We are currently still delayed in the project. There have unfortunately been no bull calves born at the University of Illinois Dairy Farm. However, we have all been informed that because of the difficulty of getting bull calves we will obtain calves from a larger commercial farm. I do not know the exact name of the farm, only that it is an hour away from Champaign.
Our plan is to spend a day at the farm to be present during calving and collect colostrum under sterile conditions for this experiment. Because of this change in plans, the experiment is on hold while the veterinarians arrange dates with the farm managers of this larger farm.
I guess the life lesson that can be derived from this is to always have a back up plan for research dealing with animals. Nature and animals may not always cooperate the way you plan it.
Besides this, through the classes I am taking and this research I have developed a larger interest in the nutritional side of animal science. It is incredible to learn in a deeper level how much nutrition affects the health and behavior of animals. I hope that what I am learning in my two animal nutrition classes (companion animal nutrition, and animal nutrition) will give me a better understanding of this project when we are interpreting the results of the overall research and my research.
Additionally, I have recently applied to another internship for the summer. Currently I do not know what project I will be working on since they did ask each student applying to propose three different ideas. Even when I participate in some research in the summer, I often find myself wasting summer watching several television shows. Also because this is my junior year, I would like to get some more hands on experience with animals.
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