OLD_SCC81: Sustainable Small Ruminant Production in the Southeastern U.S.

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[04/04/2008] [05/06/2009] [05/27/2010] [04/28/2011] [03/29/2012]

Date of Annual Report: 04/04/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/03/2008 - 02/03/2008
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2007 - 02/01/2008

Participants

Official participants in attandance; Stephan Wildeus, Virginia State University (Chair), (swildeus@vsu.edu); Jim Miller, Louisiana State University AgCenter (Secretary), (jmille1@lsu,edu); Niki Whitley, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Secretary-elect), (nwhitley@umes.edu); David Morrison, Louisiana State University Agcenter, (Administrative Advisor),(dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu);
Deb Hamernik, USDA CSREES, (dhamernik@csrees.usda.gov); Ken Andries, Kentucky State University, (Kenneth.andries@kysu.edu); Mike Brown, USDA ARS El Reno, OK, (mike.brown@ars.usda.gov); Joan Burke, USDA ARS Booneville, AR, (joan.burke@ars.usda.gov); Susan Duckett, Clemson University, (sducket@clemson.edu); Bob Godfrey, University of the Virgin Islands, (rgodfre@uvi.edu); Steve Hart, Langston University, (shart@luresext.edu);
Dahlia Jackson, Delaware State University, (djjackson@dsu.edu);
Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, North Carolina State University, (jean-marie.luginbuh@ncsu.edu); Susan Schoenian, University of Maryland, (sschoen@umd.edu); Sandra Solaiman, Tuskegee University, (ssolaim@tuskegee,edu);
Official representatives absent; Ozzie Abaye, Virginia Tech University; Julio Corres, Auburn University, (correje@aces.edu); Tom Terrill, Fort Valley State University, (terrillt@fvsu.edu); Guests in attendance; Olga Bolden-Tiller, Tuskegee, University, (obtiller@tuskegee.edu); Richard Browning, Tennessee State University, (rbrowning@tnstate.edu); Maria Browning, Alabama A&M University, (mu0002@auburn.edu); Paul Casey, Heifer Project International;
Charlotte Clifford-Rathert, Lincoln University, (Clifford-rathertc@lincolnu.edu); Linda Coffey, NCAT, (lindac@ncat.org); Joni Collins, Virginia State University, (jcollins@vsu.edu); Jodi Eierman, Delaware State University, (jlynnzfarminitup@aol.com); Will Getz, Fort Valley State University, (getzw@fvsu.edu); Jennifer Mook, Virginia State University, (jmook@vsu.edu); Sam Nusz, RedlandSCC, (nuszs@redlandsscc.edu); Dan Waldron, Texas A&M University, (d-waldron@tamu.edu);

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Stephan Wildeus at 10 am. Joan Burke and Ken Andres were acknowledged as the Nominating Committee. Introductions were made and then David Morrison (Administrative Advisor) made the official welcome. He indicated that he was impressed with proceedings papers document prepared by the group and by the accomplishments described in that publication. He emphasized that the annual report is due within 60 days after the meeting and stated that the main purpose of the SCC is research interaction and coordination, but extension also is encouraged. He also indicated that impact statements in the third and fifth years of the activity are requested but not required. All individuals representing 1890 institutions that requested participation are now in the NIMSS system. Contact Dr. Morrison if you are not. You can check status on the NIMMS website.

Station Reports: (See Proceedings for details)
Objective 1: Develop integrated GIN control methods that decrease reliance on chemical dewormers through the use of selective deworming (FAMACHA system), better forage management and grazing options and breed or animal selection for nematode resistance or resilience.
Susan Duckett, Clemson University;
Dahlia Jackson, Delaware State University;
Will Getz, Fort Valley State University;
Steve Hart, Langston University;
Jim Miller, LSU AgCenter;
Niki Whitley, University of Maryland Eastern Shore;
Joan Burke, USDA ARS, Booneville, AR;
Stephan Wildeus, Virginia State University;

Objective 4: Disseminate research results and information to producers through station field days, workshops and websites.
Dahlia Jackson, Delaware State University;
Ken Andries, Kentucky State University;
Steve Hart, Langston University;
Sandra Solaiman, Tuskegee University;

CSREES Representative - Deb Hamernik
Welcomed our new SCC and distributed current CSREES Information and Funding Opportunities for Integrated Animal Projects. We should pursue that funding source.

Lunch break

Business meeting:
The background of the project going back to the Little Rock meeting was discussed. Reminder that 1890 individuals that are not entered in the system as participants need to contact Dr. Morrison. Organization structure:
Chair will organize and conduct the meeting;
Secretary will take the minutes and write up the annual report;
A new Secretary will be elected each year and the current;
Secretary will become the new Chair.

Discussion on format for the meeting:
Meet with SSASAS each year;
Stay with 10 am start time to allow more local participants to travel Sunday morning.
The concept of a mini-symposium, such as the one for this meeting was endorsed; will be 3 speakers within group or sometimes bring in outside speaker.

Discussion on Objective 4 which does not really fit reporting format;
Decided to keep it as is and incorporate into appropriate sections of report;
Emphasized that impact statements and collaboration are very important.

Discussion on proceedings: hard copy at meeting if possible and pdf as an alternative. Sandra Solaiman requested input from members for revising exam for goats. Susan Schoenian wants to establish performance standards for goats.
Develop buck performance test database as collaborative project.
Niki Whitley was nominated and unanimously elected as the new Secretary.

