A happy cow is a healthy cow

Earlier this month, a group of EMU Dietetics students and instructors traveled to Jonesville, Michigan to learn more from the experts who make up the Pleasant View Dairy Farm, which is owned and operated by the Lewis Family. The United Dairy Industry of Michigan graciously sponsored the third annual outing including travel cost, a healthy lunch, trivia prizes and all the chocolate milk our students could drink!

“The goal is to make a connection about where their food comes from and the nutrition that dairy provides across the lifespan,” stated Cortney A-Boes Freeland, Nutrition Outreach Manager from United Dairy Industry of Michigan, who accompanied our students on the tour. “This experience gives students a greater perspective on dairy production, nutrition and community benefits. We hope students will use this knowledge as a tool in their future professional careers in dietetics.”

“How much protein does each cow eat every day?” one student asked Dairy Nutritionist, Dean Andres. The answer included a complete breakdown of various proteins (crude, adjusted, soluble) as well as fiber, carbohydrates and mineral requirements. Our students soon learned that a dairy cow’s nutritional needs and digestive processes are very different from humans. This talk also exposed students to new career possibilities in the dairy related professions. Dr. John Skinner, Pleasant View Dairy Farm Veterinarian, focused on how the entire dairy farm and their team focuses on the care of each cow, which impacts the herd’s wellness and milk production cycle.

EMU students learning about the dairy process

“I learned that there is an extraordinary amount of dedication and care given to these animals, and this reaches the consumer every time they purchase wholesome milk.” Nina Diaz, EMU Dietetics student.