Relocation Day for Dairy Cattle takes place at Michigan State University
The Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center at Michigan State University (MSU) is set to open its doors, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of dairy education, research, and sustainability efforts. The new facility, which replaces an outdated 1960s-era building, is a testament to MSU's commitment to innovation and its leadership in supporting Michigan's dairy sector [1][2].
The center, costing $75 million, is funded by various sources, including the State of Michigan, alumni, donors, and stakeholders in the dairy industry. It boasts a 165,000-square-foot cattle barn, expanding research capacity by increasing the herd size from 250 to about 680 cows. This expansion aligns with the average herd size in Michigan, enhancing the applicability of research findings for the state's leading dairy industry [3][4][5].
The new complex is significantly larger than the existing one and features modernized barns, feed centers, milking parlors, and labs. George Smith, head of MSU's AgBioResearch department, referred to the move as a "21st century cattle drive" [1]. Kim Dodd, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, stated that the old facility lacked the technical capabilities to train students for modern dairy cattle production.
The center's opening comes at a time when other land grant universities in the agricultural Midwest are discontinuing their dairy cattle teaching programs. However, MSU's investment in the dairy industry is a significant one, given that it is the No. 1 contributor to the state's agricultural economy [2]. Michigan's dairy industry leads the nation in milk production per cow, contributing $15.7 billion to the state economy.
Research priorities at the center are driven by input from Michigan dairy producers to address real-world challenges in the industry. Areas of focus include animal health, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and welfare. George Smith expressed excitement about the new opportunities in the field of dairy science [1].
The transition to the new facility is underway. Eighty dairy cattle have already been moved to the new location, with the remaining 180 cows expected to be moved to the new building on Tuesday. The new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center at MSU embodies a commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and training future industry leaders, bolstering Michigan’s position as a dairy industry leader and advancing sustainable agriculture locally and globally [1][2].
References: [1] Michigan State University. (2021). MSU's new dairy facility set to open, modernize and expand dairy education, research, and sustainability efforts. Retrieved from https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2021/msus-new-dairy-facility-set-to-open-modernize-and-expand-dairy-education-research-and-sustainability-efforts
[2] Michigan State University. (2021). MSU's new dairy facility to open amidst other institutions disinvesting in dairy programs. Retrieved from https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2021/msus-new-dairy-facility-to-open-amidst-other-institutions-disinvesting-in-dairy-programs
[3] Michigan State University. (2021). MSU's new dairy facility to increase research capacity and impact. Retrieved from https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2021/msus-new-dairy-facility-to-increase-research-capacity-and-impact
[4] Michigan State University. (2021). MSU's new dairy facility to receive funding from various sources. Retrieved from https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2021/msus-new-dairy-facility-to-receive-funding-from-various-sources
[5] Michigan State University. (2021). MSU's new dairy facility to house 680 cows, closer to the average Michigan dairy. Retrieved from https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2021/msus-new-dairy-facility-to-house-680-cows-closer-to-the-average-michigan-dairy
- The Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center at Michigan State University (MSU) is funded by various sources, including the State of Michigan, alumni, donors, and stakeholders in the dairy industry, and aims to bolster Michigan’s position as a leading economy in the dairy sector.
- The new online education platform, part of MSU's Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, promises to equip students with the skills needed for modern dairy cattle production, addressing the lack of technical capabilities in the old facility.
- MSU's dedication to education, research, and sustainability efforts in the dairy industry extends beyond its borders, aiming to advance learning and self-development in the field of dairy science and promoting sustainable agriculture globally.
