Zeng is an assistant professor of agricultural engineering at UW–River Falls. He is a licensed professional engineer with expertise in the areas of machinery systems modeling, testing, automation, and numerical simulation.
Wisconsin dairy farms rely on high-quality feed to keep their animals healthy and productive, but current methods for improving forage digestibility are often too expensive or impractical. This project aims to create a Dairy Forage Fractionation (DFF) system that effectively separates parts of forage, like protein-rich alfalfa leaves from fiber-heavy stems or energy-rich corn grain from stover, to improve feed quality and reduce costs. Researchers have designed a concept for the system and are refining it through engineering studies and farm surveys, with initial results showing strong interest but concerns about wet material separation and affordability. The next phase will focus on improving efficiency, analyzing economic benefits, and assessing commercial viability. By combining engineering innovation with practical farm needs, this project seeks to create a practical solution that supports Wisconsin’s dairy industry and promotes farm sustainability.