Calves are raised in individual hutches until they are weaned at eight weeks of age. Calves from weaning to about six months of age are kept in the freestall barn at the Dairy Center. Older calves, bred heifers and dry cows are housed and fed at another facility. Heifers of breeding age are housed at the Dairy Center until they are bred. All cows and heifers are bred artificially and pregnancy checks are made bi-weekly on animals bred at least 35 days.
Students are responsible for calf feeding, milking nine milk shifts a week, and other duties.
Between 10 and 15 students are employed part-time each quarter. One or two student herdsmen are hired to assist in managing the dairy.