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The dairy cattle research
is conducted on cooperator farms on St. Croix. There are 4 operating
dairies and a milk processing plant on St. Croix. One of the biggest
problems facing the dairy farms on St. Croix is the environmental influences
on milk production and reproduction. Several studies have been conducted
to evaluate the effects of the environment on the physiology of the Holstein
cattle used on the dairy farms. This has been done by either direct
sampling of animals to measure physiological parameters or by collating and
analyzing database records on animal production records and reproductive performance.
The influence of the environment on reproduction has been evaluated in both
male and female dairy cattle.
The Animal Science Program is a participant in Southern Regional Project S-299 (Enhancing Production and Reproductive Performance of Heat-Stressed Dairy Cattle). As part of this project UVI will investigate the effects of heat stress on dairy cattle in the USVI. (Link to S-299 home page). Procedures will be evaluated to determine if the negative effects of heat stress can be overcome under the tropical conditions found on St. Croix. Remote temperature probes are being used to collect data on the body temperature of dairy cows under conditions of heat stress. The impact of coat color on thermoregulation of dairy cows is also being studied. |
