Digital Commons Network^™

Cal Poly Dairy Bull Calves Website, Katherine E. Gardner

Agricultural Education and Communication

Finding California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) livestock available for purchase is difficult. While many people within the livestock industry recognize Cal Poly has animals available, dealing with Craigslist advertising, newspaper clips and advertisements in magazines can be cumbersome for the searcher and costly for the university. Furthermore, online resources can leave out detailed information about the livestock for sale.

In the past, Cal Poly Dairy has had difficulty selling some of the new born bull calves from the herd. Presently, Cal Poly does not have a standard way for the public to view and purchase the …

Cost Of Feed Per Pound Of Gain In Cal Poly's Dairy Calves, Kayle Anna Phelan

Agricultural Education and Communication

California is ranked one of the top five states in the United States for dairy production. It produces approximately 40 billion pounds of milk per year for US production. California’s dairy industry is not only the largest milk producer in the nation, but it is also the most financially prominent in the agricultural industry. This industry lead is purely because of its careful management practices. The way calves are raised depend on the resources used, the natural environment present, and the operation of the dairy farm. Essentially, there are numerous ways to care for a cow and calf. However, the …

An Educational Video: Cal Poly Dairy Calf Management Procedures, Katie Nicole Vierra, Anthony Joseph Ferdinandi

Agricultural Education and Communication

In particular, dairy production in California is ranked one of the top five states in the United States that produces approximately 40 billion pounds of milk per year. California’s dairy industry is not only the largest milk producer in the nation, but it is also the most financially prominent in the agricultural industry. This industry lead is merely because of its careful management practices. The way calves are raised depend on the resources used, the natural environment present, and the operation of the dairy farm. Essentially, there are numerous ways to care for a cow and calf. However, the aim …

Case Study: Double J Dairy, Jay Tevelde, Chris Reeves, Holden Smith, Bradley Braun

Case Studies in Agribusiness

The case presents the history and current operations of the Double J Dairy, a large scale (milking about 4,300 cows) dairy farm in the Central Valley of California. The case discusses continuing issues with water, labor and environmental regulations.

Fernjo Farms Case Study, Michelle Cheda, Luis Trujillo, Lauren Ott, Andrew Lucchesi

Case Studies in Agribusiness

The history of Fernjo Farms is similar by many California dairy farms. It was started by a Portuguese immigrant from the Azores in the 1920s, who milked someone else’s cows for decades before he had saved enough to start his own farm. Today, Fernjo Farms milks 3,500 cows on three operations, and is expanding into permanent crops such as almonds and pistachios. The case explores the California dairy industry and challenges such as labor and regulations. Given current dairy costs and returns, Fernjo Dairy is considering other enterprises or moving.

Installation Plan For An Automatic Fresh Water Ball Valve For The Dairy Unit Flush Tank At California Polytechnic State University, Garret James Rowley

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this senior project was to plan for the installation of an automatic fresh water valve at the Dairy Unit at California Polytechnic State University. This new valve will replace the existing manual gate valve that repeatedly overfills the tank. The data and research was completed in order to assess the projects feasibility and installation needs. This project outlines the steps needed to be taken in order to install the valve, as well provides a detailed explanation on why this installation is pertinent.

Setting Up A Safety Program For California Dairies., Shelby Locke

Dairy Science

The purpose of this project was to take the best research for dairy safety in California and combine it in everyday terminology that the average dairy producer could understand. In today’s dairy industry, money is tight and decreasing costs is very important. By implementing a safety program that is in compliance with CAL/OSHA’s standards, injuries will decrease, saving the dairy producer money. This paper has highlighted the major topics for a new dairy to start their safety training program. It includes descriptions of the hazards, responsibilities for employers and employees and ways to prevent accidents from occurring. By summarizing the …

Development Of Applied Standard Operating Procedures And Monitoring Practices, Nick Southfield

Dairy Science

Development of a standard operating procedure program for Southfield Dairy was chosen in order to improve the work environment and animal health with an underlying goal to improve profitability. Critical control points for the milk barns, maternity barn and calf barn on the dairy, were identified as being critical to the production of quality milk, both for sale and calf feed. Data recording implementation through identification of recordable data, equipment purchases, and log sheet production, was done so to increase relevant information available for veterinary services and specialty consultants. Implementation of procedural documents and training programs are discussed to see …

A Literature Review On Injection-Site Lesions In Dairy Cows And Culling Decisions, Eric B. Parsons

Dairy Science

Currently dairy producers face particular problems concerning their culled cows and bulls, these problems must be addressed so dairy producers have the opportunity to improve the quality of beef produced from their cull dairy cows. At the moment, not much is known about culling decisions outside “break-even” numbers and poor cow conditioning. This literature review outlines the strategy behind culling decisions and looks into potential plans to develop progressive body conditioning and quality of meat sent to auction. Currently the dairy industry is not placing much demand into providing the livestock auctions and harvest plants with higher quality meat. This …

The Analysis Of Solar Photovoltaic Power System On A Large Central Valley Dairy Farm, Brogan Rose Fernandes

