Life Sciences Commons^™

Best Management Practices For Internal Parasite Control In Small Ruminants, Susan Schoenian, Enrique Nelson

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Internal parasites represent a significant obstacle to a profitable and sustainable US goat industry. In some states, internal parasites are a year-round problem, while in others, they are a more seasonal challenge. Traditionally, parasite control methods relied heavily on antiparasitic drugs called anthelmintics or dewormers. Continued use and misuse of these drugs have resulted in increasingly resistant worm populations, necessitating more holistic or integrated methods of parasite control. A combination of practices will usually be necessary to achieve a satisfactory level of control. This paper discusses best management practices for controlling internal parasites in small ruminants, including pasture and …

Major Challenges Of Us Goat Producers And Way Forward, Tom Boyer

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Three limiting resources to feed the world in the future are arable land, water, and Ag talent. Obviously, goat production is in this mix, because we need to use appropriate technology to improve goat production. Also, goat production is influenced by imports, markets, and a fragmented industry. Although imports may be good to fill in shortfalls in production, they may harm the industry due to their relatively lower prices compared to domestically produced goat meat. The markets are unstructured and generally lack accurate price discovery, which ultimately, makes pricing difficult. Furthermore, there have been the challenges of a fragmented …

Current Situation And Future Prospects Of The Us Goat Industry, Steve Hart, Roger Merkel, Terry Gipson

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The current demand for goat meat in the US outstrips domestic supply. There is great potential for industry growth in the meat and dairy sectors. Whereas fiber prices have improved, loss of animals and market resources, labor costs for shearing, and lack of animal genetic resources prevent growth in the short term. As producers age, there is opportunity for new producers to enter the marketplace. Significant challenges exist, like access to local markets and abattoirs, dewormer resistant parasites, and feed costs. Establishing goat feedlots can increase meat supply and industry commercialization. Technologies used for cattle will be expanded for …

Goat Mortality Composting, Roger Merkel

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

One lawful method to dispose of animal carcasses is composting. Mortality composting is a “green” method that provides the producer with valuable soil amendments. Composting sites should be away from water sources and public areas. Some states require a facility and/or permit for carcass composting so producers should contact their State Veterinarian. Animal composting generates little to no odor and generates temperatures high enough to kill pathogens. Mortality composting is an aerobic process and requires a proper C:N ratio achieved by using a high carbon source to envelop the carcass, moisture content of roughly 50%, and available oxygen. Common composting …

History Of The U.S. Goat Industry, Terry A. Gipson

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Goats were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent and then spread throughout the world. Goats were brought to North America into the southwestern U.S. in the 17^th century by early Spanish explorers and clergy. These goats are the ancestors of the Spanish goat of Texas and the Lamancha breed of California. English and other European settlers also brought their goats as they moved into the eastern U.S in the 18^th century. Angora goats were first imported in the U.S. in the mid-19^th century and the earliest importation of officially recognized dairy goat breeds occurred in the …

Extension Goat Industry: The Source For Science Based Knowledge, David Kiesling

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The eXtension Website provides research-based information in ten resource areas: Community, Disaster Issues, Energy, Environment, Family, Farm, Health and Nutrition, Lawn and Garden, Pest Management, and Youth. Under each resource area are Communities of Practice (CoP). The Goat Industry Website (http://www.extension.org/goat) is a specific community of practice on the eXtension site that provides scientifically-based information for goat producers, extension educators and consumers. Currently, this site contains announcements, a glossary of terms, a meat goat management tool and instructional videos. Additionally, there is information on breeds, economics and business planning, facilities, fiber production, genetics, health, marketing, management, milk products, nutrition, …

Reproductive Technologies Used To Make Goats More Efficient, Seyedmehdi Mobini

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

With the introduction of Boer and Kiko breeds for meat goat production in the United States, more emphasis is being placed on the reproductive management to increase the number of offspring born and weaned and the frequency with which they are produced. It is also desirable to produce out of season kids to take advantage of a market premium for milk and meat. Reproductive manipulations, commercial Artificial Insemination (AI) programs using fresh or frozen semen, and Embryo Transfer (ET) have been developed and are in use most commonly in goats for reproductive efficiency.

