North Dakota State University’s Hettinger Research Extension Center has released the 49th annual Sheep Research Report.

The report is a compilation of research conducted throughout NDSU, including the Department of Animal Sciences, Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Hettinger Research Extension Center.

“This report is an excellent example of the high-quality sheep research taking place at NDSU,” says Chris Schauer, Hettinger Research Extension Center director.

“It gives sheep producers, educators and industry representatives the opportunity to gain cutting-edge knowledge in sheep production,” says Justin Luther, NDSU Extension Service sheep specialist and an assistant professor in the Animal Sciences Department.

The report contains:

• Research showing that feeding 60 percent dried distillers grains in lamb finishing rations results in acceptable performance and carcass quality
• Responses from North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association members to the National Animal Identification System strategic plan
• A look at how the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory investigates ovine abortion
• Results of a preliminary study on the creation of parthenogenetic sheep embryos
• Information on lamb livestock risk protection insurance
• Research on the effects of maternal undernutrition and ewes’ selenium intake on lambs
• Information on laparoscopic artificial insemination techniques

The report is available online at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/hettinge/livestock/Jan2008sheepreport/index.htm. It’s also available from the Hettinger Research Extension Center by e-mailing Schauer at christopher.schauer@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication