October 28, 2008
Bowling
Green, Ky. - Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear today presented Western Kentucky University officials with funding for research into a product that could be used to protect horses and livestock from serious disease.
Gov. Beshear was on WKU’s campus to present a ceremonial check for the WKU Research Foundation in the amount of $26,257 in Kentucky Agricultural Development Funds. The funds will support research conducted on the effects of using a surplus dairy product called Re-borne, to protect horses and other livestock from diseases that negatively impact mortality rates.
The product is being developed by Simpsonville-based Re-borne, Inc.
“Research and development is a very important component to increasing the productivity in our agriculture industry,” said Gov. Beshear. “I commend my fellow members of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board for their decision to fund this forward- thinking project. The research collaboration between WKU and Re-borne, Inc. will have the potential to enhance all livestock production and provide additional revenue for dairy producers.”
Re-borne is being used as a test product across the United States as an equine supplement, primarily for the thoroughbred racing industry.
Re-borne, Inc. will be working with dairy producers across the state to access the waste from animals – called colostrum -- which will then be processed into a product that is intended to protect horses, cattle and swine from disease, stimulate growth and improve mortality rates.
“This is a great opportunity for animal agriculture in Kentucky,” said state Sen. Joey Pendleton of Hopkinsville.
“Our state will be a leader in colostrum-based products due to the extensive research and development taking place.”
Dairy farmers use colostrum to provide immunity and growth support for their own calves because it is rich in antibodies, natural growth factors and nutrients. Re-Borne, Inc. will process surplus colostrum, and provide it with a long shelf life. It is stored in a refrigerated state and is intended to improve the overall health and production of equine, cattle, and swine.
WKU’s Agriculture Department will be conducting additional studies on how to make the Re-borne product more viable for consumers. Dr. Jenks Britt will lead two separate research projects designed to test the effectiveness of Re-borne in bolstering the immune system and dramatically improving weight gain of calves and swine in the early and finishing stages of production.
“We are very pleased that the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and Re-Borne, Inc., will be using Dr. Jenks Britt’s expertise to test this product at our Cattle Evaluation Facility,” Dr. Blaine Ferrell, dean of WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering said. “WKU takes seriously the statewide strategy for economic development that calls on universities to serve as research and development catalysts for start-up companies, and Dr. Britt is excited to help Re-Borne test their product and develop their company in Kentucky.”
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