Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products invests in the future of calf nutrition
New state-of-the-art facility further advances commitment to the next generation of calves.
Since bringing the industry's first calf milk replacer to market in 1951, Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products Co., has focused on doing what is best for the calf. To further its commitment to the next generation of calves, Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products recently completed construction on a state-of-the art research facility outside St. Louis, Mo.
"This facility will provide us 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. "By investing in this facility, we can further our knowledge and the industry's knowledge on calf nutrition. Our goal is to bring solutions to the dairy industry."
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.
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.
Even though it is hard to see a newborn calf's future as a milking cow, research has shown that a calf's nutrient intake impacts her future milk production potential. Because of the importance of this time in a calf's life, Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products continually strives to understand what is best for the calf. There's no second chance to feed calves right.
As a result of their dedication to research, Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products has brought the dairy industry several firsts in product development, including:
· The first Jersey specific calf milk replacer.
· The first milk replacer designed to meet the seasonal needs of calves.
· The first product designed specifically for balancing pasteurized milk.
· An advanced fatty acid profile to allow calves to better utilize energy in milk replacers.
· Set the industry standards for electrolyte feeding.
· The first USDA approved colostrum replacement.
· The first protein blend milk replacer that was developed specifically for baby calves.
"We're excited for the opportunity to bring solutions to dairy producers and calf raisers that allow them to do what is best for the next generation of their herds," says Hoepker.
For more information on Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products or how to feed your calves to their fullest potential, visit www.lolmilkreplacer.com, www.facebook.com/WeCareforCalves, https://www.youtube.com/WeCareforCalves or call 800-618-6455.Since 1951, when Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products Company developed the first calf milk replacer, the company has been committed to creating the best milk replacers from the best technologies and quality ingredients. Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products Company is a division of Land O'Lakes, Inc. a national farmer-owned food and agricultural organization.
7.22.2015