Posted on 06/12/2010 2:06:00 PM PDT by SandRat
ABU GHRAIB – While searching for shade, nearly a dozen black and white cows, their long tails swatting at flies, wandered to the edge of their fenced paddock where Soldiers from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division had stopped to pet and feed them hay through the bars.
Soldiers with the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, pet dairy cows purchased by their unit for the University of Baghdad’s Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture programs during a visit to the college, May 26, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Luisito Brooks.
Students from the University of Baghdad’s College of Agriculture in Abu Ghraib displayed the 11 new Holstein dairy cows; given to them by the “Raider” Brigade, May 26.
The university also received state-of-the-art equipment used to conduct artificial insemination, to increase the size of their herd and to train others to do the same.
“This project has been our priority,” said Mr. Hamza, the Dean of the University of Baghdad’s College of Agriculture. “We have the cows to teach our students at our school… the proper procedure of artificial insemination.”
This $83,000 project included 22 dairy cows divided equally between the University’s Veterinary and Agriculture Colleges, as well as feed and the specialized equipment necessary to conduct artificial insemination.
While each college campus has their own herd of 11 cows to work with, partnership and the sharing of knowledge, training and resources is encouraged between the two schools.
“The student will learn how to clean, feed and maintain these animals,” said Hamza. “The students will use the same equipment that student at American universities are using.”
He explained that he feels the best way to improve the economy and standard of life for the people of Iraq will come through good education.
One of 11 dairy cows purchased by the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, stares at passersby while it munches on locally-grown alfalfa hay in a paddock at the University of Baghdad’s College of Veterinary Medicine, May 26, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Luisito Brooks.
Upon completion of the training, each student will have a valuable skill set they will be able to bring to the to the job market.
“Projects like these have endless possibilities,” said Capt. Talgin Cannon, the project manager from 4th SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. “The knowledge gained from this will give these students a place in this society to make improvements.”
With each cow producing an average of six gallons of milk every day, the school can also capitalize from this project by selling milk collected by students.
“We can sell … milk to raise money for the school,” said Hamza. “Getting the books and lab equipment that we need will be easier now.”
As the Raider Brigade prepares to depart Iraq later this year, they will leave with the knowledge that they have helped ensure that institutions like the university and its agriculture and veterinary colleges will be successful in the future.
“We want to leave the university with more than just dairy cows,” said Lt. Col. Darron Wright, the 4th SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. deputy commanding officer. “It is the partnership of the two [colleges] that will remain.”
ha ha ha ACHMED YOU GOT THE UGLY ONE
I’m pretty glad I’m not a cow.
Then, we got it back as part of the 911 attack.
They are going to boink them then cut their throats for sacrifice to their heathen god.
I agree with you. Can you imagine being an animal under the control of a muslime towel head? I would rather be dead.
Those poor cattle.
At least that rising star of jihad mohammed bin rashid al kabooooooooomm won’t have to worry about getting dates for school dances now nor will he have to deal with those pesky veils and the emotional distress of playing eenie, meinie, minie, ohmyrottingprophet! it’s helen thomas! /cry
That’s a bonus.
Mooohamad...
Well, I say God Bless our military! What a thoughtful, meaningful, and useful gift to the University of Baghdad!
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