Tackling Transition Challenges and Milk Component Maximization

The scientific association behind the Journal of Dairy Science® and JDS Communications® offers a dedicated program to expand your client toolbox.

The 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA)–the scientific organization behind the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications–will take place from June 21 to 24, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This year’s event

includes the second-annual Applied Nutrition track, a specialized program designed to equip practicing dairy nutritionists with the latest science-driven, real-world strategies and access to the world’s leading science experts, all in one place.

“Dairy nutrition continues to evolve,” said Corwin Nelson, ADSA’s Annual Meeting science director and director of technical services at RP Nutrients. “The Applied Nutrition track exists to translate the latest dairy science research into practice, helping dairy nutritionists lead innovation with their clients.”

The Applied Nutrition track features symposia, platform sessions, and networking opportunities built around one goal: giving dairy nutritionists a competitive edge through emerging data, client-ready recommendations, and access to scientific experts. While this specialized program spans Monday through Wednesday at the meeting, the central focus of the event is the Joint ARPAS and Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: Nutritional Management of Transition Dairy Cows, happening Monday, June 22.

The transition period is the most critical stage of the dairy cow’s production cycle and, despite decades of research, nutrition during this period remains an active frontier, with new insights into nutrient metabolism and immune regulation. Transition cow management is consistently cited by dairy producers, nutritionists, and veterinarians as a top priority because it directly

drives herd profitability and long-term sustainability. Nutritional strategies that improve metabolism reduce metabolic disease, support fertility, and increase efficiency.

The full-day symposium, in partnership with the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS), will address both foundational mechanisms and field-level applications, featuring well-recognized researchers in the fields of calcium metabolism, nutritional modulation of inflammation and immunity, and energy and protein metabolism.

The morning session will focus on recent insights into calcium absorption and transport, its interaction with inflammation, and potential outcomes of both established and novel hypocalcemia-management strategies. The afternoon session will focus on dietary strategies to optimize transition cow performance. Attendees will be provided with timely, actionable knowledge regarding this key period in the dairy cow’s production cycle.

Explore the full applied nutrition program, including:

• Lactation Biology Symposium: The New Era of High Components—How Can We Increase Milk Protein in Accordance with Milk Fat?
• Forages and Pastures Symposium: Sustainable Forage Production—A Management Perspective on Climate Resilience
• Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: From Data to the Barn—The Application of Nutritional Models
• Ruminant Nutrition Platform Session: Rumen Microbial Protein—Supply, Efficiency, and Measurement
• Small Ruminant Symposium: Managing Nutritional Challenges in Sheep and Goats During the Transition Period
• Extension Education Symposium: Dairy Extension and Industry Impacts—From Research to Real Life
• Ruminant Nutrition Platform Session: Mighty Methyl Donors—Updates on the Roles of 1-C Supplementation and Metabolism in Dairy Production

Outside of sessions, the ADSA Annual Meeting offers the chance to connect with future collaborators and employees by bringing together the world’s largest gathering of dairy nutritionist scientists and students.

To accommodate busy schedules, ADSA offers flexible one-day registration options and discounted hotel rates, making it easier than ever for nutritionists to attend. Professional membership, which saves attendees more than $150 on registration, is available at sign-up and unlocks year-round access to the ADSA membership directory, a growing library of recorded symposia, and leadership and award opportunities.

The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) is an international organization of educators, scientists, and industry representatives who are committed to advancing the dairy industry and keenly aware of the vital role the dairy sciences play in fulfilling the economic, nutritive, and health requirements of the world’s population. It provides leadership in scientific and technical support to sustain and grow the global dairy industry through generation, dissemination, and exchange of information and services. Together, ADSA members have discovered new methods and technologies that have revolutionized the dairy industry. www.adsa.org