The animals also were approved for proper age, identification, purity of breed, absence of artificial hair and ethical treatment.
"We have stressed the importance of ethical animal care, and our young men and women have listened and learned," says Henry Wadsworth, director of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. "That's a goal of 4-H -- developing personal skills and good citizenship for today and in the future as adults."
Norm Long, 4-H Extension specialist at Purdue, says the students showing livestock have been accepting of the tests: "These tests are viewed by 4-H'ers as demonstrations to the public that the animals are clean, wholesome, well-cared for, and meet other U.S. Department of Agriculture standards."
Indiana State Fair officials say the tests guard against potential cheating. "It's nice to know that our Indiana 4-H exhibitors are honest. We are proud of these kids," said Jeff Thompson, Indiana State Fair Board president.
CONTACTS: Wadsworth, (765) 494-8489
Long, (765) 494-8435
Thompson, (317) 927-7500
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu