Novalait selects its research projects according to their potential for impact on the farm and in the plant. And it’s once integrated into management practices or processing procedures that the knowledge gained from Novalait’s research takes on its full meaning.
A number of Valacta training courses for dairy producers incorporate knowledge gained from Novalait research. In 2015 and 2016, the training courses entitled L’étable, source de confort and Un pied en avant sur la santé des pieds et membres brought together and trained over 2,600 producers. Both courses included knowledge from the Novalait project entitled Amélioration du confort des vaches en stabulation entravée (Improving cow comfort in stanchion barns). Valacta is a key partner in transferring research results to dairy producers.
Having recent studies with Quebec herds makes it much easier for Quebec dairy producers to adopt new ways of doing things. The presentation of tie-stall studies, which were previously very rare, was a highlight of the course and lent credibility to the suggestions for improvement put forward.
Steve Adam
Agr. Expert in comfort, behaviour and well-being, Valacta
