SDSU Extension announces new dairy extension specialist

BROOKINGS — The South Dakota State University Dairy Science Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Maristela Rovai to serve as Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Dairy Specialist, pending approval from the Board of Regents.

“The dairy industry in the region has been in an exciting growth and development phase for the past 15 years and Dr. Rovai’s experience and passion for the industry will be of great value to our students, SDSU Extension and the industry as a whole,” said Vikram Mistry, Dairy Science Department Head.

Maristela Rovai’s impressive resume includes a degree in Veterinary Science, from the Veterinary Medicine School in São Paulo, Brazil, a Ph.D. in Animal Science, from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and post-doctoral positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; E. de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research-Langston University; Technical University of Munich in Germany; and Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain.

Her main interests have focused in the areas of milk quality improvement, lactation and mammary gland physiology, udder health and ruminant management.

She has conducted research and development work on animal electronic identification in ruminants and also performed research on various aspects of lactation physiology and health issues as well as milking technology in dairy cows.

In more recent times she has gained experience working closely with farm personnel, veterinarians and field-related companies.

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