Livestock research in Saskatchewan is getting big boost.

Agriculture Minister David Marit has outlined nearly 8.1 million dollars will be spent on 28 livestock and forage research projects this year.

Marit says the federal-provincial funds include 3.2 million dollars in support for the U of S Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence.

Marit says the support will ensure vital advancements in agricultural research.

He says one of the projects will look at sulphate levels in cattle water supplies.

Other projects include improving livestock genetics, forages, and disease control.

Livestock and farm research organizations are adding 650 thousand dollars for the 28 research projects.

Marit made the announcement in Saskatoon at the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference.