Absorption and emission cross sections for the 4I9/2 <--> 4F3/2 transition in Nd:SrGdGa3O, have been measured as a function of temperature. A fluorescence branching ratio of 0.42 for this transition was calculated from a Judd-Ofelt analysis. Diode-pumped lasing was demonstrated at 0.911-mu-m at reduced temperature and 1.06-mu-m at room temperature. An optical slope efficiency of 9% was achieved at 1.06-mu-m with diode side pumping.