How does the Animal Science Department promote sustainability?

The Animal Science Department is dedicated to partnering the use of new technologies with the practice and research of sustainability here on the Central Coast. We are committed to not only take care of our students and animals, but our lands and resources as well.

The department promotes sustainability by using rest-rotational grazing methods. Mirroring the patterns of buffalo and other free-roaming herds, these methods rotate closely grouped cattle throughout rangelands instead of continuously grazing. The result? More cattle per acre, but more importantly, grass restoration, increased biodiversity, a healthier ecosystem, and reduced atmospheric CO2. To read more about the benefits of rest-rotational grazing, read Time Magazine’s article How to Save The Grasslands.

Additionally, Cal Poly is the first U.S. university with a USDA-certified Process Verification Program. This program certifies the accuracy and integrity of animal information, helping to assure customers that they are buying a consistent product. While this program makes Cal Poly’s cattle more marketable, it is also significant in promoting food safety and sustainability. In the event of a disease outbreak, infected animals can be located more easily, and uninfected animals don’t have to be quarantined unnecessarily. Programs like this in the department not only help in caring for Cal Poly’s cows, but also give students the opportunity to get a jumpstart on where industry is headed.

The Animal Science Department further promotes sustainability through the practice of artificial insemination and embryo transfer to breed animals best suited for the Central Coast environment. The department also strives for environmental health and sustainability by emulating a production calendar similar to Mother Nature. On this production calendar, calves and lambs are milking when the grass is best; meaning, mothers get the best nutrition, their young grow the healthiest and the land can best support their needs.