Known as the cow with the window in her side, Penn State Jessie brought worldwide attention to Penn State in 1928. Professor of Dairy Husbandry Samuel I. Bechdel (left) and Professor of Veterinary Science James F. Shigley (right) conducted a series of experiments on the contents of Jessie’s stomach, which had an important and lasting influence on the new field of research called Ruminology. A 3.5 inch opening was surgically created in Jessie’s side and rumen through which contents could be accessed with a dipper. A crude wooden stopper was inserted to close the opening. Jessie continued to function normally with the rumen fistula.
