producers, veterinarians, production managers, farm owners, biosecurity specialists, and anyone interested in practical strategies for reducing disease pressure, improving air quality, and protecting both pigs and people. Connect with us on : Instagram @therealp3_podcast LinkedIn @The Real P3 Facebook @The Real P3 Our Website

June 16, 2026Episode 14311 min

Beyond the Needle: How Needle-Free Technology Supports Production with Jordan Clay

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Real P3 Podcast, Casey Bradley sits down with Jordan Clay of Air-Tite Products at World Pork Expo to explore a practical technology with a powerful value proposition for modern swine production: needle free vaccination. Jordan shares the story of Air-Tite Products, a company with nearly 100 years of history that began on a poultry farm in southern New Jersey and has grown into a multi species animal health, human health, industrial, veterinary lab, and aesthetic health business. From traditional syringes to advanced vaccination devices, Air-Tite continues to focus on solutions that fit real production needs rather than creating complexity without purpose. The conversation centers on the HSW EPIG needle free device, designed for vaccinating piglets through the nursery phase. Jordan explains how the system works, how it delivers vaccine intramuscularly without a needle, and why this approach may help reduce stress on animals while also supporting more consistent, practical vaccination protocols in the barn. A key part of the discussion focuses on biosecurity. Casey and Jordan explore how shared needles can create risk in production systems, why needle free technology may help reduce the possibility of disease transfer, and how vaccination delivery tools can become part of a broader strategy for protecting herd health. The episode also looks at worker safety and animal welfare, including the risks of accidental needle sticks, the physical demands of vaccination work, and the potential benefits of moving toward devices that are easier, safer, and more efficient to use. Jordan also introduces newer technology such as the HSW Jetpack, which separates the compressor and battery from the handheld injector to create a lighter and more flexible vaccination experience. Beyond needle free systems, the conversation touches on other Air-Tite and HSW technologies, including battery powered vaccination devices, tube fed and bottle fed setups, and traditional syringe options designed for everyday use across animal production. Topics covered include: Why needle free vaccination is gaining attention in swine production How Air-Tite Products has evolved over nearly 100 years The role of vaccination devices in biosecurity programs How shared needles may contribute to disease transfer risk Animal welfare and stress considerations during vaccination Worker safety and the importance of reducing accidental needle sticks How the HSW EPIG needle free device works What the HSW Jetpack may offer for lighter, more flexible vaccination The importance of matching technology to real production needs Where traditional syringes, battery powered devices, and needle free systems fit in practical animal health programs This episode is a great listen for swine producers, veterinarians, animal health professionals, production managers, and anyone interested in practical tools that support biosecurity, worker safety, animal welfare, and more efficient vaccination strategies. Connect with us on : Instagram @therealp3_podcast LinkedIn @The Real P3 Facebook @The Real P3 Our Website

June 9, 2026Episode 14219 min

Interview with Dr Jeremiah Nemechek of Novus International at World Pork Expo

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Real P3 — People, Problems, and Perspectives in Animal Nutrition and Health — Casey Bradley sits down with Jeremiah Nemechek of Novus International at World Pork Expo to revisit an old but increasingly important topic in swine nutrition: trypsin inhibitors in soybean meal. Trypsin inhibitors are not new science, but recent university research and industry data are causing nutritionists to rethink how much they may be impacting pig performance. Jeremiah shares why soybean meal variation may be greater than many people realize, why testing frequency matters, and how tools like NIR analysis may help the industry move toward faster, more consistent monitoring. Casey and Jeremiah also discuss how soybean processing, heat treatment, and ingredient variability can influence nutritional value, and why the same diet formulation may not always produce the same pig performance when soybean meal quality changes. The conversation also explores potential solutions, including protease enzymes and future strategies for matching enzyme technology to the level of anti-nutritional challenge in the diet. Topics covered include: Why trypsin inhibitors are gaining renewed attention in swine nutrition Variation in soybean meal across plants and time points Challenges with wet chemistry testing and between-lab variation How NIR technology may support more frequent ingredient monitoring The relationship between trypsin inhibitors, protein digestion, and amino acid availability Where protease enzymes may fit in practical feed strategies Why this issue matters beyond nursery pigs and may have broader implications across swine production phases This episode is a great listen for nutritionists, feed manufacturers, swine producers, researchers, and anyone interested in practical precision nutrition. Connect with us on : Instagram @therealp3_podcast LinkedIn @The Real P3 Facebook @The Real P3 Our Website

