February 25, 2025
Ornua partners with UCD Lyons farm to support development of new centre and research programme in calf-rearing
Ornua is proud to announce a new partnership with UCD Lyons Farm which will support the development of important research in dairy calf-rearing.
Ornua’s investment in the project, alongside industry partners Dairy Research Ireland, FBD Trust, JFC, MSD, and ABP, has supported the development of a new world-class Dairy Calf Research and Innovation Centre at the Co. Kildare farm which was officially opened today by UCD President, Orla Feely.
The new €1 million facility will provide agriculture and veterinary students with hands-on experience in the best practice of calf-rearing, while also greatly expanding the national research capacity of dairy heifer research – with a focus on early life nutrition, better integration of dairy and beef, and environmental impact.
Conor Galvin, Chief Executive Officer, Ornua said: “The development of this new state-of-the-art Dairy Calf Research and Innovation Centre at UCD Lyons Farm is a pivotal moment in expanding knowledge and improving best practice in dairy calf-rearing and integration. Ornua is proud to partner with UCD Lyon’s Farm and the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, alongside industry partners, to support this project and its vital work which will greatly benefit our industry.
“As Ireland’s largest exporter of dairy products and owner of the Kerrygold brand, Ornua recognises the impact of Ireland’s strong reputation as a leading supplier of sustainably-produced dairy globally, thanks to the high standards of animal care and welfare across Irish farms. Along with our Member Co-operatives, we are committed to further strengthening these high standards through investment in research programmes such as those led by the new UCD Lyons Farm Dairy Calf Education and Research Centre.”
Professor Orla Feely, UCD President said: “University College Dublin is the only university in Ireland to have its own dedicated research and teaching farm.”
“This remarkable 250-hectare working farm, Lyons Farm, provides our faculty, researchers and students with an unparalleled agricultural environment in which to teach, research and learn.”
“The addition of this new world-class Dairy Calf Education and Research Facility to UCD Lyons Farm, made possible through the generous support of six industry partners, Dairy Research Ireland, FBD Trust, JFC, MSD, Ornua, and ABP, will ensure University College Dublin remains at the vanguard of agricultural and veterinary research, and plays a critical role in the future success of Irish dairy and beef production.”
Professor Alex Evans, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and Chair of Lyons Farm Management Committee added: “We are very grateful for the support of our industry partners in making this development a reality.”
“By enhancing our understanding of the impact of early life nutrition on dairy calf health and productivity, we are paving the way for the next generation of agricultural leaders and ensuring a stronger, more resilient future for dairy and beef farming across the country.”
Designed to fulfil both research and commercial farming requirements, and demonstrate best practice in dairy calf rearing, the new facility has the capacity to rear 180 dairy calves from birth up to 5 months of age.
Utilising the best knowledge both nationally and internationally in calf housing, the facility will allow researchers to continuously monitor and assess key factors in calf rearing such as growth, feed intake and efficiency, health, welfare and behaviour indicators.
The significant investment will drive the expansion of national research which will serve to further strengthen animal welfare practices on Irish farms during the crucial calf-rearing period and support a sustainable future for the Irish dairy and beef sector.