September is National Preparedness Month - a great time to build awareness of the need for emergency planning. New Jersey 4-H now offers a disaster preparedness program for youth, which teaches young people how to plan to shelter in place or evacuate with their families during an emergency. This program is in line with FEMA guidelines for youth emergency preparedness and can … [Read more...]
The Importance of Show Ring Etiquette
Etiquette is the customary and polite way to conduct yourself in the show ring. Good etiquette makes the show run smoothly, resulting in a less stressful experience for showmen and animals alike. When exhibitors are courteous and polite, the judge notices. Lack of understanding of basic show ring etiquette or deliberately thoughtless behavior disrupts the show and demonstrates … [Read more...]
Sportsmanship…Always a Priority!
Sportsmanship is defined as “conduct becoming to an individual involving fair and honest competition, courteous relations, and graceful acceptance of results.” Focusing on what you can learn makes you a better competitor and helps you improve your animal projects. Your behavior in the show ring reflects your behavior in life. Sportsmanship is a reflection of your character and … [Read more...]
Webinars as Tools for Animal Science Education
In recent months, the University of Kentucky Department of Animal and Food Sciences has been offering biweekly, 20-minute webinars on very specific topics in animal care and animal science. These livecasts are an effective educational tool because they are interactive. The hosts issue a call for questions at the end of each session and give answers in real time and incorporate … [Read more...]
Sheep Showmanship: A Basic Guide
Now that it is fair time in New Jersey, it is important to know how to display the lambs or sheep you have worked so hard to raise. Showmanship is the ability of an exhibitor to present an animal effectively and competitively in the show ring. A good showman can actually improve his or her placing in a breed class just by good handling skills. It sounds simple, but the best … [Read more...]
Understanding and Treating Sheep Hoof Ailments
Lameness in sheep is not uncommon and can be caused by a range of issues in the hoof. A sheep may favor a hoof due to a small injury or improperly trimmed hooves, but in most cases, lameness indicates an infection. Animals with hoof infections such as footrot suffer from lameness, decreased weight gain, and poor wool growth. Many hoof ailments are contagious and require quick … [Read more...]
With an Animal Science Degree, You Don’t HAVE to be a Vet
If you know you want to spend your life working with animals and are focused on studying Animal Science after high school, it is also important to know that veterinary school is only one of several career options after college. When applying to schools, be sure that the Animal Science program you attend will see you graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. This is … [Read more...]
Putting Your Best Foot Forward! Trimming Hooves
Proper hoof care is essential for healthy sheep. Hooves are literally the foundation on which your sheep stands. Preventative care and maintenance can reduce costly and detrimental health issues in your flock. Hoof health problems lead to lameness, decreased weight gain, reduced milk production and reduced wool production. Lame animals spend more time lying down, and do not … [Read more...]
Your 4-H Involvement is Already Helping You Prepare for an Animal Science Degree
One of the many goals of your time as a 4-Her is learning life-skills to help you in college, the workforce, and beyond. Did you know that your involvement with Animal Science through 4-H is giving you a head start on a degree in Animal Science? Here's how: "Contact Hours": Many Animal Science degrees require students to document a set amount of hours volunteering with … [Read more...]
JOIN US!
The NJAES Board of Managers, in cooperation with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, is sponsoring the NJ Livestock Summit on March 21, 2019 at the Eco Complex in Bordentown from 6-9pm. Registration is FREE and can be completed online here. This event will be a great learning opportunity for anyone interested in livestock - large/small ruminants, swine and fowl. The flyer is … [Read more...]