General Information:

NCSU faculty have only a short trip North of Campus to take advantage of the 900 acre Reedy Creek Road Field Laboratory. A number of departments make use of this field laboratory, including Animal Science, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Crop Science and Engineering. Students from the college of Veterinary Medicine use animals at this site for clinical studies.

Metabolism Education Unit (MEU)

Steers, sheep and goats are experimental units used to determine forage suitability of several plant species. Forage suitability is measured by how well it is accepted, consumed and digested, and by the resulting weight gain. Results of this research will help livestock producers select the best forage for their herds. Another research project is testing the efficiency of an organic warmer in goats.

Small Ruminant Education Unit (SREU)

Goats and sheep are a vital food source throughout the world, and particularly in developing countries. Sheep and goat herds are maintained for ongoing research, extension and teaching needs. Two goat breeds, Boer and Spanish, are maintained for use at the metabolism unit and for forage research projects. Dorset and Katahdin are the two sheep breeds maintained at the unit. The first polled Dorset ram was developed at this facility. This breed is now distributed world-wide.

STUDENT PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Refer to specific Unit or Crew on Application; Limited student housing is available.

• Metabolism Unit - Weighing livestock, feeding diets, general animal health care and collections. Additional duties include equipment operation, assist with ongoing field research projects and facilities maintenance. Some weekend work required.

• Small Ruminants - Livestock management, including animal healthcare, kidding and lambing. Additional duties include fence repair, tractor and related equipment operation. Some weekend work required.

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This page was last reviewed on 6/25/02 by webmaster