OLD SCC81: Sustainable Small Ruminant Production in the Southeastern U.S.

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[04/30/2018] [02/13/2019] [03/04/2020] [02/24/2021]

Date of Annual Report: 04/30/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/04/2018 - 02/04/2018
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2016 - 09/30/2017

Participants

• Art Goetsch Langston University goetsch@lanston.edu
• Bob Godfrey University of the Virgin Island rgodfre@uvi.edu
• Byeng R. Min Tuskegee University bmin1@tuskegee.edu
• Dahlia O’Brien Virginia State University dobrien@usu.edu
• Jim Miller Louisiana State University jmille1@lsu.edu
• Joan Burke USDA-ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center joan.burke@ars.usda.gov
• Jug Hom Lee Fort Valley State University leej@fusu.edu
• Kwame Matthews Delaware State University kmatthews@desu.edu
• Nar Gurung Tuskegee University ngurung@tuskegee.edu
• Niki Whitley Fort Valley State University whitleyn@fusu.edu
• Olga Bolden-Tiller Tuskegee University oboldentiller@tuskegee.edu
• Scott Bowdridge West Virginia University scott.bowdridge@mail.wvu.edu
• Stephen Wildeus Virginia State University swildeus@usu.edu
• Steve Hart Langston University shart@langston.edu
• Uma Karki Tuskegee University ukarki@tuskegee.edu

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 9:00 am and presided by the chair, Uma Karki. Uma gave out the agenda and conducted a brief introduction of new members to the group. After which, she introduced Bob Godfrey our SCC081 administrator to give updates and reiterate the duties of the officers.

Robert (Bob) Godfrey informed the group that the rewrite of the project last year was submitted and approved so the group is authorized for the next five years. He indicated that everyone need to make sure they complete the Appendix E form so they can be added to the project and reminded us that each University and ARS station have only one official designee although each can have multiple participants in the project.

He also had to discuss the differences between coordinating committees and S projects as participants were concerned about the difference and if we could develop and S project. Nar Gurung and Uma Karki asked Robert about the main reason for the group and if the group is needed or should there be changes to the sessions on research idea. Robert then went into the main reason why this coordinating committee was formed to help with research and extension in small ruminant production. Additionally, he indicated that we need to improve on participants with new ideas and indicated that the success of this project is dependent on participation of the individual of the group.

He made it clear that the duties were also rewritten last year and that the secretary should submit the minutes to the chair and the chair should submit the final report to Robert by 60 days after our annual meeting. Lastly, he indicated that we can write grants together as a group to help with small ruminant research and for the group meeting we can change the structure to the way want it to be.

After the administrative report, the morning station reports were moderated by Uma Karki.

Following stations reports, there was a business meeting called to order by Dr. Niki Whitley.

Business Meeting

Emphasis was placed on the fact that recruiting is needed to get new members for the SCC81 group in order to make the group more diverse and meaningful.

Only about 4 people is on the NIMSS system for the 2018 project.

Discussion on difference between SC and S projects.
- USDA sets regulations for SC/S projects

Robert Godfrey indicated that we can remove people if they do not show up/submit report.
- 1890s do not receive funds through multi state projects

Discussion on history of SCC and ACSRPC differences used to have a pm mini symposium. Have to ask southern section committee for support for the speakers.

Discussion on goals of this group

Discussion on serving on grant panels and USDA status

It was voted on that Stephan Wildeus will be the 2018/2019 secretary.

The new objectives were also read to everyone and emphasis was placed on registering in the NIMSS system

James Miller spoke about updates in parasites

Combination dewormer (additive effect)

Nematode-trapping fungi coming this year

Integrated approach for every farm individually; no blanket management strategy is applicable for all conditions

Parasites (Haemonchus contortus) are increasing in zoos and further up north such as Canada, indicating that these parasites are adopting to the cooler climate

Spoke about the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control best management practices to control internal parasites in small ruminant fact sheet series that is being released.

Startect dewormer availability in Canada

Discussion on advertisement to the ARD directors and forming a recruiting committee for the SCC081 group. Drs. Olga Bolden-Tiller, Niki Whitley, and Dalhia O’Brien volunteered to be in the recruitment committee – the chair of this committee would share the information with all.

The group decided to move forward with meeting at the Southern Section meeting and had discussions on the format.

- Station reports need to be short/open discussions and on new research in reproduction, feed efficiency, parasites, marketing, and raising small ruminants (should be in the morning session)
- Find a topic and make a proposal to the ASAS southern section executive committee so they can pay for the speaker in the afternoon
- Mini symposium topic due by summer 2018, or the middle
- One topic for the mini symposium and discussion is “How do we move forward as researchers with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee”
  - 2-3 talks followed by round-table discussion
  - Produce a white paper to be submitted to the relevant entity to resolve the issues that faculties in different institutions of the Southeast are experiencing in conducting animal research and relevant work

Accomplishments

Louisiana State University – Dr. Jim Miller <ul> <li>Discussed project going on with compound X from Bedoukian in reducing fecal egg count in lambs.</li> <li>Informed group that flagransproduct has been approved by FDA/USDA/EPA but still do not know the release date as yet.</li> </ul> Fort Valley State University – Dr. Niki Whitley <ul> <li>Discussed work being done with Sericea lespedeza (SL) pellets and silage and indicated that there were group issues using SL on growth. Affects growth as low as 25 days.</li> <li>Informed us of extension workshops conducted at Fort Valley State University and told us about the Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program, Small Ruminant Production, and Integrated Parasite Management/FAMACHA Trainings that were conducted by FVSU.</li> </ul>  University of the Virgin Islands – Dr. Robert Godfrey <ul> <li> Discussed projects on the relationship between environment and body temperature and grazing behavior in hair sheep in the tropics.</li> <li>Croix white had lower body temperature than Dorper cross sheep. Vaginal temperature was lower in Dorper crosses than St. Croix.</li> <li>Discussed project on tracking the movement of hair sheep grazing on pastures in the tropics using global positioning system (GPS) tracking collars.</li> <li>Spoke about the damages done to the Virgin Islands and the experiment station.</li> </ul> USDA-ARS – Dr. Joan Burke  Discussed project examining fecal egg count (FEC) reduction in meat goats entered into the University of Maryland (2008 – 2016) or Eastern Oklahoma State College (2014 – 2017) buck test.  Tuskegee University – Dr. Uma Karki and Dr. Byeng Min <ul> <li> Karki spoke about projects conducted at Tuskegee University such as assessing efficacy of different anthelmintics for control of parasites in small ruminants, effect of tannin-containing peanut skin supplementation as a natural anthelmintic, effects of supplementing varying levels of energy on performance of meat goats grazing cool-season pastures, diurnal behavior and distribution pattern of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams in woodlands, grazing behavior and distribution pattern of Katahdin rams in southern-pine silvopastures with cool-season forages, challenges of stocking small ruminants in grazing plots with dormant browse species, and prevalent weeds in the southern-pine silvopasture system managed with Kiko wethers. Also presented was about different educational events conducted by Tuskegee University – Sustainable year-round forage production and grazing/browsing management, Integrated approach for managing diseases and parasites in small ruminants, Sustainable agroforestry practices, Tuskegee University annual goat day, Master goat certification training program, Artificial insemination in goats, and Youth goat show.</li> <li>Min went into detail on his project the effect of tannin-containing peanut skin supplementation as a natural anthelmintic and indicated that the goats receiving 25% peanut skin had a decrease in fecal egg count and found that the peanut skin when tested in vitro form globule around the reproductive parts of the parasites.</li> </ul>  Delaware State University – Dr. Kwame Matthews <ul> <li> Discussed extension workshops that were conducted to help introduce beginning farmers to small ruminant production and sustainable parasite management.</li> </ul>  Station Reports were adjourned for lunch and set to resume at 1:30 pm. The afternoon station reports were moderated by Dr. Niki Whitley and included:  Virginia State University – Dr. Dahlia O’Brien <ul> <li> Discussed project on the quality and fatty acid composition of fresh lamb from pasture-raised purebred and crossbred hair sheep lambs gradually removed from soy hull supplementation before harvest, growth and FAMACHA scores in purebred and terminal sire crossbred lambs, and the effect of sire breed on pregnancy rate of Katahdin ewes after liquid semen vaginal artificial insemination.</li> <li>Discussed extension workshops that were conducted with an emphasis on Lamb Promotion, Small Ruminant Field Day, Sustainable Integrated Parasite Management, and Starting a Sheep and Goat Meat Enterprise.</li> </ul>  West Virginia University – Dr. Scott Bowdridge and Andrew <ul> <li> Bowdridge discussed briefly that his projects are in the proceedings but he would like Andrew Weaver to discuss his findings in his project.</li> <li>Andrew did the research in immune response to contortus in Texel sheep and indicated that there were globules forming around the reproductive openings of the female parasite.</li> </ul>

