SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit to host open house March 16

South Dakota State University’s Department of Animal Science is hosting the SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit open house from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16. 

The public is invited to learn more about the research and teaching activities that take place at the facility by visiting information stations, viewing research posters and talking with undergraduate and graduate students. Representatives from the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association will also be in attendance. 

Rosie Nold, animal science assistant department head and professor, and Blake Johnson, Sheep Research and Teaching Unit manager, are among the faculty and staff who will be available to answer questions. Johnson joined SDSU in August and oversees the unit’s operations and works with students to gain real-world sheep industry experience. 

Visitors will have a chance to learn more about assistant professor Alex Hidalgo’s research focused on sheep reproduction. Graduate student Clay Stone will share information about his project investigating the quality of colostrum in collaboration with associate professor Benoit St. Pierre on the microbiomes of the ewe in relation to colostrum quality. 

Five undergraduate students will discuss their work and research related to different types of banding with males. 

The SDSU Hampshire flock is the oldest registered flock in the United States with registration that dates back to 1898. 

A lunch of pulled lamb sandwiches and SDSU ice cream will be served at noon. 

Contact John Jaeger, Department of Animal Science head, at 605-688-5165 for more information. 

The SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit is located at 3729 Medary Ave., Brookings.