Non members were given a few minutes to present statements for their programs and how they fit into SCC-81:
Beth Walker, Missouri State University;
Charlotte Clifford-Rathert, Lincoln University;
Richard Browning, Tennessee State University;
Maria Browning, Alabama A&M University;

Objective 3: Evaluate the production potential of pure- and crossbred sheep and goat germplasm under low-input, forage-based production systems in the Southeastern US.
Bob Godfrey, University of the Virgin Islands;
Dahlia Jackson, Delaware State University;
Mike Brown, USDA ARS, El Reno, OK;
Stephan Wildeus, Virginia State University;

Objective 2: Develop a forage-based feeding system for year-round grazing that meets nutritional requirements by evaluating performance of forage (legumes, grass and browse) varieties and/or forage systems and animal performance.
Ken Andries, Kentucky State University;
Susan Schoenian, University of Maryland;
Jean Marie Luginbuhl, North Carolina State University;

Mini-symposium: Vegetation management with small ruminants.
Jean Marie Luginbuhl, North Carolina State University;
Steve Hart, Langston University;
Matt Web, Virginia Tech University;

The first meeting was concluded by emphasizing that collaborative projects involving Committee participants is encouraged and expected.

Meeting adjourned at 4 pm

Accomplishments

This is a new project and met for the first time. Intended outputs are to 1) improve forage-based systems for conventional and organic small ruminant production, 2) improve selection for sheep and goat resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection to reduce the need for deworming, 3) improve summer gains for growing lambs and kids on forage-based systems, 4) identify sheep and goat breed types most suited for production in the southeastern US and 5) exchange ideas and information.

