Cattle Resource Unit

The Cattle Resource Unit was built in 1999. It houses up to 140 heifers and dry cows used in the UConn Department of Animal Science's teaching, research and extension programs. The animals are penned in groups by age, from 4 months to 2 years.

The building's greenhouse-type construction is cost efficient but comparable to most traditional wood buildings in strength and resistance to the elements. It's 180' x 86' wide and is built of steel piping with a plastic roof. The sides are curtains that roll down for ventilation in summer and up for warmth in winter.

 A heifer is a young female cow that has not given birth.

A dry cow has given birth at least once and is in a resting period before giving birth again.