Value Of Gain In The Lamb Feeding Industry, Jay Parsons

Cornhusker Economics

Value of gain (VOG) is a term in the livestock feeding industry that refers to the average value of a pound of gain. It is the most appropriate revenue value to use in comparison to the cost of gain to determine profit margin.

Is There An Economic Advantage To Planting Diverse Summer Annual Forage Mixtures?, Kelly Mercier, Chris Teutsch, Ray Smith, Kenny Burdine, Edwin Ritchey, Eric Vanzant

The Journal of Extension

This study examined economic implications of planting summer annual mixtures of grasses, legumes, and forbs at varying nitrogen rates. No differences in yield occurred between the three mixtures, indicating that mixtures with lowest seed cost will be most economical. Applying N resulted in yield increases of 12.26 lb DM per lb N applied. Although yield responses to N were positive, sensitivity analyses showed that applying N resulted in positive net returns only when hay prices were high and N prices were low. When utilization rates are accounted for, enterprise budgets determined grazing to be 18% cheaper to implement than haying.

Sheep And Goat Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2021/2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia, Sheep And Goat Industry Funding Scheme

Agriculture reports

No abstract provided.

Hotline Number To Reach And Offer Agricultural Information To Plain Anabaptists During The Covid-19 Workplace Closures, Emily Shoop, Carly Becker, Nathan Glenn Briggs, Danielle Smarsh

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

The Penn State Extension Animal Systems Team developed a toll-free hotline phone number to convey short educational messages to maintain contact and outreach to Pennsylvania’s animal producing Amish, Mennonite, and other plain Anabaptist populations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Penn State Extension’s programming went largely online via webinars, online courses, and emails. This change in programming excluded a large sector of Pennsylvania farmers who do not use or have access to the internet and, as such, were liable to miss important best management practice reviews and timely updates in animal agriculture. The Animal Systems Hotline offered callers the choice to listen …

Is There Room In The United States Diet For Goat Meat? Analysis Of The 2019 National Goat Meat Survey, Everett Marcus Martin

MSU Graduate Theses

Demand for goat meat has steadily increased in the past decade, but few studies have been conducted addressing goat meat attributes and demographic factors on consumers’ willingness to buy goat meat products. Analyzing a national consumer survey on goat meat preference, a logit modeling is used addressing factors affecting willingness to buy three goat meat products: grass-fed, locally grown, and organically raised. Results indicate that quality and freshness attribute characteristics significantly affect consumer willingness to buy grass-fed, organic, and locally grown goat meat.

Incorporation Of Summer Annual Mixtures Into Grazing Systems In Kentucky, Kelly Marie Mercier

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Utilizing summer annual grass-legume forage mixtures has the potential to improve forage yield and nutritive characteristics, and/or animal performance during times when cool-season pasture growth is limited by high temperatures. Legumes can utilize atmospheric nitrogen, which can increase crude protein and forage digestibility in mixtures. As nitrogen application generally improves both the yield and nutritive characteristics of summer annual forages, but can have a negative effect on legume competitiveness, nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for legume-containing summer annual mixtures are not well established.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the feasibility of utilizing summer annual mixtures in Kentucky, USA. The first experiment …

Prospects For Enhancing The Market For Goat Meat Products: Analysis Of The 2019 Goat Meat Survey, Ashton M. Light

MSU Graduate Theses

The objective of this study was to identify goat meat product attributes and sociodemographic drivers of consumers’ willingness to buy to goat meat products. To do so the study used a nationwide consumer survey on goat meat preferences. A binary logit model was used to examine the factors affecting willingness to buy. Results show that gender, age, region, primary shopper, and product attribute preference for quality, price, leanness, cholesterol, and freshness significantly affect consumer willingness to buy goat sausage, jerky, burger, and patties.

Saturday Night Live Club Lamb Sale, Tyler P. Wilkerson

Agricultural Education and Communication

“Competition is said to be the backbone of the stock show industry,” (Davis, 1998). A statement spoken in a 1998 thesis paper on the junior livestock industry still holds water in today’s world. Youth livestock exhibition, especially in California, continues to grow in the number of youth participants and the number of livestock entries at shows (Switzer, 2019).

It is the responsibility of livestock breeders to breed, raise, and sell their livestock to maximize the opportunity for youth to acquire livestock to show. In his research, Wendt discusses the capabilities of purchasing livestock through online platforms. He speaks to the …

Preface

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Suitable Breed And Animal Selection For Production Efficiency, Niki Whitley

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract Several goat breeds are available in the U.S. Selection of the breed should consider farm goals, production systems, markets and resources. Animal selection for breeding stock production and marketing needs to focus on breed characteristics, animal conformation, show winnings and animal pedigrees. Establishing at least one consistent market to include in a business/marketing plan that results in farm profitability prior to animal purchase is critical. After determining breed, animal selection will be critical, including choosing sellers, productive males and females with performance records, show animals, and animals with parasite resistance. For many farms, purchasing healthy, productive animals from sellers …

