Dairy Complex at Kentland Farm
The Dairy Complex at Kentland Farm encompasses 35 carefully planned acres and allows a more efficient use of land than the previous facility. Additionally, the move to Kentland Farms has given us the opportunity to upgrade and improve technologies incorporated into our new operation.
The 232 milking cows are housed in a freestall barn where feed consumption can be monitored for research. The barn features drovers alleys on both sides and research pens on one side. It is double sloped to middle and utilizes sand bedding. The sand is recycled using a weeping wall system for manure management.
The milking facility is designed for animal handling with a double 12 parallel parlor and houses administrative offices. There is also a special needs barn for use with weaned calves, breeding age heirs and close up dry cows. Additionally, there's a calf barn with automatic feeders and weaned calf pens.
Of special note, our herd is was the first in the nation to incorporate both AFILab and Pedometer Plus systems.
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General ItemVirginia Tech Dairy Science Complex — Kentland Farm
The Virginia Tech Dairy Science Complex — Kentland Farm is a state-of-the-art complex featuring the latest in dairy science technology on a 35-acre site. Its creation ensures the long-term success of Virginia Tech’s award-winning dairy science program and contributes to the land-grant mission of the university.