The University of Saskatchewan has purchased a feed mill in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, to develop a research facility that will enhance animal nutrition and feeds research and benefit Canadian crop, livestock and feed processing industries. One million tonnes of canola is slated for the $12.6 million Canadian Feed Technology Research Facility. Roughly two-thirds of the cost of raising an animal to market is the cost of feeding, according to project leader, Bernard Laarveld of the college of agriculture and bioresources. The canola will supply the feed mill and help scientist determine how to lower the cost of raising livestock by increasing the nutrition of additives that are used in feed. The new facility, funded by the provincial government and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, replaces the existing research centre, which is nearly 50 years old. Renovations to convert the existing feed mill into a research facility will begin in July. The research operation will begin in late summer to early fall 2010.