UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A Series Of Demonstrations And Discussions On The Theme "born Alive, Keep Them Alive," Will Give Farmers Information They Can Use In Their Operations, At The Animal Sciences Exhibits Area Of Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 17-19.

The demonstrations, offered by the departments of dairy and animal science and veterinary science, will include new approaches and review of some basic techniques, according to Dan Kniffen, assistant professor of animal 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 all classes of livestock. Demonstrations will focus on survival of the newborn and what can we do as producers to improve the chances of survival of the newborn."

Scheduled discussions will cover horses, cattle and smaller farm species, such as sheep and goats.

Scheduled presentations:

TUESDAY, AUG. 17

--11 a.m. and 1 p.m. -- "Is Your Mare Foaling According to the Textbook?" Specialists will walk attendees through the steps of parturition and will demonstrate when to help and what to do to help. Mare care following parturition also will be part of the program, presented by Ed Jedrzejewski, manager of the Penn State Horse Barn.

--Noon and 2 p.m. -- "The Foal Was Born Alive; What Can I Do to Help Keep Them Alive." "This presentation will offer things to think about after the new foal hits the ground," says presenter, Nancy Diehl, a veterinarian and assistant professor of equine science.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 18

--10 a.m. and 1 p.m. -- "Attending to the Common Problems Associated With Calf Birth." This demonstration -- by Bob Van Saun, associate professor of veterinary science, Dave Wolfgang, senior research associate in veterinary science and Mike O'Connor, professor of dairy science -- uses a "phantom cow" with artificial uterus to instruct participants in techniques to deliver calves with less stress on themselves, the cow and the calf. The presenters will spend additional time covering methods to correct common mal-presentations that make delivery of calves difficult.

--11 a.m. and 2 p.m. -- "Working to Keep the Newborn Calf Alive and Healthy." This presentation by Jud Heinrichs, professor of dairy and animal science, will review the use 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.

--Noon and 3 p.m. -- A special presentation for dairy producers will offer an overview of the Dairy Production Certificate Program by Sandra Costello, senior extension associate. THURSDAY, AUG. 21

--10 a.m. -- "Making Easy Work of Hard Births in the Smaller Species." This presentation by Wolfgang and Van Saun will focus on getting lambs, kid goats and other livestock species born alive.

--11 a.m. -- "Getting the Young Off to a Good Start Will Result in a Healthier and Longer Life." This presentation by Van Saun and Wolfgang rests on the premise that a good start will reduce the chance for sick animals later in life.

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 Aug. 17; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 18; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 19. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call 800-PSU-1010 toll-free until August 19 or visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.cas.psu.edu.

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EDITORS: Contact Dan Kniffen at 814-865-7809 or e-mail Dkniffen@psu.edu.

Writer/Editor: Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877