MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Horse owners and others wanting to learn more about equine nutrition will have two options for attending a conference May 8-9: online or in Memphis.

The Southeast Equine Conference, “Horse nutrition for the future,” is sponsored by the Extension Services of Mississippi State University and the University of Tennessee. Participants can attend in person at the Agricenter in Memphis, located on the corner of Walnut Grove Road and Germantown Road, or online with an interactive Webcast.

The conference opens with a free reception and trade show from 5-7 p.m. May 8. Registration fees before May 1 for the second day of the event are $50 to attend in Memphis or $35 online. After May 1, the costs are $70 onsite and $50 online. The higher onsite fees cover lunch, snacks and beverages.

Preston Buff, equine specialist with MSU’s Extension Service, said the conference will focus on the nutritional needs of horses throughout their life stages and on recent advances in equine nutrition.

“Participants will hear the latest scientific information from some of the nation’s leading equine professionals,” Buff said. “We will address nutrition issues related to reproduction, foals, performance horses, easy-keepers and older horses. Other topics include dental advancements, selenium nutrition, and feed management for diseases and disorders.”

Participating in the online Webcast requires high-speed Internet access. Presentations will be broadcast in real time and participants can interact directly using a chat window.

For more information on the conference, contact Buff at (662) 325-2852 or pbuff@ads.msstate.edu.