Funding Year: 2027
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Plasma treatment of Condensate of Whey (COW) water for sustainable dairy cleaning applications: a bench-scale study
Dairy processing requires large amounts of water—especially for cleaning and sanitation—which creates both environmental and cost challenges for the industry. This project focuses on finding a more sustainable solution by…
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Protein and energy metabolites as predictors of postpartum reproductive recovery in dairy cows
Dairy cows face significant challenges in the weeks after calving, when the demands of milk production can outpace their nutritional intake. This “transition period” often leads to delays in reproductive…
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The future of dairy entrepreneurship through the PYLot project
Wisconsin has lost nearly 70 percent of its dairy farms over the past 25 years, even as milk production has remained strong due to advances in technology and efficiency. While…
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Short-stature corn as a sustainable alternative for silage production: agronomic efficiency and economic feasibility
This research examines whether short-stature corn can serve as a strong replacement for traditional brown midrib (bm3) corn in dairy silage production, especially as bm3 hybrids are expected to be…
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Beyond feed: an alternative safety net for Midwest dairies through non-feed cost reduction
This research explores a key challenge facing Midwest dairy farms: even when milk prices are stable, many farms—especially small and mid-sized operations—still struggle financially because of rising non-feed costs like…
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Improving udder hygiene and reducing mastitis through adoption of an automated teat preparation system at Mann Valley Farm
This project introduces innovative automation to dairy operations at the Mann Valley Farm by implementing an advanced teat preparation system that standardizes udder hygiene before milking. The system automates washing,…
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Acquisition of a variable-speed manure spreader for Mann Valley Farm
This project introduces precision technology to manure management at the UW–River Falls Mann Valley Farm through a variable-speed manure spreader. The system allows operators to accurately control application rates, ensuring…
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Enhancing safety, animal welfare, and research capacity with upgraded headlocks and automated livestock curtains at Mann Valley Farm
This project strengthens the capabilities of the Mann Valley Farm dairy facility at UW–River Falls by introducing improved animal handling systems and automated environmental controls. Enhanced headlocks support safer, more…
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Metals matter: developing a metal analysis lab for the Dairy Innovation Hub
This project expands research capabilities at UW–River Falls by creating a new metal analysis laboratory. The lab will provide advanced technology to detect and measure trace metals in soil, water,…
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Transforming nitrite and nitrate analysis through new analytical enhancement
This project expands analytical capabilities at UW–River Falls by introducing advanced technology for measuring key nutrients such as nitrate and nitrite—important indicators of soil health, water quality, and dairy system…