In the Real Science Exchange Legacy Series, titled “Legacy Series: Honoring Dr. Don Beitz,” we celebrate the pioneers who have shaped the dairy industry. In this episode, we honor Dr. Don Beitz, a distinguished professor at Iowa State University. At the ADSA 2025 Annual Meeting, a symposium was held titled “Donald C. Beitz Recognition Symposium: 50-Plus Years of Dairy Science Research.” The guests on this episode, all former graduate students of Dr Beitz, were speakers at the event. Join us as we explore Dr. Beitz’s contributions and enduring impact on our industry.
Legacy Series: Honoring Dr. Don Beitz
Timestamps:
Panelists introduce themselves and how they met Dr. Beitz. Tricky MS and PhD exam questions are also shared. Panelists emphasize Dr Beitz’s love for biochemistry, teaching, and collaboration. (1:17) While honoring Dr. Beitz, the legacy series highlights his enduring contributions.
Dr. Beitz shares about his early life, academic career, and family. (11:45) The legacy series continues to honor him by delving into his life story.
Dr. Goff’s symposium presentation focused on Dr. Beitz and colleagues’ contribution to our understanding of transition cow hypocalcemia. He talks about studies on low calcium diets, investigating the metabolic pathways of vitamin D, and low phosphorus diets. Dr. Beitz also studied the impact of vitamin D on meat tenderness. (22:37) This honors Dr. Beitz’s legacy of impactful research.
Dr. Nelson’s presentation detailed the advances in understanding bovine immunology from the work of Don Beitz and his colleagues. From the milk fever vitamin D research, it was also discovered that vitamin D had an impact on the immune system, which led to further work with vitamin A and immunity as well. Dr. Beitz also had students investigate calf growth rate influence on immune system development as well as Johne’s disease. (27:22) His research greatly contributed to the legacy series honoring him.
Dr. Drackley focused on Dr. Beitz’s work in understanding fatty liver and ketosis. The transition period was of interest to Dr. Beitz, which is reflected not only in his work in hypocalcemia, but also the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism of ketosis. Dr. Beitz and his colleague, Dr. Young, developed a successful ketosis model using a slight feed restriction and supplementing a ketone body precursor, which was used to investigate ketosis and fatty liver. (30:25) His legacy is honored through these vital studies.
Dr. VandeHaar spoke about Dr. Beitz’s passion for research and teaching in dairy science, biochemistry, and life. He emphasized the depth and breadth of Dr. Beitz’s work and teaching. He shared that Dr. Beitz has served as major professor for around 107 graduate students and has taught biochemistry to over 16,000 students. (35:02) Dr. Beitz’s legacy is celebrated through his extensive contributions to teaching.
The panelists share stories about Dr. Beitz’s humility, care and support for students, and the many different professional societies he has been involved in over his career. (38:39) His legacy is honored through the sharing of these personal stories.
Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (42:56) The legacy series continues in honoring Dr. Beitz with reflections shared by participants.
Conclusion
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