By Andi Anderson
Ohio State University’s College of Food Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) has opened the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex (MALC), a modern facility designed to strengthen education, research, and outreach in animal agriculture. Located at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory on the Columbus campus, the facility provides students with real-world training opportunities.
The MALC covers more than 150,000 square feet and supports learning in dairy, livestock, and animal sciences. The facility includes advanced tools such as robotic milkers, automated feeders, environmental control systems, and strong biosecurity practices. These technologies help students understand modern farming methods and prepare for careers in Ohio’s $7 billion dairy and livestock industries.
“The opening of the MALC and dairy is an exciting milestone for our college and for Ohio agriculture,” said Dean Kress. “This facility gives our students unparalleled, hands-on learning opportunities while strengthening our ability to engage the public and prepare the next generation of leaders who will sustain life and serve our communities.”
Students use lecture spaces, research labs, and animal areas that include swine, poultry, equine, and ruminants. The dairy section features robotic milking systems that allow cows to follow their own milking schedules. Automated equipment also manages feeding and manure removal, allowing students to focus more on animal health, herd management, and data-based decisions.
“Instead of spending their time milking cows, students can focus on herd management, animal health and decision-making based on real-time data,” said John Lemmermen ’94 BS, assistant director of the MALC’s animal complex.
The facility also creates opportunities for students from different backgrounds to explore careers in agriculture. Elizabeth Lott, a CFAES animal sciences senior, said the MALC supports leadership development and teamwork across different areas of animal science.
"The MALC opens up cross-species exposure, which helps us understand how the industry works as a whole,” Lott said. “It’s huge for career development, and it helps our clubs bring more hands-on learning opportunities right to campus.”
Ohio State University Extension and Ohio 4-H will use the MALC to connect young learners with animal agriculture, science, and career opportunities.
“Together, the ODA and Ohio State work to support the agricultural industry through innovation, research and collaboration, ensuring Ohioans have access to safe, healthy and quality food today and in the future,” Baldridge said.
Photo Credit: ohio-state-university
Categories: Ohio, Education, Livestock