Publications

Journal Articles <ol> <li>Bowdridge, S.A., J.J. Garza, E.A. Shepherd, B. Russ, A.M. Zajac, S.P. Greiner. 2017. Effect of sire breed on gain, carcass characteristics and parasite resistance of Katahdin crossbred feedlot-finished lambs: year 2. J. Anim. Sci. 95: Supp 1.</li> <li>Robinson, S. Solaiman, O. Bolden-Tiller, C. Elliott, R. Min, and W. McElhenney. 2017. Assessing Efficacy of Different Anthelmintics for Control of Parasites in Small Ruminants. PAWC. Abstract. Poster presentation.</li> <li>Garza, J.G., S. P. Greiner, S.A. Bowdridge. 2017. Ovine neutrophils bind and impair contortus third-stage larvae in a breed and infection status-dependent manner requiring vital NET formation. Parasit. Immunol. Submitted</li> <li>Godfrey, R.W., W.D. Preston, S.R. Joseph, L. LaPlace, P.E. Hillman, K.G. Gebremedhin, C.N. Lee, and R.J. Collier. 2017. Evaluating the impact of breed, pregnancy and hair coat on body temperature and sweating rate of hair sheep ewes in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. 95:2936-2942. doi:10.2527/jas2016.1125</li> <li>Hamilton, T., T. Terrill, D.S. Kommuru, A. Rivers, J. Mosjidis, J. Miller, C. Drake, I. Mueller- Harvey, and J. Burke. 2017. Effect of supplemental sericea lespedeza pellets on internal parasite infection and nutritional status of grazing goats. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. A 7:335- 345.</li> <li>Hamilton, T.N., Terrill, T.H., Kommuru, D.S., Rivers, A., Mosjidis, J.A., Miller, J.E., Drake, C., Mueller-Harvey, I., Burke, J.M., 2017. Effect of supplemental sericea lespedeza pellets on internal parasite infection and nutritional status of grazing goats. J. Agric. Sci. Tech. 334-344.</li> <li>Min, B. R., N. Gurung, and F. Abrahamsen. 2017. Alternative Methods for Managing Gastrointestinal Parasites and Eimeria Spp. in Small Ruminants. Agril. Res. And  Open Access J. Short Communication. 6(4): 1-2. DOI: 10.19080/ARTOAJ.2017.06.555695. </li> <li>Min, B.R., A. Shipp, J. Byrd, N. Gurung, and W.H. McElhenney, 2017. The effect of tannin-containing peanut skin supplementation as a natural anthelmintic supplement on drug-resistant Haemonchus contortus control and animal performance in meat goats. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1). 78: 20.</li> <li>Muir, J.P., Terrill, T.H., Burke, J.M., Mosjidis, J.A., Luginbuhl, J.-M., Miller, J.E., Coleman, S.W., 2016. Harvest regimen changes sericea lespedeza condensed tannin, fiber, and protein concentrations. Grassland Sci. (In Press).</li> <li>Muir, J.P., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Luginbuhl, J.-M., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M. 2017. Season progression, ontogenesis and environment affect Lespedeza cuneata herbage condensed tannin, fiber and crude protein content. Crop Sci. 57, 515-524.</li> <li>Nartea, T., Wildeus, S., Lee, J., O’Brien, D.J. 2017. Breed and supplementation influence on consumer ratings of ground meat from pasture-raised lamb. J. Extension (in press)</li> <li>Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Herring, A.D., Sanders, J.O., Craig, T.M., VanWyk, J., Riley, D.G., 2017. Utilization of year round data in the estimation of genetic parameters for internal parasite resistance traits in Dorper sheep. Sm. Rum. Res. 151, 5-10.</li> <li>Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Morgan, J.L.M., Miller, J.E., Notter, D.R., 2017. Genetic parameters for fecal egg counts and their relationship with body weights in Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. (In Press; doi: 10.2527/jas2017.2000; Date posted: October 23, 2017). </li> <li>Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Notter, D.R., Morgan, J.L.M., 2017. Variance components for direct and maternal effects on body weights of Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 95, 3396–3405.</li> <li>Notter, D.R., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J.L.M., 2017. Association between FAMACHA Scores and Fecal Egg Counts in Katahdin Lambs. J Anim Sci 95, 1118-1123.</li> <li>Notter, D.R., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J.L.M., 2017. Factors affecting fecal egg counts in peri-parturient Katahdin ewes and their lambs. J Anim Sci 95, 103-112. </li> <li>Poudel, S., U. Karki, W. McElhenney, Y. Karki, A. Tillman, L. Karki, and A. Kumi. 2017. Challenges of stocking small ruminants in grazing plots with dormant browse species. Professional Agricultural Workers Journal (PAWJ), Vol. 5 (No. 1). Available online: http://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1100&context=pawj</li> <li>Shepherd, E.A., J.J. Garza, S.P Greiner, S.A. Bowdridge. 2017. Effects of ovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells on Haemonchus contortus larval death in vitro. Parasit. Immunol. 39:e12424</li> <li>Shipp, A., B. R. Min, N. Gurung, J. W. Hyung and W. McElhenney. 2017. The Effect of Tannin- Containing Peanut Skin Supplementation on Drug-resistant Haemonchus contortus Control in Meat Goat. Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research 3(2): 1-9, 2017; Article no. AJAAR.36993. ISSN: 2456-8864</li> <li>Spangler, G.L., Rosen, B.D., Babatunde, I., Hanotte, O., Kim, E.-S., Sonstegard, T.S., Burke, J.M., Morgan, J.L.M., Notter, D.R., Van Tassell, C.P. Whole genome structural analysis of Caribbean hair sheep reveals quantitative link to West African ancestry. PLOS.</li> <li>Storey, B.E., L.H. Williamson, S.B. Howell, T.H. Terrill, R. Berghaus, A.N. Vidyashankar, and R.M. Kaplan. 2017. Validation of the FAMACHA© system in South American camelids. Vet. Parasitol. 243:85-91.</li> <li>Terrill, T.H., and J.A. Mosjidis. 2017. Smart man's sericea lespedeza and worm control: a review. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. A 7:143-150.</li> <li>Weaver, A.R., D.L. Wright, D.R. Notter, A.M. Zajac, S.A. Bowdridge, S.P.Greiner. 2017. Evaluation of pre-weaning and grazing performance of terminal sire breeds for hair sheep production systems. J. Anim. Sci. 95:supp 1.</li> </ol>  Abstracts and Proceedings <ol> <li>Shipp, B.R. Min, N. Gurung, and W. McElenney, 2017. The effect of condensed-tannin containing peanut skin supplementation on drug-resistant Haemonchus contortus in meat goats. 1890 ARD Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA. 213. Pp 121.</li> <li>Abrahamsen, F., Y. Zhao, N. Gurung, B. R. Min, and O. Bolden-Tiller. 2017. The effectiveness of the USDA/FAS sponsored Cochran Fellowship Program on High Quality Feed Ingredients Administered by Tuskegee University. Poster Presented at the 75the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, December 3-5, 2017 at Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama. 36088.</li> <li>Acharya, M., Beemer, T., Moss, G.E., Lake, S., Blackburn, H.D., 2017. The fertility achieved with nonsurgical AI and frozen-thawed ram sperm is influenced by the estrous synchronization protocol, semen cryopreservation diluent, and age and breed of the sheep. Biol. Reprod. (Abstr.).</li> <li>Acharya, M., Burke, J.M., Hansen, C., Rorie, R.W., 2017. Evaluation of semen extenders for short-term storage of ram semen at 4°C. Reprod. Fert. Devel. (Abstr.). 29, 118.</li> <li>Acharya, M., Burke, J.M., Rorie, R.W., 2017. Effect of ram semen extenders and supplements on computer assisted sperm analysis parameters. J. Anim. Sci. 95 (E-Suppl. 1), 51 (Abstr.).</li> <li>Acharya, R.S., Fitting, E., Burke, J., Joshi, N., 2017. Development of native pollinator habitat within livestock pasture. Entomol. Soc. Amer. Ann. Mtg, Logan, UT, November 2017. Purdy, P.H., Spiller, S.F., McGuire, E., McGuire, K., Koepke, K. Stobart, R.H., Burke, J.M.,</li> <li>Bailey, M., Wildeus. S. 2017. Season and breed effects on pregnancy rate and litter size in landrace hair sheep ewes under accelerated mating. Proc. ARD 18th Biannual Research Symposium, p. 176</li> <li>Bhattrai, S., U. Karki, and S. Poudel. 2017. Diurnal behavior and distribution pattern of kiko wethers and katahdin rams in woodlands. The 75th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Dec. 3-5, Tuskegee Univ. Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National. (Abstract and Poster presentation, GSD Graduate Student Competition).</li> <li>Burke, J.M., Notter, D.R., Miller, J.E., 2017. Sire’s estimated breeding value (EBV) for fecal egg count (FEC) influences BW, FEC, and anemia measures of offspring in Katahdin sheep. Ann Meeting Amer Soc Anim Sci Southern Section, 52.</li> <li>Davis, R., R. Johnson, N. Gurung, and O. Bolden-Tiller. 2017. The Tuskegee University Goat Day: An Integrated Extension/Outreach Program for Goat Producers. Poster Presented at the 75the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, December 3-5, 2017 at Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama. 36088.</li> <li>Dykes, G., T.H Terrill, A. Singh, L. Greer-Mapson, V. Owen, A. Roberson, J.E. Miller and N. Whitley. 2017. Effectiveness of Sericea Lespedeza Leaf Meal Pellets and Whole Plant Pellets for Natural Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes and Coccidia in Goats. 18th biennial research symposium ARD meeting oral presentation.</li> <li>N. Escobar, E. Kassa, D. J. O’Brien and H. Taylor. 2017. The induction and synchronization of estrus in meat goats during the fall and late spring (season and out-of season) using controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices on Delmarva. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:128, doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.450</li> <li>Fitchett, A., Wildeus. S. 2017. Pre-weaning performance of purebred and crossbred hair sheep lambs born during different season. Proc. ARD 18th Biannual Research Symposium, p. 172.</li> <li>Garza, J.G., A. Bowdridge. 2017. Sheep-derived neutrophils preferentially form NETS in response to Haemonchus contortus third stage larvae and not adults. 62ndAnnual Meeting AAVP Indianapolis, IN.</li> <li>Godfrey, R. W., A. Nero, G. Roberts and S. A. Lakos. 2017. Evaluating the relationship between environment and body temperature of hair sheep ewes in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. 95(Suppl. 1):247 doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.506 </li> <li>Godfrey, R. W., A. Nero, G. Roberts and S. A. Lakos. 2017. Evaluation of the grazing behavior of hair sheep in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. 95(Suppl. 1):251 doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.515</li> <li>Godfrey, R. W., A. Nero, G. Roberts and S. A. Lakos. 2017. Tracking the movement of hair sheep grazing in pastures in the tropics. 95(Suppl. 1):251 doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.514</li> <li>Godfrey, R.W. Gastrointestinal parasite resilience of hair sheep breeds. Annual Meeting of the St. Croix Hair Sheep International Association, Nashville, IN, Aug 18-19, 2017.</li> <li>Godfrey, R.W. The impact of weaning age on productivity of hair sheep ewes and lambs in an accelerated lambing system in the tropics. Annual Meeting of the St. Croix Hair Sheep International Association, Nashville, IN, Aug 18-19, 2017.</li> <li>Greer-Mapson, L., N. Whitley, A. Singh, V. Owen, J.E. Miller, and T.H Terrill. Efficacy of Sericea Lespedeza Hay and Silage Against Gastrointestinal Nematodes and Coccidia in Young Goats. 2017. 18th biennial research symposium ARD proceedings. p. 182. </li> <li>Gurung, N. K. 2017. Use of Goats as Understory Vegetation Management Tool: Lesions learned t-Date. Oral Presentation at the 75the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, December 3-5, 2017 at Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama. 36088.</li> <li>Kafle, D., Lee, J.H, Wildeus, S., Discua, A., Tripp, C. 2017. Quality of fresh lamb from pasture- raised purebred and crossbred hair sheep lambs gradually removed from soy hull supplementation before harvest. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:332-333, doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.681</li> <li>Kafle, D., Lee, J.H, Wildeus, S., Tripp, C., Discua, A. 2017. Fatty acid composition of different fat depots from purebred and crossbred hair sheep lambs gradually removed from soy hull supplementation before harvest. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:333. doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.682</li> <li>Karki, U. 2017. Woodland grazing notes with research highlights. Tuskegee University  Cooperative Extension Program, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, Tuskegee University. Publication No. TULIV-1017-01.</li> <li>Karki, U., S. Poudel, Y. Karki, and A. Tillman. 2017. Prevalent weeds in the southern-pine silvopasture system managed with Kiko wethers. ASAS-CSAS 2017 Annual Meeting and Trade Show. July 8-12, Baltimore, Maryland (Abstract and oral presentation)</li> <li>Middleton, D., J.G. Garza, S.A. Bowdridge. 2017. Ovine neutrophils rapidly produce interleukin-4 in response to Haemonchus contortus larvae in vitro. 62ndAnnual Meeting AAVP Indianapolis, IN.</li> <li>Miller, J.E., Kelly, V.E., Taupier, R., Burke, J.M., 2017. In vivo efficacy of a novel compound on gastrointestinal nematode infection in lambs. Proc USDA SCC-81. </li> <li>Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Notter, D.R., Morgan, J.L.M., Miller, J.E., 2017. Genetic parameters for fecal egg count and body weight in Katahdin lambs. Ann Meeting Amer Soc Anim Sci Southern Section, 1. </li> <li>Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Notter, D.R., Morgan, J.L.M., Miller, J.E., 2017. Genetic parameters for fecal egg count and body weight in Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 95 (E-Suppl. 1), 1 (Abstr.).</li> <li>O’Brien, D., Wildeus, S., Wright, D.L., Weaver, A. R., Greiner, S.P. 2017. Effect of sire breed on pregnancy rate of Katahdin ewes after liquid semen vaginal artificial insemination. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:221, doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.450</li> <li>Poudel, S., U. Karki, W. McElhenney, Y. Karki, A. Tillman, L. Karki, and A. Kumi. 2017. Challenges of stocking small ruminants in grazing plots with dormant browse species. 8th Joint Annual Research Symposium, March 17, Tompkins Hall, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama (Abstract and poster presentation)</li> <li>Poudel, S., U. Karki, W. McElhenney, Y. Karki, and A. Tillman. 2017. Grazing behavior and distribution pattern of katahdin rams in southern-pine silvopastures with cool-season forages. The 75th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Dec. 3-5, Tuskegee Univ. Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National. (Abstract and oral presentation, GSD Graduate Student Competition).</li> <li>Russ, B., J.G. Garza, A. Bowdridge. 2017. Antigenic epitopes of Haemonchus contortus third stage larval cuticle are recognized by antibody derived from parasite-resistant sheep. 62ndAnnual Meeting AAVP Indianapolis, IN.</li> <li>Schoenian, D. O’Brien, N. Whitley. Determining Anthelmintic Resistance on Sheep Farms in the Southeastern US. National Association of Agricultural County Agents. July 2017.</li> <li>Schoenian, J. Semler, D. Gordon, M. Bennett, D. O’Brien. Using Copper Oxide Wire Particles to Reduce Barber Pole Worm Infection in Meat Goat Bucklings. National Association of Agricultural County Agents. July 2017.</li> <li>Shepherd, E. S.A. Bowdridge. 2017. Effects of ovine monocytes on Haemonchus contortus larvae in vitro reveals alternative activation state. 62ndAnnual Meeting AAVP Indianapolis, IN.</li> <li>Shipp, A., B. R. Min, M. Mienaltowski, and N. Gurung. 2017. The effect of condensed tannin- containing diets on lipogenic gene expression in meat goats. Poster Presented at the 75the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, December 3-5, 2017 at Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama. 36088.</li> <li>Smith, E., N. Whitley, K. Lyte, A. Singh, L. Greer-Mapson, R. Lewis, V. Owen, G. Dykes, A. Roberson, J.M. Burke, and T.H Terrill. 2017. Effect of an Iron Supplement on Indicators of Gastrointestinal Nematode (GIN) Parasitism in Sheep. 18th biennial research symposium ARD proceedings., p 181.</li> <li>Tripp, C., Lee, J.H., Kafle, D., Discua, A., Wildeus, S. 2017. Quality of fresh lamb from pasture-raised sheep as influenced by highly digestible fiber containing agro-byproducts. Proc. ARD 18th Biannual Research Symposium, p.51. </li> <li>Karki, Y. Karki, R. Khatri, A. Tillman, N. Gurung. 2017. Grazing Behavior and Distribution Patterns of Kiko Wethers in Southern-Pine Silvopastures. American Society of Animal Science. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 95, Supplement 1, p.48. </li> <li>Wildeus, S., Lee J. H., Nartea T. J., Teutsch C. D. 2017. Growth rate and fitness of purebred and crossbred hair sheep lambs gradually removed from soy hull supplementation before harvest. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p. 50 </li> <li>Wildeus, S., O’Brien, D. 2017. Growth and FAMACHA scores in purebred and terminal sire crossbred lambs produced from landrace hair sheep under an accelerated mating system. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:332, doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.680</li> <li>Wildeus, S., Wright, D. L., O’Brien, D. 2017. Use of liquid semen artificial insemination in Katahdin sheep in a commercial farm setting. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p. 51 </li> <li>S., O’Brien, D.J. 2017. Deploying a mobile reproduction lab: Meat the Sperminator. Proc. ARD 18th Biannual Research Symposium, p. 257.</li> </ol>

Impact Statements

Virginia State University: There were a total of 3 small enterprise workshops conducted (60 producers and 2 ANR agents), 1 curriculum developed for training, 7 extension publications developed, 2 ANR agents utilizing training materials. There were a total of 5 parasite management workshops conducted (90 producers and 2 ANR agents), 1 curriculum developed for training, 3 extension publications developed, 2 ANR agents utilizing training materials, 60 small ruminant producers certified and adopting FAMACHA for selective deworming in herd/flock, 60 small ruminant producers skilled in conducting fecal egg counts to make selection in herd/flock, and 3 small ruminant producers armed with the knowledge of dewormer resistance status on their farm. Results of the DrenchRite ® test indicated resistance to benzimidazoles, ivermectin, cydectin and levamisole on 100%, 100%, 90%, and 70% of farms, respectively (Figure 2). Sixty percent of farms tested had moderate to high resistance (< 50%) to all classes of dewormers indicating total anthelmintic failure on these farms. The field day was attended by 70 participants and they were provided with an evaluation form to rate their experience and knowledge gained, provide comments and also to indicate the need for additional educational events. The workshop met the expectation of most participants and the speakers were rated as most informative. There were a total of 2 on-campus activities (Lamb for Easter and Lamb CSA) reaching over 700 VSU staff and faculty. In addition, to determine consumer acceptance of various lamb cuts from pasture-raised lambs in Virginia, we conducted a market test of select consumers (>1,800) in the Richmond, Virginia, area to assess consumer interest in value added lamb meat and to determine contributing factors leading to increased consumption. Over 90% of respondents had previously eaten lamb and 62% had prepared it at home before. At least 58% of respondents indicated that they would purchase lamb meat at least monthly.

Date of Annual Report: 02/13/2019

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/27/2019 - 01/27/2019
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2017 - 09/30/2018

Participants

• Art Goetsch, Langston University arthur.goetsch@langston.edu
• Robert Godfrey, University of the Virgin Island rgodfre@uvi.edu
• Dahlia O’Brien, Virginia State University dobrien@vsu.edu
• Doug Tolleson, Texas A&M University doug.tolleson@ag.tamu.edu
• Jay Daniel, Berry College jadaniel@berry.edu
• Jessica Quijada Pinango, Langston University jesscia.quijada_pinango@langston.edu
• Jim Miller, Louisiana State University jmille1@lsu.edu
• Kwame Matthews, Delaware State University kmatthews@desu.edu
• Olga Bolden-Tiller, Tuskegee University oboldentiller@tuskegee.edu
• Raquel Lourencon, Langston University rvlzoo@hotmail.com
• Scott Bowdridge, West Virginia University scott.bowdridge@mail.wvu.edu
• Stephan Wildeus, Virginia State University swildeus@vsu.edu
• Steve Hart, Langston University shart@langston.edu
• Susan Schoenian, University of Maryland steve.hart@langston.edu
• Travis Whitney, Texas A&M University travis.whitney@ag.tamu.edu

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order Kwame by Matthews, current chair of the project. After his welcome to the group, station reports were presented in alphabetical order of institutions. The Delaware State University report was presented by Kwame Matthews, followed by Louisiana State University by Jim Miller, University of Maryland by Susan Schoenian, University of the Virgin Islands by Bob Godfrey, Virginia State University by Dahlia O’Brien, and West Virginia University by Scott Bowdridge. Station reports were followed by the business meeting. Robert Godfrey, Administrative Advisor, briefly stated that the project was in mid-cycle and that there are no updates. Christy Batcher, SSASAS Secretary/Treasurer and Program Chair, discussed the new funding requirements associated with now hosting meeting as SSASAS separate from SAAS. A tentative amount of $1,500 of required funding was mentioned in the future. The group discussed options of collecting a registration fee for SCC-81 ($25 to $50) in addition to SSASAS registration, identifying sponsors for the SCC-81 meeting (Scott Bowdridge suggested approaching the Katahdin association), and hosting the meeting independently at participant institutions as is the case for NCERA-214. The group did not settle on a final solution but opted to pursue a combination of registration fees and sponsorship. The next meeting in 2020 will be held in Chattanooga, TN, January 25-28.

It was noted that the current official participant list does not reflect members currently attending the meeting. Station reports were submitted by Fort Valley State University and North Carolina A&T University, but there was no member present from these institutions. Tuskegee University was represented and presented a report, but is not formally a member of the project. The University of Florida (Raluca Mateescu) and University of Georgia (Todd Calloway) are official members that have never been in attendance. There is a need to update/purge the participant list, and recruit new active members to the group from both 1862 and 1890’s institution.

The members elected Jim Miller, Louisiana State University, as the new secretary. The group further discussed having mini-symposium on parasite control with a focus on nematode trapping fungus. The officers will reach out to the SCERA-41 project (Beef cattle forage utilization project) to explore this as joint symposium between the two projects, as SCERA also meets in conjunction with SSASAS.

After a lunch break the group reconvened for a mini-symposium on ‘Implementing Small Ruminant Animal Care Guidelines’. The symposium was chaired by Stephan Wildeus who presented a brief overview on the subject and also discussed guidelines at Virginia State University. Other speakers were Scott Bowdridge who discussed guidelines and implementation at West Virginia University, and Kwame Matthews who discussed guidelines and implementation at Delaware State University. The presentations were followed by a roundtable discussion, concluding the mini-symposium.

Additional presentations were made by Langston University (Art Goetsch) and Berry College (Jay Daniel) providing an overview of their small ruminant programs, followed by the Tuskegee University station report (Olga Bolden-Tiller). The meeting was then adjourned.