Dairy Science

The objective of this paper was to determine the financial benefits of installing a PV solar system on a dairy farm in California to create a more efficient and profitable business. The data used was based off Fernoak Farms electrical bills from Southern California Edison before and after solar installation. The background knowledge of how PV solar systems work and their design was incorporated, along with the research of the past, present, and future solar markets. The characteristics of energy consumption on an average dairy farm is given to show the amount of electricity needed to keep the dairy facility …

The Effects Of Substituting True Protein With Non-Protein Nitrogen In Holstein Dairy Heifers Precision-Fed Different Forage To Concentrate Ratios, Noe Alberto Gomez

Animal Science

Understanding the efficiency and digestibility of dietary nutrients in dairy heifers is essential for minimizing costs and environmental impacts of the dairy industry. The objective of this study was to interpret the effects of manipulating rumen-degradable protein (RDP) in a precision feeding system. Eight Holstein ruminally cannulated heifers (14.6 ± 0.1 mo of age, and 386 ± 9.1 kg of weight) were randomly assigned to 2 forage levels: HC (25% forage) and LC (75% forage) and to a degradable protein sequence [0% degradable protein from urea U, 100% casein C (no urea treatment U0); 33% U, 67% C …

Humboldt County Agriculture Education: Forestry, Nursery, And Dairy Production, Alayna Renner

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to create middle school agriculture curriculum for the top three agriculture commodities in Humboldt County. It was designed and created specifically for Humboldt County to educate the upcoming generations about the unique and diverse agriculture industry Humboldt County provides. It is hoped that this easy and ready to use curriculum will get the students interested and involved in the agriculture industry in the future years. It includes a teacher’s aide outline, student handouts, a Power Point, and an activity handout.

Increasing California Dairy Exports To Japan And South Korea, Kristina Soper

Dairy Science

The opportunities for increasing exports of California dairy products to the Japanese and South Korean markets were determined by identifying current obstacles in the California dairy industry and determining the characteristics of consumers in the Japanese and South Korean markets. As the largest milk-producing state and the supplier of 7.5% of total U.S. dairy exports, California’s economic activity greatly affects the rest of the nation and the world. The trends in the California dairy industry include increasing total milk production and per-cow milk production, a diminishing number of total dairy operations, and a rising number of large dairy operations. These …

The Promotion And Scale Of Specialty Dairy Products In The United States, Lindsey Mendes

Dairy Science

The objective of this paper is to determine the growth and future scale of artisan dairy products. The purpose of this paper is to analyze why there has been such a great demand for artisan dairy products, how they are produced, and the promotion and scale of the specialty dairy industry product production.

The review begins with a brief discussion on the different terms used for specialty dairy products. Followed by the introduction is history of the dairy industry and its growth and change over many, many years. Dairy products have been around longer than they have actually been recorded. …

Consumer Perception Of Organic Milk, Christina Puetz

Dairy Science

The objective of this study was to determine the potential factors, reasons and beliefs that contribute to college aged consumers’ choice to purchase organic milk. The data were from survey of students using questions that were modeled after consumer issues and concerns over conventional milk as discussed in the literature review. This study was particularly interested in exploring differences between students in agriculture classes and non-agriculture classes. The literature referenced came from a variety of sources, including scientific journals, online articles, milk advisory boards, and governmental agencies. According to the literature review, consumer concerns and reasons for purchase of organic …

A Business Model For The Small-Scale, Start-Up, Organic Jersey Dairy, Jim Moreda

Dairy Science

To determine the financial feasibility and stability of starting a small-scale organic jersey dairy in Northern California, given the changes and restrictions that must take place in all aspects of production while operating organically. Using a unique combination of ownership and borrowing, I have created a business model made to appropriately fit the organic dairy system, addressing every area of the operation whether it be business or animal related. Through experience, reviews, and research of organic techniques allowable to apply, I was able to reveal and identify specific areas of husbandry and financing in which I would need to excel …

The Effects Of Feeding Brown Midrib Corn Silage Compared To Conventional Corn Silage In High Producing Dairy Cows, Erick Mitchell Mendonca

Dairy Science

The objective of this study was to determine if supplementing Brown Midrib Corn Silage into a high cow feed ration could improve digestibility in the rumen, add savings into the feed ration, and improve milk production. Beginning in June of 2012 two hundred high producing Holstein cows were selected from Johnny Mendonca & Sons Dairy in Tulare, Ca to estimate the difference between feeding Conventional Corn Silage compared to Brown Midrib Corn Silage. This test trial was conducted over the span of 4 months and was hypothesized by the author. To achieve this, the author conducted three analyses to determine …

Estimated Sales And Investment Costs To Produce And Retail Gelato In The Petaluma Area, Katherine Camozzi

Agribusiness

Recent events in the California dairy have left many dairy producers with high feed costs, low profits, and low (sometimes negative) margins. Some producers have transitioned to producing value-added or artisanal dairy products to help increase the revenues earned from farm milk, particularly in Sonoma County. Because limited research exists on the business opportunities in response to a rapidly growing market for value-added products, this project explores the feasibility of starting a gelato production and retail business in the Petaluma area. To assess business feasibility, a consumer survey was created to estimate the percent of residents and non-residents who would …

Design, Acnd Construction Of A Portable Artificial Insemination Chute, Chris Herrera

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This senior project report discusses the design, construction, and evaluation of a portable artificial insemination chute for the use of the Cal Poly Beef Department. The design was based on the suggested modifications from operators of several other chutes currently in use.

