USask announces five-year partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Canada in support of Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence

“We are grateful for Boehringer Ingelheim’s investment in the innovative work of this unique-in-Canada collaborative research and training centre,” said USask Vice-President Research Karen Chad. “It’s a sign of how important this new multi-disciplinary centre is to the entire livestock production chain and ultimately to the end consumer, as we work with our many partners to advance sustainable cattle production through research.”

The Boehringer Ingelheim Cattle Handling and Teaching Unit is part of the LFCE’s Forage and Cow-Calf Research and Teaching Unit located south of Clavet, Sask., and plays a pivotal role in cow-calf research and education, said LFCE Director Kris Ringwall.

“All research is tied to data,” said Ringwall. “Every year, data on hundreds of cows and calves will be collected using the equipment in this multi-purpose unit. That data will then be used to improve cow-calf operations in Saskatchewan and beyond.”

The cattle handling area is equipped with a hydraulic alley and handling chute designed to minimize the need for people to move the cattle through the chute. This improves safety for the animals as well as for the researchers, students and animal technicians, Ringwall said. USask students will also learn proper animal handling techniques through observation and hands-on experience.

The $38-million LFCE, officially opened last fall, is a partnership between USask, the livestock and forage industries, and the provincial and federal governments.

“We are proud to support the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence and what it represents for the future of agriculture,” said Susan Blair, Boehringer Ingelheim Canada’s executive director of animal health.

“Through the development of future leaders and advancements in research into animal welfare and disease prevention, the LFCE will help meet the needs of Canadian producers and consumers, while also benefitting the global agriculture industry.”

The Boehringer Ingelheim donation builds on industry contributions to the centre made by A&W Canada, the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, and Farm Credit Canada.

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For more information, contact:

Lana Haight
Outreach and Engagement Specialist
Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1934
306-371-1934
lana.haight@usask.ca
https://lfce.usask.ca