March 25, 2026Episode 14138 min

Swine Nutrition with Tracy Meyer-Milson

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Real P3 Podcast, Chantel Pennicott and Aryeri Bardales sit down with Tracy Meyer Milson, swine nutritionist and founder of OptiHog, to explore a simple but often overlooked concept in modern production: less is more. Tracy shares her journey from growing up on a pig farm in South Africa to launching her own nutrition consultancy, bringing decades of experience across global production systems. Her perspective challenges the industry’s tendency to overcomplicate diets with excessive additives, instead emphasizing a return to fundamental nutrition principles and practical decision making. The conversation dives into the growing complexity of feed formulation and how advancements in genetics, technology, and additive availability can sometimes lead producers away from what truly drives performance. Tracy explains why focusing on core nutritional building blocks, protein, energy, fiber, and fats, often delivers better outcomes than layering multiple solutions without clear purpose. A key segment of the episode focuses on mycotoxin management, where the group discusses the widespread use, and misuse, of toxin binders across different regions. From South Africa’s high contamination challenges to routine inclusion practices in the United States, the discussion highlights the risks of “just in case” decisions, false security, and the importance of testing, strategy, and targeted use. The episode also explores beta agonists as a performance tool, examining their benefits, limitations, and the critical role of timing, environment, and animal welfare. Tracy and Aryeri emphasize that no additive can compensate for poor management, and that pushing for more performance without balance can negatively impact both animals and people. Beyond nutrition, the conversation expands into the human side of production. From farm staff engagement to communication between nutritionists and producers, the group underscores how people ultimately determine animal outcomes. As Tracy puts it, a holistic approach that values both technical precision and human factors is essential for sustainable success. Whether you are a nutritionist, producer, or industry professional, this episode offers a grounded perspective on simplifying decision making, evaluating additives with purpose, and building systems that balance performance, welfare, and profitability. Connect with us on : Instagram @therealp3_podcast LinkedIn @The Real P3 Facebook @The Real P3 Our Website

March 11, 2026Episode 14028 min

Microtracers with David Eisenberg

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Real P3 Podcast, Dr. Casey Bradley sits down with David Eisenberg, President of Microtracers, Inc., to explore the science and real world applications of microtracers in animal feed manufacturing and research. David shares the story behind Microtracers, a company founded by his father in 1961 after pioneering analytical tracing technologies for feed manufacturing. What began as a small laboratory analyzing bakery products evolved into a global business helping feed mills verify mixing accuracy, track ingredients, and protect product integrity. The conversation explains what microtracers are and how they work. These tiny colored particles are added to feed ingredients to verify mixing uniformity, detect cross contamination, and confirm that the correct feed reaches the correct animals. From early salt tracers to magnetic iron particles that can be quickly separated and counted, the technology has become a practical quality control tool used worldwide. David also discusses how microtracers help protect animal safety and product integrity by identifying medicated feeds, preventing ingredient misuse, and allowing rapid testing at feed mills or farms without waiting for laboratory analysis. The episode also explores how microtracers support research programs by validating feed mixing, reducing feeding errors in trials, and improving confidence in experimental results. Dr. Bradley also shares how Animistic plans to integrate this technology into its upcoming AssureMix program to support feed manufacturing validation and research services. Whether you work in feed manufacturing, animal nutrition research, or production management, this episode highlights how a simple but powerful technology can improve feed quality, safety, and research precision. Connect with us on : Instagram @therealp3_podcast LinkedIn @The Real P3 Facebook @The Real P3 Our Website

November 19, 2025Episode 13927 min

NOVUS Book Launch Special: Nutrition, Reproduction, Sow Mortality, and more with Four Leading Experts

Send us Fan Mail In this special edition of The Real P3, Dr. Casey Bradley brings together all four interviews from the NOVUS book launch event for Nutrition and Production Strategies for Today’s Sows . This episode highlights the collective expertise of leaders shaping the future of sow health, performance, and longevity. From amino acid evolution to heat stress, micronutrition, and reproductive management, these conversations reflect how rapidly the modern sow has changed—and what producers, nutritionists, and veterinarians must understand to support her success. We begin with Dr. Laura Greiner (Iowa State University) , who explains how sow nutrition has transformed over the last 25 years. She walks us through the shift from simple lysine-based feeding to precision nutrition, technology-driven management, and understanding lactation amino acid transitions. Next, Dr. Brad Lawrence (Novus International) challenges long-held assumptions about trace minerals. He dives into bio-utility versus bioavailability, new insights from biomarkers and gene expression, and how mineral source directly influences sow and offspring performance. Our third conversation features Dr. Timothy Safranski (University of Missouri) , one of the industry’s foremost reproductive physiologists. He breaks down the genetic and environmental pressures shaping reproduction today, especially how heat stress affects puberty, estrus, farrowing rate, boar fertility, and long-term herd outcomes. We close with Dr. Antonio Palomo (Spain) , offering a global perspective on the alarming rise in sow mortality. This segment includes an English voiceover summarizing his in-person Spanish interview. Dr. Palomo reveals why sow deaths are now largely metabolic rather than infectious, and why micronutrition —vitamins, minerals, oxidative stress reducers—may be the key to reversing this trend. Whether you're a nutritionist, production manager, veterinarian, or student of swine systems, this combined episode captures the essential knowledge shaping the future of sow performance. Special thanks to NOVUS International for their continued investment in research, global collaboration, and producer education. You can watch the full four-part video series on YouTube, including the Spanish-language version of our conversation with Dr. Palomo. 📬 For technical support or industry guidance, email technical@animistic.co 🌐 Learn more at animistic.co Connect with us on : Instagram @therealp3_podcast LinkedIn @The Real P3 Facebook @The Real P3 Our Website

