Advancing science to accelerate dairy innovation
A research dairy built for impact
Dairy nutrition
Feeding smarter for better results
Research led by the Van Amburgh Lab at CDREC advances precision dairy nutrition to improve milk production, farm profitability, and environmental sustainability. This work underpins the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS)—a world‑leading nutrition model used to formulate diets for approximately 70% of North American dairy cattle.
By refining amino acid and fatty acid requirements and improving how nutrient availability is measured, CDREC research enables more accurate feeding strategies that support higher milk component yields while reducing nutrient waste and emissions—ensuring nutrition keeps pace with today’s high‑producing cows.
Why it matters
- Improves feed efficiency and reduces input costs
- Supports higher milk fat and protein yields
- Reduces nutrient losses and environmental impact
- Keeps New York dairy at the forefront of innovation
Feed additive research
Boosting productivity while cutting methane
Research led by Joseph McFadden at CDREC develops practical strategies to reduce enteric methane emissions—a critical climate challenge—while maintaining milk production and herd health. Through partnerships with industry and government, this work evaluates next‑generation feed additives designed to lower methane without sacrificing performance.
CDREC’s unique research infrastructure, including animal respiration chambers, allows precise measurement of emissions and animal response. In parallel, the research validates emerging, lower‑cost tools that support scalable, on‑farm methane monitoring and adoption.
Why it matters
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions without lowering productivity
- Delivers climate solutions that work at commercial scale
- Prepares farms for evolving market and policy expectations
- De‑risks innovation before commercial rollout
Nutrient Management
Stronger soils and better yields
The Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP) at CDREC advances whole‑farm nutrient strategies that increase crop productivity, strengthen soil health, and reduce environmental losses. This work maximizes the value of manure as both a nutrient source and a driver of soil organic matter. Using field‑scale trials and advanced data analytics, NMSP turns agronomic and yield data into actionable insights—helping farmers target inputs more precisely, improve nutrient recovery, and build resilient cropping systems.
Why it matters
- Improves nutrient use efficiency and crop response
- Builds healthier, more resilient soils
- Reduces input costs and environmental losses
- Supports data‑driven, field‑specific decisions
Data-driven tools
Cornell Agricultural Systems Testbed (CAST) and demonstration site for the Farm of the Future
CAST uses CDREC’s working dairy to develop, test, and demonstrate data‑driven technologies under real production conditions. CAST integrates animal, crop, soil, and environmental technologies to ensure innovation delivers practical value—not just promise. With more than 20 technologies generating 40+ data streams, CAST focuses on converting raw sensor data into clear, actionable insights—supporting better management, reporting, and decision‑making across the farm.
Why it matters
- Helps farmers evaluate technologies before investing
- Accelerates adoption by proving value at farm scale
- Improves productivity through real‑time data use
- Supports long‑term efficiency and sustainability
Digital dairy management
Data‑driven science and analytics
Research led by Miel Hostens advances digital dairy science and analytics that turn real‑time farm data into decision‑ready tools. By integrating sensor data, automated collection, and predictive models, this work improves herd health, productivity, and nutrient efficiency.
A core focus is reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of milk by improving nutrient conversion and resource use. Though grounded in New York dairy systems, the research draws on global collaborations—ensuring scalability and broad relevance.
Why it matters
- Improves nutrient efficiency and feed utilization
- Reduces greenhouse gas intensity per unit of milk
- Enables informed, real‑time decision‑making
- Delivers scalable digital solutions
Manure management
Improving nutrient use and air quality
Research led by PRO‑DAIRY’s Dairy Environmental Systems (DES) team at CDREC advances manure management strategies that improve nutrient retention, reduce emissions, and enhance air quality for cows and workers. Using pilot‑scale manure storages, researchers evaluate treatments under controlled but realistic conditions. Advanced emissions monitoring across barns, storages, and fields helps refine management strategies that retain nutrients in manure and soils—turning manure into a stronger asset for crop production while improving the barn environment.
Why it matters
- Identifies cost‑effective manure treatment options
- Improves air quality for cows and workers
- Reduces nitrogen losses and enhances crop value
- Helps farms stay ahead of regulations
Energy and biogas management
Turning waste into renewable power
Research at CDREC is advancing how dairy farms manage manure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while capturing renewable energy and exploring new revenue opportunities. In partnership with PRO‑DAIRY, this work focuses on measuring, validating, and improving biogas and methane management systems under real‑world farm conditions.
In 2024, CDREC became home to New York’s first continuous methane monitoring system on an in‑ground manure storage. This laser‑based technology provides real‑time emissions data across changing weather and management conditions—information essential for verifying greenhouse gas footprint tools and informing the design and performance of covered storage and energy capture systems.
Why it matters
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and strengthens environmental stewardship
- Provides real‑world performance data for renewable energy systems
- Supports informed decisions about biogas and co‑digestion adoption
- Helps farms explore new income streams and on‑farm energy savings
Transition cow nutrition and health
Setting up cows for success
Research led by Tom Overton at CDREC has helped define how dairy farmers manage cows during the transition period — the critical weeks before and after calving when health risks are highest and long‑term performance is shaped. Using CDREC’s ability to track individual feed intake and conduct controlled trials, this work translates directly into practical, farm‑ready management strategies.
This work has delivered field‑defining advances in transition nutrition, including rumen‑protected choline supplementation, milk fever prevention strategies, optimized post‑calving diets, and improved understanding of nutrition’s role in immune function.
Why it matters
- Reduces fresh cow health disorders
- Improves milk production and reproductive performance
- Increases confidence in transition feeding decisions
- Strengthens herd health and profitability
Veterinary research
Improving Cow Health and Transition Success
Researchers from Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine use CDREC’s specialized facilities to address critical questions in cow health and calving performance. Intensive monitoring enables controlled studies that directly translate into veterinary and farm management practices.
Research led by Jessica McArt has improved detection and treatment of ketosis and refined interpretation of blood and milk tests. Complementary work by Sabine Mann uses controlled feeding trials to optimize transition diets, improving early‑lactation milk yield and farm profitability.
Why it matters
- Improves transition feeding and health decisions
- Strengthens diagnosis and management of metabolic disorders
- Increases the value of routine health monitoring
- Supports healthier, more productive herds
Researchers
