Two workshops will examine livestock nutrition at NMSU’s Corona Research Center

Two workshops will examine livestock nutrition at NMSU’s Corona Research Center DATE: 07/10/2015 WRITER: Darrell J. Pehr, 575-646-3223, pehr@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Shad Cox, 575-849-1015, shadcox@nmsu.edu CORONA, N.M. – Production of cattle, sheep and goats makes up a significant portion of New Mexico’s agricultural industry. Ensuring these ruminant animals receive the proper nutrition they need is a goal of ranchers and the focus of an upcoming two-part series. Ruminant nutrition will be the topic of a Beyond the Roundtable seminar July 22 at New Mexico State University’s Southwest Center for Rangeland Sustainability in Corona. “This is Nutrition I and will deal with the basic nutritional function of the rumen, rumen bacteria and what is known today about the rumen requirements,” said Shad Cox, superintendent of NMSU’s Corona Range and Livestock Research Center. “Nutrition II will be a month later in August and will build on this knowledge and is geared to the actual nutrients such as protein, energy, minerals, etc. and the complexity of balancing the diet for range ruminants.” The July 22 program will begin at 10 a.m. with a presentation on rumen kinetics and digestion by Eric Scholljegerdes, NMSU ruminant nutritionist. At 11 a.m., a presentation will be given on rumen bacteria and effective changes by Shanna Ivey, NMSU rumen microbiologist. Lunch will be provided at noon. At 1 p.m., NMSU ruminant nutritionist Clint Loest will discuss requirements and balancing nutrients. At 2 p.m., Scholljegerdes will lead “Bringing It All In Perspective.” The seminar will continue at 3 p.m. with a general nutrition roundtable discussion that will include presenters and industry representatives. Registration is free but limited to the first 45 participants. Register online at www.corona.nmsu.edu. For more information, contact Shad Cox at 575-849-1015 or shadcox@nmsu.edu. For directions to the center, visit the Corona Range and Livestock Research Center’s website at www.coronasc.nmsu.edu.