EAST LANSING — More Than $2.5M In New Funding To Support Michigan Animal Agriculture Research.

1.  The Role Of MSU In Animal Agricultural Research Funding:

The Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA) has allocated over $2.5 million to fund 23 new research and outreach initiatives. Consequently, researchers and educators will lead these projects from Michigan State University (MSU) and MSU Extension.

2.  Availability Of $2.5M Funding For Animal Agriculture Research:

The $2.5 million in new funding for animal agriculture research and outreach projects will come from the state’s Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

3.  Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA) Partners:

The Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA) was established in 2014 as a collaborative partnership between:

  • The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)
  • Various Michigan animal agriculture organizations
  • Michigan State University (MSU)

Specifically, the goal of this alliance is to advance Michigan’s animal agriculture economy.

“Animal agriculture faces a number of short-term and long-term challenges, such as managing infectious diseases, improving animal welfare, and enhancing environmental sustainability,” said James Averill, the Associate Director of MSU AgBioResearch and one of the M-AAA’s key leaders.

“Furthermore, we are grateful for the ongoing support from the Michigan Legislature and our M-AAA partners as we work to assist Michigan’s animal agriculture producers.”

4.  Projects For Michigan $2.5M Animal Agriculture Research Funding:

The $2.5M funding from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will support a diverse range of projects. These initiatives will focus on topics such as:

  • Management of diseases affecting dairy cattle
  • Improving fertility in dairy cows
  • Controlling tar spot and vomitoxin in silage corn
  • Developing new tools to protect honey bee health

“Investing in research to address critical issues in animal agriculture, whether it’s the current highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak or the impacts of regenerative farming practices, is essential for ensuring the long-term viability of Michigan’s animal agriculture sector,” said Tim Boring, Director of MDARD.

“In addition, MDARD is proud to partner with the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA) to help tackle these challenges for future generations of Michigan farmers.”

5.  M-AAA’s Funds Projects Categories:

The M-AAA funds a diverse portfolio of animal agriculture research and extension projects, each with a duration of either one or two years. Specifically, these projects are submitted and categorized into one of three types:

  • Applied Research: Targeted studies to address specific, real-world challenges faced by Michigan’s animal agriculture industry.
  • Extension: Additionally, outreach and education initiatives that help translate research findings into practical applications for farmers and producers.
  • Furthermore Seed Funding: Exploratory projects that test new ideas or approaches, with the potential to lead to larger-scale research efforts.

Project leads receiving M-AAA funding are required to submit annual progress reports and final summaries to the M-AAA leadership team. This process ensures accountability and allows the alliance to track the impact of its investments. In advancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Michigan’s animal agriculture sector.

6.  Examples of 2024 Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture Projects:

A. Improving Dairy Cattle Nutrition with High Oleic Acid Soybeans

Adam Lock, a professor in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University, is leading a new research project to enhance the use of high oleic acid soybeans in dairy cattle diets.

Previously, M-AAA-funded research conducted by Professor Lock showed that feeding dairy cows diets containing high oleic acid soybeans can:

  • Increase milk fat and protein yields without altering body weight

Therefore, this makes high oleic acid soybeans an attractive feedstuff option for dairy producers, as they provide quality protein and fat that can be grown locally on Michigan farms.

The new project will further build upon this earlier work by exploring the effects of high oleic acid soybeans. It will do so during the critical transition and early lactation periods for dairy cows. The goal is to determine how to most effectively utilize this feed ingredient to:

  • Generate desired increases in milk fat and protein
  • Minimize body weight loss during early lactation

Optimizing the use of high oleic acid soybeans in dairy cattle nutrition has the potential to improve the productivity and profitability of Michigan’s dairy industry.

B. Improving Dairy Herd Longevity through Multiparous Cow Fertility:

Professor Richard Pursley from the Department of Animal Science is leading a research project. Specifically, it is to boost dairy herd longevity by enhancing the fertility of multiparous cows, those in their second or later lactation.

Key Points:

  • Over 50% of dairy cows leave the herd before their third lactation
  • Multiparous cows have a higher risk of pregnancy loss

Therefore, this project will evaluate the use of high-fertility bulls to:

  • Reduce pregnancy losses in multiparous cows
  • Furthermore, help these experienced cows stay in the herd longer

Expected Outcomes:

  • Consequently, greater average milk production per cow
  • Savings on replacement costs and improved operational efficiency for dairy producers

By focusing on multiparous cow fertility, this research aims to increase dairy herd longevity and profitability through improved productivity and reduced turnover.

C. Protecting Michigan’s Honey Bees from Bacterial Diseases

Meghan Milbrath, an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University, is leading a project. That is to develop innovative tools for protecting honey bees from harmful bacterial diseases.

Key Points:

  • Honey bees are vital to Michigan agriculture, producing over 5 million pounds of honey annually and providing essential pollination services.
  • Moreover, two major bacterial diseases threaten honey bee health: American foulbrood and European foulbrood.

Project Objectives:

  • First, develop and share educational resources on bacterial diseases for beekeepers
  • Second, create a training protocol for using detection dogs to identify disease-infected hives
  • Lastly, educate beekeepers on how detection dog services can benefit their operations

This research aims to equip Michigan’s beekeepers with the knowledge and tools needed to better monitor and manage bacterial diseases that can devastate honey bee colonies.

For a full list of 2024 M-AAA funded projects, visit canr.msu.edu/maaa/projects.

Final Thoughts: Michigan Invests in Animal Agriculture Research

Michigan is boosting its animal agriculture sector with a $2.5 million grant. Therefore, the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA) will use these funds to support 23 research and outreach projects tackling key challenges like disease management, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.

This investment highlights the state’s commitment to a thriving and sustainable animal agriculture industry.

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FAQs:

1. What is the significance of this funding for Michigan agriculture?

By addressing key challenges, this research aims to improve animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and the overall viability of Michigan’s animal agriculture industry.

2. How can I learn more about M-AAA and its projects?

Additionally, you can likely find more information on the websites of M-AAA, MDARD, or MSU. They may detail ongoing projects and funding opportunities.