Keywords: Meat Goats, Reproductive Technology, Reproductive …

Preface

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Optimizing Reproductive Performance In The Goat Herd, Dahlia O'Brien, Stephen Wildeus

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Reproductive efficiency impacts pregnancy rates, kidding/lambing frequency and number of offspring available for market each year. To enhance reproductive performance, consider breed, selection, nutrition and health, and understand basic female and male reproduction. Proper ration formulation and feeding promotes reproductive function and leads to more offspring. Selecting the highest performing females while culling unproductive does increases reproductive rates. Diseases affect the reproduction and survival of kids, so adopting disease prevention strategies including routine vaccinations and deworming protocols that promote good herd health is necessary. Understanding male and female reproduction are critical in managing puberty, minimizing the effects of seasonality …

Abridged Submission Guidelines

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Third African Animal Welfare Conference, Andrew N. Rowan

WellBeing News

One of the major themes at the Third Africa Animal Welfare Conference in Addis Ababa in 2019 was the status of donkeys in Africa and the critical support they provide to poor families on the continent. But Chinese demand for ejaio (a gelatin preparation made from donkey hides) is threatening populations of donkeys across Africa.

Sex-Specific Personalities In The Purple Marsh Crab, Jillian Sterman, Jessica Barton, Panagiota Delmedico, Samantha Sweeney

DePaul Discoveries

Animals are considered to possess personalities when individuals differ in behavior, and these differences are consistent between situations. Several studies have identified personalities in diverse groups but less is known about personality variation between the sexes. In this study, we examined variation in two key personality traits (boldness, activity) in female and male purple marsh crabs (Sesarma reticulatum) using a semi-field approach. Specifically, we measured boldness and activity on two consecutive days using the same behavioral assays during each time point. Consistency (personality) was determined using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance based on Spearman correlation coefficients for each behavior. …

Wildlife Damage To Crops Adjacent To A Protected Area In Southeastern Mexico: Farmers’ Perceptions Versus Actual Impact, Gabriel Can-Hernández, Claudia Villanueva-García, Elías José Gordillo-Chávez, Coral Jazvel Pacheco-Figueroa, Elizabeth Pérez-Netzahual, Rodrigo García-Morales

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Human–wildlife conflicts occur when wildlife has an adverse effect on human activities (e.g., predation of livestock, crop raiding). These conflicts are increasing, particularly in areas surrounding natural protected areas, where villagers engage in subsistence agriculture. Crop damage may cause farmers to retaliate and harm wildlife species considered responsible for the damage. Among the factors that determine the intensity of the conflict are the frequency of the damage and the amount of biomass consumed relative to the perceptions, values, and cultural history of the farmers affected. To better understand the conflicts between farmers and wildlife, we compared farmer perceptions of wildlife …

European Starlings Fly Before They Fledge, Jeremiah L. Psiropoulos, Lisa A. Selner

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Aircraft bird strikes are increasing globally. Bird strikes constitute a major human health and safety risk and result in millions of dollars in economic impacts. Invasive avian species, such as the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris; starlings), have been implicated in bird strikes in North America. Because this species is highly adaptive and has been successful at establishing in new areas, such as airports, it is essential that managers better understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them. Herein we present a case study regarding a novel observation of unique starling nesting behavior that may pose a risk …

Effects Of Varying Lipid Sources As Alternatives To Zinc Oxide Or Carbadox On Nursery Pig Growth Performance And Fecal Consistency, P. L. Dahmer, G. E. Luebcke, A. B. Lerner, C. K. Jones

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 360 weaned pigs (DNA; 241 × 600; initially 11.9 ± 0.02 lb) were used in a 35-d study evaluating the ability of varying lipid sources to replace ZnO or carbadox in early nursery pig diets. Pigs were weaned at approximately 21 days of age and allotted to pens based on initial weight in a completely randomized design to one of six dietary treatments: 1) Negative control (no added ZnO or carbadox); 2) Control + 3,000 ppm Zn from ZnO in phase 1 and 2,000 ppm Zn in phase 2; 3) Control + 50 g/ton carbadox; 4) Control …

Evaluating The Productive Energy Content Of High-Protein Distillers Dried Grains In Swine Diets, H. S. Cemin, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband, M. Wilken

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 300 pigs (DNA 400 × 200), initially 24.5 lb, were used in a study to evaluate the effects of increasing amounts of high-protein distillers dried grains (HP DDG) on growth performance, and to estimate the productive energy of HP DDG. Pens were allocated with 5 pigs each and fed a common diet for 21 d after weaning. Then, pens were assigned to treatments in a randomized complete block design. There were 5 treatments with 12 pen replicates per treatment. Treatments consisted of 0, 10, 20, 30, or 40% HP DDG. Pigs were weighed weekly for 21 d …