The main areas considered for the design were; Ergonomics, cattle safety, factors effecting maximum breeding conception rates, and Portability.

The breeding chute proved superior over traditional chutes in a variety of ways. Improvement occurred in the areas of consideration as follows, user operation was simplified, animal stress was decreased, and maximum breeding efficiency was obtained.

Efficiency Comparison Between Two Systematic Breeding Protocols: Target Breeding And Presynchronization Program At A Large Central Valley Dairy Farm, Blake Alvernaz

Dairy Science

As dairy herd sizes increase, dairymen often initiate systematic breeding programs on their dairy in order to improve their reproduction efficiency. The objective of this study, compares systematic breeding program by comparing reproductive efficiency between two systematic breeding programs Target Breeding (January 1, 2008 to May 31,2009) and Presynchronization (Presynch) Program (January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011) at a large central valley dairy. The traditional Target Breeding program is a systematic breeding program that is solely prostaglandin (PGF_2α) based. The more modern Presynch programs includes both Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and PGF_2α, that allows for …

Proposal To Implement A Surveillance System At The Cal Poly Dairy, Madelyn Cobb

Dairy Science

The objective of this project is to determine how to implement a cost effective and efficient surveillance system at the Cal Poly Dairy. This system would help monitor labor, feed, and cows while increasing the biosecurity, accountability, and efficiency throughout the Cal Poly Dairy. To make this determination, I researched different types of products and the equipment necessary that will meet the needs of the dairy currently and for future projects. A list of specifications was created that help guide the search for appropriate companies and products for this project. Talking to surveillance experts also helped create a better sense …

Cal Poly Dairy: Safety And Procedures, Christine Woodman

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to create a safety program that was designed specifically for the milkers at the Cal Poly Dairy. It was designed as an orientation program for all new employees at the Dairy. By creating an orientation program that delivers a consistent message time after time, it is hoped that all student employees will be able to maintain a high level of safety while employed at the Dairy. It includes an instructional video as well as a written safety test.

Methane Digesters, Thomas Van Steyn

Dairy Science

Anaerobic digestion has many different avenues for opportunity in use on farms. The objective of my senior project is to determine the economic viability of alternative methane digesters on a dairy. Currently the conversion of animal manure to biogas through the process of anaerobic digestion is widely used in Europe. In the U.S. anaerobic digesters have become increasingly in demand by environmental groups and dairymen. Digesters environmental impact involves the benefit by capturing the biogas that comes off animal manure. Methane, a green house gas, is the one with the most concern that is captured by methane digesters. The biogas …

Analysis Of Integrating Solar Power At Cal Poly's On-Campus Dairy Operation, Kyle Wayne Wright

Agribusiness

This study was performed to determine the feasibility of integrating a full offset solar power unit at Cal Poly’s dairy operation. The dairy is relatively small, with four hundred cows and only two hundred mature milking cows. The dairy’s average annual electricity use is approximately 330,000-kilowatt hours. Based on the size and annual electricity demand, REC Solar, a local solar power company, was able to determine that a 216-kilowatt system would be necessary to meet the electricity demands.

In order to develop an accurate study, governmental grants, rebates and incentives were researched. These forms of aid would provide financial support …

Ffa State Finals Committee Chairman Guide, Brian Fiorini

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Algae As An Economical Protein Source For Dairy Cattle Nutrition, Brian Azevedo

Dairy Science

Dairying continues to change with economic and environmental demands of today’s fast moving society. Feed costs continue to rise and now account for a large majority of expenses on dairies; especially protein, which has become expensive to purchase. I believe that Algae can serve as a possible solution to aid in alleviating this problem. Algae grow rapidly and consume undesirable carbon dioxide to release oxygen to the environment, making it an environmentally friendly source of feed. There are particular strands of algae that are high in protein. During the course of this project, I intend to discover how effective protein …

Conception Rates Of Sexed Semen In Lactating Cows, Christina J. Silva

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Lipid Productivity Of Algae Grown On Dairy Wastewater As A Possible Feedstock For Biodiesel, Ian C. Woertz

Master's Theses

The objective of this thesis is to develop a biological wastewater treatment system that utilizes algal growth to simultaneously create renewable energy in the form of biodiesel and digester biogas, remove polluting nutrients, and abate greenhouse gases. Research under the Department of Energy Aquatic Species Program during 1978-1996 concluded that cultivating algae for biofuels was cost prohibitive at that time and that an integrated approach should be studied that combined wastewater treatment with algal biofuel production. Nutrient removal, in particular nitrogen and phosphorus, from wastewater is a growing regulatory need and the use of algae cultivation could create a unique …