MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For more than two decades, Mississippi State University’s veterinary college has welcomed thousands of school children to its annual open house, and people of all ages will enjoy the 2008 event.

MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will open its doors from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on April 4 and 5 for the 24th annual open house at the Wise Center, located on the south side of campus off Spring Street.

Ashley Allen, open house chairman and president of MSU’s Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, said older students often take the opportunity to talk to veterinary students and faculty about career paths. They can ask questions about CVM admission procedures, the course work and the field of veterinary medicine in general.

“Younger students enjoy seeing a variety of animals and demonstrations they would not typically see. The petting zoo will contain some common animals, and the animal show will allow veterinary students to show off some of their unique and exotic pets,” Allen said. “The canine agility demonstration will be a learning opportunity for people interested in behavior training at home or for competitive purposes.”

Allen said the steer with a hole in its side, often called the Holey Cow, is a fun way for students to learn about the digestive tract of ruminants. The poultry science department will have an incubation and hatching display of baby chicks.

Additional programs scheduled for this year’s open house include the Frisbee Dog Competition and other outdoor events, an animal show, informative posters, and tours of the animal hospital and classrooms.

Admission is free. For more information, call the CVM Office of Outreach and External Affairs at (662) 325-1103.

Contact: Tara Puckett, (662) 325-7910