MSU Names New Small Ruminant Specialist
10/16/08
Contact: Laura Probyn
517-432-1555, ext. 175
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Richard Ehrhardt will be joining the faculty in the departments of Animal Science and Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU) as an Extension specialist focusing on small ruminant management, effective Jan. 1, 2009.
He will be responsible for providing leadership to maintain the competitiveness of Michigan’s sheep and goat industries. This will include conducting research and working with faculty members across the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to address issues related to small ruminant production, management and health. As part of the MSU Extension system, he will work with the county-based educator network to disseminate research-based information across the state.
Ehrhardt will also work with veterinarians in the CVM Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences to train future professionals in ruminant care and with the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health to address the diagnostic and medical issues facing sheep and goat owners.
“I am very pleased that Dr. Ehrhardt has accepted this position,” says Karen Plaut, chairperson of the MSU Department of Animal Science. “He offers experience in ruminant nutrition, physiology and reproduction, and an extensive teaching and research background, and he is solidly grounded in the sheep industry as a manager and breeder. It’s the perfect combination that MSU needs to move our small ruminant program into the future.”
Ehrhardt holds doctoral and master’s degrees in animal science from Cornell University and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Wisconsin.
Ehrhardt comes to MSU from Cornell University, where he has served as a research associate in the Department of Animal Science investigating metabolic regulation in ruminants. His Extension work experience includes conducting on-farm research and offering presentations at producer events. He has also taught undergraduate courses and supervised research for undergraduate and graduate students at Cornell.
Ehrhardt will be housed in the Department of Animal Science in Anthony Hall. The department phone number is 517-355-8383.
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