Dairy Science (DS)

Vikram V. Mistry, Head
Department of Dairy Science
Dairy-Microbiology Building 109A
605-688-4116
fax: 605-688-6276
e-mail: vikram.mistry@sdstate.edu

Faculty

Professor Mistry, Head; Professors Baer, Hippen, Distinguished Professor Schingoethe; Professor Emeritus Parsons; Associate Professor Emeritus Henning; Associate Professors Anand, Garcia, Hassan, Kalscheur, and Metzger; Instructor Bonnemann; Lecturer Laubach.

Programs

Dairy Science is an application of the sciences, engineering and technology, and business for the study of milk production and
processing. Dairy Science students may choose a major in Dairy Production, Dairy Manufacturing, or both. Dairy Production is the study of production of milk, management of the farm, feeding, breeding and herd health. Dairy Manufacturing is the study of processing and merchandising of milk and milk products. In addition, specialization in Science or Business is available with both majors as well as a Manufacturing-Microbiology specialization.

The Dairy Research and Training Facility (DRTF) of the Dairy Science Department houses 300 Holstein and Brown Swiss cattle and is a research center in feeding, breeding, and managing a dairy herd. Equally important, it is the site for basic education in dairy cattle evaluation and other aspects of dairy farming. Milk produced at the DRTF is delivered to the dairy plant where it is processed into fluid milk, ice cream, butter, cheese, and other dairy products. These products are sold through the Dairy Sales Bar and used in campus dining facilities. Most students work part-time at the processing plant and/or at the DRTF. Both are opportunities for students to work part-time and gain practical experience while earning a pay. Both facilities are also extensively used for research. Students are encouraged to supplement their class instruction with summer internships and extracurricular activities. Leadership opportunities are available through participation in the Dairy Club, Dairy Cattle Judging, Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, and Dairy Products Evaluation Teams. The Department has strong research programs in both areas. It is an active member of the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center. Research opportunities for undergraduate students are also available.

Dairy Science degrees are designed to prepare students for a wide range of outstanding, challenging and rewarding career opportunities in both majors ranging from industry to private enterprise, government, research and others.