Accomplishments

Under Objective 1: ‘Utilization of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) control methods including selective deworming, forage/grazing management, and animal selection for GIN resistance’, Louisiana State University reported on the administration of a novel compound (X) twice on fecal egg counts and nematode development in sheep.  Compound X did not definitively control the nematode population, after administration twice, compared to the results of daily administration in a previous study. However, most of the treated animals did respond (lower FEC) after the 2 treatments. There appears to be a specific effect on female Haemonchus fecundity. Tuskegee University reported a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of different methods for minimizing Haemonchus contortus infestation in small ruminants. The results show that there is a lot of variation on the effectiveness of different methods used for controlling H. contortus in small ruminants, and no single method is able to get rid of the parasite, thereby indicating the need for an integrated approach. West Virginia University reported on breed differences in monocyte activity in response to H. contortus larvae.  The data suggested alternative activation is essential for monocyte-induced larval morbidity.  St. Croix derived monocytes preferentially become alternatively activated in response to H. contortus L3, whereas Suffolk display an early classical activation status. Also, data suggested paralytic activity of IL-13, however the scope and role of IL-13 in the clearance of H. contortus remains unexplored.  A further study on the effect of Texel sires on lamb performance and economics demonstrated that Texel-sired lambs required fewer dewormer treatments, and were compositionally more desirable when marketed yielding a higher sale price.  A second study on Texel sheep evaluated their immune response to H. contortus, and results indicate a novel mechanism of parasite resistance centered on the adult worm and egg life stages which utilized both cellular and humoral components. In the Texel this results in adult worm establishment but little egg shedding. Consequently, pasture contamination is reduced in the Texel and this, in combination with the Texel’s greater market acceptability, make the breed a unique terminal sire for sheep producers across the world in parasite burdened regions.  Another project determined the role of neutrophils in response to H. contortus.  Results showed that while no breed differences were observed, data indicate that neutrophils preferentially respond to HcLA compared to HcWA, implicating neutrophils as an effector cell responsible for initiation of early Th2 responses during H. contortus infection in sheep.  These data indicate impairment in SUF neutrophils ability to respond to GIN parasites.  Under Objective 2: ‘Emphasis of forage feeding systems for year-round grazing to meet nutritional requirements that mitigate drought and other plant and animal stressors’, Tuskegee University reported several studies on woodland grazing. In assessing grazing impacts of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams on understory light penetration in woodlands, the light penetration increased by 28-31%, and suggests wethers and rams are efficient in reducing understory vegetation, creating more open space, and reduce fuel build up that minimizes possible fire hazards. Rams were found safe to use in southern-pine silvopastures; however, non-confinement treatment would be necessary while using wethers to safeguard pine trees. Cutting treatment showed a significant effect on the vegetation preferences of rams. Ram growth decreased during woodland grazing, and maintaining low vegetation height and concentrate supplementation is recommended for integrating rams in the woodland grazing system. Virginia State University reported on the effect of breed, sex, birth type and lambing season on growth rate of forage-reared lambs. Using accelerated mating, and evaluating a production system of breeding and lambing sub-flocks of prolific, parasite-tolerant landrace hair sheep ewes in 4-month intervals, demonstrated that lamb growth on pasture varied markedly, dependent on forage quality and biomass availability. Selected lambs reached targets weights as early as 5 months of age, and 75 to 80% reached target weights as yearlings.  Results support this to be a viable system for low-input, sustainable lamb production with further improvements to be achieved through enhanced forage management. Under Objective 3: ‘Strategies for the improvement of small ruminant reproduction’, the University of the Virgin Islands evaluated the lag between body temperature and ambient temperature in hair sheep ewes in the tropics and found the greater lag time for maximum vaginal temperature of St. Croix ewes may be a part of their adaptation to the tropical climate. These results add to the information on adaptation of hair sheep breeds to conditions of high heat and humidity. A second study evaluated the effect of water intake restrictions at weaning on hair sheep ewes and lambs in the tropics, and data show that hair sheep in the tropics do not exhibit signs of dehydration from water deprivation during a 48-h weaning process. Water deprivation does decrease udder volume which may help to manage udder health. A joint study of the University of Maryland and Virginia State University on libido and semen quality in intact and altered (short scrotum and castrated) post-pubertal male dairy sheep lambs showed ram lambs rendered short-scrotum by 10 days of age had reproductive behavior similar to intact post-pubertal rams, but ejaculate characteristics showed them to be sterile. Two additional studies at the Virginia State University evaluated sperm motion characteristics of ram semen liquid-stored in a milk egg yolk extender at four temperatures and different rates of egg yolk inclusion.  Results suggested storage at 10°C may be a viable alternative to storage at 5°C, and 15% (v/v) as an optimal inclusion level of egg yolk for chilled storage of ram semen when using motility as an indicator of semen quality. Under objective 4: ‘Disseminate research results and information to stakeholders’ Delaware State University hosted the Delaware Small Ruminant Field Day (Prevention, Detection and treatment of Infectious Disease in Sheep and Goats) and two Integrative Parasite Management workshops. Fort Valley State University hosted several parasite management and training workshops, and created a fact sheet on Integrated Parasite Management Best Practices. A number of programs on smart drenching, and integrated parasite management practices were conducted through Louisiana State University. North Carolina A&T State University held a presentation on Raising Resilient Goats at their Small Farms Field Day. Tuskegee University hosted a University Goat Day, a Master Goat Producers Certification Training Program, a Prevet Club Open Goat Show, and the 3rd Annual National Goat Conference.  The institution also conducted an Integrated Approach for Managing Diseases and Parasites in Small Ruminants Education Program, a Sustainable Agroforestry Practices Education Program, a Sustainable Year-Round Forage Production and Grazing/Browsing Management Education Program, and a small ruminant workshop for pre-veterinary students during the 2018 American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association National Symposium. The University of Maryland conducted a 4-H Small Ruminant Research Academy, and hosted its 5th Twilight Tour & Tasting with exhibits highlighting the many products produced by small ruminants: meat, dairy, fiber, and vegetation control.  Virginia State University conducted programs on ‘Starting a Sheep and Goat Meat Enterprise’, and ‘Sustainable Integrated Parasite Management in Small Ruminants’, and hosted is annual Small Ruminant Field day with the theme “Keeping your sheep and goats healthy”.

Publications

Journal Articles Ekwemalor, K, Asiamah, E. K., ELuka-Okoludoh, E., Osei, B., Adjei-Fremah, S., & Worku, M. 2018. Toll-Like Receptor Agonists Modulate Galectin Gene Expression in Goat Blood. Journal of Applied Biotechnology, 6(2), 65. Ekwemalor, K., Adjei-Fremah, S., Asiamah, E., Eluka-Okoludoh, E., Osei, B., & Worku, M. 2018. Systemic expression of galectin genes in periparturient goats. Small Ruminant Research, 168, 60-68. Ekwemalor, K., Asiamah, E., Eluka-Okoludoh, E., Mulakala, B., Adjei-Fremah, S., & Worku, M. 2018. CPQ Microbiology, 1(5), 01-06. Garza, J.J., S.P. Greiner, S.A. Bowdridge. 2018. Journal Cover Art. Parasit. Immunol. https://doi.org/10.1111/pim.12572. Garza, J.J., S.P. Greiner, S.A. Bowdridge. 2018. Ovine vital NETs bind and impair H. contortus L3 in a breed-dependent manner. Parasit. Immunol. https://doi.org/10.1111/pim.12572 Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Morgan, J.L.M., Miller, J.E., Notter, D.R., 2018. Genetic parameters for fecal egg counts and their relationship with body weights in Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci.96, 1590-1599. Notter, D.R., Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Morgan, J.L.M., Miller, J.E., 2018. Genetic parameters for ewe reproductive performance and peri-parturient fecal egg counts and their genetic relationships with lamb body weights and fecal egg counts in Katahdin sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 96, 1579-1589. O’Brien, D., Wildeus, S. 2018. Optimizing Reproductive Performance in the Goat Herd. Accepted and will be published in the National Goat Conference Proceedings 2018. Schoenian, S., O’Brien, D., Semler, J., Gordon, D., and Bennett, M. 2018. Using copper oxide wire particles to control barber pole worm infection in meat goat bucks. J. of the NACAA, 11 (1). https://www.nacaa.com/journal/index.php?jid=823 Schoenian, S. and E.N. Escobar. 2018. Best Management Practices for Internal Parasite Control in Small Ruminants; National Goat Conference; Tuskegee, AL; 2018 Sept. 16-18. Stewart, W.M., B.N. Vaidya, A.K. Mahapatra, T.H. Terrill and N. Joshee. 2018. Potential use of multipurpose Paulownia elongata tree as an animal feed resource. Am. J. Plant Sci. 9:1212-1227. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajps.2018.96090 Whitley, N. and S. Schoenian. 2018. Marketing for the future; National Goat Conference; Tuskegee, AL; 2018 Sept. 16-18. In proceedings (pending) and oral presentation by Whitley. Wood, E., Burke, J.M., Philipp, D., Acharya, M., Miller, J.E., Coffey, K.P., 2018. Gastrointestinal nematode infection and growth of grass based Katahdin lambs. Sheep Goat Res. J. (In Press).   Abstracts Acharya, M., Ashworth, A.J., Burner, D.M., Pote, D.H., Burke, J.M., Muir, J.P. 2018. Evaluation of yield and nutritive value of three browse species for small ruminants during summer. (Abstr.) Acharya, R.S., Fitting, E., Burke, J., Joshi, N., 2018. Enhancing pollinator diversity in livestock pasture ecosystem. Entomological Soc. Amer. Ann. Mtg. Acharya, R.S., Fitting, E., Burke, J., Joshi, N., 2018. Supporting pollinator communities by floral enhancement within livestock pasture ecosystem. Southeastern Branch Entomol. Soc. Amer., Orlando, FL (Abstr.). Becker, G.M., Sawyer, R.J., Davenport, K.M., Rodriguez, A.M., Burke, J.M., Lewis, R., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J., Murdoch, B.M., 2019. Understanding the molecular mechanisms for gastrointestinal parasite resistance in Katahdin sheep. Plant Anim. Gen. Conf. Bhattrai, S., U. Karki, and S. Poudel. 2018.  Assessing grazing impacts of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams on understory light penetration in woodlands. In Book of Abstract, Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) Biennial Conference, May26-27, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA Bhattrai, S., U. Karki, and S. Poudel. 2018. Performance of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams raised on different grazing systems. The Third National Goat Conference, Sept. 16-18, Kellogg Conference Center, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088 and Renaissance Hotel, Montgomery, AL. Bhattrai, S., U. Karki, S. Poudel, B. Paneru, and W. McElhenney. 2018. Cutting non-target vegetation improved solar radiation influx and biomass production in woodlands. The 76th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Dec. 2-4, Tuskegee Univ. Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National. Blake*, F., and Kwame Matthews. 2018. Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Meat Goats. Delaware State University Honor’s Day. Brown*, L., and Kwame Matthews. 2018. Comparison of Small Ruminant Gastrointestinal Nematode Larval Development Techniques. Delaware State University Honor’s Day. Burke, J.M. Identifying ewes resistant to gastrointestinal parasitic worms during gestation and lactation. SARE Convention, St. Louis, MO, 4/3/18. Burke, J.M., Pickett, A.T., Howell, B., Wood, E.L., Acharya, M., Miller, J.E., 2018. Examining relationships between production and gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) measures in organic and conventionally reared Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1), 71-72 (Abstr.). https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.134 Ekwemalor, K., Asiamah, E., Adjei-Fremah, S., Osei, B., Eluka-Okoludoh, E., Mulakala, B., & Worku, M. 2018. PSVI-32 Pathogen-associated molecular patterns induce differential galectin-3 activation in goat blood. Journal of Animal Science, 96(suppl_3), 464. Ellis, N., U. Karki, S. Bhattrai, and B. Paneru. 2018. Effectiveness of different methods for minimizing haemonchus contortus infestation in small ruminants – a meta-analysis. The 76th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Dec. 2-4, Tuskegee Univ. Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National. France, M.M., Kelly, V.E., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., McKenzie, K.M., 2018. Efficacy of compound X (Bedoukian Research) on reducing fecal egg count in lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1), 71 (Abstr.). https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.133 Franklin, T., N. Gurung, N. Ryan, H. Higgins, R. Davis, and F. Abrahamsen. 2018. The effectiveness of the small ruminant workshop on Pre-veterinary students during the 2018 American Pre-Veterinary Medicine Association National Symposium. 2018 PAWC Workshop held in December 2-4, 2018 at Tuskegee University. Garza, J.J., S.A. Bowdridge. 2018. Neutrophil functionality differs by sheep breed in response to helminth parasite infection. Intl. Neutrophil Symp. Quebec City, Ont, Canada. Garza, J.J., S.A. Bowdridge. 2018. Neutrophils from Suffolk sheep exhibit impaired chemotaxis in response to Haemonchus contortus antigen. 63rd Annual Meeting, AAVP Denver, CO. Godfrey, R.W., S.A. Lakos and S.R Joseph. 2018. The effect of water restriction at weaning on hair sheep ewes and lambs in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. 96(Suppl. 1):66 doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.124 Godfrey, R.W., A.L. Nero, G. Roberts and S.A. Lakos. 2018. Evaluating the lag between body temperature and ambient temperature in hair sheep ewes in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. 96(Suppl. 2). Harris, J., Kwame Matthews1, and Ronique Beckford.  2018. The Effects of a Commercial Versus Home Mixed Ration on Performance in Meat Goat Kids. Delaware State University Honor’s Day. Hilaire, M., and K. Matthews. 2018. Effects of Feeding Corn or Barley Based Feed on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Meat-Goat Kids. 76th Professional Agriculture Workers Conference, Tuskegee, AL. Karki, U. and L. Karki. 2018. Pasture and grazing management education program: changing the face of small-scale livestock operations in Alabama. The 76th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Dec. 2-4, Tuskegee Univ. Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National. Karki, U., S Poudel, S. Bhattrai, L. B. Karki, and A. K. Singh. 2018.  Performance and carcass characteristics of Kiko wethers finished on pasture and browse. In Book of Abstracts, Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) Biennial Conference, May26-27, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA Karki, U., Yubaraj Karki, Rishi Khatri, Asha Tillman, Sanjok Poudel, Nar Gurung, and Anthony Kumi. 2018. Raising Goats in the Southern-Pine Silvopasture System: Challenges and Opportunities. Agroforestry Systems. AGFO-D-18-00043. Karki, L. B., U. Karki, S. R. Mentreddy, S. Poudel, and S. Bhattrai. Market opportunity for goat and lamb meat in the southeastern US. Journal of Animal Science 96 (suppl_3):195-196 · DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky404.424 Karki, U. 2018. Sustainable pasture improvement and grazing management education program for farmers. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 96, Issue suppl_1, 1 March 2018, Pages 10–11,https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.020 Karki, U., S. Poudel, S. Bhattrai, L. B. Karki, and A. K. Singh. 2018. Performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Kiko wethers finished on pasture and browse. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 96, Issue suppl_3, 7 December 2018, Pages 458–459,https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky404.1001 Lilton, A., N. Gurung, A. Elliott, R. Johnson, W. McElhenney, D. McKenzie, B. R. Min, U. Karki, and N. O. Tackie. 2018. Workshop on preconditioning of beef calves: Producer Participation Survey Analysis. 2018 PAWC Workshop held in December 2-4, 2018 at Tuskegee University. Lynn, S., and Kwame Matthews. 2018.  Optimization of Fecal Egg Counting Techniques. Delaware State University Honor’s Day. Matthews, K. 2018. Delaware State University Small Ruminant Program: Research and Outreach. National Goat Conference. Montgomery, AL. McNeil, D., Kwame Matthews, and Dahlia O’Brien. 2018. Influence of Estrous Synchronization Protocols on Mating and Pregnancy Response in Meat Goats. Delaware State University Honor’s Day. Middleton, D., J.J. Garza, S.A. Bowdridge. 2018. Neutrophils rapidly produce Th2 cytokines in response to larval but not adult Haemonchus contortus antigen. 63rd Annual Meeting, AAVP Denver, CO. Middleton, D.M., J.J. Garza, S.A Bowdridge. 2018. Neutrophils rapidly produce Th2 cytokines in response to larval but not adult helminth antigen. Intl. Neutrophil Symp. Quebec City, Ont, Canada. Min, B. R., N. Gurung, A. Elliott, and S. Solaiman. 2018. Alternative methods for managing gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants. In B. R. Edited; Proceedings of Sustainable Non-Synthetic Gastrointestinal Parasites Control in Small Ruminants: Handbook for Training Field Extension and Technical Assistance Personnel. Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program. Pp. 23-36. Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J.L.M., Notter, D.R., 2018. Genetic parameters for ewe reproductive performance and peri-parturient fecal egg counts and their genetic relationships with lamb body weights and fecal egg counts in Katahdin sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1), 70 (Abstr.). https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.131 O’Brien, D., Schoenian, S, Semler, J., Gordon, D., Bennet, M. 2018. Relationship among gastrointestinal nematode infection indicators in meat got kids. J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 96, Suppl.3, 455 https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky404.992 O’Brien, D., Schoenian, S, Semler, J., Gordon, D., Bennet, M. 2018. Consistency of FAMCHA scores to fecal egg counts and gain in meat goat kids. J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 96, Suppl.3, 460-61 https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky404.1005 O’Brien, D., Wildeus, S. 2018. Preparing for the breeding season in meat goats and hair sheep. VCE fact sheet APSC-143NP https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/APSC/apsc-143/APSC-143.pdf Paneru, B., U. Karki, S. Bhattrai, and N. Ellis. 2018. Growth period of different browse species suitable for grazing small ruminants. The 76th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Dec. 2-4, Tuskegee Univ. Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National. Poudel, S., U. Karki, W. McElhenney, Y. Karki, and A. Tillman. 2018. Grazing behavior and distribution pattern of Katahdin rams in southern-pine silvopastures with cool-season forages. In Book of Abstract, Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) Biennial Conference, May26-27, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. Poudel, S., U. Karki, Y. Karki, and A. Tillman. 2018. Diurnal behavior of Kiko wethers grazing southern-pine silvopasture with warm-season forages. In Book of Abstracts, Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) Biennial Conference, May26-27, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. Poudel, S., U. Karki, Y. Karki, A. Tillman, and L. Karki. 2018. Confinement influenced the diurnal behavior and distribution pattern of Katahdin rams and Kiko wethers in southern-pine silvopastures. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 96, Issue suppl_3, 7 December 2018, Pages 49–50,https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky404.111 Schoenian, S. and J. Semler. 2018. Using webinar short courses to educate small ruminant producers. J. Anim. Sci. 96(Suppl. 3): 200-201. (Abstr.) Schoenian, S. D.J. O’Brien, J. Semler, D. Gordon, and M.B. Bennett. 2018. 11 years of the Western Maryland Pasture-based Meat Goat Performance Test. J. of Anim. Sci. Vol. 96, Suppl.3, 196. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky404.425 Shepherd, Elizabeth A. and Scott A. Bowdridge. 2018. Characterization of ovine monocytes that induce Haemonchus contortus larval morbidity in vitro.  American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists, Denver, CO. Abstract. Terrill, T., G. Dykes, A. Singh, L. Greer-Mapson, V. Owen, J. Miller, N. Whitley. 2018. Effectiveness of sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellets and whole plant pellets for natural control of gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia in goats., J. Anim. Sci. 96 (Suppl 3):35. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky404.079 Weaver, A.R., J.J. Garza, S.A. Bowdridge. 2018. Immune response to various life stages of Haemonchus contortus differentiates resistance among sheep breeds. American Association of Veterinary Parasitologist Annual Conference. Weaver, A.R, J.J. Garza, S.A. Bowdridge. 2018. To the worm or the egg - breed differences in immune response to Haemonchus contortus. Davis College Student Research and Creative Scholarship Day. Whitley, N., S. Schoenian, D. O’Brien, S. Howell. 2018. Anthelmintic resistance testing on sheep farms. J. Anim. Sci. 96 (Suppl 3):467. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky404.1020 Whitley, N.C., L. Davies, J. Gaskin, T. Waldrop, F. Connelly, T. Seanima, A. Speir, M. Stephens, A. Tedrow, P. Burke, S. Butcher, M. Sheffield, J. Dawson, K. Hammond. 2018. Small Ruminant Beginning Farmer Training. J. Anim. Sci. 96 (Suppl 1): 65–66. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.123 Wildeus, S., O’Brien, D., Knights, M., Nabers, A. 2018. Effect of semen dose on pregnancy rate using liquid semen AI in hair sheep, J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 96, Suppl.3. 468-469 https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky404.1023 Wildeus, S., O’Brien, D., Teutsch C.D., 2018. Seasonal effects on daily gain and fecal egg counts in purebred and crossbred hair sheep lambs on pasture, J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 96, Suppl. 1:72–73, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.136 Wildeus, S., Tessema, G. 2018. Incidence of ovine progressive pneumonia (OPP) in a flock of landrace hair sheep: Impact on performance and implications for mode of transmission. J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 96, Suppl. 1:72, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.135 Wright, S., Arsi, K., Manning, L., Donoghue, A.M., Hale, M., Spencer, T., O’Gorman, M., Gold, M., Fanatico, A.C., English, H., Burke, J.M., Donoghue, D.J., 2018. Armed to farm: Soldiering the success of military veterans in new poultry, livestock and agroforestry enterprises. Southern SAWG, Memphis, TN, January 2018.   Extension Presentations/Publications Schoenian, S. Lansing, MI. Worm Wisdom and Selection of Replacement Ewes and Culling Underperforming Ewes. Keynote speaker for Michigan’s Shepherd’s Weekend. Michigan Sheep Breeders Association; 2018 Jan. 5-7. Schoenian, S. Pulaski, Va. Out-of-Season Breeding, Internal Parasite Update, and Marketing sheep and goats to the ethnic market. New River Valley Sheep & Goat Club; 2018 Feb. 24. Schoenian, S. State College, PA. Current Recommendations for Internal Parasite Control and Sheep and Goat Nutrition. Dairy Production Medicine Certification Program. VII. Mixed Large Animal Health & Nutrition; Pasture and grazing nutrition across all species; 2018 May 18. Schoenian, S. Medford, OR. Proper anthelmintic use and On-farm decision making tools; Sustainable integrated parasite management for small ruminants program. 2018 June 29. Schoenian, S. Columbia, MO. Lamb & Kid Nutrition, Use of Livestock Guardians, and Marketing Options for Sheep & Goat Producers. Missouri Sheep & Goat Conference; 2018 Oct. 12-13. Schoenian, S. Tianjan, China. Nutritional Management of the Sheep Flock. Symposium on Sheep Industry Development; 2018 Nov. 18-21. Schoenian, S. Salem, OR (webinar). Proper anthelmintic use and On-farm decision making tools; Oregon Sheep Growers Association annual meeting; 2018 Nov. 30. Schoenian, S. Keedysville, MD. It’s in the genes: genetic control of internal parasites in small ruminants and Coccidia; the other parasite that will get them. Delmarva Small Ruminant Conference All Worms All Day; 2018 Dec. 8.

