M-AAA Impact

The Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture has supported research and extension to advance the state's animal agriculture economy for more than a decade. With funding from the State of Michigan, researchers and MSU Extension educators have worked to discover solutions to animal disease and welfare challenges, bolster workforce development and increase the sustainability of animal agriculture.

This chart shows the total investment in the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture at $53.6 million with an economic return of more than $960 million.

Impact Highlights

Dairy Cattle and High Oleic Soybeans

A new feed component for dairy cattle, high oleic soybeans, can help farmers save $1.80 per cow, per day in feed costs. Just 20% adoption across Michigan dairy farms would result in $58 million in annual savings, totaling 3X the entire investment in M-AAA from just one project.

Managing Dairy Cow Pregnancy Loss

Cows that lose pregnancies have a much greater chance of either being culled from the herd or becoming pregnant late in lactation. A replacement cow can cost upwards of $4,000. M-AAA research has identified strategies that are saving dairy producers roughly $135,000 per year for a 1,000-cow herd.

Responding to Livestock Accidents

MSU Extension led the creation of a training program to assist first responders called Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock (ERAIL). Thus far, more than 800 first responders have been trained, 21 ERAIL trainings have been delivered since 2019, and nine response trailers are now strategically located throughout Michigan.

Impact Stories