Ruminant management
Our research on management of ruminants primarily covers dairy cows. Research projects often include animal welfare, animal health, the efficiency of production systems and possibilities to adjust grazing, housing and technology to the biology of the animals.
Our goal is to contribute to successful research and education in ruminant nutrition and management that leads to sustainable and profitable production, both nationally and globally. The production should also consider the wishes of consumers, the business community, and society regarding good animal welfare and quality requirements for animal products. Our research is focused on dairy production, with particular attention to the impact of ruminants on the environment, animal welfare, and animal health, as well as management systems.
Key research areas:
- Feeding and milking routines in AMS (Automatic Milking Systems) with a focus on cow traffic
- Feeding systems and routines; significance for product quality
- Lighting for cows and calves for sustainable production and increased welfare
- Cows during the dry period and as freshly calved
- Udder microbiology – milk – calf health
- Animals on pasture; grazing systems with dairy cows on arable land and interaction between animals and vegetation in natural pasturelands
- Environmental impact of animal production
- Feed efficiency, including LCA (Life Cycle Assessment)
- Grass silage and by-products for dairy cows
- Management and feeding routines for the newborn calf – effects on the development of the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract, calf welfare, and health
- Precision Livestock Farming