Clement "Clem" Pelissier (1914-1997)

Clement "Clem" Pelissier passed away on May 9, 1997 after an extensive period of failing health. Clem was born in San Francisco the same year his parents immigrated from France and grew up in Santa Rosa. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Animal husbandry in 1936 and later received a masters degree in Animal Husbandry in 1936 and later received a masters degree in Animal Science from Cornell University. In 1938, he was appointed Livestock and Dairy Assistant Farm Advisor in Tulare County. After serving the U.S. Navy during World War II, in 1946 he returned to Tulare County as Dairy Farm Advisor. In 1949, Clem was transferred to the UC Davis campus as an Extension Dairy Specialist where he remained until retiring in 1982.

In the early 1950's, Clem was one of the first researchers to evaluate level of grain feeding to lactating dairy cows. He demonstrated that increased feeding of concentrates could be used as a management tool to increase energy intake of lactating cows during early lactation to meet energy demands of high milk yield. Clem was also active in promoting the use of artificial insemination in California and assisted in the development of that industry. In his later years, he demonstrated to the dairy industry the importance of maintaining accurate records to make wise management decisions and was active in the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. He also focused on management strategies to improve the reproductive efficiency of California dairy herds.

Clem received and Extension Award from the American Dairy Science Association in 1978 and on his retirement, received citations form the California State Legislature, the California Farm Bureau and a number of breed associations. He is survived by his wife Jeanne, of 52 years, Two daughters and a son. A memorial service was held on the UC Davis campus on June 8th. Donations in his memory can be made to the Clement and Jeanne Pelissier Undergraduate Scholarship Fund (checks payable to U.C. Davis Foundation) or to the Animal Husbandry Memorial Fund in support of department programs and student activities (checks payable to U.C. Regents - Animal Science). Send to the Department of Animal Science, c/o Edward Price, Chair, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616-8521.