November 11, 2025Episode 13839 min

Launching Unstoppable: Building Resilient Leaders in Agriculture

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the Animistic Team sits down with Izak Van Heerden to unveil Unstoppable —a 12-day, immersive leadership and resilience experience launching in South Africa . Born from two years of development with partners across the globe, Unstoppable blends outdoor challenge, reflection, and science-backed leadership tools to help people in agriculture thrive through adversity. From a 10th-generation South African farming legacy to leading AgriLeader in the UK, Izak shares why self-leadership must come before leading teams and businesses—and how mental health in farming demands honest conversation and practical support. We also explore: Why “your comfort zone is your dream cemetery ” The science behind growth through discomfort (walk-and-think, novelty, and reflection) What the 12-day South Africa experience includes (Garden Route, Storms River Gorge , Table Mountain , optional shark cage diving , seal swims, and more) Partnerships with the Savory Institute , Ingrid Fear , Dr. Nell , DAPA , and others Post-tour continuity: 1:1 support and an ongoing peer community 🔗 Learn more or sign up: https://www.unstoppablenow.world 📧 Contact: technical@animistic.co Connect with us on : Instagram @therealp3_podcast LinkedIn @The Real P3 Facebook @The Real P3 Our Website

October 4, 2025Episode 13732 min

Exploring Layer Physiology and Poultry Science with Dr. Laura Ellestad

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Real P3 Podcast, host Daniel Adams welcomes Dr. Laura Ellestad, Associate Professor of Poultry Physiology and Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Georgia. Laura’s career in poultry science began in an unexpected place — fish nutrition research — before evolving into a passion for poultry physiology and teaching. She shares her journey from aquaculture to poultry, how mentorship and opportunities shaped her path, and what drew her to focus on layer physiology and broiler feed efficiency . Laura also reflects on the unique balance between research and teaching, the importance of preparing the next generation of poultry scientists, and how physiology can unlock practical solutions for challenges like skeletal health and egg production in long-lived layers. From behind-the-scenes stories of raising hens for nearly 100 weeks to her collaborative work on nutrition, endocrinology, and welfare, Laura offers valuable insights into how science, education, and industry needs intersect. She also gives advice to students and young professionals about keeping an open mind, taking opportunities, and building meaningful networks in animal agriculture. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or poultry industry professional, this episode highlights the curiosity, persistence, and mentorship that drive innovation in poultry science. Connect with us on : Instagram @therealp3_podcast LinkedIn @The Real P3 Facebook @The Real P3 Our Website

August 20, 2025Episode 13627 min

From Summer Camp to Science: Brittany Hutson’s Journey in Poultry Nutrition

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Real P3 Podcast , host Daniel Adams welcomes Brittany Hutson , Global Technical Research Associate for Poultry at Zinpro. Brittany’s story in poultry science began in 2014 at NC State University’s Poultry Science Summer Institute, a high school camp that changed the trajectory of her career. What started as an interest in veterinary medicine soon grew into a passion for poultry, leading her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science with a minor in Biology from NC State University , followed by a Master’s degree in Poultry Science from Auburn University . Today, Brittany supports Zinpro’s global sales teams by translating cutting-edge research into practical, accessible tools for producers around the world. She shares how her academic experiences and key mentors shaped her career path, what she’s learned about scientific communication, and why organic trace minerals play such an important role in poultry health and performance. Brittany also reflects on perseverance through challenging coursework, the value of mentorship, and her advice for students considering careers in animal science. Her story is a testament to curiosity, persistence, and the power of science to make a difference in animal agriculture. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or industry professional, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insights into building a rewarding career in poultry nutrition. Connect with us on : Instagram @therealp3_podcast LinkedIn @The Real P3 Facebook @The Real P3 Our Website

August 12, 2025Episode 13543 min

Bridging Agriculture and Technology in China – with Franklyn Zhu

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Franklyn Zhu, a Yale-trained computer scientist turned agriculture entrepreneur, to explore the evolving swine and poultry industries in China. Franklyn shares how his Silicon Valley data science background and family legacy in animal nutrition led him to co-found a company specializing in piglet milk replacers and dynamic nutrition systems. We unpack key industry trends—from automation and data utilization to the economics of feed additives, antibiotic use, and consumer trust in food safety. Franklyn offers insider perspectives on overcapacity challenges, the realities of cage-free adoption in China, and the growing role of upcycled ingredients. We also discuss the unique opportunities and challenges for U.S.–China collaboration in animal agriculture over the next decade. Whether you’re curious about global livestock production, technology’s role in agriculture, or the intersection of economics and animal nutrition, this episode offers rare insights from someone working at the frontlines of China’s agri-food sector. Connect with us on : Instagram @therealp3_podcast LinkedIn @The Real P3 Facebook @The Real P3 Our Website