Impact Statements

At Virginia State University a program on Starting a Sheep and Goat Meat Enterprise resulted in increased knowledge for 90 producers and agents on starting a small ruminant meat enterprise. Six workshops on Sustainable Integrated Parasite Management in Small Ruminants increased knowledge in 110 producers, agents and youth on small ruminant internal parasite management, resulted in 30 small ruminant producers receiving FAMACHA© certification, and 50 youth developing skills in conducting fecal egg counts. At Virginia State University’s annual Small Ruminant Field Day 75 participants were provided an increased knowledge on small ruminant diseases and their prevention and treatment.

Date of Annual Report: 03/04/2020

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/26/2020 - 01/26/2020
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2018 - 09/30/2019

Participants

Official Members Present
Scott Bowdridge, West Virginia University (scott.bowdridge@mail.wvu.edu)
Joan Burke, USDAARS Booneville, AR (joan.burke@usda.gov)
Robert Godfrey, University of the Virgin Island (rgodfre@uvi.edu)
Art Goetsch, Langston University (arthur.goetsch@langston.edu)
Kwame Matthews, Delaware State University (kmatthews@desu.edu)
Jim Miller, Louisiana State University (jmille1@lsu.edu)
Gary Newton, Prairie View A&M University (grnewton@pvamu.edu)
Dahlia O’Brien, Virginia State University (dobrien@vsu.edu)
Susan Schoenian, University of Maryland (sschoen@umd.edu)
Niki Whitley, Fort Valley State University (whitleyn@fvsu.edu)
Stephan Wildeus, Virginia State University (swildeus@vsu.edu)

Others Present
Randy Stanko, Texas A&M University Kingsville (rtandy.stanko@TAMU. edu)
Doug Tolleson, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center – San Angelo (douglas.tolleson@ag.tamu.edu)
Andrew Weaver, West Virginia University (arw0036@mix.wvu.edu)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The meeting was called to order by Stephan Wildeus, current chair of the project. After his welcome to the group, Jim Miller chaired the session on station reports which were presented in alphabetical order of institutions as follows: Delaware State University (Kwame Matthews), Fort Valley State University (Niki Whitley), Langston University (Art Goetsch), Louisiana State University (Jim Miller), University of Maryland (Susan Schoenian), Prairie View A&M University Gary Newton), USDA-ARS, Booneville (Joan Burke), University of the Virgin Islands (Bob Godfrey), Virginia State University (Dahlia O’Brien), and West Virginia University (Scott Bowdridge). Doug Tolleson presented activities at Texas A&M University. Station reports were followed by the business meeting. Stephan proposed that Art Goetsch be the new Secretary. Art agreed and was elected as the new Secretary. Jim Miller will move up to Chair next year. Robert Godfrey, Administrative Advisor, gave a brief report. The project is in year 3 and due for renewal in 2022. Next year should discuss the rewrite. Art should start thinking about it with the help of a rewrite committee (Joan Burke, Scott Bowdridge, Stephan Wildeus and Susan Schoenian). The annual report is due in 60 days after this meeting. NIFA has moved to Kansas and many of the staff did not move. For FY 2020, 1890 funding will increase and 1862 funding will remain unchanged. It is okay to bring in representatives from outside the region if appropriate. There was a question of format for presenting reports, and we will continue reporting in alphabetical order rather than by objective.

It was noted again this year that the current official project participant list does not reflect some of those that attended the meeting or submitted a report. It was discussed and decided that it is not appropriate to include such station reports in the annual report this year. The list will be reviewed and those who submitted reports and are not official members will be contacted to become official members or they will not be allowed to submit reports in the future. It is important for those who are official members to submit a report if they are unable to attend the meeting. Those not in compliance will be contacted indicating that responsibility. And, if the representative cannot attend the meeting, they need to contact the Chair to indicate such. Some of those not at the morning session said they were not aware of it because the ASAS Southern Section (ASASSS) website did not list it on the program, with only the afternoon mini-symposium being listed. However, the morning session was listed on the ASASSS mobile app for the meeting and Dr. Wildeus sent an email indicating a full day was dedicated for SCC-81. It was noted that NIMSS should send out a meeting email notice too, indicating meeting information.

The symposium next year (SSASAS meeting in Raleigh, NC, January 23-26) will hopefully be in conjunction with SERA 41, with the topic being an updating of information on control of internal parasites of cattle and small ruminants. Jim Miller will coordinate that effort.

The business meeting was adjourned at 11:55 am.