Publications

Books Solaiman, S. G. 2007. Simply Meat Goats. Tuskegee University Publishing. Journal articles Burke, J.M., Morrical, D., Miller, J.E., 2007. Control of gastrointestinal nematodes with copper oxide wire particles in a flock of Polypay ewes and offspring in Iowa. Vet Parasitol 146, 372-375. Burke, J.M., Kaplan, R.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Getz, W.R., Mobini, S., Valencia, E., Williams, M.J., Williamson, L.H., Vatta, A.F. 2007. Accuracy of the FAMACHA system for on-farm use by sheep and goat producers in the southeastern United States. Vet Parasitol 147, 89-95. Burke, J.M., Terrill, T.H., Kallu, R.R., Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J. 2007. Use of copper oxide wire particles to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. J Anim Sci 85, 2753-2761. Burke, J.M., Terrill, T.H., Kallu, R.R., Miller, J.E. 2007. Use of copper oxide wire particles to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. J. Anim. Sci. 85, 2753-2761. Burke, J.M., Parker, C.F. 2007. Effect of breed on response to foot rot in sheep. Sm. Rum. Res. 71, 165-169. Burke, J.M., Apple, J.K., 2007. Growth performance and carcass traits of forage-fed hair sheep wethers. Sm. Rum. Res. 67, 264-270. Looper, M.L., Edrington, T.S., Flores, R., Burke, J.M., Callaway, T.R., Aiken, G.E., Schrick, F., Rosenkarans, C., 2007. Influence of dietary endophyte-infected (Neotyphodium coenophialum) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) seed on fecal shedding of antibiotic-resistance selected Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ewes. J. Anim. Sci. 85, 1102-1108. Luginbuhl, J-M., Pietrosemoli, S., 2007. Utilización de caprinos para el control de vegetación indeseable Use of goats to control undesirable vegetation. Arch. Latinoam. Prod. Anim. 15:294-309. Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Moore, D.A., Shaik, S.A., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Muir, J.P., Wolfe, R., 2007. Effect of pelleting on efficacy of sericea lespedeza hay as a natural dewormer in goats. Vet Parasitol 146, 117-122. Unruh Snyder, L.J., Luginbuhl, J-M., Mueller, J.P., Conrad, A.P., Turner, K.E., 2007. Intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of Robinia pseudoacacia foliage fed to growing goat wethers. Small Rumin. Res. 71, 179-193. Unruh Snyder, L.J., Mueller, J.P., Luginbuhl, J-M., Brownie, C., 2007. Growth characteristics and allometry of Robinia pseudoacacia as a silvopastoral system component. Agroforestry Systems Vol 70, 41-51. Wildeus, S, Luginbuhl, J-M, Turner, K.E., Nutall, Y.L., Collins, J.R., 2007. Growth and carcass characteristics in goat kids fed grass and alfalfa hay-based diets with limited concentrate supplementation. Sheep & Goat Res. J. 22, 15-19. Abstracts Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., 2007. Interaction between high protein supplement and copper oxide wire particles to control gastrointestinal nematodes in growing goats. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 33-34. Burke, J.M. Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., 2007. Low dose titration of copper oxide wire particles for control of gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned kids. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 34. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J., 2007. Interaction between copper oxide wire particles and grazing sericea lespedeza to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 34. Chafton, L.A., Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., Burke, J.M., 2007. The effect of sericea lespedza, fed as ground hay, on existing and establishing infection of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 38. Davila El Rassi, G, Banskalieva1, V., Albers-Nelson, R., Velasco, M., Brown, M, Roy, C., 2007. Fatty acid composition, including CLAs isomers and cholesterol content of m. longissimus lumborum and m. semimebranosus of Katahdin, Suffolk, Katahdin-Suffolk, and Suffolk-Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 85(2), 16. Godfrey, R.W., Dodson, R.E., Vinson, M.C., Driscoll, R.C., 2007. Production traits of Dorper crossbred ewes in an accelerated lambing system in the tropics., J. Animal Sci.85(Suppl. 2),39 Luginbuhl, J-M., Pietrosemoli Castagni, S., Howell, J.M., 2007. Uso de un anthelmíntico botánico para el control de nemátodos gastrointestinales en caprinos de carne. XI Jornadas Científico Técnicas de la Facultad de Agronomía. Z15. Universidad del Zulia. Maracaibo. Estado Zulia. Venezuela. Luginbuhl, J-M., Glennon, H.M., 2007. Field applications of liquid nitrogen fertilizer for controlling gastrointestinal parasites in weanling meat goats. J. Anim. Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 33. Moore, D.A., Terrill, T.H., Shaik, S.A., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Muir, J.P., Wolfe, R., Mosjidis, J.A., 2007. Effect of pelleting on anthelmintic efficacy of sericea lespedeza hay against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 29. Olcott, D.D., Weeks, B.M., Shakya, K., Smith, W.D., Miller, J.E., 2007. Effect of vaccination of goats with H-11/H-gal-GP antigens from intestinal membrane cells of Haemonchus contortus. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 35. Schoenian, S., Lemaster, W., Bennett, M., Semler, J., Deitz-Band, J., Lantz, L., 2007. Initiating a Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Testing Program in Western Maryland. Annual meeting of the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science, Mobile, AL. Schoenian, S., Bennett, M., Deitz-Band, J., Lantz, W., Semler, J., Whitley, N., 2007. Using the FAMACHA© system to control internal parasites in small ruminants during the summer grazing season. Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, Grand Rapids, MI. p. 171-172. Schoenian, S., Bennett, M., Deitz-Band, J., Lantz, W., Semler, J., Whitley, N., 2007. Initiating a Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test in Western Maryland. Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in Grand Rapids, MI., 76-77. Webb, D.M., Abaye, A.O., Teutsch, C., Scaglia, G., 2007. Assessing the potential of co-grazing small ruminants with beef cattle to improve utilization of marginal pasturelands in Virginia. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council Proceedings. State College, PA. Weiss, S.A., Ketring, R.C., Godfrey, R.W., 2007. Evaluation of alternative small ruminant finishing systems for the tropics. J. Animal Sci. 85(Suppl. 1), 661. Whitley, N.C., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Cazac, D., Subburathinam, R., Dykes, L., 2007. Influence of high tannin grain sorghum on gastrointestinal nematode infection (GIN) in goats. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 35. Whitley, N.C., Jackson, D.J., Cazac, D., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Schoenian, S., 2007. Pasture-raised Katahdin and Katahdin crossbred lambs: growth and parasite resistance. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 2), 36. Wildeus, S. and Collins, J.R. (2007) Estrus response and timing of ovulation in estrus synchronized goats and hair sheep treated with a combination of eCG and hCG. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. p. 37 Wildeus, S., Zajac, M., 2007. Fecal egg counts and packed blood cell volume in periparturient Katahdin and St. Croix hair sheep ewes grazing naturally infected pastures. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., 35 Wildeus, S., Collins, J.R., 2007. Kidding performance of Myotonic and Spanish goats mated to Boer and Kiko sires in an accelerated mating system. J Anim Sci 85 (Suppl. 1), 294. Proceedings papers Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., Burke, J.M., 2007. The effect of sericea lespedeza, fed as pellets, on established infection of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Proc. 21st Inter Conf World Assoc Adv Vet Parasitol, 262. Olcott, D.D., Weeks, B., Shakya, K., Smith, D., Miller, J., 2007. Effect of vaccination of goats with H-gal-GP and H11 antigens from intestinal membrane cells of Haemonchus contortus. Proc. 21st Inter Conf World Assoc Adv Vet Parasitol, 177. Terrill, T.H., Moore, D.A., Kouakou, B., Shaik, S.A., Vanguru, M., Mosjidis, J.A., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., 2007. Effect of Sericea lespedeza hay feeding on growth rate of goats infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Proc. 21st Inter Conf World Assoc Adv Vet Parasitol, 139. Schoenian, S., 2007. Genetic Improvement Through Central Buck Testing: Lessons and Opportunities. Proc Inter Goat Symp, Lindsay, Ontario, Canada. Schoenian, S., Dietz-Band, J., 2007. Grazing Goats: A Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test in Western Maryland. Proc Appalachian Grazing Conference. Morgantown, WV. Technical papers Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., 2007. Use of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) to control barber pole worm in lambs and kids. Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control Web Publication, 4 pp. (http://www.scsrpc.org/SCSRPC/Files/Joan/COWP%20Use%203.pdf). Coffey, L., Hale, M., Terrill, T., Mosjidis, J., Miller, J., Burke, J. 2007. Tools for Managing Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants: Sericea Lespedeza. NCAT/ATTRA and SCSRPC (http://www.scsrpc.org/SCSRPC/Files/sericea_lespedeza.pdf). Hale, M., Burke, J., Miller, J., Terrill, T., 2007. Tools for managing internal parasites in small ruminants: Copper wire particles. ATTRA Web Publication, 8 pp. (www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/copper_wire.pdf) Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Ball, D., Bostick, J., 2007. Frequent Questions and Answers Regarding Sericea Lespedeza. Web Publication, 5 pp. (http://www.ag.auburn.edu/agrn//mosjidis/sericea1lespedeza.htm). Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Ball, D., 2007. Misconception of Sericea Lespedeza as an Invasive Species. Web Publication, 2 pp. (http://www.ag.auburn.edu/agrn//mosjidis/sericea1lespedeza.htm). Schoenian, S., 2007. Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test. The Goat Magazine/Goat Biz Magazine. April/May, 44-46. Schoenian, S., 2007. Results from Western Maryland Forage Test Announced. The Goat Rancher: Kiko Corner. November, 38. Solaiman, S.G., 2007. Comparing goat production economics on different production systems in Southeastern U.S. Notes On Goats. Tuskegee University Publication No. 07-11 Whitley, N., 2007. Sericea lespedeza pellets and fecal egg counts in goats. Maryland Sheep and Goat Newsletter. http://www.sheepandgoat.com/news/Fall2007.html Whitley, N., 2007. Improving Sheep and Goat Production Sustainability. Maryland Cooperative Extensions 1890 Program Impact booklet. pg. 11 Web sites Schoenian, S., Dietz-Band, J., 2007. Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test [http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com].

