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Home | Pasture Dairy Center | Dairy and Grazing Research

Dairy and Grazing Research

Research at the Pasture Dairy Center takes a systems approach to the study of pasture-based dairy and robotic milking technology.  The Dairy provides a unique facility for conducting both basic and applied research. Additional information about conducting research at the Kellogg Biological Station can be found on our website. Prospective researchers wanting to conduct research at the Pasture Dairy Center should contact us to learn more.

Ongoing Research

Antimicrobial Resistance

A research team led by Dr. Jade Mitchell is investigating the fate and transport of antimicrobial resistance in agricultural lands and scrutinize the effects of certain management practices in mitigating the delivery of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and genes to the environment.

Bovine Leukemia Virus

The Pasture Dairy Center is participating in a field trial focusing on the reduction of Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) in dairy herds throughout the United States. A team of researchers from Michigan State University are leading this effort, and more information can be found on the BLV USA website or read through a recent article published by MSU AgBioResearch.

Climate Change

KBS is using a noninvasive, real-time head chamber system to collect data on animal gas emissions. Information is used to compare enteric methane and carbon dioxide emissions in grazing dairy herds. This research is part of a larger project focusing on the life cycle analysis of dairy cattle and climate change. Continued research will address improving feed efficiency and the carbon footprint associated with pasture dairy farms.

Complementary Forages

The forage base at the Pasture Dairy Center consists primarily of perennial mixtures. Yet, these perennial mixtures exhibit variable growth rates throughout the year, leading to forage deficits at critical times, such as mid-summer and late fall. Research efforts are targeting annual forages as supplements during these times of forage deficiency, including evaluation of species, varieties, intercropping and double-cropping strategies, and economic evaluation of suitability.

Forage Utilization

Forage research looks at the nutritional base that maintains digestive function, improves animal health, and provides nutrients to the cow in a cost-effective manner. This research will help in developing management practices that balance milk production, costs, and long‐term sustainability.

Pasture and Grazing Systems

Current research focuses on pasture management for forage quality and long-term pasture health, thus ensuring the quality and quantity of forage and dry matter available both now and during the next grazing season. Other research examines what combinations of plant species influence the quality and capacity of pastures.

Robotic Milking

Our research examines Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) also known as robotic milking. This includes the investigation of differing dairy structures and the effects of stocking rates on whole system performance, milk production efficiency, and the environmental impacts in pasture-based farms.  In addition, the AMS collects information on milk quantity, quality, and cow health.

 

Prospective Researchers

The Pasture Dairy Center offers opportunities for research by Michigan State University and non-MSU persons. Research should fit into the overall long-term dairy systems research being conducted. Contact us to discuss possible research projects.

The Pasture Dairy Center is part of the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), which offers a wide variety of agriculture and ecology research opportunities. Visit the Visiting Researcher page on the KBS website for more information.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH

  • Current Research Highlights
  • Pasture Dairy Center
  • Sustainable Agriculture Focus

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A legacy of conservation; a commitment to sustainability.

W.K. Kellogg Farm
10461 N. 40th St.
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
(269) 671-2402
kelloggfarm@kbs.msu.edu
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