After a lunch break the group reconvened for the symposium on ‘Forage raised lamb and goat.’ The symposium was chaired by Stephan Wildeus and presentations were given by Gabe Pent (Virginia Tech), Uma Karki (Tuskegee University), Susan Schoenian (University of Maryland), Jung Lee (Fort Valley State University), Joan Burke (USDA-ARS Booneville, AR) and Dahlia O’Brien (Virginia State University). The presentations were followed by a roundtable discussion, concluding the symposium.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments Objective 1: Utilization of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) control methods including selective deworming, forage/grazing management, and animal selection for GIN resistance. Fort Valley State University reported 3 studies. Study 1 investigated the potential impact of ‘Serala’ sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism in goats. Overall, there were no effects of ‘Serala’ sericea lespedeza on fecal egg and coccidia oocyst counts, but packed cell volume was improved. Study 2 was an additional investigation into potential impact of ‘Serala’ sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism in goats. Overall, there were few effects of ‘Serala’ sericea lespedeza on fecal egg and coccidia oocyst counts and no effect of AU Grazer which was surprising. The AUGrazer came from a different farm source, so more research is needed into impacts of farm site/forage management on plant bioactivity. Study 3 compared impacts of sericea lespedeza from two different farms on indicators of gastrointestinal parasites. This study confirmed the efficacy of AUGrazer sericea lespedeza in improving indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism in goats but did not provide insight into the lack of an effect seen in the previous study. Langston University reported on selection of meat goats and hair sheep for resistance to internal parasitism. Results were not finalized, but preliminary analyses indicated there was a moderate to high degree of improvement in resistance of progeny from the first selective breeding of both species. There was little further change noted from the second selective breeding, reasons for which have not yet been elucidated. Selection did not have adverse effects on growth performance. Sheep were more resistant than goats, and sheep resistance was greatest for St. Croix and lowest for Dorper. North Carolina A&T State University reported 2 studies. Study 1 investigated the effect of mushroom (Coriolus versicolor) probiotic on galectin gene secretion in goat blood. Coriolus versicolor (CV) has been reported to boost suppressed immune function. There was an effect of treatment in total plasma protein concentration when compared to the control group. Galectins tested were secreted in both control and treatment groups. Treatment with CV decreased the concentration of Gal-1, 8 and 9 and increased the concentration of Gal-3 and -12. Results indicate that mushroom probiotics can modulate the secretion of galectin genes. Study 2 investigated the effect of oligodeoxynucleotides on Toll-like receptor pathway genes in goat blood. Poly I:C treatment modulated the expression of genes in the TLR signaling pathway and provides insights into how goats respond to viral pathogens for the design of adjuvants to enhance the immune response. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Booneville, AR reported an investigation on estimating the value of parasite resistance in sheep. Using NSIP FEC EBVs in selecting for parasite resistance led to more rapid genetic progress after 2012 than only using FEC between 2004 and 2012 within the ARS flock. NSIP is currently being used by family farms across the U.S. Producers wishing to improve parasite resistance through selection can benefit by using NSIP and increase sale price. A higher FEC EBV used by commercial producers will reduce the need for deworming in their lambs. West Virginia University reported 2 studies. Study 1 investigated the effect of sire FEC EBV on parasitism and survivability in grazing Katahdin lambs. Results indicated that low FEC-sired lambs had reduced parasite burden and were more likely to survive until weaned. Thus, sire selection for low FEC EBV can have indirect effects on lamb survival outside the realm of death due to parasitism. Study 2 investigated the effect of sire FEC EBV on antibody production of grazing Katahdin lambs. Absorbance of serum from low FEC-sired lambs was higher across all time points than that of serum from high FEC-sired lambs, meaning that low FEC-sired lambs had higher circulating IgG than lambs sired by high FEC rams. This provides preliminary evidence that indicates segregation of lamb generalized immunity by sire FEC EBV. Objective 2: Emphasis of forage feeding systems for year-round grazing to meet nutritional requirements that mitigate drought and other plant and animal stressors. Fort Valley State University reported 2 studies. Study 1 investigated the influence of elevated protein and tannin‐rich peanut skin supplementation on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass traits and immune‐related gene expression of grazing meat goats. The addition of peanut skin-pellet or rumen-undegradable protein supplementation improved ADG and altered selected lipogenic and immune-related gene expressions. If immune function is altered, there could be benefits related to parasites along with improved growth and carcass- related traits. Study 2 investigated the nutritional and bioactivity potential of Lespedeza species obtained from the USDA Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit in Griffin, GA. All Lespedeza species tested in this study, particularly L. virginica, have potential as nutraceutical forages for livestock production systems. As L. cuneata accessions established and grew much better than other Lespedeza species, agronomic testing of this germplasm collection in other environments is warranted. In addition, determining potential anti-parasitic properties of these species using in vitro and in vivo testing would be beneficial. University of Georgia reported on a preliminary investigation of the impact of camphor on in vitro caprine mixed ruminal microorganism fermentation from goats selected for consumption of high levels of Juniperus spp. Results suggested that the goats selected for increased juniper consumption could be sources of ruminal microorganisms that could be used as probiotic additions to goats or other ruminants feeding in areas with high juniper invasion. This could increase utilization of this rapidly growing forage by small ruminants and could further help control spread of this invasive plant species from beyond its current range. University of Maryland investigated growth and carcass characteristics of ram, wether and short-scrotum lambs: year 2. Ram and short-scrotum lambs had heavier final weights, carcass weights, and higher ADG than wether lambs. Wether lambs had more back fat and higher dressing percentage. There were no differences in carcass muscling. Ram and short-scrotum lambs grow faster and produce leaner carcasses. Leaving male lambs intact or performing the short-scrotum procedure will increase profitability of sheep enterprises. North Carolina A&T State University reported on variation in bitter taste receptor genes in three breeds of goats.  All seven taste gene variants were detected in the Savannah breed, in Spanish goats T2R4 and T213 were not detected, and in Boer goats only T2R3, T2R16 and T2R13 were detected. Polymorphisms in T2R impact dietary preference, innate immunity and health. Thus, studies are needed to ascertain the possible functional significance of this variation using a larger sample size. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Booneville, AR compared organic with conventional systems for lamb production yield differences in performance in Southeastern U.S. pastures. For ewes, year (21014-18) and season (fall-winter) effects were significant for all traits, and group x year for most traits. Pregnancy rate and litter birth rate were not consistent between groups or years. Organic ewes were more efficient (lamb/ewe weights) in 2018, but mostly similar to connential otherwise. For lambs, birth weight, FEC and PCV were also not consistent between years and seasons. Incidence of deworming was similar between organic and conventional. Because copper oxide wire particles (COWP) were used for most organic dewormings compared with combinations of COWP with anthelmintics in conventional ewes, the majority of lambs were eligible for organic certification. Comparisons between farming systems are complex and should consider factors such as varietal and seasonal changes in forages and other pasture/forage inputs, and genetic selection over time. Virginia State University reported 2 studies. Study 1 investigated growth performance of landrace hair sheep lambs under different forage environments. Mean ADG was higher in St. Croix than Barbados Blackbelly, and ram than ewe lambs. Older cohorts in each grazing period had higher ADG than younger cohorts. There was a wide range in ADG for individual weigh periods, but warm and cool season annuals and hay feeding forage environments produced similar ADG; while summer perennial forage grazing ADG was lower. Supplementing forage with soy hull may have masked differences in lamb growth between forage environments despite higher crude protein and TDN in the annual forages than in hay and perennial summer grazing. Study 2 investigated the influence of cut, breed type and supplementation on consumer ratings of pasture-raised lamb meat. The survey response rate was 66%. 92% had eaten lamb before. Cut of lamb did not influence before and after cooking attributes. Before cooking aroma was influenced by breed only. All other before cooking attributes were influenced by a breed x diet effect. After cooking texture was influenced by breed while diet tended to influence after cooking juiciness. 47% indicated that they would pay a premium for local lamb. Results suggested that meat from pasture-raised hair sheep lambs could provide an opportunity to enhance profitability for small-scale producers in Virginia. West Virginia University reported 2 studies. Study 1 investigated residual feed intake in Katahdin and Texel lambs in a feedlot environment. Residual feed intake was determined for Texel and Katahdin lambs which appeared to be normally distributed. This helps to establish ranges of efficiency that we can expect to see within different breeds in efforts to add this trait, or one like it, to large-scale genetic evaluation. Study 2 investigated the effect of terminal sire breed on grazing performance, parasitism, and market grade of crossbred lambs: year 2. There was no significant difference in FEC and PCV between Texel and Suffolk sired lambs. Fewer dewormings were necessary in Texel-sired lambs. There was no difference in composition between sired breeds. Texel sired lambs received a premium at weaning and at the conclusion of the grazing period. This indicates that Texel sired lambs required fewer dewormings and brought higher prices when marketed at a graded auction.   Objective 3: Strategies for the improvement of small ruminant reproduction. North Carolina A&T State University investigated the effect of oligodeoxynucleotides on Toll-like receptor pathway genes in goat blood. Of 84 genes tested and 74 were expressed in various ways. Specific patterns of TLR signaling may be involved in response to the immunostimulatory effects in goats with implicates for their use as adjuvants to enhance goat health. Prairie View A&M University compared transcervical and intracervical artificial insemination techniques for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in the goat.  There was no difference in pregnancy/artificial insemination or breed (Alpine, Boer and Spanish) between transcervical or intracervical techniques. FTAI favored Alpine and Boer over Spanish. Intracervical requires less technical proficiency and is a practical technique for FTAI in the goat. University of the Virgin Islands reported 2 studies. Study 1 evaluated extended hair sheep ram semen stored as liquid at 5°C. Semen was collected, extended and stored 5°C or in an Equitainer® set up using the manufacturer’s instructions. There was no difference in motility or viability over time between breeds or cooling method. Study 2 investigated the use of heat detection patches during breeding in hair sheep. Ewes wearing the patches were identified as being bred by the ram just as well as the ewes with rams wearing harnesses. Patches were activated by the rams mounting and were very visible from a distance. Analysis of efficacy of the heat detection patches and the economics of replacing patches to identify animals that breed back later in the season vs changing crayons needs to be evaluated. Virginia State University reported 3 studies. Study 1 investigated the reproductive performance of land race hair sheep ewes in different breeding seasons under semi-continuous production. Pregnancy rate, litter size, lamb survival at birth, birth weight and survival to weaning varied between 4-month breeding cycles with no real advantage to any of the 3 time periods. This suggests that dual flock, accelerated mating of landrace hair sheep ewes can produce lamb cohorts of similar size in 4 months intervals under a low-input, forage-based production system. Study 2 investigated reproductive tract characteristics in intact and short scrotum dairy sheep lambs. Ram lambs rendered short-scrotum by day 10 of age had smaller testis and sperm reserves compromising their reproductive capacity. Study 3 investigated libido, semen quality and sperm reserves of post-pubertal lambs after being rendered short scrotum. There was no difference in reproductive behavior or ejaculate volume between intact and short-scrotum lambs, but percent motile sperm, sperm concentration and epididymal sperm reserves favored intact lambs. Results confirm earlier findings that reproductive function was greatly reduced, but not eliminated in short scrotum ram lambs. Objective 4: Disseminate research results and information to stakeholders. Delaware State University hosted 3 information venues. 1) Goat Meat Management and Marketing: Opportunities and Constraints Workshop. Twenty producers participated. Post-workshop evaluations were collected with 100% indicating excellent and thought the information was very clear and in a concise manner. The information was useful to improve their herd management and enlightened them in ways they need to market their animals for maximum financial return. The participants developed knowledge in good marketing strategies whether they are marketing meat animals or marketing the milk from the animals. They all indicated that they will be looking into different ways to sell their meat products and also into different auctions to market their animals to. 2) Integrative Parasite Management. 42 participants attended including 25 youth. 40 participants received FAMCAHA© certification and all participants acquiring skills in fecal egg counts. Many of them indicated they felt the training was useful and increased their knowledge in small ruminant internal parasite management. Post conference evaluations showed 90% rated the overall workshop as excellent and the remaining 10% as good with all the participants believing the information was given in a clear and concise manner. 3) Delaware Small Ruminant Field (Nutrition for Productive and Efficient Sheep and Goat Farms). 17 participants from Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Post conference evaluations showed 98% rated excellent and thought the information was very clear and in a concise manner. Additionally, all the producers indicated they learned something they were unaware of. Fort Valley State University hosted 4 informative venues. 1) Livestock Integrated Parasite Management and Fecal Egg Counting (FEC) Training. 100 participants attended and many indicated they felt the training was useful. With this training, field staff and farmers are better able to understand how to manage GIN parasites in small ruminants. 2) Sericea Lespedeza (SL) for Integrated Parasite Management.  55 participants attended and 20 farmers were recruited for participating by planting 5 – 10 acres of sericea lespedeza. With this training, field staff and farmers are better able grow, manage and harvest SL as a product for use with small ruminant parasite management. 3) Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program Small Ruminant Production Integrated Parasite Management/FAMACHA Training. 10 participants were trained and received certification. With this training, field staff are better able to provide training for farmers to understand how to manage GIN parasites in small ruminants. 4) Integrated Parasite Management Best Practices Fact Sheets, ACSRPC. Four best management practice type fact sheets were published online and six were distributed at several events, including the Georgia National Fair and the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition in October. This information might be used to help reduce morbidity and perhaps mortalities due to internal parasite infection. Langston University hosted 5 informative venues. 1) Goat and Hair Sheep Field Day (theme: Holistic Approach). 116 participants attended and 31 participants completed the evaluation survey. 81% rated the session as excellent, 16% as good, 3% as satisfactory, and 0% as unsatisfactory. This event provided small ruminant producers with the information that they need. Many comments were received for future information. 2) Online Meat and Dairy Goat Certification Courses. In the first two years of the Dairy Goat Producer Certification program, 1,564 participants enrolled and 119 received certification. In the same time period, 495 participants enrolled and 47 received certification in the Meat Goat Producer Certification program. Post-test scores were 30% higher than pre-test scores, indicating a gain in knowledge by the producer. These certification courses are a trusted source of science-based goat production information. The online availability allows access to find needed information to safeguard the health and welfare of their animals. 3) Goatskin Tanning Workshop. 9 participants rated the workshop favorably and indicated that they gained knowledge on tanning and learned new skills. From previous workshops some do try to tan skins at home. Tanning at home is a cheaper alternative than sending a skin to a professional tannery. 4) Artificial Insemination Workshop. 14 participants received practical knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to immediately use artificial insemination in their herds. Those who completed evaluation forms rated the workshop as excellent. Many comments were received for future information. 5) American Institute for Goat Research website.  Overall in 2019, there were 99,211 visits (up 60% from 2018). Visitors spent an average 1 minutes and 31 seconds, which is down slightly from 2018 (1 minutes, 34 seconds). Delivering science-based information to goat producers is a top priority for land-grant universities and the preferred delivery system has been a presence on the Internet. University web developers must keep the mobile user in mind when developing web sites. Louisiana State University participated in numerous informative parasite control workshop venues (MS, USDA/APHIS, TX) with over 200 professionals/producers in attendance. Dissemination of research results have led to use of technologies to better manage parasites, reduce animal losses, and increase profits. Knowledge gained by scientists. University of Maryland ACSPRC Web Site. The web site is always a work in progress. It includes a membership directory, list of FAMACHA© instructors, events listing, video library, image gallery, articles, fact sheets, conference proceedings, subject matter links, and a blog/newsletter. Since 2013, 59 Timely Topic news articles have been published. In 2017, a fact sheet series entitled “Best Management Practices to Control Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants” was initiated. So far, 9 peer-reviewed fact sheets have been published. Since 2017, over 150 blog posts have been made since 2018, 25 issues of the WORMinfo newsletter have been published and shared. According to Google Analytics, approximately 83 percent of 2019 users were from the US. Non-US countries with the most users were Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and South Africa. Search engines (Google) accounted for most of web traffic. The web site is reaching a growing global audience, with a growth of >20% in the past year. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Booneville, AR participated in numerous informative parasite control workshop venues (GA, CO, TN, Belgium) with over 900 professionals/producers in attendance. Dissemination of research results had led to use of technologies to better manage parasites, reduce animal losses, and increase profits. Knowledge gained by scientists. Dissemination of genetics with known breeding values to improve flock genetics, especially parasite resistance. Virginia State University hosted 4 informative venues. 1) Starting a Sheep and Goat Meat Enterprise.  2 small enterprise workshops were conducted (60 producers and extension agents), 1 curriculum was updated for training, and 6 extension publications were developed. Programs conducted increased knowledge on starting a small ruminant meat enterprise. 2) Sustainable Integrated Parasite Management in Small Ruminants. 7 parasite management workshops/trainings were conducted (150 stakeholders and extension agents), 1 extension publications were developed, 26 small ruminant producers were certified in FAMACHA, 30 youth trained in conducting fecal egg counts. Programs conducted increased knowledge on small ruminant internal parasite management. 3) VSU’s Pasture Lambing Workshops 2019 (19 participants). Pre- and post-tests indicated there was a 59% increase in knowledge attained. The workshops increased participant’s knowledge on pasture lambing, including increasing reproductive efficiency, supplies needed and dealing with dystocia and other issues during lambing. 4) VA’s Own Mobile Processing Unit (MPU). A mobile unit was designed and build for slaughter processing to educate and enhance profitability of Virginia’s small ruminant industry. This unit will provide many producers located in central and eastern VA to have access to an additional USDA-inspected slaughter facility so farmers can take full advantage of profitability in the growing local food system marketplace.

