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Calf Farm

Our research centers lay the foundation for the nutrition of tomorrow

At Denkavit, we continuously strive to deepend our understanding of young animal nutrition. Out Calf Innovation Centers – located in the Netherlands and France – form the foundation of this mission. There, we conduct in-depth research into feed programs, raw materials, and management practices that help calves thrive.

The Calf Farm in the Netherlands

Focus on Innovation and Welfare

Our Dutch Calf 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 programs simultaneously — up to five programs in one barn and four programs in another.
  • 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.
  • Our facilities enable digestion studies to gain deeper insight into nutrient utilization and efficiency.

The Calf Farm in France

Focus on Housing Systems and Practical Conditions

Our French Calf 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 programs.
  • A new barn, opened in 2025, provides space for 960 calves and the possibility to test four feeding programs at once.
  • Similar to the Netherlands, we conduct studies on feeding strategies, management, and animal welfare.
  • We also collaborate with practical farms in France, ensuring that our findings are tested and validated under real-life farming conditions.