BLACKSBURG (WSLS 10) - The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors recently approved the proposed design for the second phase of the new Dairy Science Complex.
The $7.6 million facility will include an applied reproductive physiology facility adjacent to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, an intensive metabolic research facility at the Kentland Farm complex, and a bovine extension, teaching and research facility on Plantation Road.
Recommended Videos
Officials said the new additions reinforce Virginia Tech's dairy science program and contributes to the university's land-grant mission to serve as a resource for residents of the commonwealth.
The move from the former dairy complex on Southgate Road was prompted by the expansion of the Virginia Tech/Montgomery Executive Airport, the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, and a new U.S. Route 460 interchange.
Much like Phase I, the commitment to sustainability is evident in Phase II Virginia Tech said, with architectural details such as a bi-level roof structure and open metal slat walls which promote better natural ventilation without expending energy.
The facilities will allow the study of basic and applied science and technology, the interfacing of science and production agriculture, and the dissemination of new information on animal nutrition, physiology, lactation, genetics, reproduction, infectious disease, immunology, and the business of dairy enterprise management. Studies also include nutritional and management approaches to minimize environmental impacts of dairy farm operations and the study of mechanisms involved in control of disease and the improvement of milk quality.
This first phase of construction was funded by Virginia Tech with nongeneral funds. The project was completed in the summer of 2015 and the cows were relocated in August.
Construction on Phase II is expected to start in 2016.