Publications

Journal articles   Acharya, M., Burke, J.M., Ashworth, A., Rorie, R.W., 2019. Relationship between anti- Mullerian hormone (AMH) and reproductive traits in Katahdin ewes bred in late spring or fall. Adv. Repro. Sci. (In Press).   Acharya, M., Burke, J.M., Rorie, R., 2020. Semen extension in Katahdin rams. Adv. Reprod. Sci. 8, 14-30.   Adams, T.C., Philipp, D., Burner, D.M., Jennings, J., McPeake, B.M., Ashworth, A.J., Pote, D.H., Burke, J.M., Rhein, R., 2019. White (Trifolium repens L.) and arrowleaf (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi) clover emergence in varying loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) tree alley spacings. Amer. J. Plant Sci. 10, 659-669.   Becker, G.M., Davenport, K.M., Burke, J.M., Lewis, R.M., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J.L., Notter, D.L., Murdoch, B.M., 2019. Genome-wide association study to identify genetic loci associated with gastrointestinal nematode resistance in Katahdin sheep. Anim. Gen. doi: 10.1111/age.12895.   Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E. 2019. Sustainable approaches to parasite control in ruminant livestock. Vet. Clinics: Food Anim. Pract. (In Press).   Burke, J.M., Schoenian, S., Freking, B., Semler, J., Gordon, D., Bennett, M.B., O’Brien, D., Wood, E., 2019. Complete anthelmintic resistance prevalence in U.S. meat goats. Sheep Goat Res. J. 34, 1-5.   Dykes, D.S., Terrill, T.H., Whitley, N.C., Singh, A.K., Mosjidis, J.A., Burke, J.M., Kouakou, B., Miller, J.E., 2019. Effect of ground and pelleted sericea lespedeza whole plant and leaf only on gastrointestinal nematode and coccidial infection in goats. J. Agric. Sci Tech A 9, 93-102.   Estrada-Reyes, Z. M., Y. Tsukahara, A. L. Goetsch, T. A. Gipson, T. Sahlu, R. Puchala, and R. G. Mateescu. 2019. Association analysis identifies immune response loci related to Haemonchus contortus exposure in sheep and goats using a targeted approach. Livest. Sci. 229:109-119. doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2019.08.005.   Estrada-Reyes, Z. M., Y. Tsukahara, A. L. Goetsch, T. A. Gipson, T. Sahlu, R. Puchala, and R. G. Mateescu. 2019. Signatures of selection for resistance to Haemonchus contortus in sheep and goats. BCM Genomics 20:735. doi.org/10.1186/s12864-019-615-y.   Mata-Padrino, D.J., D.P Belesky, C.D. Crawford, B. Walsh, J.W. MacAdam, S.A. Bowdridge. 2019. Effects of grazing birdsfoot trefoil-enriched pasture on managing Haemonchus contortus infection in Suffolk crossbred lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 97: 172-183   Middleton, D.M., J.J. Garza, S.P. Greiner, S.A. Bowdridge. 2019. Neutrophils rapidly produce TH2 cytokines in response to larval but not adult helminth antigen. Parasit. Immunol. https://doi.org/10.1111/pim.12679   Min, B.R., F. Abrahamsen, N. Gurung, J. H. Lee, J. W. Joo, and W. Pacheco. 2019. Peanut skin in diet alters average daily gain, ruminal and blood metabolites, and carcass traits associated with Haemonchus contortus infection in meat goats. Anim. Nut. 5: 278-285. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2019.05.006">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2019.05.006</a>   Min, B.R., K. McTear, H.H. Wang, M. Joakin, N. Gurung, F. Abrahamsen, S. Solaiman, J. Sue Eun, J. Hon Lee, L. A. Dietz and W. E. Zeller. 2019. Influence of elevated protein and tannin‐rich peanut skin supplementation on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass traits and immune‐related gene expression of grazing meat goats. J. Anim. Phys. Nut. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13250">https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13250</a>   Newton, G.R., Lewis, S.K., Avendano, J.A., Williams, E.A., Ribeiro, F.L.R., Nuti, L.C., Foxworth, W.B., and Ing, N.H. 2019. Fucosyltransferase gene expression varies in goat endometrium during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Theriogenology 132:118-127.   O’Brien, D.J., Wildeus, S. 2019. On-Farm Validation of a Liquid Semen Vaginal Artificial Insemination Protocol in Hair Sheep. Journal of Extension 57(2):2RIB6   Reynolds, D., B. R. Min, N. Gurung, W. McElhenney, J. H. Lee, S. Solaiman, O. Bolden-Tiller. 2019. Influence of tannin-rich pine bark supplementation in the grain mixes for meat goats: Growth performance, blood metabolites, and carcass characteristics. Anim. Nut. J. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2019.09.00">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2019.09.00</a>   Schoenian, S., O’Brien, D., Whitley, N., and Howell, S. 2019. Anthelmintic resistance on commercial sheep farms in the southeastern US. Journal of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. Vol 12 (2). https://www.nacaa.com/journal/index.php?jid=1015   Singh, A., V. Owen, G. Dykes, H. Naumann, A. Mahapatra, and T. Terrill. 2019. Effect of Ensiling on Nutritional Properties of Sericea Lespedeza Alone or in Mixtures with Alfalfa. J. Agri. Sci. Tech. A9:310-322. doi: 10.17265/2161-6256/2019.05.004   Tsukahara, Y., T. A. Gipson, S. P. Hart, L. J. Dawson, Z. Wang, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2019. Across and within breed differences in the relationship between packed cell volume and fecal egg count in growing meat goat and hair sheep males naturally and artificially infected with Haemonchus contortus. Vet. Parasitol.: Regional Studies and Reports 17:100311. doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100311.   Wood, E., Burke, J.M., Philipp, D., Acharya, M., Miller, J.E., Coffey, K.P., 2019. Gastrointestinal nematode infection and growth of grass-based Katahdin lambs. Sheep Goat Res. J. 33, 1-10.     Abstracts and Proceedings   Acharya-Sharma, R., Fitting, E., Burke, J., Joshi, N., 2019. Different pan traps for sampling pollinators and beneficial arthropods in the livestock pasture ecosystem. Entomol. Soc. Amer., St. Louis, MO.   Becker, G.M., Sawyer, R.J., Davenport, K.M., Rodriguez, A.M., Burke, J.M., Lewis, R., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J., Murdoch, B.M., 2019. Understanding the molecular mechanisms for gastrointestinal parasite resistance in Katahdin sheep. Plant Anim. Gen. Conf., San Diego, CA, Jan 13, 2019.   Blake, F. and Matthews, K., Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii in Meat Goat Does. 2019. Delaware State University Honor’s Day.   Bowdridge, S.A., J.J. Garza, S.P. Greiner, C.I. Maierle, D.J. Mata-Padrino, R.T. Rohrbaugh, R.H. Tuckwiller, A.R. Weaver. 2019. Effect of terminal sire breed on grazing performance, parasitism and market grade of crossbred lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 97: Supp. 1, 73-74. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz053.166   Bowdridge, S.A., S.P. Greiner, A.R. Weaver, D.L. Wright. 2019. Utilization of Katahdin rams with lower fecal egg count estimated breeding values improves parasite resistance and fitness traits of progeny. J. Anim. Sci. 97: Supp. 1, 78. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz053.178   Brice, R., Wildeus, S. 2019. Effect of breed, sex, birth type and lambing season on growth rate of forage-reared lambs. Proc. ARD 19th Biannual Research Symposium, p. 206.   Burke, J.M., Wood, E. 2020. Estimating the value of parasite resistance in sheep. Southern SAWG, Little Rock, AR.   Burke, J.M., 2020. Organic compared with conventional systems for lamb production yield differences in performance in Southeastern U.S. pastures. Southern SAWG Organic Research Forum, Little Rock, AR.   Burke, J.M., Notter, D.R., Morgan, J.L.M., Miller, J.E., Lewis, R.M., Heidaritabar, M., 2019. Integrating genetic selection with selective anthelmintic treatment to manage gastrointestinal nematodes in Katahdin sheep in the United States. Joint COMBAR/ACSRPC meeting, Ghent, Belgium. P. 74.   Ekwemalor, Kingsley; Worku, Mulumebet, 2019. PSVI-3 The effect of oligodeoxynucleotides on Toll-like receptor pathway genes in goat blood. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 97, Suppl. 3, page 197, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.406   Ekwemalor, Kingsley; Worku, Mulumebet. 2019. PSX-41 Effect of Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid on gene expression in goat blood. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 97, Suppl. 3, Page 449, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.884   Foxworth, W.B., Horner, S., Nuti, L., Ho-Watson, A., Gilmore, I., Gutierrez, K., Lewis S.K., and Newton, G.R. 2019. Comparison of Transcervical and Intracervical Artificial Insemination Techniques for Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) in the Goat. J. Anim. Sci., 97, Supplement 3, Page 464 https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.914   Godfrey, R.W., A.L. Nero and S.A. Lakos. 2019. A comparison of body temperature among pregnant, non-pregnant and lactating hair sheep ewes in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. 97(Suppl. 3):169–170, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.349">https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.349</a>   Harris, S., Niblett, T., Harris, J., Blake, F., Ozbay, G., Aryee, A., Matthews, K., 2019. Preliminary Effects of Pumpkin Seed and Flesh Combination Extract on Third Stage Haemonchus contortus Larvae. Delaware State University 2019 Summer Research Symposium.   Harris, J. and Matthews, K., 2019. The Effects of Feeding Corn or Barley Based Feed on Body Weight in Meat-Goat Kids. 2019. Delaware State University Honor’s Day.   Harris, J., K. Matthews and D. O’Brien. 2019. Effects of Estrous Synchronization Protocols on Meat Goat Mating, Pregnancy and Kid Performance. Proc. ARD 19th Biannual Research Symposium, p. 204.   Hazard, T., N. Whitley, P. Batchu, C. Pulsifer, B. Kouakou, and T. H. Terrill. 2019. Effect of feeding ‘Serala’ sericea lespedeza hay on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism in goats. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 3) 97:460–461, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.907   Jeanjulien, C., Lee, J. H., Wildeus, S. 2019. Incorporation of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in fresh lamb by feeding rumen-protected dietary supplement. AOCS Ann. Meet. & Expo, St. Louis, MO, p. 2   Levy, G. and Matthews, K,. 2019. Proposal for Identifying Chemical Compounds with In vitro Anthelmintic Effects on H. contortus. 2019. Delaware State University Honor’s Day.   Lynch, E.,  Niblett, T., Harris, J., Blake, F., Aryee, A., Matthews. K., 2019. In vitro Anthelmintic Effects of Pumpkin Flesh Extract on Haemonchus contortus. Delaware State University 2019 Summer Research Symposium.   Lynch, E. and Matthews, K., 2019. The Proposal of In Vitro Anthelmintic Effects of Pumpkin Flesh on Haemonchus contortus. 2019. Delaware State University Honor’s Day.   Lynn, S. and Matthews. K., Influence of Kiko, Boer, and Savanna Bucks on Mating and Pregnancy Response in Meat Goats. 2019. Delaware State University Honor’s Day.   Mezil-Thomas, J., Wildeus, S. 2019. Rate of egg-yolk inclusion in a milk extender on sperm kinematics of ram semen during chilled liquid storage. Proc. ARD 19th Biannual Research Symposium, p. 63.   Middleton, D.D., S.A. Bowdridge. 2019. Neutrophils rapidly produce Th2 cytokines in response to larval but not adult helminth antigen. 23rd Woods Hole Immunoparasitology Meeting, Woods Hole, MA   Niblett, R. and Matthews, K., 2019. The Effects of Cucurbitacin on Haemonchus contortus In Vitro. 2019. Delaware State University Honor’s Day.   O’Brien, D., Wildeus, S., Schoenian, S., Semler, J., Gordon, D., Bennett, M., Anderson, C., and Travis. A. 2019. Libido and semen quality in intact and altered (short scrotum and castrate) post-pubertal male dairy sheep lambs. J. Anim. Sci., 97, Supplement 1, Page 76, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz053.173   O’Brien, D., Wildeus, S., Schoenian, S., Anderson, C., Travis, A. 2019. Libido and semen quality in intact and altered (short scrotum and castrated) post-pubertal male dairy sheep lambs. J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 97, Suppl. 1. 76   O’Brien, D., Wildeus, S., Nartea, T., Lee, J. 2019. Influence of cut, breed type and supplementation on consumer ratings of pasture-raised lamb. J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 97, Suppl. 3. 454-455   Pettiford, K., Niblett, T., Harris, J., Blake, F., Aryee, A., Matthews, K., 2019. Efficacy of Pumpkin Skin Extract on Haemonchus Contortus Third Stage Larvae. Delaware State University  2019 Summer Research Symposium.   Schoenian, S., O’Brien, D., Whitley, N., and S. Howell. 2019. Anthelmintic Resistance on Commercial Sheep Farms in the Southeastern US. Poster session presented at Joint COMBAR- ACSRPC Conference Anthelmintic Resistant in Ruminants: Who Cares?; Page 56, 2019 Aug.   Schoenian. S., 2019. ACSRPC web site provides information to a growing audience. Paper presented at Joint COMBAR-ACSRPC Conference Anthelmintic Resistant in Ruminants: Who Cares?; Page 23, Aug. 27-29; Ghent, Belgium.   Schoenian, S., Semler, J., Gordon, D., O’Brien, D., Bennett, M., and C. Anderson. 2019. Growth and carcass characteristics of short-scrotum, ram, and wether lambs. J. Anim. Sci., 97, Supplement 1, Page 71, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz053.161.   Schoenian, S. O’Brien, D., Whitley, N., Howell. S. 2019. Anthelmintic resistance on commercial sheep farms in the southeastern US. COMBAR-ACSRPC Joint meeting, Belgium. https://c67d09be-a843-414a-a7c0- 9a2912eb10be.filesusr.com/ugd/6ddbcb_5b936c1147554feba6e45f7724afdc78.pdf (page 56).   Shepherd, E.A., S.A. Bowdridge. 2019. Preferential alternative macrophage activation is breed- dependent in sheep when exposed to Haemonchus contortus larvae in vitro. 23rd Woods Hole Immunoparasitology Meeting, Woods Hole, MA   Terrill, T. H., B. Morning, E. Courson, B. Morris, H. Naumann, N. Whitley and V. Owen. 2019. Screening of Lespedeza germplasm for forage quality and bioactivity. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 3) 97:90. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.186   Weaver, A.R., J.J. Garza, S.A. Bowdridge. 2019. Immune response to various life stages of Haemonchus contortus differentiates resistance among sheep breeds. 23rd Woods Hole Immunoparasitology Meeting, Woods Hole, MA   Wildeus, S., Schoenian, S., Sponenberg, D.P., Bennet, M.-B., O’Brien, D. 2019. Reproductive organ weights, morphology and sperm reserves in intact and short scrotum post-pubertal male dairy sheep lambs. J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 97, Suppl. 3. 467   Wildeus, S. O’Brien, D. 2019. Performance of landrace hair sheep lambs in forage-based, semi- continuous production system. , J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 97, Suppl. 1. 77-78   Wildeus, S., O’Brien, D. 2019. Sperm motion characteristics of ram semen liquid-stored in a milk-egg yolk extender at four temperatures. J. Anim. Sci., Vol. 97, Suppl. 1. 78   Wildeus, S. O’Brien, D. 2019. Developing a system for semi-continuous lamb production. Proc. ARD 19th Biannual Research Symposium, p. 310.   Worku, Mulumebet; Ekwemalor, Kingsley. 2019. PSVI-7 variation in bitter taste receptor genes in three breeds of goats. Journal of Animal Science, 97, Suppl. 3, Page 206, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.424   Fact sheets O’Brien, D., K. Matthews, N. Whitley, and S. Schoenian. 2019. Using Fecal Egg Counts on Your Farm. Virginia State University/Virginia Cooperative Extension. APSC-166NP.

Impact Statements

West Virginia University. Low FEC-sired lambs have reduced parasite burden and are more likely to survive until weaned. Preliminary evidence indicates segregation of lamb generalized immunity by sire FEC EBV. Data begin to determine ranges of efficiency and we can expect to see within breed differences. Efforts should be made to add this trait, or one like it, to large-scale genetic evaluation. Texel-sired lambs required fewer dewormer treatments and received premiums when marketed at a graded auction.

Date of Annual Report: 02/24/2021

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/25/2021 - 01/25/2021
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2019 - 09/30/2020

Participants

Scott Bowdridge, West Virginia University (scott.bowdridge@mail.wvu.edu)
Joan Burke, USDA-ARS, Booneville, AR (joan.burke@usda.gov)
Todd Callaway, University of Georgia (todd.callaway@uga.edu)
Bill Foxworth, Prairie View A&M University (wbfoxworth@pvamu.edu)
Robert Godfrey, University of the Virgin Islands (rgodfre@uvi.edu)
Art Goetsch, Langston University (arthur.goetsch@langston.edu)
Uma Karki, Tuskegee University (ukarki@tuskegee.edu)
Kwame Matthews, Delaware State University (kmatthews@desu.edu)
Roger Merkel, Langston University (merkel@langston.edu)
Jim Miller, Louisiana State University (jmille1@lsu.edu)
Gary Newton, Prairie View A&M University (grnewton@pvamu.edu)
Dahlia O’Brien, Virginia State University (dobrien@vsu.edu)
Susan Schoenian, University of Maryland (sschoen@umd.edu)
Diwaker Vyas, University of Florida (diwakarvyas@ufl.edu)
Stephan Wildeus, Virginia State University (swildeus@vsu.edu)

Others Present
Olga Bolden-Tiller, Tuskegee University (oboldentiller@tuskegee.edu)
Maphy Clavier, University of the Virgin Islands (mclavier@uvi.edu)
Nar Gurung, Tuskegee University (ngurung@tuskegee.edu)
Steve Hart, Langston University (steve.hart@langston.edu)
Ashley Steuer, Texas Tech University (ashley.steuer@ttu.edu)
Adriano Vatta, Louisiana State University (avatta2@lsu.edu)
Andrew Weaver, West Virginia University (arw0036@mix.wvu.edu)

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order by Jim Miller, current Chair of the project. He welcomed the participants to the virtual meeting. Jim stated that Robert Godfrey is the Administrator and that Art Goetsch is the current Secretary, responsible for taking minutes of the meeting and developing the Annual Report within 60 days. Jim Miller also chaired the session on station reports, normally presented in alphabetical order. But at this meeting there was some deviation due to the occasional online absence of individuals. The order of presentations was Langston University (Art Goetsch for research and Terry Gipson, Roger Merkel, and Steve Hart for extension), Louisiana State University (Jim Miller and later Adriano Vatta), Prairie View A&M University (Gary Newton and Bill Foxworth), Delaware State University (Kwame Matthews), Tuskegee University (Uma Karki), University of Florida (Diwaker Vyas), University of Georgia (Todd Callaway), University of Maryland (Susan Schoenian), USDA-ARS, Booneville (Joan Burke), University of the Virgin Islands (Robert Godfrey), Virginia State University (Stephan Wildeus and Dahlia O’Brien), and West Virginia University (Scott Bowdridge).

The morning session was adjourned at 11:30 AM central time, and the afternoon session began at 12:30 PM with the final station reports given first, followed by the business meeting. Jim Miller discussed the symposia that were scheduled for the Southern ASAS meetings to be held in late January in Raleigh, NC, which now have been moved to occur in conjunction with the National ASAS meetings in July, 2021. The first symposium is joint with the SERA 41 cattle project to be held in a morning. There will be three presentations, two dealing with leguminous forages and primarily addressing cattle and one use of Sericea lespedeza by small ruminants to be given by Tom Terrill of Fort Valley State University. The second symposium in an afternoon also will have three presentations. The topics are mixed species grazing (Joan Burke), how can integrated small ruminant parasite control be applied to cattle (Christine Navarre of Louisiana State University), and use BioWorma for small ruminant parasite control (Jim Miller).

The upcoming revision of the SCC-81 project was discussed. The topic was introduced by Jim Miller, and Art Goetsch provided an update. It was stated that a revision committee was formed at the last meeting in 2020 in Chattanooga by Stephan Wildeus, consisting of Art Goetsch, Joan Burke, Scott Bowdridge, Stephan Wildeus, and Susan Schoenian. The committee, along with Jim Miller and Terry Gipson, had a virtual preliminary meeting on January 7, 2021. At that meeting there was consensus that the current four objectives relating to internal parasitism, year-round forage reliance, reproduction, and extension should remain as objectives in the next project, albeit with potential modifications of justifications and anticipated activities in the next project period of 2022 – 2027. Moreover, Art Goetsch provided an overview of activities to occur in the Southern SARE large meat goat systems project in 2020 – 2025, with one focal point being marketing of small ruminants and their products. In this regard, it was proposed that an objective for the SCC-81 project pertaining to marketing could be added. Terry Gipson posted a file with the previous project description on GoogleDrive so that all committee members and, later, all project members could access for revision. Revision activities that have occurred since the January 7 meeting were described, which include modification by Art Goetsch of the forage reliance objective justification and addition of two relevant activities at Langston University. Similar changes for the internal parasitism objective were made by Joan Burke. Stephan Wildeus described some comparable modifications for the reproduction objective, as well as contact of some of the other institutions regarding future activities in this area. Terry Gipson described the addition of a justification section and accompanying activities for the marketing area, indicating a basis on the Southern SARE large meat goat systems project description. All members were encouraged to contribute to the revision process by modifying the description of activities in accordance with plans for the upcoming project period. Lastly, Jim Miller provided a timeline for the revision, indicating that an official notification of need for revision would be received in January, 2022, with the next project period beginning October 1, 2022.

Membership in the project was discussed, including desirability to have a person of each institution designated as a lead. In this regard, it was stated that Raluca Mateescu of the University of Florida now focuses primarily on research with beef cattle and, thus, the lead person from that institution could be changed to Diwaker Vyas. Attendees not presently official members were encouraged to join, and all members were asked to encourage others to join the project as well. Art Goetsch will be the Chair this year, and Stephan Wildeus nominated Bill Foxworth of Prairie View A&M University as the new Secretary, which he agreed to.

The location of the 2022 meeting was identified as Fort Worth, Texas. Relatedly, a topic that was not addressed is a potential symposium for the 2022 meeting. Perhaps this can be discussed at the Southern and National ASAS meetings in July, 2021.

