Thursday, May 26, 2011

Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, Florida - 25th May

The afternoon of Wednesday 25th May 2011, our team visited the Subtropical Agricultural Research Station (STARS), Brooksville, Florida in the county of Hernando. The team was hosted by Dr Stacy Stickland, Director of Extension, University of Florida, Brooksville and Dr Sam Coleman, Research Leader, SRARS - Brooksville.

Dr Stacy and Myra Rooks (technical assistant) toured us around the 36,000 acre  (8,982 ha) property showing us their research on beef production where the team here undertake research on the genetics, reproduction, and nutrition required for cattle adapted to the subtropical regions of the USA and the world.

The only research on this kind evaluates and improves the adapted breeds of cattle with a particular focus on the Braham, exotic Bos Taurus and the english Black Angus cattle breeds for subtropical climates.

Also, the team evaulates the impacts of stessors of subtropical regions on animal well being and productivity including physiological and immunological response to heat stress; genetic control of parasites tolerance or resistance. Also the research evaluates and aims at improving the beef types for the entire beef production system including cow-calf efficiency; feedlot growth and efficiency and carcass merit and value.

Historically situated on part of the 36,000 acres is an old plantation house (cotton plantation) built in 1849.

STARS, Brooksville is a cooperative research unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculutre Research Service and the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science. At this research site the units integrate reasearch approaches and emphasises on a multidisciplinary basis to address specific research objects.

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