CORVALLIS, Ore. - New lambs will begin arriving at Oregon State University's Sheep Center in February, and the public is invited to view this annual event. About 50 Suffolk ewes are expected to give birth to about 75 lambs in the barn, located at 7565 N.W. Oak Creek Dr in Corvallis.

Each year the OSU Sheep Center draws thousands of school children and other visitors, according to center manager Tom Nichols. Lambing visits start Feb. 15 and run through March 3. The public can view the ewes and lambs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and weekends, but the barn will be closed Feb. 18 and 19 for university classes.

Small groups may go on self-guided tours. Groups of more than 12 should arrange an appointment by sending e-mail to [email protected]. An out-of-office reply will be returned to you with further instructions. For additional questions call Nichols at 541-737-2903.
 
To reach the center from downtown Corvallis, go west on Harrison Boulevard to the 53rd Street intersection. Continue west through the intersection on N.W. Oak Creek Drive. A sign 1.8 miles from the intersection marks the road to the center. The one-lane road has turnouts to yield to oncoming traffic.

The ewes and lambs are part of ongoing research studies in animal health, breeding, feeding and grazing management conducted by the OSU Agricultural Experiment Station. The animals also are used in instructional programs in the OSU Animal Sciences department and the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

People interested in purchasing orphan or "bummer" lambs should call 541-737-2903 and leave a message.

Source: 

Tom Nichols, 541-737-2903

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