Exciting developments continue at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory's Multispecies Animal Learning Complex (MALC).
Final touches are being added throughout the facility, including the arena, learning lab, ruminant barn, equine barn, dairy barn and others. The complex will be populated with animals starting this winter and through Spring semester.
"We've put a lot of thought into every inch of this space," said Steven Munger, project manager of MALC for Facilities Design and Construction (FDC). "You'll notice a lot of the interior spaces can be seen from the exterior through windows or garage-style doors. The transparency is intentional. We want to encourage active learning."
From grooved cement flooring designed for animal comfort to treats ready for cows during milking, teams prioritized the needs of every species that will call MALC home.
"Each horse stall has its own turnout area so they can go outside whenever they choose," said Munger. "Dairy cattle will also be able to access the pasture independently through thoughtfully designed automatic doors."
The $60 million project consists of an interconnected series of barns housing different species which include swine, equine, poultry, beef cattle, small ruminants and dairy cattle. The facility includes an arena, wet labs, classrooms, storage areas and public viewing areas, creating a dynamic environment for hands-on education and engagement.