Remember the jersey cows which City University of Hong Kong brought in to give its veterinary students some practics with large animals? Not only are they thriving and producing milk, they are now giving the university yet another income stream: ice cream.
Made with the fresh milk produced at CityU's dairy farm in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, the ice cream is available in six Asian-inspired flavors: milk, sesame, hojicha, yuzu, chocolate, and one rotating flavor, starting with strawberry.
The ice cream is on sale exclusively at the CityU milk product counter in campus.
"We are delighted to see the fruition of our farm-to-table concept in CityU ice cream," said Vanessa Barrs, dean of the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences. "Our farm is a showcase for sustainable agriculture. So it is truly pleasing to witness how our farm's resources have been transformed into delicious ice cream, while enriching our students' understanding of sustainable food production and food safety."
At the launch ceremony, CityU staff and students took part in a blind tasting session, which allowed them to explore the characteristics and quality of each flavor.
CityU is the first university in Hong Kong to introduce and practice the concept of One Health, which recognizes that the health of people, animals and the environment are inextricably intertwined.
Like the milk launched last year, the ice cream is a by-product of the university farm, which since November 2022 has been a training center for students in CityU's bachelor of veterinary medicine program.
The students gain essential learning opportunities and hands-on experiences at the garm in animal handling, veterinary examination, animal welfare and husbandry, farm management, and food production and safety under the One Health concept.
In September 2023, the six-year program received dual accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the United Kingdom and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council.
This makes it the only such program in Asia accredited by two of the world's major regulatory bodies for veterinary education.
ivy.ong@singtaonewscorp.com
