Research Project: Cannula Cows

Introducing the newest members of Lakeland’s research cattle herd

Hello, my name is Nikki (#6), I’m a Black Angus female born in 2024. My fellow penmates and I play an important role in the applied research department at Lakeland College. 

We were purchased from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) where we were part of a study. Now, we’re continuing our important work here at Lakeland. 

Our balanced diet consists of hay, and the minerals and vitamins we need based on feed analysis. This means we’re always fueled for research! 

Meet my penmates: 

• #29 - Croffee  
• #32 - Ava  
• #58 - Wrinkley  
• #279 - Dany  
• #307 - Toupette

 

A window into bovine health

We’re not like the typical cows you see on the farm. We are part of Lakeland’s Applied Research team and each of us has a cannula – a rubber or plastic port that was surgically placed in our rumen (first stomach compartment).  

Having a cannula allows researchers to directly access rumen contents for: 

• research 
• diagnostics
• microbial transplants

The procedure was done by a veterinarian. The USask staff took extra special care of us as we healed. The Lakeland research team has a regular maintenance schedule to ensure we continue to be healthy. Occasionally the staff will wash around the cannulas to keep us clean and comfortable.    

We’ve also been spayed so we won’t cycle. This keeps us from riding each other – a behaviour which could harm us or our cannulas – and helps ensure we live long, healthy lives at Lakeland.

We’re people-friendly

Not every cow is cut out for this job. We were chosen for our calm dispositions, which make us easier to handle during checkups and research activities.  Working with our pleasing dispositions makes it easier for us and our human handlers.   

 

Investigating compostable net wrap

Currently, we’re part of a research study to determine if a compostable net wrap will accumulate within our rumen over time and to what extent. This is very important because net wrap is used for our winter feed and we sometimes eat some. When that happens, it can accumulate in our rumen and cause what veterinarians call software disease.  

This new, biopolymer-based net wrap is made of plant starches and our researchers want to know if it will safely break down in our rumens.

 

The research possibilities are many

Cannulated cattle like us give researchers a unique window into our rumens, and they can learn a lot. Future bovine research studies may include: 

• Digestive studies
  • analyze how different feeds affect digestion and nutrient absorption

• Environmental impact
  • study methane emissions
  • develop feed additives to reduce GHGs

• Feed efficiency
  • identify optimal feed formulations to improve beef production

• Transfaunation
  • transfer healthy rumen microbes to sick beef cattle to restore gut flora and improve recovery

 

Supporting student learning 

We’re not just helping with research. We’ll also help teach future agricultural professionals about nutrition and health.

Animal science technology instructors are excited to have us at the Vermilion campus. Here, we can help students better understand the role our rumen and microbes play in our nutrition and our overall health.