Alternative Swine Unit / Pasture-based Dairy Unit
The Alternative Swine Unit and the Pasture-based Dairy Unit are both developing breeding programs selecting for genetic traits that improve the heat-resistance of dairy cattle and pigs. An ongoing study on the underlying genetic mechanisms for heat tolerance will help these farming systems adapt to a warmer climate. The pasture-based dairy farm includes cows from the Holstein and Jersey breeds, which are also the most represented breeds in the country. We are comparing the breeds for their heat tolerance using historical databases. While Jersey cows have lower milk yield (but higher components concentration) they may actually cope with heat stress better than the Holstein cows. In addition, we are exploring how their crosses can show any improvement compared to their relative purebreds and working to provide farmers with a cross-breeding strategy.
