Animal Science Facilities Plans Moving Forward

For several years the Department of Animal Science has been engaged in planning new construction to replace several existing antiquated animal facilities. The department has worked with members of the Animal Science Development Board, a group of departmental friends and supporters, to develop plans for a Nutrient Processing Center to replace the current Feed Mill, an Agricultural Exposition Center to be built at the site of the Horse Barn arena and a new Dairy Cattle Facility to replace the existing facility. The needs for these new facilities are great. The Feed Mill was built in 1964 with funds from California Cattle Feeders Association. Although it has served the department well in support of teaching, research and outreach, the old facility makes it impossible to provide students with up-to-date training and to formulate experimental diets with the precision required for contemporary research. Furthermore, the current facility is stretched to provide diets for the variety of campus animal facilities. The Dairy Cattle Facility was built in 1959 and, like the Feed Mill, its size and design no longer reflect common dairy husbandry and management in California. Construction of a new facility will support the state-of-the-art teaching and research required for the state's #1 agricultural industry. A modern dairy is essential to our training of future policy-makers and future food-animal veterinarians and in educating our increasingly urban student population. Construction of a pavilion is proposed to provide an all-weather facility in support of teaching and outreach. Currently, student events risk having to be cancelled for bad weather, and campus field days typically cannot include live animals, since we lack a sheltered, large-capacity facility that accommodates large animals, agricultural equipment, etc.

Working with members of the Animal Science Development Board, the department developed conceptual plans that were submitted for review by our dean's office. The Nutrient Processing Center and the Agricultural Exposition Center were moved to the next planning phase, which included campus-wide review, site selection, architectural design and cost estimates. The new Dairy Cattle Facility, because of its complexity, scope and anticipated costs, still is undergoing review by the dean's office. The new Dairy Cattle Facility is expected to cost between $12 and 15 million to build. Cost estimates for the Nutrient Processing Center and Agricultural Exposition Center are $5.6 and 2 million, respectively.

Construction costs for these facilities are expected to exceed available state funds, even in the best of times, and financial assistance from stakeholders, individuals or groups will be required to allow construction to proceed. The current weak economy creates an even greater challenge, since construction of these facilities in the near future will have to be driven largely by private funds. The campus provides naming opportunities for major donors (e.g., the John and Mary Smith Nutrient Processing Center). Prospective donors and individuals wishing to learn more about our proposed new facilities are encouraged to contact Gary Anderson, Animal Science Department Chair, for details.