Tim Redd

tredd@mtsu.edu

Warren Gill

ABAS

Discipline specific equipment

New Dairy Farm Laboratory, Guy James Rd.

N/A

N/A

Equipment is required for the operation of the new dairy farm laboratory. The dairy farm on Manson Pike is being relocated to the newly acquired farm on Guy James road and lack of this equipment would constitute an instructional emergency. This equipment will be utilized for the instruction of students in the feeding, nutrition, health, and daily care of the dairy cattle. Cow comfort and well being is of national concern and these items of equipment will provide our students the opportunity to be involved in a new dairy animal housing system which features animal comfort and care. Equipment will be utilized in management of animal waste as a nutrient management tool for soil application thus reducing the need for chemical fertilizer. This will improve the green footprint of the farm laboratories. These items would benefit students enrolled in Agribusiness & Agriscience (ABAS) courses. An estimate of 475 students would be impacted annually, based on enrollment in ABAS courses (2009). Courses included in this list are Elements of Animal Science, Dairy Production, Livestock Management, Animal Nutrition, and Soil Fertility. This new dairy facility will also enhance the ability for undergraduate students to conduct research.