Purchase of Dairy Cattle for MSU Dairy Teaching and Research Center

Background
Michigan State University (MSU) is soliciting proposals for the purchase of dairy cattle to support the expansion of its Dairy Teaching and Research Center. The University is constructing a new state-of-the-art facility aimed at enhancing dairy teaching, research, and outreach capabilities. This expansion will increase the herd size from approximately 200 to over 500 lactating cows. A portion of the newly acquired cows should be adapted to robotic milking systems, as about 120 of the cows will be milked using this technology.

Work Details
MSU seeks to purchase a total of 300 mature Holstein dairy cattle, divided into three lots of 100 cows each. The specifications for the cattle include:
- Each lot must come from a single herd to simplify health screening.
- Cows should have varying days in milk upon delivery; MSU does not want a large group at the same lactation stage.
- Mature Holstein cows are defined as females at least 20 months old, either lactating or within 60 days of calving.
- Herds must provide complete management records prior to contract signing and delivery.
- Herds must agree to bulk tank sample collection for disease screening and individual health screenings prior to delivery, with costs covered by MSU.
- Preference is given to herds that can provide cows already adapted to robotic milking.

Suppliers are required to submit pricing for each lot (Lot 1, Lot 2, Lot 3) and include details such as herd health protocols and individual cow identification numbers offered for sale.

Period of Performance
Delivery of the cattle is expected between August and December 2025, contingent upon the completion of construction at the new facility. Final delivery is anticipated in early September 2025.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed at Michigan State University's Dairy Teaching and Research Center located in East Lansing, Michigan.