Sheep and Goat Science Commons^™

Effect Of Sire Breed On Grass-Based Lamb Production, Camren L. Maierle

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Improvement of lamb performance in low-input operations may prove vital for the sustainability of eastern US sheep production. Maintaining growth while improving carcass conformation using terminal sire crossbreeding systems may increase value in a pasture-based system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare effects of terminal sire breed on parasitism, growth, marketability of grazing lambs. Suffolk (SU; n = 2) and Texel (TX; n = 2) sires were mated to commercial ewes at the WVU Organic Farm. April-born lambs were managed on pasture as one group until weaning (mid-June), then were separated into 3 replicates per sire breed. …

Impact Of Sire Selection And Breed On Parasite Resistance In Sheep, Andrew Ryan Weaver

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Selection within and among breeds are strategies to mitigate the impact of parasitism given failing chemotherapeutics. While Texels have improved marketability compared to other parasite-resistant breeds, the mechanism by which Texels reduce fecal egg count (FEC) is unclear. The immune response to Haemonchus contortus (Hc) was compared in Texel, parasite-resistant St. Croix, and parasite-susceptible Suffolk sheep. Adult worms exposed to St. Croix- and Texel-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum in vitro had greater binding around the reproductive structures than Suffolk and worm egg release tended to be affected by breed (P = 0.09). Resistance in Texels …

Strategies To Improve Forage Utilization By Sheep Offered Forage Mixtures, Valens Niyigena

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In the first experiment, alfalfa and novel endophyte-infected tall fescue (NE+) forages were harvested after a killing frost, then mixed to formulate 4 different treatments; alfalfa alone, 67% alfalfa +33% fescue, 33% alfalfa + 67% fescue, or 100% fescue. After 3 months of storage as silage, Dorper ewe lambs (n = 20; mean BW = 34.7 ± 6.65 kg) were fed silage for ad libitum consumption, using 5 animals per treatment. Increasing the proportion of NE+ tall fescue improved (P < 0.05) silage total acids and lactic acid concentrations and decreased silage ammonia concentration. Digestible dry matter and organic matter intake and nitrogen utilization parameters decreased with increasing inclusion of NE+ in diet. In the second experiment, 16 Dorper ewe lambs (41.8 ± 4.61 kg BW) were assigned to 4 different treatments; alfalfa silage alone (0 g/kg; CONT) or alfalfa silage mixed with chopped sericea lespedeza (SL) hay to provide 90 (LOW), 180 (MED), or 270 g/kg SL (HIGH) on a dry matter basis in a randomized complete block design experiment with 2 period to provide 4 observations per treatment for each experimental period. Increasing the proportion of sericea lespedeza in the diet decreased dry matter and organic matter digestibility but did not affect feed intake. Fecal nitrogen (g/kg N intake) increased linearly (P < 0.01) while urinary N (g/ day and g/ kg of N intake) tended to decreased linearly and quadratically (P ≤ 0.1) with increasing the proportion of SL in diet. In the third experiments, 16 gestating Dorper ewe lambs (49.1 ± 4.61 kg BW) were allocated to 4 treatments; alfalfa silage alone (0% g/kg; CONT) or alfalfa silage mixed with lablab purpureus(LP) hay to provide 90 (LOW), 180 (MED), or 270 g/kg LP (HIGH) on a dry matter (DM) basis, in a randomized complete block design experiment with a total 8 replication per treatment. Supplementation of LP in diet increased quadratically (P ≤ 0.04) forage dry matter, organic matter intake, digestible dry matter and digestible organic matter intake (P < 0.05). Nitrogen apparently absorbed and urinary N both decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with adding more LP hay in diet. Harvesting and mixing alfalfa and fescue after a killing frost improved silage fermentation characteristics and supplementation of tannins from SL and polyphenol from LP altered N excretion.

Key words: lablab, sericea lespedeza, alfalfa silage, nitrogen, sheep.

