MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center publishes first newsletter
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EmailStay up to date on research and events at the new MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center.
The Michigan State University (MSU) Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center has many exciting projects and updates as the cows, employees and faculty adjust to the new dairy farm. While the farm is not currently open to the public, we hope to offer a public open house this summer.
What’s new at the dairy?
- The herd size has grown from 250 cows to 630 cows.
- Two robotic milkers were added in addition to our new double 12 parallel parlor to expand teaching and research opportunities.
- Our staff has grown to 21 full-time and temporary employees, and over 40 student employees.
- The new facility includes a manure barn with a sand separator that allows sand in the free stalls to be reclaimed, reducing costs and promoting sustainability.
- The barn is equipped with a custom ventilation system that automatically monitors humidity and temperature to maintain optimal cow comfort.
- The facility features two classrooms and a conference room for on-site student learning, meetings and events.
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An update from Jim Good, farm manager
Welcome to this first edition of the MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center Newsletter. This newsletter is designed to keep you all connected with the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. Since moving into the new facility last August, it has been an exciting period, though not without its challenges. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our staff, many of these challenges have been successfully addressed. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all our team members for their commitment and service to the operation.
Since last fall, we have made significant progress, including:
- Decreasing the Somatic Cell Count from 180,000 cells/mL to the current 50,000 cells/mL
- Achieving milk production in the mid-80-pound range with a 4.6% butterfat test
- 31% annualized cull rate even after purchasing almost 400 cows to fill the facility
- 55% of the herd is currently pregnant
- Utilizing 100% reclaimed sand to bed free stalls
- Receiving a Bronze Milk Quality Award at the recent Michigan Milk Producers Association annual meeting
Current research projects
The improved facilities means that faculty members are better able to conduct research and address issues that occur on dairy farms. Some new research projects are listed below.
- Pedro Trindade, PhD is conducting a research study to investigate long-term impacts on pain, health and production in heifer calves.
- Barry Bradford, PhD is beginning a project feeding two doses of a polyphenol extract from cherry pits to see whether it can help cows recover from endotoxin-induced mastitis.
- Zheng Zhou’s, PhD latest research project revolves around evaluating whether celery by-products can reduce methane emissions and improve feed efficiency in mid-lactation dairy cows, in collaboration with Mike VandeHaar, PhD.
- Richard Pursley, PhD is in the early stages of coordinating a study on embryo transfers.
- Barry Bradfor, PhD and Mike Vandehaar, PhD are investigating whether Rumensin and Bovaer, two feed additives that decrease methane emissions, have any interactions when fed in combination.
- Adam Lock’s, PhD research centers on fatty acid digestion and metabolism, with an emphasis on how diet influences rumen function, nutrient partitioning and milk fat synthesis.
- Pamela Ruegg, PhD, is evaluating the impact of treatment with Meloxicam on bacteria in cows that received SpectramastDC, a common antibiotic used on dairy farms.
Student spotlight
Owen Newland is a student employee at the dairy farm. He is majoring in agribusiness management and minoring in agronomy. He chose MSU because of the connections and opportunities in the agricultural industry. Outside of school and work, Newland enjoys spending time with his brothers from Alpha Gamma Rho, helping on his family’s farm, and being with his friends and family. After graduation, he hopes to work in agricultural business or sales while continuing to support his family’s farm.
Donor update
In recognition of their generous gift to MSU, Duane Stuever and the Stuever family were recently honored with the naming of the Stuever Family Conference Room at the dairy farm. Other recent donors include Chapin Family Farms, Sanborn and Sons Dairy, and Preston Dairy.
Are you interested in supporting the future of dairy at MSU? Contact the dairy farm operations coordinator Kylie Slavik at slavikky@msu.edu for more information.