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Utilization of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) control methods including selective deworming, forage/grazing management, and animal selection for GIN resistance. Delaware State University reported on 3 studies. Study 1 evaluated use of the DrenchRite® larval development assay to characterize levels of gastrointestinal nematode resistance on small ruminant farms in Delaware. Fecal samples were collected from 5 goat and 4 sheep farms. Varying levels of resistance on the farms were found for benzimidazole, ivermectin, and levamisole. The second study evaluated in vitro anthelmintic effects on Haemonchus contortus of 10 chemical compounds. One compound was highly inhibitory against larval stages L3 and L4 and two impacted motility. The third study evaluated in vitro anthelmintic effects of various pumpkin extracts. There were some promising effects of an extract of pumpkin flesh at 24 hours of incubation. Fort Valley State University reported on 2 studies. Study 1 investigated treatment of Spanish goats infected with H. contortus with copper oxide wire particles (COWP) alone or in combination with levamisole in one experiment and albendazole in a second trial. COWP was very effective in both studies, and efficacy was enhanced by simultaneous use of levamisole but not albendazole. The second study entailed a survey to determine knowledge of bioactive forages among small ruminant producers, primarily in regard to anthelmintic activity. About three-fourths of the respondents from 26 states were aware of forage plants with bioactivity, one-third had used or grown Sericea lespedeza, and about one-half were willing to grow it. Langston University reported on one study that is relevant to both Objectives 1 and 2. The objective was to determine effects of feeding meat goats Sericea lespedeza as supplemental pellets or grazed forage on ruminal methane emission and health status compared with grazing grass-based pasture and supplemental forage-concentrate pellets.  Lespedeza consumption decreased ruminal methane emission, with pasture grazing having greater effect than lespedeza pellet supplementation. Likewise, intake of lespedeza decreased FAMACHA© score, with a similar effect for both forms of lespedeza. Effects of consumption of lespedeza on methane emission and FAMACHA© score presumably relate to condensed tannins, and greater impact of grazing lespedeza pasture on methane emission could involve higher dietary levels of lespedeza and tannins. North Carolina A&T University conducted a study evaluating the possible immunomodulatory effect in goat blood of Gum arabica in a herbal medication from Acacia senegal (L.) Willdenow trees. There were some changes noted in indicators of anemia and immune modulation suggesting need for further study. Tuskegee University reported on 3 studies. Study 1 addressed effects of grazing grass-legume versus grass pasture on load of gastrointestinal parasites in Katahdin-St. Croix sheep and Kiko goats. Fecal egg count was less for grass-legume than for grass pasture and for sheep than for goats. Study 2 was with 6 sheep and(or) goat farms in the fall of 2020. Animal variables and parasite infection level varied widely among farms. Body condition score of both goats and sheep was negatively correlated with FAMACHA© score. In the third study, 6 mature male Kiko goats were evaluated during winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons, with variables such as body weight, body condition score, FAMACHA© score, fecal egg count, and packed cell volume assessed. As noted in study 2, there was a negative correlation between body condition score and FAMACHA© score. USDA-ARS, Booneville reported on a study determining the influence of season of lambing on gastrointestinal nematode infection of Katahdin lambs. Lambs were born in the fall or winter, weaned at 90-120 days of age, and measures occurred at approximately 60, 90, 120, and 150 days. H. contortus was the major gastrointestinal nematode at most times in both seasons. Though gastrointestinal nematode infection was less in lambs born in the fall than winter, perhaps because of forage conditions body weight of fall-born lambs was lower. University of Florida reported on 2 studies. Study 1 addressed the genetics of resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection in Florida Native sheep. Data were collected from 80 sheep with lowest fecal egg count and 80 with highest values. Potential candidate gene markers (i.e., ITGA4, MUC15, TLR3, PCDH7, CFI, CXCL10, TNF, CCL26, IL16, STAT3, GPX2, IL2RB, and STAT6) were identified for parasite resistance in Florida Native sheep. The second study will characterize current production and management practices of small ruminant farms, assess challenges in establishing small ruminant operations, and conduct a producer-centric survey to address consumer demand and market potential issues for small ruminant products. West Virginia State University reported on 2 studies. Study 1 addressed using performance tests to evaluate parasite resistance in Kiko goats. 126 bucks entered the 63-day test. After being treated with 3 anthlemintics, bucks were infected with 5,000 H. contortus larvae. Results indicated moderate anthelmintic resistance. In addition to assessing internal parasitism, feed intake, growth, and ribeye area were determined. In study 2, the relationship between antibody level and fecal egg count (FEC) breeding values in Shropshire sheep were determined. Feces and blood of lambs from a farm submitting FEC data to NSIP were sampled after weaning, with FEC and IgG being determined. PFEC data were provided for 48 lambs. The preliminary data suggest that general immunity is greater in lambs with lower PFEC EBVs.   Objective 2: Emphasis of forage feeding systems for year-round grazing to meet nutritional requirements that mitigate drought and other plant and animal stressors. Tuskegee University reported on 11 studies under this objective. The first study was with woodland plots and southern pine as the main timber species. Treatments were no cutting of non-pine species or cutting at heights of 0, 0.9, or 1.5 m. Understory vegetation was increased by cutting and greatest change was at the 0-m height. Sheep and goats spent most time in sections with vegetation heights of 0 and 0.9 m, consuming vegetation from 0-1.5 m and 0-1.1 m for goats and sheep, respectively. Similar findings were noted in another study with cutting heights of 0, 0.91, and 1.52 m. The second experiment demonstrated performance benefits for yearling Kiko does by inclusion of the legume hairy vetch in pastures with Marshall ryegrass or rye. The growing pattern of major browse plant species in the region was characterized, with categorization as early or late growers. Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams were co-stocked in studies in woodlands with diverse vegetation to compare performance, with that of both animal types being acceptable. Similarly, summer performance of Katahdin-St. Croix ewes was compared when grazing pine silvopasture with different cool- and warm-season forages or woodlands with diverse understory shrubs and herbaceous species. Lower weight gain for ewes in woodlands suggest need for supplementation. Three studies addressed effects of consumption by growing meat goats of diets with varying levels of hempseed meal. Hempseed level may impact body weight and average daily gain but would not appear to affect carcass and meat quality. University of Maryland reported on a 3-month study starting in June to determine effects of supplementation of Katahdin ram lambs grazing grass-legume pasture with whole barley. Supplemented lambs gained weight more consistently than did pasture-only lambs, although the total increase in body weight was similar. USDA-ARS, Booneville conducted a study to determine if cytochrome P450 could serve as an indicator of consumption of endophyte-infected tall fescue in sheep. Katahdin ewes were fed diets with endophyte-infected or endophyte-free fescue. Results suggest that cytochrome P450 may not be adequately reflective of endophyte-infected fescue consumption in sheep as it is in cattle. Virginia State University conducted 2 studies under this objective. Study 1 investigated growth performance of short scrotum (SS) and castrated (CA) hair sheep lambs during different seasons. Ewe, SS, and CS lambs of Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix breeds were born in December or April, with a target slaughter weight of 35 and 40 kg for ewe and male lambs, respectively. Average daily gain was greatest and the number of days to target slaughter weight was lowest for SS lambs for both seasons of birth. A second study addressed carcass characteristics of Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix sheep lambs as wethers or rendered SS, with a target weight of 40 kg. Carcass traits were minimally influenced by breed and sex class.   Objective 3: Strategies for the improvement of small ruminant reproduction. Langston University reported on 2 studies. Study 1 was conducted to evaluate body composition and various composition indicators and effects on reproductive performance of different nutritional planes before breeding with Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix ewes. Wheat straw was consumed ad libitum for 11 wk before breeding. Ewes on a low nutritional plane were supplemented with 0.16% body weight (dry matter basis) of soybean meal and ewes on the high plane of nutrition received 0.8% body weight of a mixture of 25% soybean meal and 75% ground corn. Nutritional plane did not influence reproductive performance assessed early after breeding regardless of breed despite differences in average daily gain and change in body condition score, which may have been due to the initial moderate body condition score, increased straw intake by ewes on the low nutritional plane, and the relatively short period of subjection to the different nutritional planes.  Body mass indexes were more highly related to and predictive of change in body composition  determined by urea dilution compared with body condition score. In study 2, a simplified artificial insemination technique with cooled, fresh semen and vaginal insemination was evaluated. Insemination was with 300 versus 500 million motile sperm and volumes of 1 or 2 ml. A 3-cc syringe and a sheath cut to 18 cm was used to deposit the doses vaginally. 15 females per treatment were monitored for non-return to estrus, with a preliminary finding of 50%. Moreover, an artificial insemination laboratory was developed at the collaborating institution Egerton University in Kenya, where this technique is now being used as well as in the surrounding community. Prairie View A&M University conducted a study to characterize the transcriptomic profiles, using RNA-sequencing, of the abnormal regressing versus normal cycling day-5 corpora lutea (late metestrus) in Alpine dairy goats. Corpora lutea (abnormal n = 3 and normal n = 3) were collected from multiparous Alpines on day 5 of the estrous cycle (day 1 = standing estrus). Of the 33,433 genes analyzed, 1,516 were differentially expressed between abnormally regressed and normal cycling caprine corpora lutea. Specifically, 932 genes were upregulated and 584 genes were downregulated. Differential expression analysis revealed a significantly decreased expression of superoxide dismutase 1, which in tandem with increased reactive oxygen species exerts a luteolytic effect. University of the Virgin Islands reported on a study to evaluate the quality of extended hair sheep ram semen stored as a liquid at 5°C. Semen was collected from St. Croix White and Dorper × St. Croix White rams using either intravaginal collection vials or artificial vagina. Because of severe damage to research facilities from the 2017 category 5 hurricane, including a current lack of electricity, semen samples were maintained in insulated containers prior to transport to the laboratory. The delay in getting samples to the laboratory resulted in very low sperm survival and viability. Other methods of insulating the semen after collection are being evaluated in order for samples to survive long enough to be evaluated, extended, and stored for evaluation. Virginia State University reported on 2 studies. In study 1, fertility, prolificacy, and productivity of Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix ewes were evaluated with a pasture-based 8-month accelerated mating system using purebred and terminal sire mating. Ewes were exposed to rams of their own breed (pure) or Dorset (cross) in November (2012 and 2014), July (2013 and 2015), and March (2014 and 2016). Fertility was greater for Barbados Blackbelly than for St. Croix ewes but breed did not affect any other trait. The system × mating month-year interaction effect was significant for all traits except number of lambs born. Fertility was greater for pure than for cross mated ewes in November and July. Following the July mating, both numbers of lambs born and weaned were greater for pure than for cross mated ewes. However, litter weaning weight was greater for cross than for pure mated ewes with November and March matings. It was concluded that using a terminal sire in landrace hair sheep under an accelerated mating system generally reduced fertility and number of lambs born and weaned but increased litter weaning weight. The strategic use of terminal sire mating should consider differential responses associated with breeding season. In study 2, the survival and body weight of lambs from Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix sheep in a pasture-based 8-month accelerated mating system were evaluated. Lambs were born to dams either mated within breed (pure) or crossed to Dorset (cross). Body weight at birth and the 65-day adjusted weaning weight were greater for males than for females and for singles than for multiples. Lamb birth weight was greater for lambs born to St. Croix than Blackbelly Barbados and for cross than for pure lambs. Survival was greater for singles than multiples and for lambs born to Barbados Blackbelly than St. Croix, but was not affected by mating system or month of birth. Birth month did not impact lamb birth weight or survival, but 65-day adjusted weight was greater for lambs born in August than April or December, which were not different. It was concluded that using a terminal sire increased weaning weight by 22%, while not affecting lamb survival, making this a viable management tool to increase productivity of landrace hair sheep under a forage-based production system.   Objective 4: Disseminate research results and information to stakeholders. Delaware State University reported on 2 extension activities.  The first was the development and implementation of an online integrated parasite management and FAMACHA© certification training program. The training covered the basics of selective internal parasite control, most prevalent internal parasites, best ways to utilize dewormers, role of pasture management, and alternative treatments. This was a collaborative activity with the University of Delaware. The training was conducted and recorded in Zoom. Participants were required to take an online quiz and submit a video of themselves conducting FAMACHA© scoring on their animal (sheep or goat) using the correct technique in order to receive a FAMACHA© card and certificate via mail. The program had an integrative parasite management lecture to educate individuals on all the major parasites, most effective use of dewormers, and integrated parasite management, followed by a video on FAMACHA© eyelid color scoring. At least 50 participants attended the Zoom training program and received training in integrated parasite management. Twenty participants were FAMACHA©-certified and 10 need to resubmit their videos. Post-conference evaluations returned showed that 90% of participants rated the overall workshop as excellent and the remaining 10% as good, with all the participants believing the information was given in a clear and concise manner. The second information dissemination activity was the development of an online webinar series that covered the best way to grow and utilize pasture and hay to meet nutrient requirements of small ruminants.  This was also in collaboration with the University of Delaware. Six Zoom webinars were conducted and recorded and the participants all received a copy of the presentations. Presentation titles were ‘Making Quality Baleage for Ruminants,’ ‘Multispecies Grazing,’ ‘Hey Hay!’, ‘Pasture Weed Management,’ ‘Renovating Pastures,’ and ‘Fall Pasture Management.’ The Zoom series resulted in 330 participants who learned quality information on using pasture and hay in different ways to feed their animals. Fort Valley State University reported on 4 extension activities. There was online training of producers and ag professionals in integrated gastrointestinal parasite control, with links available at <a href="http://www.wormx.info">www.wormx.info</a>. This activity involved collaboration with Virginia State University and Georgia Extension Agents. Weekly webinars were held to provide internal parasite control information to producers and other ag professionals, in collaboration with the University of Maryland, Virginia State University, and Delaware State University. Links are also available at <a href="http://www.wormx.info">www.wormx.info</a>. The third activity was in collaboration with the University of Maryland, Virginia State University, and Delaware State University as well. There were periodic webinars with question and answer periods to provide information to producers and other ag professionals related to forages/feeding, health/parasite control, and animal management. Lastly, Integrated Parasite Management Best Practices Fact Sheets (ACSRPC) were written, edited, and published online (<a href="http://www.wormx.info">www.wormx.info</a>) in collaboration with the University of Maryland and Langston University. Langston University reported on a number of extension activities. Some ones planned were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, which include the Goat and Hair Sheep Field Day, Goatskin Tanning Workshop, and Artificial Insemination Workshop. However, an online internal parasite and FAMACHA© workshop was held. Four goats were used for the FAMACHA© training session. A tablet equipped with Zoom provided the video/audio feed for the live animal FAMACHA© training and for the laboratory session for fecal egg count. 23 people registered from around the US, 13 attended the live Zoom workshop, 10 took the required quiz, and 5 submitted the required video of COVER, PUSH, PULL, POP (30 sec max).  Thus, 5 participants received certificates and purchased FAMACHA© cards. Ongoing activities are online meat and dairy goat certification courses. The objectives of this program are to provide 1) reliable educational information incorporating a Quality Assurance Program that is suitable for dairy and meat goat producers, county agents, and other agriculture professionals and 2) testing methodologies allowing for certification of dairy and meat goat production for those producers desiring certification. To date, 728 and 2,023 participants have enrolled in the meat goat and dairy goat certification course in English, respectively, and 19 and 33 participants have enrolled in the meat goat and dairy goat certification course in Spanish, respectively.  The number of participants completing and receiving certification for the meat goat course is 458 and 13 and for the dairy goat course is 157 and 24 for the English and Spanish versions, respectively.  Certified participants represent 49 US states, Puerto Rico, and 18 countries. Overall pretest scores for required and elective modules averaged approximately 71%; thus, most producers were required to study module content and take the post-test. Post-test scores are roughly 30% higher than pre-test scores, indicating a gain in knowledge by the producer. Another ongoing activity is the website of the American Institute for Goat Research. Overall in 2020 there were 82,224 visits (down 17% from 2019). This decrease may be attributable to a number of server downtime periods. Visitors spent an average of 1 minute and 23 seconds on the site, which is down slightly from 2019 (1 minutes, 31 seconds). The United States accounted for 47% of all users. Louisiana State University held a workshop to disseminate parasite control information. 35 professionals/producers were in attendance. North Carolina A&T University personnel made an invited presentation to the program called OPERA, entitled ‘Management and Selection for Goat Production,’ held by the Faculty of Animal Science Universitas Gadha Mada in Indonesia. Tuskegee University reported on 3 extension activities. There was a training session at the state level with topics of ‘Importance of leguminous forages and browse for grazing animals,’ ‘Leguminous browse: growth period and preference of small ruminants,’ ‘Leguminous forages suitable for small ruminants,’ and ‘Economic value of including leguminous forages and browse in grazing systems.’ 15 producers, professionals, and students participated in the event. There was a workshop on both beef cattle and goat production during the Annual Farmers’ Conference, with education provided on a wide array of topics. The third activity is the Tuskegee University Master Goat Producer Training Program (MGPCP), in its 13th year. This consists of a comprehensive 5-day intensive course (live lectures and demonstrations delivered virtually) in meat goat production, covering topics such as marketing, enterprise budgets, record keeping, facilities, livestock evaluation, parasite management, pasture management, nutrition, reproduction, predator management, and more. Participants completed an exam to evaluate their ability to apply the newly learned information as well as surveys to assess the likeability of the events and to ascertain demographic information. The program also includes potential visits to farms of participants trained in earlier years. University of Maryland reported on 2 extension activities. The first was webinars noted earlier in collaboration with Delaware State University, Virginia State University, and Fort Valley State University. A weekly worm webinar series was initiated in April and held for 8 consecutive weeks. A webinar on BioWorma® was mixed into the line-up in May. During the same time period, a series of small ruminant question and answer webinars was held. There were 4 sessions in which participants could ask questions of panelists (experts). All webinars were offered via Zoom. They were promoted mostly via social media. Pre-registration was required, but there was no cost to participate. The webinars were recorded. Recordings from the worm webinars (n = 9) were minimally edited and uploaded to YouTube. Accompanying PowerPoint presentations were uploaded to SlideShare. Links were shared via the webinar registration list, websites, newsletters, and social media. Almost 2,500 small ruminant producers participated in the 2 webinar series. Another 5,327 viewed the YouTube videos from the 9 worm-related webinars. 6,242 viewed the PowerPoint presentations from the nine worm-related webinars. The second activity was the online FAMACHA© certification program. To receive FAMACHA© certification and be able to purchase a FAMACHA© card, online participants were required to watch a video, pass a quiz (70%), and submit a video demonstrating proper FAMACHA© scoring technique. After meeting requirements for certification, participants were issued a certificate of competence and provided instructions for purchasing a FAMACHA© card. The online certification was promoted via social media, websites, and newsletters. 396 producers participated in the live FAMACHA© webinar. 581 producers watched the recording of the FAMACHA© webinar. 347 quiz responses were submitted. 92 videos were received. USDA-ARS, Booneville participated in many technology transfer activities, including attendance in virtual meetings of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC), ASAS, and NCERA-214 (Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production). There is transfer of parasite resistant sheep through public bid and trade as well as numerous phone and email conversations with producers. Virginia State University reported on 2 extension activities. The first was the online integrated parasitism management and FAMACHA© certification program for extension agents and producers developed in collaboration with Fort Valley State University as noted elsewhere. 2 zoom trainings were conducted and recorded and participants were required to take an online quiz (passing grade of 70%) and submit a video of themselves conducting the FAMACHA© eye score on a sheep, goat, llama, or alpaca using the correct technique in order to receive a FAMACHA© card and certificate in the mail. Zoom trainings resulted in 412 participants trained in integrated parasite management and 61 participants FAMACHA©-certified. The recorded training, online quiz, certificate, and FAMACHA© cards have been made available to extension agents in Virginia and Georgia as well as posted on the ACSRPC website. The second activity was the ‘VA’s Own Mobile Processing Unit (MPU).’ The unit was designed and built for slaughter processing to educate and enhance profitability of Virginia’s small ruminant industry. A honey wagon also was purchased to capture wastewater for land application. This unit will provide access of many producers located in central and eastern VA to an additional USDA-inspected slaughter facility so that they can take full advantage of profitability in the growing local food system marketplace. West Virginia University reported on disseminated parasite control information by a variety of means, which include NKR’s Corn Country Meat Goat Conference, Corydon, IN; American Sheep Industry Annual Meeting, Scottsdale, AZ; Virginia Feed Association Annual Meeting, Roanoke, VA; and ASI Research Update Podcast Series. Over 200 professionals/producers attended these events.

