Unique exhibit offers chance to witness ‘miracle of life’ at Oklahoma State Fair
By Cameron Sibert
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — The Oklahoma State Fair is a melting pot of interesting experiences. Yes, there are the food and rides, but did you know you can witness the miracle of life?
Inside the Expo Hall, fairgoers can find the Animal Birthing Center to see some of the goats and piglets born in Oklahoma.
“This is the miracle of life. This is where life starts on the farm,” Dr. Alex Main, an Oklahoma Animal Care advocate, said.
If you didn’t grow up on the farm, you’ve never seen what’s inside the Animal Birthing Center – a fresh litter of piglets born healthy right at the Oklahoma State Fair. For those who do go to the Expo Hall to see it, the center delivers an unforgettable day on the farm.
“This is what it actually looks like in a commercial farm, with modern technology and everything. This is what it looks like and the process of birth,” Main said.
Main introduced KOCO 5 to Cardi P, one of the three sows at the fair this year. She just became a mother to 20 piglets. We got there while the piglets were just waking up, and they were hungry.
“Whenever it is time for them to go and they want to nurse, they go and nose her belly. And when she is willing to participate, she will lay on her side,” Main said. “So, cattle, their milk is in the udder already, right, whereas with pigs they have to do milk let-down. So, she will lay on her side and start grunting, and that is her letting her milk down for them to drink. If I were to try to get any milk from her teats right now, it wouldn’t work.”
The birthing center also has baby goats, who are all cared for by volunteer students at different veterinary schools in Oklahoma.
It’s a learning experience for everyone involved. The Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association helps get the animals from producers around the state, and Future Farmers of America students show up to get a hands-on experience.
“Where your food comes from, how much care farmers have. It’s an ethical responsibility farmers take on, caring for animals all the way from A to Z,” Main said.
While there’s a lot to see and do at the Oklahoma State Fair, there’s also a lot to learn. Anyone who wants to experience the farm should visit the Animal Birthing Center and Agtropolis.
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