Buying Healthy Goats And Keeping Them That Way, Susan Kerr

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Starting a goat herd with healthy animals prevents expense and effort eliminating infectious diseases. Pre-purchase testing and examinations are worth their cost because of the savings realized through fewer animal illnesses, increased production, lower medication costs, and reduced culling. Key management practices such as hoof trimming, vaccinating, body condition scoring, and assessing parasite loads are needed to maintain herd health. Biosecurity practices must become routine to prevent the introduction and/or spread of contagious diseases. Several goat diseases are contagious to humans, so biosecurity measures must address this concern. Excellent record-keeping helps producers monitor health and production trends, document treatments, …

Comparison Of Productivity Of Different Breeds Of Meat Goats Under Low-To-Moderate-Input Systems In The United States, Richard Browning Jr., Maria L. Leite-Browning

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Boer and Kiko goats were imported in the 1990s to enhance the productivity of the US base population of Spanish meat goats. Successful breed introductions require adaptation to the destination environment. Well-planned, low-input management is a good route to meat goat enterprise profitability using proper goat genetics. Reproduction drives profit more than growth and carcass traits. Results of breed evaluation studies on doe reproductive and health traits, the Boer goat influence tended to be negative compared with Kiko and Spanish goat influences. Reduced doe herd reproductive output suggests reduced enterprise profitability. Differences in growth or carcass traits among sire …

Grazing System And Management For Goat Production, Steve Hart

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract Grazing system management is for supplying inexpensive, adequate nutrition for the goat enterprise. This involves managing forages to facilitate dry matter production and managing grazing so forage quality is adequate and harvest efficiency is high while avoiding consuming internal parasites. Since nutrient costs are greatest for winter, the grazing system should be planned to provide some grazing during winter. The forage system should be managed to provide the greatest proportion of nutrients possible during kidding and lactation. The base forage species can be overseeded with cool-season or leguminous species to improve forage production, quality or the seasonal distribution of …

Year-Round Forage Production For Sustainable Goat Farming, Uma Karki

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Goat farming in the U.S. is based on grazing lands. Forages available for grazing throughout most of the year are essential for supplying required nutrition for goats and minimizing production costs. Most goat farmers do not have pastures productive for an extended period. This situation results in poor performing animals and high production costs. Forage availability can improve by enhancing the productivity, quality, and production duration of pastures. The inclusion of browse species in grazing systems will also improve diet variety, minimize internal parasite problems, and better utilize the soil resources. Grazing opportunity can be extended by developing a …

Nutritional Requirements Of Different Classes Of Meat Goats, Nar Gurung

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Feeds provide nutrients to animals. Feeds can be grains, crop by-products or forages. Forages can form the basis of feeds for goats in the southeastern US because year-round forage production is possible. Since goats are classified as browsers, the forage program should consist of browse and pasture. Managing browse species as feed resources is challenging, and there is limited information relative to managing browse species. Hay is the main forage feed for goats in the region and average quality hay can meet nutrient requirements for maintenance. However, nutrient requirements for late-pregnancy, lactation, and growing goats cannot be met with …

Marketing Toward The Future, Niki Whitley, Susan Schoenian

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

United States goat producers face many challenges with regards to marketing. Although the demand for goat products is increasing, the market is fractured. There is a general lack of infrastructure and many producers do not sell their animals or products for fair or profitable prices. Production costs are too high, and there is a need to improve production efficiency. Imports pose a challenge to US goat producers, as domestic production cannot compete with the availability and lower cost of imports. Government regulations hinder market development because non-commercial slaughter is an important aspect of goat marketing, and regulations keep many …

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.

An Analysis Of The Characteristics And Practices Of Selected Florida Small Livestock Producers: A Focus On Production And Processing, Jannette R. Bartlett, David Nii O. Tackie, Dana Reid, Akua Adu-Gyamfi, Angela Mckenzie-Jakes

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

The study assessed the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers, emphasizing production and processing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of seventy small producers from selected counties in Florida, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The socioeconomic characteristics showed that part-time producers, White producers, middle-aged producers, fairly educated producers, and moderate-income producers dominated the group. A majority of the producers practiced rotational grazing, fed a combination of forage and concentrate, and less than half conducted soil tests regularly. Moreover, over half had parasite problems and treated them primarily with anthelmintics. Nearly all producers sold animals live, …

The Three Creeks Allotment Consolidation: Changing Western Federal Grazing Paradigms, Taylor Payne

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The federal government owns approximately 47% of all land in the western United States. In the state of Utah, about 64% of the land base is managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The government has historically issued permits to owners of private lands to allow the owners to graze their livestock on public lands. The permits (allotments) are generally of 10-year duration and allow for an annual season of use. In some cases, continued and repeated historical annual grazing practices may not be ideal for permit holders and their communities nor …

Challenges Of Stocking Small Ruminants In Grazing Plots With Dormant Browse Species, Sanjok Poudel, Uma Karki, Wendell Mcelhenney, Yubaraj Karki, Asha Tillman, Lila Karki, Anthony Kumi

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Integration of browse species into the grazing system can increase the grazing/browsing opportunity; however, information is limited on their proper management for long-term use and persistence. The objective of the study was to determine whether it is safe to allow small ruminants to graze pastures consisting of dormant browse species. Katahdin ram lambs (9) and Kiko wethers (20) had access to the study plots containing four dormant browse species (mulberry, Morus alba; mimosa, Albizia julibrissin; white lead tree, Leucaena leucocephala; and bush indigo, Amorpha fruticosa) for two months. Type and extent of damage to the browse …