Impact Statements

The FAMACHA technique for identifying sheep and goats that are anemic due to the nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus has been validated. This technique has been readily accepted and producers have indicated that they have reduced their number of dewormings which has reduced costs and improved productivity.
The incidence of resistance to dewormers/anthelmintics in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. might be grossly underestimated and it is imperative to determine the level of resistance.
Copper oxide wire particles hold promise as an alternative anthelmintic for goats in OK where there is resistance to levamisole.
COWP incorporated into feed pellets effectively reduced the worm burden (based on FEC) of naturally acquired infections and can be used for control.
Sericea lespedeza fed as pellets effectively reduced the worm burden (based on FEC) of naturally acquired infections and can be used for control.
H11/H-gal-GP vaccination effectively prevented reinfection and these antigens show promise for controlling H. contortus under grazing conditions in ewes.
The primary parasite infecting sheep and goats in MD during a dry year was not Haemonchus contortus.
Dietary copper sulfate failed to control nematode infection and should not be used.
Grazing sericea lespedeza offered control of nematode infection and weight gains could be improved with the addition of this forage.
Failure of copper oxide wire particles to control nematode infection in lambs or kids in one trial in VA indicated that under some circumstances the particles may not work.
Bucks have been evaluated for performance on pasture and the test continues to build support among the commercial and purebred sectors of the meat goat industry. The many meat goat producers would prefer to use a performance-tested buck.
Orchardgrass and fescue were of excellent quality and exceeded the nutritional requirements of suckling kids and nursing does managed under controlled, rotational grazing management; therefore, these grasses have strong potential for the development of year round forage grazing systems for part of the southeastern United States.
The use of grazing goats with cattle showed potential for improving the utilization of plants that were both established and invasive on reclaimed coal mined lands in the Appalachian region. The preference of goats for invasive plant species and increased output per land area are attractive benefits of mixed grazing of livestock in this region.
Protein supplementation of sheep and goats on warm-season forages can be important in expression of genetic potential for gain and is especially relevant in breeds with higher genetic potential for gain.
Use of improved forages can lead to decreased feed costs for producing market lambs in the USVI
Heavier lambs produced by crossbred ewes will increase revenue for producers. The lambs will reach market weight sooner than hair breeds in the USVI.
Short-duration MGA feeding, combined with an injection of prostaglandin effectively synchronized estrus in hair sheep ewes for out of season breeding.
Changes to forage systems for grazing goats improved animal health and decreased cost of production in KY. Changes were made due to information presented at the producer meetings.
Educating extension agents in KY made them better able to answer questions for producers and the information is more uniform.

Date of Annual Report: 05/06/2009

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/01/2009 - 02/01/2009
Period the Report Covers: 02/01/2008 - 01/01/2009

Participants

Jim Miller (jmille1@lsu,edu) - Louisiana State University AgCenter (Chair);
Niki Whitley (ncwhitle@ncat.edu) - North Carolina A&T State University (Secretary); Jean-Marie Luginbuhl (jean-marie.luginbuh@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina State University (Secretary-elect); David Morrison (dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU AgCenter (Administrative Advisor); Ozzie Abaye, Virginia Tech University; Ken Andries (Kenneth.andries@kysu.edu) - Kentucky State University; Mike Brown (mike.brown@ars.usda.gov) - USDA ARS El Reno, OK; Joan Burke (joan.burke@ars.usda.gov) - USDA ARS Booneville, AR; Bob Godfrey (rgodfre@uvi.edu) - University of the Virgin Islands; Dahlia Jackson OBrien (djjackson@desu.edu) - Delaware State University; Nada Nadarajah (nadarka@auburn.edu) - Auburn University; Susan Schoenian (sschoen@umd.edu)
University of Maryland; Sandra Solaiman (ssolaim@tuskegee,edu) - Tuskegee University; Tom Terrill (errillt@fvsu.edu) - Fort Valley State University; Stephan Wildeus (swildeus@vsu.edu) - Virginia State University; Aimee Wurst (wursta@lincolnu.edu) - Lincoln University Extension; Maria Leite-Browning (mll0002@auburn.edu) - Alabama Cooperative Extension;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Chair Jim Miller called the meeting to order at 10:00am. Self introductions were made and the guests in attendance were as follows: Olga Bolden-Tiller, Tuskegee University; Paul Casey, Heifer Project International; Joni Collins, Virginia State University; Will Getz, Fort Valley State University; Sarah Orlik, Louisiana State University; Nar Guring, Tuskegee University;
Kim Cassida, USDA, ARS, Beaver, West Virginia; A.T. (Gbola) Adesoga, University of Florida-IFAS; Richard Browning, Tennessee State University. Members not in attendance were noted. Deb Hamernik (CSREES Rep) could not be in attendance. Proceedings format was discussed and it was decided to keep the format the same as last year. New officers were introduced and format/duties of officers were discussed.

David Morrison (Administrative Advisor) Commended group for good reporting, collaborations, etc. and indicated he will work with Officers to get annual report submitted. He encouraged attendance at the ASAS-CSAS-ADSA Joint Annual Meeting to be held in Montreal, Canada in July and reminded the group that a passport would be needed. As President-elect of Southern Section ASAS, David expressed appreciation for SCC-81 participation and commented that the
small ruminant session had grown into one of the most significant groups at the meeting. It is one of the sessions with the most abstract submissions this year. David indicated that NRI is now AFRI and that CSREES will no longer exist as an entity within USDA as of October 1, 2009, but will become the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) with reorganization in an attempt to raise Ag research to NIH/NSF level for research funding. He passed around an AFRI program letter and indicated that Deb Hamernik had taken a new position at the University of Nebraska and that SCC-81 would be assigned a new CSREES representative at some point. David reported that ASAS/ADSA/PSA/FASS have chosen to hire scientific liaison/public policy person to be housed in Washington DC to provide educational to info Congressional members on behalf of the animal societies. The position will be funded through those societies based on membership levels. Alliance of American Agriculture Science Society (AAAS) has formed recently and identified 5 topics important to ag to help raise ag awareness. Jim noted that only new submissions are allowed for AFRI, no resubmissions/renewals; previously funded grants have to have a report on previous funding efforts though. Mike Brown noted that the requirement to have matching from non-federal sources may prohibit USDA-ARS from participating. Will Getz noted Stephans vital role in starting the SCC-81 group.

