Pet a lamb, milk a cow and see how animal scientists care for a variety of farm animals at the open house at Cornell's Animal Science Teaching and Research Center in Dryden on Saturday, Oct. 4. This free open house will feature tours of the center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The research facility tours are designed for a non-agricultural audience, where families can talk to professors and researchers about animal science. Showcasing the feedstuffs and care of the animals, the open house will show visitors how cows are milked and how sheep's wool can become your favorite sweater. Families can see a "double ten" milking center with electronic identification, milk meters and automatic take-offs.

Now in its second year, the open house showcases the excellent care the animals receive. "For good husbandry, we keep the animals very comfortable and provide a good environment. We treat the animals very well and disseminate information we gather through Cornell Cooperative Extension programs," said Ronald W. Space, director of operations at the facility.

Located on 2,600 acres just outside Cornell's Ithaca campus, the research facility supports 700 Holstein dairy cattle, of which 400 are for milking. The research focuses on improved dairy management and nutrition. There are up to 500 beef cattle, and a cow-calf operation where calves can be seen grazing with their mothers. Suckling lambs also can be seen with their mothers.

The Teaching and Research Center is located five miles south of Dryden, off Route 38. From Ithaca, take Route 13 north to the village of Dryden and then south on Route 38 for five miles. The facility has ample free parking.