Publications

Journal articles   Acharya, M., J. M. Burke, A. J. Ashworth, and R. W. Rorie. 2020. Relationship of anti-Mullerian hormone to reproductive traits in Katahdin ewes bred in late spring or fall. Adv. Repro. Sci. 8:48-56.   Acharya, M., J. M. Burke, J. E. Miller, T. H. Terrill, E. L. Wood, and J. P. Muir. 2020. Quebracho tannins aid in the control of Eimeria spp. in lambs and goat kids. Vet. Parasitol. 288:1-8.   Bhattrai, S., U. Karki, S. Poudel, W. McElhenney, and B. Paneru. 2020. Diurnal behavior and distribution patterns of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams in woodlands with different vegetation heights during fall. Agroforestry Syst. doi.org/10.1007/s10457-020-00500-x   Bhattrai, S., U. Karki, S. Poudel, B. Paneru, and N. Ellis. 2020. Maintenance of non-timber plants at low heights increased the solar radiation influx and understory vegetation biomass in woodlands. Global J. Agric. Allied Sci. 2(1):18-24.  <a href="https://doi.org/10.35251/gjaas.2020.003">https://doi.org/10.35251/gjaas.2020.003</a>   Chai, J., S. Alrashedi, K. Coffey, J. Burke, K. Feye, S. C. Ricke, S. H. Park, J. L. Edwards, and J. Zhao. 2020. Endophyte-infected tall fescue affects rumen microbiome in grazing ewes at gestation and lactation. Front. Vet. Sci. 7:1-13.   Crawford, C. D., D. J. Mata-Padrino, D. P. Belesky, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020. Effects of supplementation containing rumen by-pass protein on parasitism in grazing lambs. Small Rumin. Res. doi:10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106161   Gurung, N. K., K. B. Tuoho, F. W. Abrahamsen, and B. R. Min. 2020. Elevated supplementations of crude glycerin in diets for meat goats: ruminal fermentation, metabolism, and blood chemistry profile, animal performance, and carcass traits. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. (In press).   Jacobs, J. R., D. Middleton, S. P. Greiner, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020. RNA-sequencing of ovine PBMC after exposure to Haemonchus contortus antigen. Parasit. Immunol. doi: 10.1111/pim.12697   Mata-Padrino, D. J., E. M. Pena-Yewtukhiw, D. P. Belesky, W. B. Bryan, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020. Season-long, mixed stocking of a cool-temperate pasture. Grassland Sci. doi:10.111/grs.12281   Mechineni, A., D. S. Kommuru, T. H. Terrill, B. Kouakou, J. H. Lee, S. Gujja, J. J. Burke, and G. Kannan. 2021. Forage type and transportation stress effects on gut microbial counts and meat quality in goats. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 00:1-8, dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjas-2019-0145.   Middleton, D. M., J. J. Garza, S. P. Greiner, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020. Neutrophils rapidly produce TH2 cytokines in response to larval but not adult helminth antigen. Parasit. Immunol. doi:10.1111/pim.12679   Ndegwa, E., A. Alahmde, K. Kim, P. Kaseloo, and D. O’Brien. 2020. Age related differences in phylogenetic diversity, prevalence of Shiga toxins, Intimin, Hemolysin genes and select serogroups of Escherichia Coli from pastured meat goats detected in a longitudinal cohort study. BMC Vet. Res. 16:266. <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__rdcu.be_b5ZL0&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=x0kF_uL9Aj8Nho9NV_Y5N0VRgus3JhNu4ET-UrQfa2c&amp;r=R23mbUy-QaOv2TO4KOYkDg&amp;m=TKBakCUBGvN6wenD7t_WH6t_90FmsZTKxyhpBcjnS-o&amp;s=SbL_BeeH2Uhw0z6eDpAV4V3H5E4Jyng-wNi6gRV3a1M&amp;e">https://rdcu.be/b5ZL0</a>   Panda S. S., T. H. Terrill, A. K. Mahapatra, B. Kelly, E. R. Morgan, and J. van Wyk. 2020. Site- specific forage management of Sericea lespedeza: Geospatial technology-based forage quality and yield enhancement model development. Agric. 10:419.   Okere, C., O. Bolden-Tiller, and H. Henderson. 2020. The effects of sire breed on reproductive and progeny performance in Kiko meat goats (Capri hircus). Int. J. Res. Agric. Sci. 7(6):2348–3997.   Reynolds, D., B. R. Min, N. Gurung , W. McElhenney, J. H. Lee, S. Solaiman, and O. Bolden-Tiller. 2020. Influence of tannin-rich pine bark supplementation in the grain mixes for meat goats: Growth performance, blood metabolites, and carcass characteristics. Anim. Nutr. 85e91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2019.09.003.   Ryan, N., N. Gurung, J. Bryant, F. Abrahamsen, and W. McElhenney. 2020. Sustainable winter-feeding practices for meat goats within the Southeastern United States. Prof. Agric. Workers J. (In Press).   Shepherd, E. A., S. P. Greiner, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020. Characterization of ovine monocyte activity when cultured with Haemonchus contortus larvae in vitro. Parasit. Immunol.  <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/pim.12773">doi.org/10.1111/pim.12773</a>   Shepherd, E. A., S.  P. Greiner, B. Russ, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020 Interleukin-13 induces paralysis of Haemonchus contortus larvae in vitro. Parasite Immunol. doi:10.1111/pim.12758   Book Chapter   Gurung, N. K., J. Rush, and D. Pugh. 2020. Feeding and Nutrition. In D. Pugh, N. Baird, <ol> <li>Edmondson, and T. Passler (Eds.) Sheep, Goat and Cervid Medicine. 3rd Edn. Elsevier Ltd. UK (Textbook for School of Veterinary Medicine in the U.S.)</li> </ol>   Abstracts and Proceedings   Abrahamsen, F., N. Gurung, A. Woubit, G. Reddy, and K. Mullenix. 2020. Effect of varying levels of hempseed meal supplementation on animal performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites of growing meat goats. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 4)459–460.   Acharya, M., J. M. Burke, E. Wood, and J. W. S. Yancey. 2020. Developing criteria for forage finished beef in the Southeastern U.S. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):30-31.   Burke, J. M. 2020. Organic compared with conventional systems for lamb production yield differences in performance in Southeastern U.S. pastures. Southern SAWG Organic Research Forum.   Ahmed, Y., H. Ismail, D. Rehrah, and M. Worku. 2021. Immunomodulatory effects of Gum arabica in goat blood. J. Anim. Sci. 99(Suppl.). (Submitted).   Ahmed, Y., H. Ismail, D.Rehrah, and M. Worku. 2021. Effect of Gum arabica (GA) drench on indicators of anemia in goats. J. Anim. Sci. 99(Suppl.). (Submitted).   Bentley, K., A. R. Weaver, J. M. Burke, J. Morgan, D. L. Wright, S. P. Greiner, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020. The effect of sire fecal egg count estimated breeding value on antibody production in grazing Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl.).   Burke, J. M. 2020. Organic and conventional pasture systems for lamb production in Southeastern U.S. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):66-67.   Burke, J. M., J. E. Miller, M. Acharya, and E. Wood. 2020. Copper oxide wire particles to complement control of gastrointestinal nematodes with levamisole and/or albendazole in lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):73.   Burke, J. M., and E. Wood. 2020. Estimating the value of parasite resistance in sheep. Southern SAWG. Little Rock, AR.   Ellis, N., U. Karki, B. Paneru, and S. Bhattrai. 2020. Health parameters of hair sheep raised in silvopasture and woodland systems. Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) Biennial Conference.   Ellis, N., U. Karki, B. Paneru, S. Bhattrai, and L. Karki. 2020. Health and performance of ewes in woodland and silvopasture systems. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):70.   Ford, S., H. Ismail, and M. Worku. 2020. Using NCBI PubMed to gather research articles about genes encoding ruminant galectins (LGALS 1,3,4, and 9). SNCURCS2020, 11/06,308.   Godfrey, R. W., and S. A. Lakos. 2020. Using estrus detection patches or a ram wearing a marking harness to monitor estrus in synchronized hair sheep ewes. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 4):460.   Godfrey, R. W., S. Keiper, and S. A. Lakos. 2020. Evaluation of extended hair sheep ram semen stored as liquid at 5°C. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):74-75.   Gurung, R., F. Abrahamsen, R. Davis, R. Johnson, and N. Gurung. 2020. Evaluation of beef cattle and goat production workshop held at the 126th annual farmers’ conference through post- event survey. The 78th Professional Agricultural Workers Conf. Tuskegee University.   Gurung, R., F. W. Abrahamsen, K. Moyer, J. T. Sawyer, and N. Gurung. 2021. Carcass traits of growing meat goats fed different levels of hempseed meal. J. Anim. Sci. 99(Suppl.) (Submitted).   Hazard, T., N. Whitley, P. Batchu, C. Pulsifer, B. Kouakou, and T. H. Terrill. 2019. Effect of feeding ‘Serala’ sericea lespedeza hay on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism in goats. J. Anim. Sci. 97(Suppl. 3):460–461.   Johnson, J. L., U. Karki, A. Tiwari, K. Norwood, and L. Karki. 2020. load of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants with or without leguminous forages during the fall season. The 78th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Tuskegee University.   Jones, O., J. M. Burke, J. E. Miller, and C. Rosenkrans. 2020. Use of diatomaceous earth and copper oxide wire particles to control gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):72.   Karki, L., U. Karki, and S. R. Mentreddy. 2020. Possibility of shifting domestic supply curve for lamb and goat meat: the case of market price information in the southeast USA. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):4   Karki, U., B. Paneru, S. Bhattrai, N. Ellis, and L. Karki. 2020. Woodlands for expanding the grazing opportunity for small ruminants in the Southeast: challenges and opportunities. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 4):172-173.   Karki, U., B. Paneru, S. Bhattrai, R. Khatri, N. Ellis, L. Karki, and S. Poudel. 2020. Integrating woodlands and animal production: whole system approach to promote sustainable agriculture. Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) Biennial Conference.   Lourencon, R. V., L.  J. Dawson, R. Puchala, L. P. S. Ribeiro, T. A. Gipson, M. A. Rojas, M. Calle, <ol start="2019"> <li>S. Scronce, and A.L. Goetsch. 2019. Effects of nutritional plane before breeding on performance of hair sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 97(Suppl.).</li> </ol>   Lourencon, R. V., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, L. P. S. Ribeiro, T. A. Gipson, E. Loetz, M. A. Rojas, M. Calle, A. S. Scronce, and A. L. Goetsch.  2020.  Effects of nutritional plane before breeding on body condition score, mass indexes, and chemical composition of hair sheep.  J. Anim. Sci. 98 (Suppl.).   Maierle, C. L., A. R. Weaver, E. E. Felton, S. P. Greiner, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020. Survey of residual feed intake in Katahdin and Texel lambs in a feedlot environment. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl.)   Noorwood, K., U. Karki, J. Johnson, and A. Tiwari. 2020. Health and performance of small ruminants being raised by Alabama farmers during the fall season. The 78th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Tuskegee University.   O’Brien, D., S. Wildeus, S. Schoenian, and M. Purdue. 2020.  Reproductive characteristics of post- pubertal lambs after being rendered short scrotum. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):77.    Paneru, B., U. Karki, N. Ellis, and S. Bhattrai. 2020. Performance of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams co-stocked in woodlands with diverse vegetation. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 4):261.   Paneru, B., U. Karki, N. Ellis, S. Bhattrai, and L. Karki. 2020. Behavior and landscape-use pattern of small ruminants co-grazed in woodlands with different vegetation characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):70-71.   Paneru, B., U. Karki, N. Ellis, and S. Bhattrai. 2020. Vegetation preference and browsing height of Kiko wethers and Katahdin rams co-stocked in woodlands. Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) Biennial Conference.   Paneru, B., S. Bhattrai, N. Ellis, and U. Karki. 2020. Sprouting and canopy development pattern of browse species suitable for grazing small ruminants. Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) Biennial Conference.   Patton, C., C. L. Maierle, A. R. Weaver, S. P. Greiner, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020. Effect of terminal sire breed on grazing performance, parasitism and market grade of crossbred lambs: Year 2. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl.).   Pech-Cervantes, A. A., I. A. Ogunade, D. Pannell, and B. Kouakou. 2020. Inclusion of dried distillers grains with solubles in Lespedeza or alfalfa-based diets for meat goats is associated with a unique ruminal microbiome. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 4):421.   Puchala, R., L. P. S. Ribeiro, R. V. Lourencon, and A. L. Goetsch.  2020.  Effects of Sericea lespedeza on methane emission and health status in grazing Boer goat wethers.  J. Anim. Sci. 98 (Suppl.).   Smith, H. R., F. W. Abrahamsen, J. G. Rehm, B. Wilborn, E. Blythe, J. T. Sawyer, N. Gurung. 2020. PSV-31 Influence of hempseed meal supplementation on fresh and cooked characteristics of Boer cross goats. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 4):362.   Tiwari, A., U. Karki, B. Paneru, N. Ellis, and L. Karki. 2020. Legume-grass pastures enhanced the growth of yearling Kiko does. The 78th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Tuskegee University.   Weaver, A. R., J. M. Burke, J. Morgan, D. L. Wright, S. P. Greiner, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020. The effect of sire FEC EBV on parasitism and survivability in grazing Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):71.   Weaver, A. R., J. M. Burke, J. Morgan, D. L. Wright, S. P. Greiner, and S. A. Bowdridge. 2020. The effect of sire FEC EBV on parasitism and survivability in grazing Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl.)   Wildeus, S., O’Brien, D., 2020. Reproductive performance of land race hair sheep ewes in different breeding seasons under a semi-continuous production. J. Anim. Sci. 97(Suppl. 2):76.   Wildeus, S., D. O’Brien, G. Pent, and K. Payne. 2020. Growth performance of landrace hair sheep lambs under different forage environments. J. Anim. Sci. 98(Suppl. 2):72-73.   Fact sheets <ol start="2020"> <li>O’Brien, and S. Wildeus. 2020. Enhancing Reproductive Performance in Small Ruminants: Part II. Puberty and Estrous Cycles. <a href="http://digitalpubs.ext.vt.edu/vcedigitalpubs/9333817745874164/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=2&amp;folio=1&amp;pg1">http://digitalpubs.ext.vt.edu/vcedigitalpubs/9333817745874164/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm</a> <a href="http://digitalpubs.ext.vt.edu/vcedigitalpubs/9333817745874164/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=2&amp;folio=1&amp;pg1">=2&folio=1#pg1</a></li> </ol>

Impact Statements

West Virginia University. A study conducted demonstrates that goats could be successfully infected during a performance test without negatively affecting gain and without adverse impact on animal health. Bucks with superior performance for parasite resistance, growth, and muscling were identified, which serves producers who are unable to conduct or participate in advanced genetic selection. Results of another study suggest that the relationship between improved immunity linked to PFEC EBV identified in Katahdin sheep may also exist in other sheep breeds and, thus, have greater potential impact. Information dissemination regarding internal parasite control will facilitate enhanced small ruminant management practices for improved animal health and greater economic returns to farmers.