Station reports were presented for all four objectives.

Jim reminded the group of the organizational structure - Chair will organize and conduct the meeting, Secretary will take the minutes and help Chair write up the annual report,and a new Secretary will be elected each year and the current Secretary will become the new Chair.

Discussion on format for the meeting. It was recommended that 1) the meeting start earlier because membership and participation has grown (9:00am instead of 10:00), 2) to present reports by station vs objective to save time, 3) limit reporting to the official representative in order to save time, and 4) not to present information that will be presented later during the Southern Section meetings. Jean-Marie Luginbuhl volunteered to be Secretary and was unanimously elected as the new Secretary; Dahlia Jackson OBrien volunteered for the following year.

Short forum for a Goat Initiative: Nada Nadarajah, Auburn University presented the idea of a group focusing on goat research in a Forum for a meat goat initiative under the Southern Region Small Ruminant Research Group; suggested various research components with task forces for each component conducting collaborative research in the task force area

Mini-symposium - Extension Issues: Will Getz, Fort Valley State University discussed 2009 Small Ruminant Landscape: History of Extension involvement in sheep and goat production; Extension educator roles with associations and commodity organization (and warnings about conflicts of interest); Current hot issues.

Susan Schoenian, University of Maryland. How to meet objectives: Unbiased, research-based information to public; Challenges; Old model updated with new technologies but old programming styles still important; Youth focus important; Need mix of traditional and innovative new programs.

Ken Andries, Kentucky State University. What is needed: What has been done and needs to be done; Issues involved; Producer questions including breeds/crossbreeding, feeds/feeding amounts, stocking rates, simple parasite control, economics/enterprise budgets

Discussion about Extension Issues concluded the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 5 pm.

