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Veal Farm

Our research centers lay the foundation for the nutrition of tomorrow

At Denkavit, we continuously strive to deepen our understanding of young animal nutrition. Our Veal Innovation Centres — located in the Netherlands and France — form the foundation of this mission. Here, we conduct in-depth research into feed concepts, raw materials, and management practices that help calves thrive.

The Veal Farm in the Netherlands

Focus on Innovation and Welfare

Our Dutch Veal Farm is designed for large-scale, controlled studies on nutrition, growth, and welfare.

  • Two modern barns house a total of 2.400 calves, allowing us to compare multiple feeding concepts simultaneously — up to five concepts in one barn and four concepts in another.
  • Calves are followed from arrival (directly from the dairy farm) until slaughter, typically around 28 weeks of age.
  • We test various feeding strategies, such as different milk replacers, compound feeds, roughage types, or combinations of these. Feed schedule trials are also part of our research.
  • Beyond feed, we also study management and welfare factors that influence performance and animal health.
  • In addition, we work closely together with practical partner farms which allows for high-level research and practical validation. 
  • Our facilities enable digestion studies to gain deeper insight into nutrient utilization and efficiency.

The Veal Farm in France

Focus on Innovation and Welfare

Our French Veal Farm complements our research activities with a focus on housing systems and practical conditions.

  • The site includes traditional French tunnel barns for around 300 calves, where we can compare two feeding concepts.
  • A new barn, opened in 2025, provides space for 960 calves and the possibility to test four feeding concepts at once.
  • Similar to the Netherlands, we conduct studies on feeding strategies, management, and animal welfare.
  • We also collaborate with integration farms in France, ensuring that our findings are tested and validated under real-life farming conditions.