NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center Offers Sheep Research Report

Producers and others interested in the sheep industry have a variety of ways to view the “2011 NDSU Sheep Research Report.”

The sheep research was completed by faculty and staff at the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, North Dakota State University Extension Service and NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory but compiled at the Hettinger Research Extension Center.

"The report highlights the most recent cutting-edge research conducted at NDSU on behalf of the sheep producers of North Dakota,” says Chris Schauer, Hettinger REC director. “NDSU strives to provide sheep research to aid producers in reducing costs while increasing profitability. The scientists conducting the research outlined in the report believe unique opportunities are provided to achieve these goals."

The research topics include:

• Residual feed intake does not predict efficiency of limit-fed ewe lambs
• Effects of graded levels of zeranol implants on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics and incidence of prolapse and mortality in lambs
• Impacts of arginine on ovarian function and reproductive performance at the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy in ewes
• Effects of maternal metabolizable protein supplementation during the last 50 days of gestation on ewe and offspring performance and carcass characteristics
• Sulfur balance in lambs fed increasing concentrations of distillers dried grains with solubles
• Effects of maternal diet on expression of gap junctional connexins in fetal ovaries in sheep
• Flock calendar outline
• Management tips for rearing lambs artificially (orphans)

The “2011 Sheep Research Report” is available at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/HettingerREC by going to the sheep section. A printed or CD copy is available by contacting the Hettinger REC at ndsu.hettinger.rec@ndsu.edu or calling (701) 567-4323.

NDSU Agriculture Communication