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The Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Science is designed to prepare students for employment in the various phases of the dairy industry as well as related fields. All students within the major take a common core or courses and, with advisor approval, select additional courses in an area of interest which may include: dairy products technology, agriculture education for future teachers, pre-veterinary studies, dairy industry (combining husbandry and processing), as well as courses of study in either production or processing designed for students who expect to pursue graduate studies.

Excellent facilities are provided for students. The dairy herd includes purebred Jerseys and Holsteins located on a well-planned unit where feeding, milking, calf raising, artificial insemination, and management are learned in the classroom and experienced by hands-on practice. The campus creamery is well equipped with modern processing equipment. Students are employed on a part-time basis to work in both the production and processing areas. Student enterprise projects provide an opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience with real-world dairy projects.

The Dairy Products Technology Research Center focuses on multi-disciplinary dairy foods research and training activities designed to support the dairy industry and consumers of dairy products. Cal Poly offers a Master of Science degree in Agriculture with a specialization in Dairy Products Technology.

As in most industries today, university training is necessary for advancement to upper management levels. Cal Poly, with the largest undergraduate dairy enrollment in the nation and modern facilities, is equipped to prepare capable men and women for a rewarding career in this challenging, diverse field.

Dairy Herds - The University-owned dairy herd consists of 80 milking age registered Holsteins and 85 milking age registered Jerseys. Both herds are recognized for their high production and outstanding type. The Holstein rolling herd average for production 2X is about 27,000 pounds of milk and 990 pounds of fat, with a BAA of over 106 percent. The Jersey rolling herd average for production 2X is over 18,000 pounds of milk, 840 pounds of fat. Special enterprises allow students to participate in projects such as embryo flushing and transfer into donated recipient heifers. These projects put students in touch with leading edge technology.

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Career Opportunities

Allied Industries, Services

• Dairy Inspector
• Dairy Plant Representative
• Dairy Industry Communications:
  • Journalism
  • Promotion
  • Public Relations

Processing

• Production supervision
  • Fluid mild
  • Frozen dairy desserts
  • Butter and cheese
  • Concentrated and dried dairy products
  • Specialty products
• New product development
• Product and process research and development

Management

• Executive areas:
  • Production management
  • Sales management
  • Office management
  • Plant management
  • Personnel management

Cal Poly Cheese

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