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 …

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 …

Abridged Submission Guidelines

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Preface

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Brangus Cows Have Ovarian Reserve Parameters More Like Brahman Than Angus Cows, Robert A. Cushman, Émerson M. Soares, Hannah K. Yake, Allyson L. Patterson, Shelby L. Rosasco, Joslyn K. Beard, Emmalee J. Northrop, Jerica J.J. Rich, Jeremy R. Miles, Chadwick C. Chase Jr., Michael G. Gonda, George A. Perry, Anthony K. Mcneel, Adam F. Summers

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center

Bos indicus females have more surface antral follicles than Bos taurus females; however, histological studies demonstrated no difference in total number of primordial follicles between these two biological types of cattle. Primordial follicle density in the ovary was less in Nelore ovaries compared to Angus ovaries, but no studies have examined the primordial follicle density in Bos indicus cross-bred females. It, therefore, was hypothesized that primordial follicle density in the ovary would decrease as percentage Bos indicus increased. Ovaries were collected from cross-bred Angus (n=32, no Bos indicus influence), Brangus (n=15), or Brahman (n=9) …

Uso De Medidas Morfo Métricas Para Estimar Peso Vivo En Un Rebaño De Ovejas Hampshire En El Trópico Alto Colombiano, Ricardo Castaño, Nicolás Parra

Zootecnia

Introducción: Las ovejas de lana en Colombia se han utilizado principalmente como productoras de lana para la industria artesanal, pero actualmente algunos criadores están reorientado los objetivos de la cría hacia la carne, introduciendo genética superior para este fin y utilizando estas razas como base genética para su mejoramiento. (Asoovinos, 2018). De las razas ovinas laneras usadas en la zona central andina se destaca, la raza Hampshire que posee unas características óptimas para el fin productivo de carne . Objetivo El siguiente estudio tuvo como objetivo general la estimación del peso vivo por medio de la evaluación morfológica de un …

Innovative Resources In Small Ruminant Health, Sarah Paluso

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudoTB) that affects small ruminants. This disease has a worldwide prevalence and results in significant economic losses to the sheep and goat industries. Antibiotics have had limited success in treating CL, due to the difficulty of penetrating the dry, thick-walled abscesses that characterize this disease. Essential oils are complex bioactive compounds that have been increasingly explored as sources of antimicrobial activity. Due to the nature of these oils, tissue and wood penetration may be possible, enabling topical and environmental treatment (e.g.; disinfectants of farm surfaces, such as …

Evaluation Of Enzyme Effectiveness At Enhancing Fiber Digestion In Small Ruminants, Rachel Ranells

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Feed costs account for up to 70% of total production costs making it vital that livestock producers maximize feed efficiency in a cost-effective manner (Bach, 2012). Producers often utilize feed additives to optimize nutrient absorption and increase productivity (McGrath et al., 2018). This study was conducted to determine the effects of an enzyme supplement containing Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae on dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake and digestibility by lambs fed ad libitum diets of either alfalfa or bermudagrass hay. The study was set up in a 2 2 …

Refinement Of An In Vivo Exsheathment Assay Of Haemonchus Contortus In Ruminally Fistulated Ewes, Madison Parks

Senior Honors Projects

My honors project examined one aspect of an overarching research project currently happening here at the University of Rhode Island studying the parasite Haemonchus contortus. This project focused on revising the current working assay for in vivo exsheathment of the parasite in cannulated ewes in order to find more cost effective materials and shorten the length of time the assay takes to complete. Haemonchus contortus, commonly known as the barber pole worm, inhabits the digestive tract of sheep and goats. It feeds on the blood in the abomasum, a chamber of the ruminant stomach, and causes anemia and sometimes death …

Productivity And Meat Quality With Meat Goat Management, Trent Drae Dugas

LSU Master's Theses

The growth of kid meat goats and their carcass and meat characteristics with monensin sodium or decoquinate coccidiostats in feed were studied. Seventy-three goats of various breeds were divided into six groups with the treatments of control, monensin and decoquinate. Half of the goats were harvested at day 45 and the rest at day 60. The second harvest monensin group had a larger percentage of the goat carcass as the hind leg (P

Supplementation of permanent pasture with sunn hemp forage or concentrate feed were compared for influences on growth, carcass traits, and meat properties of kid meat goats. Goats …