The strategically developed Leavenworth Livestock Research Center has been two years in the making. Although the heavily anticipated facility opened its doors only weeks ago, the 2,500-head, wean-to-finish center is already expected to make big advancements in the research sector of the swine industry.
Located near Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the research site boasts two 1,250-head rooms and is fully equipped with 96 pens (48 per room) and innovative technologies like the Big Dutchman DryExact feeding system. This automated equipment measures and delivers the exact amount of feed prescribed to each feeder each day. It offers simple, safe and effective pen-based feeding and precise feeding amounts, and it makes the goal of free-choice feeding a reality.
And, while it may look similar to a commercial barn, the facility is fully filtered. The system removes dust and pathogens before they get into the barn, thereby alleviating many biosecurity concerns.
Improving research, production and the producer’s bottom line
Though presently occupied by a group of test pigs, the Hubbard Feeds team is excited to introduce a new group to the facility in mid-November 2017 for a much-anticipated research trial on Blueprint®, an Alltech program. The goal of this trial will be to confirm the cumulative effects of Alltech technologies on growth, health and meat quality.
What’s even more exciting is the opportunity to do research in a realistic commercial production scenario. The team can gather large amounts of statistical data with the number of pigs on-site and connect those results to similar situations for swine producers. This will better help customers achieve their production goals, increase profitability, reduce risk and improve their overall competitive advantage.
Industry leaders working together
Hubbard Feeds is proud to partner with parent company Alltech, a truly innovative leader in animal health and nutrition, on this endeavor. Alltech aims to sustain and nourish the world’s plants, animals and people through nutrition and scientific innovation. Through its innovative study of nutrigenomics, Alltech’s nutritional technologies help animals unleash their true genetic potential for optimal well-being and performance.
Hubbard Feeds is also proud to source high-quality pigs for their Leavenworth Livestock Research Center from premier pork producers Schwartz Farms, Inc. of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
For more information on this exciting new facility and how it might benefit your operation, contact Ernie Hansen, Hubbard Feeds’ manager of swine nutrition and technical services, at Ernie.Hansen@hubbardfeeds.com
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