Facilities
In recent years, the Dairy Centre has replaced all its original cattle buildings with modern, purpose-built facilities equipped with state-of-the-art research technology. We have also constructed new laboratories, a conference room and student accommodation.
Main Building
This large modern study facility––housing maternity pens and free-stalls for lactating cows––is a research hub where herd management software is tested; animal behavior is continuously monitored via cameras; and individual milk production and physiological activities can be observed electronically.
Feed Intake Research Facility
This state-of-the-art barn is mainly dedicated to the collection of detailed data, through automated feed bins (Insentec) that can measure feed and water consumption, frequency of visits, feeding times, and a number of other data and patterns for individual animals. The corral with the feed intake bins can house up to 60 animals (older than 15 months). Overhead cameras monitor specific animal or group behavior, enabling around-the-clock collection of key data.
Westgen Calf Research Facility
Studying animals from birth to 8-10 weeks, this facility––complete with an isolation ward and individual and group calf pens––enables detailed research of this key age group. Individual milk, water, grain and forage consumption is continuously measured, using automated feed bins and automated milk feeders, while cameras monitor specific calf or group behavior.
Heifer Research Facility
This barn site enables the study of cattle that have been already weaned up until they become pregnant heifers––an age group often overlooked by researchers. Some individual feeding and drinking are continuously measured, while behavior is easily monitored via overhead cameras.
Office and Laboratory Building
A multi-use site housing the BMO conference room, capable of holding meetings of multiple sizes, as well as student offices. The research facilities contained in this facility include two fully equipped laboratories with fume and laminar flow hoods, and a number of equipment for sample analyses. Walk-in refrigeration and freezer rooms are also incorporated in this site.
