Ross Vet has recently been in collaboration with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) and the Nevis Department of Agriculture on a research project aimed at advancing cattle breeding in Nevis. The project, undertaken by Drs. Aspinas Chapwanya, Ninian Cameroon-Blake, and Rodger Hancock, has a goal of increasing the Nevis’ cattle population and improving beef production on the island. This past fall, 30 Ross Vet students accompanied faculty to the island to assist with the project, providing valuable information to farmers about the pregnancy status of the cattle, building an animal research database, as well as gaining practical cattle handling skills.
Since the project’s inception, 64 calves have been born. In addition to the calves, the cattle herd is now comprised of 60 cows and five bulls, four of which were bred and raised at the Ross Vet campus.
“We enjoy and appreciate all opportunities to work with local cattle farms,” says Anne Whitaker, current AABP president, “The students are eager to be a part of these experiences and for the chance to apply their classroom knowledge in a field setting. The confidence gained during these settings will be crucial for performing effective veterinary medicine in our careers.”