Since 2009, Grober Nutrition has been conducting research trials on young animals (including calves, kid goats and lambs) at the Grober Young Animal Development Centre (GYADC) located at Discovery Farm Woodstock.
Research trial topics are chosen with the goal of providing new information to producers on how they can better nurture young animals to reach their highest potential while also working on product innovation.
Each summer, Grober Nutrition hires two students responsible for trial-related tasks including feeding, bedding, monitoring health, treating sick animals, and collecting and recording data. Students are responsible for caring for the animals seven days a week, for the entire summer. They raise young stock from just after birth to a week post-weaning, allowing students to complete two trials between May to September.
Students also share on social media channels with frequent Instagram takeovers to show ‘A Day in the Life at the GYADC’ and on YouTube as the hosts of The Dairy Academy.
Effect of betaine on the health, hydration, growth & performance of bull calves throughout the spring and summer month
Betaine is a feed additive that can be used to reduce heat stress by reducing energy expenditure, thereby reducing metabolic heat production and maintaining osmotic balance. The objective of this study is to compare the growth, hydration status, health and performance of pre-weaned bull calves offered two different doses of betaine to a control group receiving no additive.
2023 Research Trials
This year Grober Nutrition Inc. will be conducting two summer trials at Discovery Farm Woodstock. This year-long study is to be done on calves destined for the veal market. As feeding cost is the most prohibitive deterrent from feeding more milk to calves, their trials will compare different feeding volumes and formulations and measure how they impact calf growth, health and feeding costs. In turn, exploring how farmers can increase profitability without sacrificing calf performance.
Over the years, the veal industry has become more price sensitive and with the increase of dairy/beef cross calves, the type of calf entering this market is also changing. Therefore, it is important to investigate how and what is being fed to these calves during the milk-fed period. By conducting these trials, Grober can confidently provide milk replacer formulas and feeding plans to producers that will help them meet their calf growth targets, while protecting their bottom line.
2022 Research Trial
The primary 2022 research trial evaluated how the addition of an oregano product (DOSTO® Oregano) may impact the performance, feed intake and health of Holstein bull calves. Oregano contains several essential oil compounds that have inhibitory growth effects on harmful bacteria. When provided in animal feed, this may lead to a more stable, healthy gut. When the gut environment can maintain a healthy balance, digestion of nutrients is more effective and feed efficiency will improve.
For more on this project, download a copy of the 2022 Discovery Farm Woodstock Field Report here.
Discovery Farm Woodstock offers a central location for conducting trials, meeting with industry partners and connecting with producers. In the past, Grober has investigated new ingredients, different feeding and housing recommendations, and developed numerous innovative products based on their findings.
Each year, Grober invites industry partners and customers to the Discovery Farm Woodstock site to learn about their trials and conducts educational seminars to share their newfound knowledge of young animal nutrition. At the end of the summer, they share their research at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show.
PARTNERS
