Leading Holstein and dairy advancements through research, development, and outreach in technologies, analytics, and genetics
The WKU SmartHolstein Lab is a strategic, synergistic partnership between Holstein Association USA and Western Kentucky University Department of Agriculture and Food Science designed to be a research, development, and demonstration center for the dairy industry
Smart Holsteins
The WKU herd is designed to milk 50 cows with associated replacements at the WKU Agriculture Research and Education Center. The SmartHolstein Lab has been established as an easy-to-access demonstration and development farm to explore new technologies designed to collect novel phenotypic traits including wearable or indwelling sensors and milk-based biomarkers. A major emphasis will be placed on practical use of data for on-farm decision making. Inclusion of data into AgriTech Analytics (a DHI dairy records processing center owned by Holstein Association) will also be explored.
Nucleus Herd
The WKU nucleus herd is used to explore genetic selection strategies and collection of novel phenotypic information. All animals are genomic tested. The long-term goal is to develop a 100% A2, polled herd of cows in the top 20% of the breed for TPI with additional emphasis on health, reproduction, and fitness traits.
