Unique uni farm boosts veterinary science
Finance | Stacy Shi 17 Nov 2022
The City University dairy farm has welcomed the arrival of 24 elite healthy pregnant Jersey heifers flown in from Melbourne, Australia.
The farm in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, is about one hectare and it will able to produce 500 liters of milk a day from February next year.
At the opening ceremony yesterday, Lester Garson Huang, CityU's council chairman, said the major purposes of the farm is for teaching and research.
Huang said milk and ice cream are the only by-products of the dairy farm, which will teach students animal husbandry and animal welfare.
As a teaching farm, the university's veterinary students will have the opportunity to take at least one course each year at the farm.
Courses include cattle care in the first and second years and disease and clinical treatment in the fourth and fifth years.
Due to the weather difference between Hong Kong and the cattle's hometown, a large number of fans are installed to ensure a cooler environment.
The farm is equipped with milking machines, including a freezing unit and a milk tank for storage, allowing students to learn about milk production and food safety.
Eryl Done, the farm manager, said it is difficult to open the farm to the public because of the high hygiene requirements.
"But there could be cooperation with other educational institutions for students learning about animal handling as well as animal welfare," Done added.
As for the milk production, Done said all the 24 cows are pregnant and are due to give birth between January to March, and they will be ready to produce milk, which is expected to be for sale in February.
A special area has been set up for the calves to play and release stress.
Done said the dairy products are not for mainstream commercial use. But to avoid wastage of resources the produce will be sold within the university.
Speaking at the farm's opening ceremony, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said the farm is a big leap in the development of veterinary education.
She said she believes the farm will promote veterinary medicine.
Kuo Way, the university president, said the CityU Farm should be a source of pride.
"CityU will continue to contribute to the community by making the best use of the farm to improve the lives of the public through training, innovation and public education," he said.
stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com
