2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this cooperative research agreement is for the University, through its Hettinger Research Extension Center, to cooperate with ARS in the development of sustainable value-added animal production systems for Northern Great Plains states. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Novel research addressing alternative feeding strategies for cattle and lambs will be conducted. Specifically, trials evaluating early-weaning strategies for May born calves, use of alternative and local feedstuffs in calf backgrounding and lamb finishing (dried distillers grains and corn gluten), and lamb finishing trials evaluating human health implications (Se-fortified meats) will be evaluated. Results from research trials will be integrated with a comprehensive educational program in an aggressive plan of technology transfer directed at individual producers. Furthermore, continual assessments of current activities will attempt to measure direct impact at the producer level and subsequent impact on rural communities. 3.Progress Report The combined education and research goals of this initiative offer producers of the region an opportunity to increase economic returns in their agricultural operation by adopting the new value-added concepts investigated by Southwest Feeders. Research on weaning systems illustrates an alternative production option for area cow-calf producers that may improve calf health through the benefits of increased consumption of rations once calves are weaned. Lamb finishing research indicates that caution must be used if lamb producers are going to incorporate growth promoting implants into their management systems, as health and prolapse incidence may offset potential performance benefits. Results from fetal programming research indicate that lambs born from ewes fed below their MP requirements may have decreased performance during the feedlot phase of production. ADODR monitoring is done via emails, phone calls, and site visits.