An innovative approach for the agriculture of tomorrow
The PURPAN Engineering School’s Dairy Cow & Poultry Experimental Platforms are unique living laboratories that combine research, experimentation, teaching and outreach in the dairy and poultry sectors. These innovation centers enable students, researchers and partners to test concrete solutions to the current challenges of sustainable agriculture linked to environmental and societal issues.
This platform is linked to the Agri-food and Nutrition Sciences Department.
Our missions
The research carried out on these platforms is part of a general theme focusing on “Agro-ecological levers for more sustainable livestock farming to promote multi-performance while preserving resources.”
For both the cattle and poultry models, the aim is to understand and control gut microbiomes, and to rethink food and nutritional strategies.
The functioning of host/microbiota interactions is studied, with a focus on nutritional leverage, with the aim of rethinking nutritional strategies to optimize the use of natural resources. Genetic, environmental, animal welfare and health factors can also be considered in these experimental set-ups.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for any requests for information, collaboration or services. We will be delighted to provide you with detailed information about our services and discuss your specific requirements. You will find the contact details for this platform at the bottom of the page.
Summary
Our objectives
Our platforms are approved for the use of animals for experimental purposes. They are open to scientific and professional partners. The studies carried out are for mechanistic purposes and the measurement/validation of multiple performances. To this end, they are equipped with a wide range of resources for measuring zootechnical performance, product quality and physiological approaches (characterization of gut microbiota, histological analyses, biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammatory gene expression, etc.)
Dairy and cereal production – Dairy cow experimental platform:
We keep 120 dairy cows, divided into two homogeneous batches of 60 cows, which are kept in cubicles on rubber mats and milked by robots. This organization makes it possible to create batches with a high number of animals based on hierarchical criteria, and to ensure individualized monitoring of production performance, milk quality, animal welfare and health indicators (ingestion, rumination, body condition scoring, etc.). Cereal production on 230 hectares accompanies this activity, enabling the farm to achieve feed self-sufficiency.
Experimental poultry farm – Experimental poultry platform:
Another major focus is experimental poultry farming in an experimental building equipped with two rooms containing 24 cages each, with the possibility of separate management and environment (temperature, hygrometry, ventilation, etc.). This system makes it possible to study different farming methods and improve product quality while integrating animal welfare considerations.
Thanks to their potential, these two systems are recognized by various stakeholders in the animal production sector in the region and beyond. They enable tests to be carried out under controlled conditions but which are close to the realities of the field.
A pedagogical role
Access to research is an important aspect of the training program. It contributes to the development of a scientific approach, rigor, and analytical thinking, all skills expected of future engineers. Their participation in this research is effective, and takes the form of various pedagogical operations included in the training program (internships, bibliographic dissertations, research courses, etc.).
Some research projects
– Use of probiotics, antioxidants and various plant extracts in the diet of dairy cows and broilers, impact on gut microbiota, production performance and product quality, immunity and animal welfare
– Enhancing immunity by combating oxidative stress in dairy cows: use of antioxidants during critical rearing periods
– Amino acid and polyphenol supplementation during moderate stress on broiler performance and intestinal health
Key figures
– Dairy cow platform two to three studies per year
– Poultry platform approximately three studies per year
