Melissa Sacher

This project evaluates how diverse environments affect pregnant Holstein dairy cows during Florida summer weather. A total of 40 calves will be born to 40 cows affected by heat stress or cool weather. From birth to eight weeks, we will be monitoring the immunoglobulin levels in the blood. This will commence at birth and continue each week thereafter. We will also be monitoring the average daily gain, health scores, and active behaviors such as lying, standing, and socializing. Overall, the purpose of this project is to analyze the benefits of cooling Holstein dairy cows to improve health, production, and welfare later in life.