SERDANG, Malaysia – Dr. Ronel Reproto, Dean, College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Capiz State University (CapSU) in the Philippines, recently completed his mobility program at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) under the SEARCA Faculty Mobility Grant. This marks a significant step forward in regional collaboration and academic exchange in dairy research. The mobility, held from 21 April 2025 to 15 May 2025, provided Dr. Reproto with hands-on exposure through a visit to Farm Fresh @ UPM. He looked at the farm's sustainable dairy operations practices, herd management strategies, and innovative technologies to improve the dairy productivity and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Reproto also contributed to an ongoing research project on dairy calf well-being under the mentorship of Dr. Aimi Nabillah Hussien. His involvement included behavioral observations, cortisol analysis, and collaborative discussions on experimental design, which helped enhance his expertise in animal behavior, laboratory methodologies, and stress biomarker research.
Beyond research, the program fostered academic engagement through participation in lectures and practical classes in equine management, feed formulation, and wildlife welfare, among others. Dr. Reproto also delivered an insightful lecture on 'The Potential of Dairy Buffalo Production in the Philippines,' resulting in significant interest and engagement among UPM faculty and students.
The visit culminated in the proposal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CapSU and UPM's Faculty of Agriculture, aiming to establish long-term partnerships in faculty and student mobility, joint research, and academic exchange.
Dr. Reproto discusses the 'Potential of Buffalo Production in the Philippines' during his lecture to students and faculty.
Dr. Reproto conducts Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to quantify cortisol levels in bovine hair samples.
Dr. Reproto collects bovine hair follicles
Dr. Reproto observes and documents stereotypic behaviors in calves, such as tongue rolling, bar biting, and non-nutritive oral manipulation.
Dr. Reproto holds a consultative meeting with Dr. Aimi and his advisee, Mr. Nur Syazwan, to discuss ongoing research.