MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center

06/18/2026

✨🎉 Happy 4th Birthday, Sparkle! 🎉✨

From a tiny calf with big curious eyes to the beautiful cow she is today, Sparkle has certainly lived up to her name.

Join us in wishing Sparkle a very happy birthday and enjoy this little trip down memory lane with a photo from when she was a newborn calf alongside a photo of her today.

Happy Birthday, Sparkle! 💚

06/18/2026

🐄 Top 7 Dairy Cattle Breeds: #3 Milking Shorthorn 🥛

Coming in at #3 on our dairy breed countdown is the Milking Shorthorn!

Known for their versatility, Milking Shorthorns have been a part of dairy farming for centuries. Their distinctive red, white, or roan-colored coats make them easy to recognize, while their calm temperament and adaptability make them a favorite among many dairy producers.

Milking Shorthorns are valued for their balanced production, producing quality milk while also being known for their longevity, fertility, and overall efficiency. Their ability to thrive in a variety of management systems has helped them remain an important dairy breed around the world.

06/16/2026

🐄 Top 7 Dairy Cattle Breeds: #2 Ayrshire 🥛

Coming in at #2 on our dairy breed countdown is the Ayrshire!

Originally developed in Scotland, Ayrshires are known for their distinctive red-and-white coats, strong feet and legs, and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. These hardy cows are excellent grazers and have earned a reputation for their longevity and efficiency.

Ayrshires produce high-quality milk with a desirable balance of butterfat and protein, making them a valuable breed in the dairy industry. They are also known for their alert personalities and adaptability to different management systems.

Stay tuned as we continue counting down the Top 7 Dairy Cattle Breeds! Which breed do you think will be next?

06/15/2026

What an incredible day at our Open House!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to visit the farm on Saturday. We loved sharing a glimpse into our daily operations, showing off our facility, and connecting with so many members of our community.

We appreciate everyone who took the time to stop by, ask questions, and learn more about dairy farming. Your support means so much to us, and we hope you enjoyed your visit as much as we enjoyed having you here.

A special thank you to our staff, students, volunteers, and partners who helped make the day a success. We couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you for helping make our first Open House such a memorable event. Stay tuned and keep an eye out for the next open house registration later on this summer. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

~Go GREEN 💚🐮

06/12/2026

🐄 Top 7 Dairy Cattle Breeds: #1 Holstein 🥛

Kicking off our dairy breed spotlight series with the most recognizable dairy cow in the world—the Holstein!

Known for their striking black-and-white markings, Holsteins are dairy superstars. They are the most common dairy breed in the United States and are prized for their incredible milk production, often producing more milk than any other dairy breed.

Do you have a favorite dairy breed? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned as we count down the remaining breeds!

06/10/2026

Join our team!

Starting pay at $20.73. If you are dependable, love animals and ready to get to work, click on the link below to read the full job description and apply today!

Position Summary(Basic Job Function) This is a temporary position. Assists in the routine care of clinical and biomedical research animals by performing such duties as feeding, watering, cleaning, handling, and transporting animals. Unit Position Summary Assist in routine feeding, watering, milking....

06/09/2026

This picture deserves a caption. What've you got?
Drop your best one in the comments!

P.S. Her name is Rodeo 🤠💚

06/07/2026

Is today 6-7? 🤷

Six-Seven over here loves June 7th! After all, who doesn't love having a day dedicated to them?

She was born back in March, but our staff got a little creative with her name—or maybe it was just ironic. Either way, she's grown into one adorable and friendly calf that everyone loves to visit! 🐮

~Go GREEN 💚

06/06/2026

Come on out and visit us on the farm next Saturday! Space is limited, so don't wait to get registered.

Can't wait to see you all!!

~Go GREEN 💚

Have you met the cows at the MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center? Join us on June 13th for a tour of the facility! https://pears.io/events/msuext/7291/

06/05/2026

The weather sure is starting to ramp up. When summer temperatures rise, dairy cows feel the effects just like us.

As highlighted below, heat stress can reduce feed intake, increase energy demands, alter normal metabolic functions, decrease rumination, and increase the risk of dehydration. Together, these factors can lead to lower milk production and impact overall cow health.

That's why cow comfort is one of our top priorities. Comfortable cows are healthier, happier, and able to perform at their best. By reducing heat stress, we can support cow well-being while maintaining milk production throughout the summer months. ☀️💚🐄

Stay cool and stay hydrated!

~Go GREEN