UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A series of demonstrations and discussions giving farmers practical information they can use in their operations will highlight the Animal Sciences Exhibits Area at Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 19-21.

The demonstrations, offered by the departments of dairy and animal science and veterinary science, will include some new approaches and review some basic techniques, according to Mike O'Connor, professor of dairy science and exhibit coordinator.

"We want to present useful techniques and information that farmers can consider," he says. "We're also highlighting some new technologies and concepts adaptable to livestock management."

Scheduled presentations:

TUESDAY, AUG. 19

10 a.m. and 2 p.m. -- Forage Quality and Influence on Metabolic Diseases and Transition Cow Health. Extension veterinarian Bob Van Saun will focus on the influence of forage quality on the major metabolic problems occurring at calving time and on the importance of maintaining health of the transition cow.

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. -- Are Your Cows Sorting Their Ration? Monitoring Feed Particle Sizes. Jud Heinrichs, professor of dairy and animal science, will demonstrate how to determine if cows are sorting their TMR by measuring feed particle size with the new Penn State Particle Size Separator.

Noon -- How to Measure Colostrum Absorption and Monitor Calf Health. Bob Van Saun will demonstrate the use of rapid calf-side tests to measure absorption of antibodies from colostrum in calves. Interpretation of antibody levels and influence on calf health will be included.

3 p.m. -- Frequent Milking of Fresh Cows Improves Milk Yield. Zhiguo Wu, assistant professor of ruminant nutrition, will lead a discussion about the new concept of milking fresh cows more frequently to improve milk yield.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 20

10 a.m. and 1 p.m. -- Correcting Common Causes of Lameness. Extension veterinarian Dave Wolfgang will demonstrate trimming techniques and discuss therapies to correct common lameness problems in dairy cattle.

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. -- Ultrasound Technology to Evaluate Reproductive Status and Analyze Compositional Differences in Livestock. Keith Bryan, senior instructor in dairy and animal science, will demonstrate the use of ultrasound technology in animal agriculture.

Noon and 3 p.m. -- Review Your Artificial Insemination Technique. Mike O'Connor will demonstrate the use of reproductive specimens and radiographs to insure accurate artificial insemination technique in cattle.

THURSDAY, AUG. 21

10 a.m. and noon -- Making Hard Calvings Easier. Dave Wolfgang will show how to use a "phantom cow" with artificial uterus to instruct participants in techniques to deliver calves with less stress on themselves, the cow and the calf. Wolfgang will also discuss methods to correct common malpresentations that make delivery difficult.

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. -- Those Nasty Mastitis Bugs -- What to Do About Them. Extension veterinarian Bhushan Jayarao will discuss the most common bacteria that cause mastitis. Strategies for control, treatment and prevention will be presented.

2 p.m. -- Why Antibiotics Don't Work the Way They Used To. Brenda Love, research assistant in veterinary science, will talk about the emergence of resistance to antibiotics by bacteria. Implications for antibiotic use in prevention and treatment of bacterial diseases will be included.

Penn State's Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call (800) PSU-1010 toll-free until August 21 or visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.cas.psu.edu.

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EDITORS: Contact Mike O'Connor at 814-863-3913 or e-mail moconnor@psu.edu.

Contact:

Jeff Mulhollemjjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-863-9877 fax #194