UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Interested in learning how to balance rations to best meet nutritional requirements for sheep or goats? Upcoming Penn State Extension workshops are aimed at teaching producers how to formulate rations using computer software.
Two “Advanced Sheep and Goat Nutrition Schools” will be held this fall. The first school will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at the Penn State Extension office in Westmoreland County, 214 Greensburg-Donohoe Station Road, Greensburg. The second school will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at the Penn State Extension office in Lebanon County, 2120 Cornwall Road, Lebanon.
This school is designed for intermediate and experienced producers interested in learning how to formulate rations that meet the nutritional requirements of animals at different ages and stages of production.
Instructors will cover topics such as basic principles of ration balancing and nutrient requirements, understanding a forage analysis report, configuring a grain mix to supplement forages, and balancing rations using computer programs, including an Excel-based ration evaluator program and an online sheep ration program.
“The school is a great way for producers to learn skills that are necessary to balance rations to meet nutritional requirements,” said Melanie Barkley, senior livestock extension educator based in Bedford County. “The school focuses on using forages available on the farm and then formulating supplements to balance the diet. Producers will learn how to interpret a forage analysis report and then use that information to develop supplemental feed mixes that best meet the nutritional requirements of their animals.”
Besides Barkley, workshop presenters will include Camren Maierle, livestock extension educator in Mercer County; Justin Brackenrich, field and forage crops extension educator in Greene County, who will present at the Greensburg location; and Del Voight, field and forage crops extension educator in Lebanon County, who will present at the Lebanon location.
The $10 registration fee covers handout materials, refreshments and lunch. Participants must register by Sept. 25 for the Greensburg location and by Oct. 16 for the Lebanon location.
More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/
–Alexandra McLaughlin, Penn State Extension
