While New Mexico State University's Clayton Livestock Research Center usually showcases research during its annual field day event, this year's event will feature a number of new amenities, as well as an opportunity for the public to meet the center's new research director.
This year's field day will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at the center, located at 15 NMSU Lane in Clayton, New Mexico.
Mozart Fonseca began his role as Clayton's research director in 2024 and is also an associate professor of animal and range sciences at NMSU. Coinciding with Fonseca's arrival at the center are a number of upgrades that have taken place through funding from the New Mexico Legislature.
The center now features new signage and a renovated workroom and sample prep area, as well as a foyer. There is also a feed mill augmented with upgraded electrical and computer-controlled operations for state-of-the-art ration blending and delivery. The center also has a new pivot irrigation system, digital individual animal feeders and waterers, greenhouse gas emissions monitoring equipment, and soil carbon measuring instrumentation that will provide opportunities for additional funding and research to help meet the needs of the livestock industry.
Research presentations at this year's field day include:
• Impact of bovine respiratory disease on finishing heifers: DART scores, performance and carcass quality.
• Evaluation of perennial versus annual forage production as a sustainable grazing strategy for the southwestern United States.
• The relationship between fiber, starch and isoacids: unlocking gut health dynamics.
• Water use, smoke and sustainable grazing systems for New Mexico and beyond.
The field day is free and open to the public. Individuals with a disability who are in need of an auxiliary aid or service to participate may contact Luiza Cardone at 575-646-3586 or
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-research-center-in-clayton-debuts-new-amenities--research-findings-at-field-day-sept.-16/s/2900b513-45b0-4479-9c5f-a0ea6652c7a1
