4-H Animal Science Resource Blog

STEM Connections, know-how & Inspiration

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  • Alpaca/Llama
  • Dairy Cattle
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Good Nutrition – the Key to Lambing Success

February 21, 2019

Pregnant ewes shown eating hay from a feeder. Photo courtesy of Deer Creek Farms.

Investing in proper nutrition for pregnant and lactating ewes saves both time and money in the long run. Ewes in good body condition prior to delivery have healthier lambs and fewer complications than underweight or overweight ewes. As 70% of fetal lamb growth occurs in the last five weeks of pregnancy, it is important to increase feed for ewes at this time. After lambing, it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Animal Health, Focus on STEM, Sheep Tagged With: 4-H Animal Science, care, feeds, Focus on STEM, health, New Jersey 4-H, youth STEM

Feeding Young Lambs

May 13, 2018

Lambs are shown in a creep feeder eating.

When lambs are born, usually on the one of the coldest days of the year, they need to get nourishment within the first hour of birth.  The mother’s first milk (colostrum) “comes in” by the time the lamb(s) are ready to nurse.  If not, be prepared to supplement with a powdered colostrum from your local feed store.  They may drink about 4-6 oz.  By the time they’re hungry again, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Animal Project Areas, Sheep Tagged With: 4-H Animal Science, feeds, New Jersey 4-H, youth STEM

Ideas that Work – Using Games to Learn About Poultry and Small Animals

January 31, 2018

Games can be a fun way for 4-H members to learn new things and practicing what they have learned in their 4-H club. The following methods have proven successful in both entertaining the children as well as reinforcing things they’ve learned. Quiz bowl – We have invested in a game buzzer system like the one used in Avian Bowl.  The team structure and rules are generally the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Club Programming Idea, Post Types, Poultry, Rabbit/Cavy/Small Animal Tagged With: behavior, care, diseases, equipment, feeds, health, housing, parasites

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A Project of New Jersey 4-H Youth Development

New Jersey 4-H provides educational outreach programming for youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) through 4-H clubs, special interest programs, school enrichment, afterschool programs, and overnight camping.

Regardless of the subject matter – whether it be science, healthy living or citizenship, 4-H uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth learn responsibility, community awareness and character development.

New Jersey 4-H Youth Development is a department of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

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