Program Serves Livestock Producers and Dairy Industry

By Dr. Janet Roehl

Eastern New Mexico University designed an artificial insemination (AI) breeding program for ENMU pre-vet students and production and management students. The AI industry as well as dairy and livestock producers who want to improve their genetics.

Students participate in hands-on learning opportunities and gain experience working and handling large animals in this class. It provides training in a common industry technique to improve the genetics of the herd. Dr. Darron Smith, professor of reproductive physiology, directs the program.

“Alumni who have graduate from ENMU have donated cattle for the class,” Dr. Smith explains. “The students care for the animals, clean the pens and feed them during the time the animals are in the barn. This requires twice a day care and cleaning and provides the students with knowledge about animal husbandry.

“This class is based on cooperating dairy farmers willing to work with us. We could not do it without their help,” Dr. Smith continues.

The class began about ten years ago and has trained over 150 students in the techniques of artificial insemination and cattle management. Dr. Smith explains, “This is extremely important to our pre-vet students who often are from urban areas and have no large animal experience. It is also important to our production and management students who would like to improve their family livestock operation.”