The cattle will vary in size and gender depending on the research protocol. Currently, there are three major classes of livestock fed in the facility. The cattle are generally older than 12 months and are on feed for 100-160 days. The second class involves recently weaned beef calves that weigh 400-600 pounds. These calves are generally on feed for 180 to 240 days.
Beef cattle originate from such states as Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Missouri.
The Holsteins generally originate from Pennsylvania, Michigan or Wisconsin. Cattle are fed until the manager estimates the cattle have adequate finish to meet market specifications. These specifications are based on size and degree of finish. Cattle are slaughtered at commercial plants in such places as Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin. The facility has feed storage of 40,000 bushels of high moisture corn and 10,000 bushels of dry corn.