Craig Williams,
Coordinator
Karen Henricks, Business Assistant
Aimee Deno, Account Clerk
5675 West 600 North, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone (765) 583-2400 or (765) 583-1208
Fax (765) 583-4838
The mission of the Animal Sciences Research and Education Center (ASREC) is
to provide animals, facilities, technical assistance and labor to conduct
research, provide instruction, and assist in extension educational activities.
Research trials vary from basic to applied and involve many disciplines --
nutrition, physiology, behavior, genetics, reproduction, animal health, and
product quality. Faculty utilize the Research and Education Center to facilitate
teaching several Animal Sciences courses and to help provide hands-on experience
for students. Some Extension education activities held at the Research and
Education Center are a Lambing School, Animal Sciences Workshop for Youth, 4-H
and FFA judging, Purdue Royal, and Tots' Day. The Center hosts nearly 100 tours
annually, with an estimated 2500 visitors.
The land base for the Animal Sciences Research and Education Center (ASREC)
consists of 1515 contiguous acres of highly productive prairie soils and is
located ten miles northwest of the Purdue campus. There are five separate tracts
that were acquired between 1968 and 1987. The Research Center, north of
Montmorenci, Indiana, is adjacent to the northwest corner of the Agronomy
Research Center. The relocation of animal units to the current location began in
1968. At another location but part of ASREC is the Scholer-Purdue Farm, which
was acquired in 1957. This 883-acre farm, located fifteen miles southwest of
campus, is managed as part of the Beef Unit and is used for cow-calf
production.
The first buildings constructed at ASREC (1969 and 1970) were for swine and
poultry. The feed mill was built in 1972. In 1983, state funds were appropriated
for construction of the other animal facilities. Relocation was completed in
1988 for all species (beef, dairy, poultry, sheep, and swine) plus a farm shop,
business office, and the Indiana Boar Test Station. Additional funds from the
University and School of Agriculture were provided for the aquaculture unit,
which was completed in 1992. Twelve quarter-acre ponds were constructed at
Aquaculture in 1997, which further enhances research capabilities. In 1996, the
USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Unit constructed a 10,000 square foot facility for
scientists to identify how animals perceive and respond to their environment.
Each species unit, feed mill, and farm operations has a manager and full-time
employees. Additionally, there is a coordinator, assistant business manager, and
an account clerk at the center, making a total of 41 full-time employees. This
staff, besides regular duties, frequently teaches classes and labs, present
topics at workshops and field days, and conduct tours of the facilities. Student
part-time employees average about 500 hours per week. They are an integral part
of the work force, and their experience also provides them with valuable
training.
The Center's annual operating budget is approximately $3.8 million, which is
partially subsidized by University funding; however, a major share is generated
by sale of animals and animal products.
To schedule a tour, contact Aimee Deno at 765-583-2400.
Map of ASREC
Directions to ASREC
Photo tours of the ASREC units
Student
employment opportunities at ASREC