For those of you that don't follow my work, I have spent a great part of my PhD understanding how the spray (sprinkler/soaker) timing (i.e., on and off times) affect cow cooling and its effectiveness. After spending some time around drylots in the Central Valley of California, I had a feeling that timing could affect how cows use the spray. I tried to replicate that in a tiny freestall but it did not work the way I expected (and I have some guesses why).

In summary: when spraying cows the SAME amount of water but using different timing strategies (more or less often) we did not see any biologically relevant effects on cooling. On the other hand, when spraying cows for longer or reducing the off times (thus, using more water), cooling benefits were more pronounced in comparison to strategies that used less water. These last findings were not novel, however, I'm very proud that I provided outstanding cooling for my cows. None of the papers published before achieved such cooling levels!

With these 2 papers in press, I have published all my dissertation work - yay!

I am so excited to tell you all that I have started my work as Assistant Professor at the College of Agriculture - California State University, Chico. I hope to greatly contribute to the education of the next generations of ag-professionals and to engage on cattle welfare research. Much moooooore to come!

This Monday (Feb 12th), I will be presenting the my main contributions to cattle welfare (and science!) in the Department of Animal Science Seminar. It starts at 12:10 pm at Weir Room -  Meyer Hall 2154. 

​​I had my first photo show two Fridays ago at the Putah Creek Winery in Davis CA. My pictures will be shown at their tasting room for more two or three weeks.

​Come see it! :)

​In September 1st 17, my first cover book picture will be published: Advances in Cattle Welfare. 

​Couldn't be better!