As it has for many years, the University of California, Davis, is playing an active part in this year's California State Fair, running through Sept. 5. (A complete schedule is available at http://bigfun.org/2005/index.asp.) Below are some of the UC Davis-coordinated events:

HATCHERY AND POULTRY SHOWS -- Francine Bradley, Cooperative Extension poultry specialist, is coordinating the state fair hatchery along with avian science majors in UC Davis' Department of Animal Science. The hatchery, located with the "Fur and Feathers" exhibit in the bottom of the racetrack grandstands, is open until 8 p.m. Bradley also is coordinating the Junior Poultry Show, to be held Aug. 23-25; the Open Poultry Show, Sept. 3-5; and the Avian Bowl, Aug 24. Contact: Francine Bradley, Animal Science, (530) 752-6316.

LIVESTOCK NURSERY -- For the 29th year, a team of veterinarians and trained students from the School of Veterinary Medicine will staff the fair's livestock nursery around the clock to make sure that the farm animals born at the fair and their mothers are healthy and well-cared for. Fairgoers can observe the births and learn about other aspects of farm life, while the veterinary students gain valuable clinical experience. Dr. Ben Norman, a Cooperative Extension veterinarian emeritus from UC Davis and founding nursery coordinator, continues to direct nursery activities. The nursery exhibit is supported by the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, UC Davis' animal science department and by regional agricultural producers. The nursery is located in the FARM area just south of Building C near the antique farm machinery. The exhibit will be closed to the public August 22 and 29. Contact: Dr. Ben Norman, Veterinary Medicine, (530) 681-2222, cell phone.

VETLINC SCANS NURSERY -- To record and broadcast animal births and other activities, the veterinary livestock nursery camera (VetLinC) will operate three interactive Web cameras inside the nursery. Scenes from the nursery will be displayed on the School of Veterinary Medicine's Web site at http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Online viewers may zoom in on livestock pens and choose which animals they want to observe.

HAND-MILKING EXHIBIT -- Fairgoers may try their hands at milking a dairy cow or dairy goat, after observing the proper techniques demonstrated by students from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. (Located near the livestock pavilion.)

SHOW-ANIMAL HEALTH CHECKUP -- UC Davis veterinarians and veterinary students provide health checkups for animals being shown at the fair. The veterinary staff examines the animals for contagious signs like skin conditions, reviews vaccination records and other health documents, and checks for proper identification. These screenings help assure that all food animals meet the fair's health standards. The veterinary team also makes a hand-sanitation program available for those touching animals in the nursery and in the hand-milking parlor.

TAIKO DRUMMING -- Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan, a UC Davis student group, performed the ancient art of Japanese drumming Aug. 14 on the fair's Center Stage. Bakuhatsu literally means "explosion," and taiko are large drums. The group takes traditional taiko drumming to a new level with energy, creativity, spirit and a contemporary beat. The students make their own drums, compose and choreograph their pieces and teach both novice and experienced players. In ancient Japan, the taiko drums were used in religious ceremonies, to direct troops in battle and to define the borders of towns. Town sizes often were determined by how far away the thunderous taiko could be heard. Taiko drums are traditionally made from hollowed tree trunks and cowhide, and held together by traditional Japanese metal nails. More information about Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan and about taiko drumming is available online at http://www.bakuhatsutaikodan.org/. Contact: Gary Sakaki Wong, group president, (530) 219-7879, garwong@ucdavis.edu.