Description of Organization
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. DFO is accountable to the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission, which delegates authority to all marketing boards. DFO also administers a raw milk quality program under the authority of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-Business (OMAFA), which licenses all dairy farms under the Milk Act. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production of Canadian milk, and our vision is toward a dynamic, profitable, and continuously growing Canadian dairy industry. Therefore, DFO invests in developing our domestic market by supporting research, science and innovation that aligns with our research priorities of increasing farm efficiency, enhancing dairy sustainability, improving animal health and welfare and driving continued improvements in milk quality.
Problem area
Flooring in many livestock facilities has remained relatively fixed over the past 30+ years. Different types of flooring have their advantages over others but all have some deficits in terms of primary or secondary hoof impact on the flooring material. In essence, when a cows foot falls, its primary impact is a vertical force down on the surface. However, the animal also experiences a secondary impact or acceleration, which can be the horizontal movement along or across the surface. An animal slipping and potentially falling might include both of these movements or might be predominantly one. Although very few studies specify what type of flooring is most predominantly used in the dairy industry, the paper "Dairy cow hoof impact and slide measurements for common Ontario dairy farm floorings" summarizes the current understanding in a dairy context.
There is a need to examine current concrete and rubber formulations that can improve these flooring types on farms, minimize primary and secondary accelerations, and reduce potential slips where foot-surface contact is compromised.
Main objectives
To develop different formulations or options for flooring which address aspects covered in the literature.
Scope of work
- Conduct a literature and market review of technology currently available, including those currently found in the patent literature.
- Develop a prototype using either a refined technology or one that might be applicable to a variety of different forages based on their held water capacity.
Deliverables
- New protocols/processes
Frequency
- Monthly
Skills and training required
Material Science and biomechanics and potentially any experience with anatomy.
Resources required
Potentially specialized tools and equipment.
NDA or a commercialization agreement for this project?
Yes