The Department of Animal Sciences manages approximately 900 beef cows and their offspring that are involved in research in genetics associated with feed efficiency, reproduction, and nutrition. There is a GrowSafe system on site for individual feed intake. The facilities at DSAC are also used for teaching activities, including training of undergraduate summer interns and graduate students. Illinois Extension also houses a Livestock Educator at DSAC and conducts numerous Extension programs each year. All cattle at DSAC are kept on pasture, and calving occurs in the fall. Pastures are predominantly tall fescue, with some including legumes and a number of other warm-season grasses on limited acreage.
Resources
Beef
Beef Production Calendar
Bull Test Stations
- Illinois Performance Test Bull Sale
- Southern Illinois University Bull Testing Station
- WIU Performance Bull Sale
Current Ag Prices
Genetics and Reproduction
Health
Illinois Heifer Development Program
- IHDP Consignor Forms - Forms to be filled out for IHDP enrolled heifers.
- IHDP Enrollment Form - Nomination form required for IHDP entry consideration.
Small Ruminants
Current Ag Prices
Goats
- Langston University Goat and Research Extension
This site provides several applications for goats producers - Maryland Small Ruminant page
One of the best web pages for information on sheep and goats.
Sheep
- American Sheep Industry Association
ASI is the national organization representing the interests of more than 82,000 sheep producers located throughout the United States. - Maryland Small Ruminant page
One of the best websites for sheep and goat production. - The American Lamb Board
The American Lamb Board is an industry-funded research and promotions commodity board that represents all sectors of the American Lamb industry including producers, feeders, seed stock producers, and processors. The work of the American Lamb Board is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the board's programs are supported and implemented by the staff in Denver, Colorado.
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I-BELIEF
The Dixon Springs Agricultural Center is one of the research centers throughout the state for undergraduate students to come and spend a summer working and getting hands on experience in beef production, research, and producer outreach.
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