{"id":3255,"date":"2023-03-13T09:04:24","date_gmt":"2023-03-13T13:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine.alumni.ncsu.edu\/?p=3255"},"modified":"2023-03-13T09:04:24","modified_gmt":"2023-03-13T13:04:24","slug":"cowabunga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.ncsu.edu\/2023\/cowabunga\/","title":{"rendered":"Cowabunga!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When the Animal Science Club and the Department of Animal Science purchased three Milking Shorthorns last year for NC State\u2019s herd of dairy cows, it was clearly a moo-mentous occasion. For starters, the cows\u2019 minders believe NC State is now the only university that can claim to have all seven major breeds of dairy cows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was also the realization of a dream that Devan Pendry \u201914 has had since she was an undergraduate member of the Animal Science Club. \u201cWhen I was a student, we only had Holsteins and Jerseys,\u201d says Pendry, who now manages NC State\u2019s dairy herd while working toward a master\u2019s in animal science. \u201cI thought it would be cool to have more. It would be neat for the students.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are practical considerations, as well. It gives students a chance to work with different breeds, which may be useful in future jobs. Pendry also says it\u2019s important for the university to play a role in conserving various species, some of which are endangered. Finally, it provides opportunities for increased public awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n