The animal science department will dedicate a $20 million addition to Kildee Hall on Saturday. Department head and professor of animal science Dennis N. Marple said the improvements will ease increasing demands on the department.

“It comes at an ideal time,” Marple said. “Enrollment has increased dramatically in the last 10 years — it has more than doubled.”

The dedication will begin at 10 a.m. in the Kildee Hall pavilion.

Scheduled speakers include Iowa State President Martin Jischke, College of Agriculture Dean David Glen Topel, President of the State Board of Regents Owen J. Newlin, President of the ISU Foundation Tom Mitchell and Marple.

The dedication is open to the public.

The improvements will help the department serve a changing livestock industry, Marple said.

The new area includes classrooms, laboratories and research facilities.

The space also includes laboratories for research in molecular genetics, immunology, physiology, nutrition, meat science and food safety and additional holding areas for large animals.

“It will be used to enhance our programs in research, teaching and extension,” Marple said.

Construction for the addition began two years ago during the animal science department’s centennial celebration. More than $16.4 million in funding was appropriated by the Iowa Legislature.

Private fund raising provided another $3.6 million.

Dalene Abner, director of public relations for the ISU Foundation, said Jischke will talk about the importance of partnership between the legislature, agriculture industry, alumni and donors.

Jischke also will speak about the history of animal agriculture research at ISU and “how it’s going to position it for the new millennium,” she said.