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CORVALLIS - Lambing at Oregon State University's Sheep Research Center will start on about Jan. 24 and continue through March 20.

Each year lambing time at the OSU center draws hundreds of visitors including families, kindergartners and elementary school groups, according to Lucy Cross, sheep center manager for the OSU Department of Animal Sciences.

Cross said the best viewing this year should be between Jan. 27 and March 7. She noted that lambing at the center likely will end earlier than last year and urges visitors to drop by the center early in the lambing season.

Visitors are welcome at the center during daylight hours every day. No appointments are necessary and tours are self-guided, said Cross.

About 350 ewes at the center will give birth to several hundred lambs. The ewes and lambs are part of ongoing research studies in animal health, breeding, feeding and grazing management conducted by the OSU Agricultural Experiment Station. The animals are also used in instructional programs in the department.

To reach the center from downtown Corvallis, go west on Harrison Boulevard to the 53rd Street intersection. Continue west through the intersection on NW Oak Creek Road. A sign 1.8 miles from the intersection marks the road to the center. The one-lane road has turnouts to yield to oncoming traffic.

People interested in purchasing orphan or "bummer" lambs should call 541-737-2903 and leave a message. Cross will return calls as her schedule permits.