Determining The Effects Of High Phytase Levels And Feeding Duration On Growth Performance And Carcass Characteristics Of Growing-Finishing Pigs, C. M. Vier, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach, J. R. Bergstrom, J. C. Woodworth, R. D. Goodband, J. M. Derouchey

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 1,215 barrows and gilts (PIC; 359 × Camborough; initially 61.5 ± 1.02 lb) were used in a 126-d growth trial to determine the effects of high phytase levels and feeding duration on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing- finishing pigs. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 15 pens per treatment and 27 pigs per pen. The experimental diets were fed in four phases and based on corn, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and soybean meal. The 3 dietary treatments consisted of: 1) Control (diets formulated with no added …

Factors Influencing The Movement Of Livestock Guardian Dogs In The Edwards Plateau Of Texas: Implications For Efficacy, Behavior, And Territoriality, John M. Tomeček, Justin T. French, John W. Walker, Nova J. Silvy, Nicholas A. Bromen

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Livestock guardian dog (Canis lupus familiaris; LGD) breeds of domestic dog worldwide provide a degree of control over predation losses. The application of LGDs as a wildlife damage management tool evolved as a cultural practice in the Old World. In the 1970s, this tool emerged in North America. Despite several decades of science and application, gaps still exist in our knowledge regarding applications for LGDs. From February 2016 to November 2017, we deployed global positioning system transmitters on 4 LGDs on a 20-km² ranch in Menard County, Texas, USA operated by Texas A&M AgriLife Research to investigate …

The Diversity Of Terrestrial Mammals Surrounding Waterfall At Billy Barquedier National Park, Kelsey Johnson, Jason Apple

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Billy Barquedier is a National Park located in the Stann Creek district of Belize that contains Neotropical vegetation and wildlife. This study was performed to provide a baseline inventory and appearance frequency patterns of the terrestrial mammals located within Zone 1 of the park near a waterfall and to gain a greater understanding of the biodiversity and activity patterns of terrestrial mammals within the park. The methods included camera traps, small Sherman live traps, large live traps, and tracking methods. A non-random sampling method of placing camera traps and live traps on or near human-made or animal-made trails was used …

Sheep Are Sentient, But Not Identical, Alison Hanlon

Animal Sentience

Marino & Merskin (M&M) provide a timely reminder that sheep have advanced cognitive abilities, but do we still have to provide evidence to justify animal sentience? In the EU, regulations are designed to support farm animal welfare. Whilst the regulations are imperfect, they do emphasize behavioural needs and other concepts relevant to sentience. The persistence of sheep welfare issues such as lamb mortality indicates that regulations may not be achieving their desired goal. We can quibble about the science described by M&M yet reach the same conclusion: sheep (lambs, ewes and rams) are not all identical, but they are all …

The Effects Of Filter Type And Warm-Up Time On Pellet Durability Index Using The Holmen Nhp100 Portable Pellet Tester, C. E. Evans, R. N. Kort, M. Saensukjaroenphon, H. K. Wecker, C. B. Paulk, C. R. Stark

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The Holmen NHP100 (TekPro Ltd, Norfolk, UK) is a portable forced air pellet tester commonly used by the feed industry to determine the pellet durability index (PDI). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of filter type and machine warm-up time on PDI. A corn-soybean meal-based grower diet was conditioned at 185°F for 30 sec and subsequently pelleted using a laboratory pellet mill (Model CL5 California Pellet Mill Co., Crawfordsville, IN) equipped with a 0.16- × 0.5-in die. Production rate was 120 lb/h. Once cool, pellets were analyzed for PDI using the NHP100 with a 60-sec run …

Effects Of Grinding Corn With Different Moisture Concentrations On Subsequent Particle Size And Flowability Characteristics, M. B. Braun, K. M. Dunmire, C. E. Evans, C. R. Stark, C. B. Paulk

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of whole corn moisture and hammermill screen size on subsequent ground corn moisture, particle size, and flow- ability. Whole yellow dent #2 corn was used for this experiment. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial design with two moisture concentrations (as-received and high) each ground using 2 hammermill screen sizes (1/8 and 1/4 in). Corn was ground using a laboratory scale 1.5 HP Bliss Hammermill (Model 6K630B) at 3 separate time points to create 3 replications per treatment. Increasing initial whole corn moisture was accomplished by adding 5% …

