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Experimental Units: Cowhouse
Two housing complexes totalling 430 places are available for cattle management. The barns (1-3) of the central unit for cows, heifers and calves have been modernised. The loose-housing system with resting cubicles and a tandem milking parlour provides for a high-level animal-adequate keeping standard (cow comfort). In addition, experimental tie stalls, automated individual feeding sites with feeding-on-command for cows kept in groups, metabolic and analysis stalls , as well as spaces for sample handling are available to conduct different kinds of studies. The experimental cattle fattening barn encompasses cubicles for young cattle kept in groups, as well as tie stalls for testing fattening bulls. The supply and disposal functions for these cattle houses are performed in cooperation with the Dummerstorf Farm. The current cattle stock is mainly defined by animals derived from resource families in segregating family structure. Selected parent animals of the breeds ‘Charolais’ and ‘German Holstein’ constitute the basis, their crossbred offspring being continuously produced via embryo transfer. This specific population (SEGFAM – SEGregating FAMilies) is used to investigate complex relationships of expression of the trait „protein and fat retention“, on the one hand, and of the trait „milk secretion“ on the other. Heifers of the breed ‘German Holstein’ are used as embryo recipients, as well as for studies on reproduction biology. If necessary, animals of other breeds are purchased for this purpose.