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Develop integrated GIN control methods that decrease reliance on chemical dewormers through the use of selective deworming (FAMACHA system), better forage management and grazing options, and breed or animal selection for nematode resistance or resilience. Clemson University Evaluation of alternate forages to control gastrointestinal nematode infection and for forage finishing of lambs - Susan Duckett, John Andrae Four, 1 acre pastures (2 chicory and 2 bermudagrass) were established at Clemson University Forage Grazing Unit. Thirty Southdown lambs will be randomly allotted to grazing treatment (chicory or bermudagrass) in two replicate pastures. Fecal samples will be used to determine fecal egg load using a McMaster egg counting slide according to the manufacturers directions. Lambs will be weighed, FAMACHA scored, and feces collected at monthly intervals throughout the grazing experiment. Lambs will be weighed every 14-d and slaughtered when forage growth becomes inadequate to support animal growth or live weight exceeds 125 lb. A field day will be held in summer at Clemson University. Results from this applied research trial will be discussed as well as other forage alternatives for use to reduce GIN. Delaware State University Use of garlic as a potential natural dewormer in small ruminants Results: For experiment 1, there was an effect of day on FEC (Pd0.01), but no effect of treatment. Day 0 FEC (2189±807epg) was lower (Pd0.03) than FEC on d7, 14, and 21 (averaged 4350±882, 4485±1987, 4414±932epg, respectively). In Exp 2, a single dose of garlic was not effective in reducing FEC in goats, with FEC increasing 20.3% over that of the CON (e 90% reduction considered effective). The initial pooled fecal sample consisted of 90% Haemonchus contortus (HC) and 10% trichostrongylus (Tric). After treatment, CON fecals consisted of 92% HC and 8% tric while GAR samples consisted of 86% HC and 13% tric. Anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants in the Delmarva region Results: In DE, efficacy of albendazole (ALB; Farm A), moxidectin (MOX; Farm A), ivermectin (IVM; Farm B) and levamisol (LEV; Farm B) were tested. In VA, efficacy of ALB, MOX, LEV (Farms C and D) and IVM (Farm D) was tested. The efficacy of MOX (Farm E), IVM (Farm F) and LEV (Farm F) were tested on goat farms in MD. On the sheep farms in MD, VAL (Farm G), MOX (Farms H and I), LEV (Farm I) and IVM (Farm I) were tested. The results from this study indicated that ALB was effective in one out of three farms tested (96.3, 70.1, and 78.7% on farms A, C and D, respectively); MOX was effective in two out of six farms tested (100, 99.7, 1.5, 73.9, 81.3, 33.2% on farms A, H, C, D, E, and I, respectively); IVM was ineffective on all three farms tested (-31.3, 32.8, and 85.6% on farms B, D, and I, respectively); and LEV was effective on four out of five farms tested (98.8, 99.5, 100, 92.7, 84.4% on farms B, C, D, and I, respectively). Anthelmintic Resistance on Mid-Atlantic U.S. Farms: Results Obtained Using in vitro DrenchRite® Larval Development Assays Results: In DE, 5/5 farms tested had GIN that were resistant to BZ, 1/5 resistant to LEV, 5/5 resistant to IVM, and 3/5 resistant to MOX. In MD, 8/8 farms tested had GIN resistant to BZ, 1/8 suspected resistant to LEV, 6/8 resistant or low resistant to IVM and 4/8 resistant or low resistant to MOX. In VA, 2/2 farms tested had GIN resistant to BZ, 0/2 resistant to LEV, 2/2 resistant to IVM, and 2/2 resistant or low resistant to MOX. In PA, the single farm tested had GIN resistance only to BZ. Pumpkin Seeds Fail to Have Anthelmintic Effects in Meat Goats Results: Body weight was similar between the two groups at all time points measured and averaged 24.1±1.0 kg for all animals. Goat PCV tended (P<0.06) to be influenced by day, averaging 37.8±1.2, 30.8±1.8%, 34.1±1.7 and 33.6±1.7% for days 0, 7, 14 and 21, respectively. Goat FEC was not influenced by treatment or day, averaging 5965.3± 795.7, 6411.2± 1823.8, 3425.0± 413.5, and 3655.0± 631.1 eggs per gram on day 0, 7, 14, and 21, respectively. Fort Valley State University Evaluation of copper oxide wire particles in a feed pellet to control gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats Results: In Trial 1, COWP treatment reduced FEC (P < 0.05) in both sheep and goats, with a greater effect in goats, and increased PCV (P < 0.05) in the goats only. In the second trial with goats only, COWP treatment reduced FEC (P < 0.05) and total worm count (P < 0.05), but had no effect on PCV values. Efficacy of anthelmintics on llama and alpaca farms in Georgia Results: According to both the FECR and LDA test data, there was GIN resistance to IVM and FBZ on all the farms where these methods were used. There was MOX resistance on 1 llama farm using the FECR test, and low-level/suspected resistance to LEV on 2 farms using the DrenchRite® system. Validation of the FAMACHA© system for anemia detection on llama and alpaca farms in the United States Results: The correlations between FAMACHA©, PCV, and FEC were all highly significant (P < 0.001) for SAC data. Incidence of false negatives (animals with anemia not identified by the FAMACHA© system) was <2% for SACs whether FAMACHA© scores of >3 or >4 were considered anemic. False positives for the two FAMACHA© categories were 43.9 and 15.3%, respectively. Even when treating 3s, 4s, and 5s, a correct treatment diagnosis would have been predicted using the FAMACHA© system over half (55.6%) the time. Langston University Comparison of copper sulfate and copper oxide wire particles as a dewormer for goats Results: Mean fecal egg count for the group before treatment was 5,350 eggs/gram (SD=6608). Fecal egg count was not significantly reduced by N (FECR = 44%; P>.10). FECR was significantly reduced by L (FECR = 83%; P<.05), C (FECR = 77%; P<.05) and H (FECR=67%; P<.05). Preliminary study of alternative dewormers Results: Fecal egg count reduction was 24% for the Black Walnut hulls, not different from the control (44%). The FEC was significantly reduced by Cayenne pepper (FECR = 62%; P<.10) and wormwood (FECR = 81%; P<.10). LSU Agricultural Center and School of Veterinary Medicine Use of copper oxide wire particles in feed pellets for controlling the peri-parturient rise in parasitic nematode fecal egg count of crossbred ewes Results: FEC remained low through week 4. Subsequently, FEC increased steadily and consistently in both groups until at week 7 when both groups had greater than 1000 epg (Group 1: 1320 epg, Group 2: 1300epg). After treatment FEC decreased to 1055 epg and 225 epg for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. FEC remained above 1000 epg and below 300 epg for the groups, respectively, and the difference was significant (p<0.05). PCV remained consistently between 30-35 for the entire study and there was no difference (p>0.05) between groups. However, there was a trend for Groups 2 PCV to be greater than Group 1 PCV subsequent to COWP treatment. Comparison of copper oxide wire particles in feed pellets and anthelmintics for controlling parasitic nematode infection in summer grazing lambs Results: At weaning, the anthelmintic treatment reduced FEC to almost zero in all lambs with a mean of 45 epg and 64 epg for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Infection level increased steadily and consistently for both groups until at week 10 the group treatments had to be administered. Mean FEC/PCV at that time was 9,386/20.5 and 14,936/18.0 for both groups, respectively. At week 11, FEC/PCV was 550/23.6 960/21 for both groups, respectively. Prior to the week 10 treatments, there