Land O’Lakes invests further in calf nutrition
Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products recently completed construction on a state-of-the art research facility outside St. Louis, Mo.
“The facility will provide new opportunities to evaluate calf feeding methods such as three times-a-day feeding and 4 quart bottles, in addition to levels of nutrition and milk replacer technologies,” says Kevin Hoepker, general manager with Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products.
Focus on nutrition and management
More than 1,500 research trials, with over 60,000 calves have been completed to date – all to determine the best nutrition and feeding method. “Not only do we conduct research on nutrition, we also focus on management – the two go hand-in-hand when it comes to raising dairy calves to their fullest potential,” explains Hoepker. Studies conducted have included vaccine protocols and protein sources, to immune enhancers and probiotics.
Collaboration with universities
In addition to this new facility, Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products continues to collaborate with universities. “It’s important we partner with organizations and universities that share our vision and passion for calves, to strengthen the industry as a whole,” says Hoepker. University research partnerships include: Cornell University, Iowa State University, The Ohio State University, Texas Tech University, University of Minnesota, University of New Hampshire and Virginia Tech to name a few.
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