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a man hugs a cow
Francisco Somare hugs one of his favorite cows who is taking part in his study of dairy cattle diet during the transition period. Photo provided.
Field Note

Francisco Somare: Looking for answers to a global dairy problem

Advancing Health & Nutrition During the Transition Period

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  • Dairy Fellows Program
  • PRO-DAIRY
  • Animal Science
  • Dairy

by Caroline Stamm '24

For dairy cows, the transition period from late pregnancy to early lactation is a critical time that significantly impacts their health and the sustainability of the dairy industry. Graduate student and veterinarian Dr. Francisco Somare MS ’25 is conducting research to better understand the metabolic changes cows undergo during this time. His goal is to provide practical advancements to the transition period for dairy professionals in New York and beyond.

“The transition period is when cows are most vulnerable,” Somare said. “They need to start eating as soon as possible after calving to support milk production, but their bodies are undergoing significant metabolic changes. Optimizing calcium metabolism during this time is essential for both cow health and milk production.”

Somare is from Argentina and works under the guidance of Thomas Overton, Animal Science Department chair and professor of dairy nutrition and management. “Cornell's Animal Science Department has always been at the forefront of dairy research,” Somare said. “Working with Professor Overton and being part of such an innovative research community has been invaluable. The department's focus on advancing science while keeping practical applications for farmers is exactly what drew me here.”

three women stand together in a barn while a man takes their selfie
Somare carries out his study with help from undergraduates (from left): Lydia McDonough, Rachel Ewig and Madelynn Hoffman. Photo provided.

With over a decade of experience as a veterinarian and international exposure to dairy practices in countries like Argentina, New Zealand and Spain, Somare brings a global perspective to his work. He notes that while Spain's dairy industry mirrors the United States on a smaller scale and New Zealand employs a distinctive grazing system, the U.S. leads in cutting-edge research and comprehensive management practices.

Somare started his own research project in March, testing the combined effects of zeolite and calcidiol (Vitamin D metabolite) in the diets of dairy cows during the transition period. The study will determine the impact of the implemented nutritional strategy on calcium concentrations around calving, focusing on two groups of cows: those that recover quickly from calcium deficiencies and maintain good milk production, and those that struggle to normalize calcium concentrations even several days after calving.

Somare’s approach is comprehensive, measuring calcium concentrations in blood, analyzing mineral absorption through urine and feces, and monitoring feed composition and vitamin D metabolites. In addition, his team evaluates milk quality by analyzing protein and fat content. A unique aspect of the research includes studying colostrum production—a key factor for calf health—in terms of both volume and quality.

vials of blood stand in a tray
After blood collection, Somare and his team transfer serum and plasma to eppendorf tubes for storage. During peak blood collection, the team gathered blood from 55 cows. Photo provided.
a cup of urine is hooked up to a ph tester
Twice weekly Somare and his team measure urine pH of dry cows fed special diets to monitor effectiveness. Photo provided.

Somare has also embraced opportunities beyond the lab, particularly as a member of the Dairy Fellows Program, a groundbreaking, internationally recognized program that prepares students for careers in the dairy industry. As a Fellow, he has visited more than 15 farms across New York State, and he has gained valuable insights into the complexities of dairy operations.

“The Dairy Fellows Program has been transformative,” Somare said. “Working in teams to address real-world challenges in nutrition, health, reproduction and business management has shown me how theoretical knowledge translates into practical solutions. Each farm visit offers a new perspective on how different operations tackle similar challenges.”

"The challenges we face in the dairy industry, from sustainability to cow health and comfort, are global. I believe the research we're doing at Cornell can contribute to solutions that benefit dairy farmers worldwide."

Looking ahead, Somare is dedicated to developing practical solutions to improve dairy farming. “The challenges we face in the dairy industry, from sustainability to cow health and comfort, are global,” he said. “I believe the research we're doing at Cornell can contribute to solutions that benefit dairy farmers worldwide.

“My goal is to take everything I've learned here—both through research and firsthand experience with farms—and use it to advance dairy operations back home in Argentina,” he added. 

Caroline Stamm ’24 is a communications assistant for the Cornell CALS Department of Animal Science.

 

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