were 4 and 3 individual treatments administered to Group 1 and 2 lambs, respectively. Subsequent to the week 10 treatments, 8 and 4 individual treatments were administered, respectively. There was no difference (p>0.05) between groups for FEC or PCV during the study. North Carolina A&T State University Developing methods for genetic selection related to parasite resistance Results: No significant differences were observed between cross-bred and Spanish goats in natural resistance to nematode infections. Adult goats had better body condition scores, heavier body weight, and greater resistance to internal parasites than yearling goats, as expected. Collection and storage of caprine blood on FTA cards was simple and produced usable DNA for PCR. The process has been started to identify genes necessary for genetic diversity associated with susceptibility and resistance of goats to parasitic and inflammatory diseases. Natural resistance genes are expressed in naturally parasite-infected goats. Age specific management practices should be followed to ensure improvements in the health status of yearling goats. Correlating this gene expression with the exposure to parasitic infection needs further study that should consider the number of goats involved in the experiment as well as controlling for any condition, other than infection, that can be deemed as an extraneous factor in the expression of genes associated with natural resistance. Evaluation of sericea lespedeza as a potential natural anthelmintic in goats Results: Results will be provided to scientists through professional meetings and to producers through workshop presentations and newsletter articles. University of Maryland Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test Results: Three groups of goats have been tested. In 2008, ten bucks met the minimum standards established for growth and parasite resistance and resilience. The first Western Maryland Performance-Tested Buck and Invitational Doe Sale and Field Day was held on October 4, 2008. Results of the test are shared with producers via a blog: http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com. USDA-ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center Administration of copper oxide wire particles as a bolus or in feed for gastrointestinal nematode control in yearling or peri-parturient does Results: In yearling does, FEC of the BOL group was less than CON and SUP groups and in the peri-parturient does, FEC of BOL and SUP groups was less than CON (COWP x production phase, P < 0.005). A peri-parturient rise in FEC was apparent in the peri-parturient does (production phase x date, P < 0.001). PCV tended to decline with time in both yearling and peri-parturient does (P < 0.09). In summary, it appeared that the BOL was more effective than the SUP for GIN control in yearling does, and both the BOL and SUP were effective in peri-parturient does. However, differences between groups of does may have been confounded with age. Changes in body weight of lambs and gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) indicators of an ARS Katahdin flock Results: FEC at 90 d of age was similar between 2005 and 2007, but was reduced in 2008 (P < 0.001). In 2006, 120 (P < 0.001) and 150 d (P < 0.001) FEC were greater than other years and 120 d FEC was lowest in 2008. PCV determined at 90 d of age was above 30% in all years, though there was a year effect (P < 0.001). PCV at 120 d (P < 0.001) of age was lowest in 2006 and PCV at 150 d (P < 0.001) of age was lowest in 2008. These results are somewhat dependent on sire, which was confounded with year of study. There was a positive correlation between FEC of dam at 90 d of age and that of her offspring determined at 120 (P < 0.003; R = 0.45) and 150 d (P < 0.005; R = 0.41) of age, but not 90 d of age. There were no other significant correlations observed. Virginia State University Effect of copper oxide wire particles as a bolus or in feed on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism in goat kids of two breeds Results: Mean FEC of all kids at the onset of the trial exceeded 4000 eggs/g. FEC decreased in BOLUS and FEED groups (1199 and 860 eggs/g) compared to CONT (2891 eggs/g) within 7 d of treatment, and remained lower (P<0.05) up to 35 d after treatment. This difference in FEC was not reflected in a significant difference in PCV between treatment groups. There was no difference in FEC between BOLUS and FEED groups. Haemonchus contortus represented 58% of the nematode population in the goats at the onset of the trial, and decreased to 2-3% in COWP treated kids at d 21 after treatment before recovering. FEC was lower (P<0.01) in Myotonic than Spanish goats (1535 vs. 2966 eggs/g, respectively), but breeds did not differ in PCV. Effect of parasite management practices on fecal egg counts and fiber characteristics in alpacas Results: Average body weight throughout the grazing season was similar between treatment groups (timed: 68.4±1.1 kg; on-demand: 68.7±1.5 kg), with no fluctuations except in response to shearing. Packed blood cell volume also was not affected by treatment (timed: 32.2±1.5%; on-demand: 33.8±1.7%), and all FAMACHA scores were #2. Fecal egg counts remained low throughout the grazing season (timed: 9.5±7.1 eggs/g; on-demand: 10.1±12.2 eggs/g), and only one animal exceeded 200 eggs/g in the on-demand group, and was treated with moxidectin. Parasite management had no effect on fleece weight (mean 2.64±0.79 kg), or fleece characteristics (average fiber diameter: 33.7±4.7 µm; staple length: 9.75±1.18 cm; fiber curvature: 33.7±5.7 deg/mm). Objective 2: Develop a forage-based feeding system for year-round grazing that meets nutritional requirements by evaluating performance of forage (legumes, grass, and browse) varieties and/or forage systems and animal performance Kentucky State University Evaluation of forage quality of fescue and native warm season parental forages for goat production in Kentucky Results: Drought conditions in 2007 combined with a cold spring caused establishment issues related to annual forages and delayed the emergence of the native warm season forages. Drought conditions returned in the summer of 2008 causing this project to be terminated for the year. It is hoped that weather will be more favorable in 2009 and the grazing aspect of this project will be able to begin. Red clover was inter-seeded in the native warm season forage in an attempt to improve the stand strength without the use of chemical fertilizers. The clover stand appeared to be good in the spring of 2008; the drought may reduce stand survival so we are not sure if it will be available in 2009. Plans have been made to frost seed red clover in fescue pastures to improve forage quality and decrease the possible impact of the Endophyte fungus on the goats. Samples will be collected in 2009 to determine the Endophyte concentrations of the research fields. Kentucky Master Goat Grazer Demonstration Farm Results: At this time the three locations have been identified. The farms are located in different regions of Kentucky allowing for the greatest exposure and participation by producers. This also gives us a diverse set of land and management issues to work with. North Carolina State University Evaluation of Jessup Novel endophyte MaxQ fescue and Persist orchardgrass for nursing does and kids Results: Suckling kids performed well when fed only on these two forage species under controlled grazing management. Conversely, nursing does lost weight and body condition. Nevertheless, in a fall breeding system (September October), adult does would have ample time to regain body