Determining The Effects Of Manganese Source And Level On Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Economics Of Growing-Finishing Pigs, H. R. Kerkaert, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 1,944 mixed sex growing-finishing pigs (PIC; 337 × 1050; initially 76.0 ± 3.71 lb) were used in a 107-d growth trial to determine the effects of increasing levels of two different manganese sources on the performance of growing-finishing pigs from 76 to 295 lb. Pens were assigned to 1 of 6 treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial weight as a blocking factor. There were 12 replicate pens per treatment and 27 pigs per pen. The experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-based and were fed in 4 phases. The 6 dietary treatments were arranged in a …

Effect Of Feeding Duration Of Increased Lysine And Energy Prior To Farrowing On Sow Performance And Colostrum Quality, K. M. Gourley, A. J. Swanson, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 467 sows were used in a study to evaluate the effect of feeding duration of increased lysine (Lys) and energy prior to farrowing on sow and litter performance, piglet survival, and colostrum quality. Sows were blocked by body weight and parity category on d 106 of gestation, and allotted to one of three dietary treatments: 1) 4.5 lb/d gestation feed (12.5 g SID Lys and 6.5 Mcal ME) until d 113 of gestation, then 6 lb/d lactation feed (28 g SID Lys and 9.4 Mcal ME) until parturition; 2) 4.5 lb/d gestation feed (12.5 g SID Lys …

Predicting Black Bear Activity At Backcountry Campsites In Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, Wesley G. Larson, Tom Smith

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Developing the capacity to predict black bear (Ursus americanus; bear) activity in a diversity of habitats will help conserve bear populations and their habitats and minimize human–bear conflicts. This capacity will be particularly important in areas that provide bear habitat and offer backcountry hiking and camping experiences. Bryce Canyon National Park (BRCA), located on the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah, USA, provides important bear habitat and offers visitors 12 backcountry campsites. To effectively manage these areas to minimize human–bear conflicts, park managers will need better information about black bear use of these campsites and other …

Effects Of Soybean Meal Concentration In Lactating Sow Diets On Sow And Litter Performance, K. M. Gourley, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 131 sows (Line 241; DNA, Columbus, NE) were used in a study to evaluate the effect of increasing soybean meal concentration in lactating sow diets on sow and litter performance. Sows were blocked by body weight (BW) and parity on d 112 of gestation, and allotted to 1 of 3 treatments of increasing soybean meal (25%, 30%, or 35% of total diet). Diets were formulated to 1.05% standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine with L-lysine HCl decreasing as soybean meal increased. All other amino acids and nutrients were formulated to meet nutrient requirement recommendations.2 Diets were fed from …

Effect Of Die Retention Time On Pellet Quality And Phytase Stability Of A Corn-Soybean Meal Swine Diet, M. Saensukjaroenphon, C. E. Evans, C. K. Jones, C. H. Fahrenholz, C. B. Paulk, C. R. Stark

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Phytase is a phosphohydrolytic enzyme that releases phosphorus from phytate in animal feed. However, pelleting is a thermal process that can denature phytase. It is hypothesized that there are many factors that can account for phytase denaturing during the pelleting process, such as pellet mill model, die length to diameter ratio (L:D), steam quality, and residence time in conditioner and die. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of pellet mill model, die thickness, and die retention time on pellet quality and phytase stability. Treatments were arranged as a completely randomized design to determine the effect …

Dead Or Alive: Use Of Elemental Analysis To Determine Status Of Stranded Perinate Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus), Ryanne Murray, Ruth H. Carmichael, Merri K. Collins, Mackenzie L. Russell, Alissa C. Deming

Gulf and Caribbean Research

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Medium Chain Fatty Acid Application In Swine Feed On Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, A. B. Lerner, R. A. Cochrane, J. T. Gebhardt, S. S. Dritz, C. K. Jones, J. M. Derouchey, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband, J. Bai, E. Porter, J. Anderson, P. C. Gauger, D. R. Magstadt, J. Zhang, B. Bass, T. P. Karnezos, B. De Rodas, J. C. Woodworth

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) application has been identified as a promising strategy to decrease viral pathogen transmission in swine feed. Four experiments were conducted to: 1) determine if MCFAs are effective when applied to feed both prior to and after porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) inoculation measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), 2) evaluate the effects of varying amounts and combinations of MCFA measured by qRT-PCR, and 3) evaluate selected MCFA treatments in a bioassay. In Exp. 1, treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial with the main effects of chemical treatment …