November 14, 2007

Nutreco invests in Research and Development

Press release
 

The Nutreco Ruminant Research Centre (RRC) has reopened its research facility, Kempenshof. The facility has been completely renewed and expanded.

Kempenshof can house 140 cows, which gives the RRC the possibility to do more trials and with more cow numbers than before.

Kempenshof features extensive data recording measuring feed intake, milk production, activity and weight. For feed intake, registration is realised via 60 roughage boxes and 6 automatic concentrate dispensers. The roughage boxes automatically weigh the roughage mixture consumed and the concentrate dispensers record the portions supplied to each cow. Combined with time registration of each cow visit the daily feed intake pattern of each cow is obtained. The roughage and the concentrate devices are not only used for data registration of the milking cows, but also for the cows in the close-up group and around calving. This enables the researchers to obtain accurate data from a large number of cows; not only in the production stage, but also in the critical period before and around calving. Further, milk yield and milk conductivity are recorded twice per day, whereas the cow's activity is measured via a pedometer throughout the whole day. Each week, milk samples are taken and analysed for fat, protein, lactose, urea and somatic cell count.

Cow weight is recorded four times per week.

Kempenshof is now a modern research farm with optimal cow comfort and an innovative appearance. Cow comfort being one of the focus points has resulted in new cubicles with cow mattresses and a layer of bedding material, easy access to fresh water, ample air inlet and the use of two automatic cow brushes. Furthermore, the climate has been optimised by the installation of five fans in the barn and the application of a light regime (16 hours light / 8 hours darkness) supporting cow performance.

Cows that are close to calving are housed on straw in a large group-calving pen located at the front part of the barn. This enables direct contact with the herd mates, which decreases stress. Some innovative features of the farm are a robot that cleans the slatted floors, a bridge that facilitates feeding and an integration of a weighing scale and claw cleaning box.

Nutreco Agriculture Research and Development

Nutreco Agri R&D works for the companies of Nutreco. The research focuses on three key areas: feedstuffs/feed technology, feed ingredients for young animals & transition periods and feed-to-food quality concepts. These R&D activities are carried out in seven research centres: the Ruminant Research Centre, the Swine Research Centre, the Poultry and Rabbit Research Centre, the Food Research Centre, the Calf Research Centre, Nutreco Canada Agresearch (multi species centre) and the Research Feed Plant. Collaboration with universities, independent research institutions and other research facilities are of the utmost importance for Nutreco Agri R&D.