condition for optimal reproductive performance while only grazing summer forages and (or) browse. Evaluation of Sericea lespedeza as a summer forage and for helminth control of grazing goats. Results: Trial 1: FEC of kids grazing SL decreased within 7 d and stayed lower (P < 0.05) from d 7 through 49. The PCV values of the SL goats were higher (P < 0.05) from d 28 to 49 and FAMACHA scores were lower (P < 0.05) on d 35 and 49. The FEC of the CMBO kids decreased (P < 0.06) within 7 d of grazing SL and then increased (P < 0.01) when switched to PM. Six of the 12 kids on PM had to be dewormed within 14 d. Following barn feeding on d 49, FEC rose and PCV decreased in all treatments. Kid gains were similar across treatments (avg 101 g/d). Trial 2: Goats grazing SL had lower FEC (P < 0.05) than those on BG on d 14, 35 and 42. A 58% (d 42) and 69% (d 70) decrease in FEC was observed within 7 d of switching goats from BG to SL. The SL FAMACHA scores decreased from d 0 to 42 (P < 0.05 on d 28 and 42) while BG scores increased. In summary, in both trials animals grazing SL had lower FEC and had to be dewormed less frequently. Tuskegee University Intake, digestibility, and passage of sericea lespedeza hay in wether goats Results: Dry matter intake did not change; however, CP intake was higher (quadratic, P = 0.03) when SL replaced ALF in B and C diets. Acid detergent fiber (linear, P = 0.005), NDF (linear, P = 0.01), and ether extract (linear, P = 0.004) intake reduced where as ash (linear, P = 0.005) and NFC (linear, P= 0.002) intake increased as SL increased in the diets. Dry matter (linear, P = 0.08), CP (linear, P = 0.008), ADF (linear, P = 0.0004), NDF (linear, P = 0.001), and ash (linear, P = 0.006) digestibility decreased whereas NFC (linear, P = 0.04) digestibility increased as SL replaced ALF in the diets. Nitrogen intake, and fecal nitrogen were higher (quadratic, P = 0.047) when SL replaced ALF and resulted in higher absorbed nitrogen; however, blood urea nitrogen, urinary nitrogen and nitrogen balance did not change. No differences were observed in serum parameters except for triglyceride (linear, P = 0.05), red blood cells (linear, P = 0.04) and pack cell volume (linear, P = 0.04) that were reduced with increasing levels of SL. Replacing SL with ALF had no effect on total tract passage kinetics of the goats in our study. Nutrient intake and digestibility were reduced with no effect on passage, when SL replaced ALF and comprised 50% of forage portion of 60: 40 forage: concentrate ration. Growth performance and carcass characteristics of goat kids fed diets containing sericea lespedeza Results: There was no difference in initial BW; however, ADG was higher (quadratic, P = 0.01) for goats consuming either 30% ALF or 30% SL diets. Feed intake increased (linear, P = 0.03) as SL increased in the diets; however, G:F (quadratic, P = 0.002) was lower, scrotal circumference tended to decrease (quadratic, P = 0.07) and height decreased (quadratic, P = 0.01) for goats consuming diets B and C. White blood cells decreased (linear, P = 0.05), lymphocytes % increased (linear, P = 0.05), and serum amylase decreased (linear, P = 0.01) as the level of SL increased in the diets. Replacing SL for ALF did not affect carcass characteristics except adjusted fat that decreased (linear, P = 0.02). with increased SL in the diet. There was no effect of added SL on fecal egg count in this study. Replacing SL with ALF up to 30% in the diet adversely affected the growth performance and gain efficiency in growing goats. Effects of distillers dried grains with solubles on intake, digestibility, and passage rate in goats Results: With the inclusion of DDGS, ether extract contents of total diets increased from 2.39 (no DDGS) to 4.98% (38.1% DDGS). No differences were observed in DM, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), hemicellulose and non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) intakes between treatments. Ether extract (EE) intake increased (P < 0.01) as DDGS level and percent fat levels increased in the diet. The DM digestibility tended to decrease (P = 0.14) with increasing levels of DDGS. Similarly, ADF digestibility decreased (P < 0.04) as DDGS replaced higher levels of corn and soybean meal in the diet but NDF digestibility was not different (P = 0.16). The EE digestibility was higher for goats consuming 25.4% DDGS (quadratic; P = 0.04). The passage kinetics was not affected by DDGS inclusion. Overall, up to 38% of DDGS (on dry matter basis) can be included in diets for meat goats without any compromise in nutrient intakes and digestibility. Effects of feeding varying levels of distillers dried grain with solubles on growth performance, blood parameters and carcass quality of meat goats Results: Initial BW (P = 0.22), final BW (P = 0.39), and average daily gain (P = 0.62) were not different between treatments. The dry matter intake (P = 0.62) and gain: feed ratio (P = 0.84) were similar between diets. There were no effects (P > 0.05) of DDGS supplementation on serum blood urea nitrogen, serum cholesterol, and glucose levels. Dressing percent (P = 0.18) and rib eye area (P = 0.73) remained similar but 12th rib fat levels were significantly different (P =0.0033) between treatments, with 10.3% DDGS-containing diet showing the highest fat thickness at the 12th rib. The results indicate that DDGS is a viable feedstuff for meat goats and up to 31% of DDGS can be included in the diet without any compromise in dry matter intake, growth performance and carcass quality. Effects of Feeding Peanut Skins on Intake, Digestibility and Passage Rates in Meat Goats Results: The condensed tannin in PS was found to be 4.13% on dry matter basis. No differences (P >0.05) were observed between dietary treatments with respect to DMI, dry matter digestibility, crude protein (CP) intake and CP digestibility and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. However, there was a tendency for linear decrease (P = 0.10) in dry matter intakes with increasing levels of PS in the diet. Similarly, ADF digestibility decreased (Linear; P = 0.06) as the level of PS increased. Both acid detergent fiber (ADF; P = 0.02)) and NDF (P = 0.06) intakes decreased linearly as PS level increased. Ether extract (EE) intake showed a linear increase (P = 0.001) with higher levels of PS in the diet, but EE intake did not affect dry matter digestibility (P = 0.42). The EE digestibility also increased (Quadratic; P = 0.04) as PS inclusion increased. The nitrogen utilization and passage kinetics were not affected by PS inclusion. Overall, up to 30% of PS (on as fed basis) can be included in diets for meat goats without any compromise in nutrient intakes and digestibility. Performance of Meat Goats Fed an Eastern Gamagrass diet supplemented with different types of fat Results: Preliminary results showed that there were no significant differences in intake for the different diets (6.61, 6.42, 6.41, 6.01 kg) for diets A, B, C and D, respectively. Average daily gain was also not significantly different among the dietary treatments; 63.56, 54.48, 49.94 and 54.48g for Diets A, B, C and D, respectively. Although not significant, these results shows that goats fed diet D were more efficient at utilizing the diets than the others. They tended to eat less but gained as much as those fed the vegetable oil diet and more than those fed the lard diet. The rest of the data will be statistically analyzed and is not available for this report. Virginia Tech The influence of cattle grazing alone and with goats vs ungrazed control on forage biomass, botanical composition and browse species Results: Mixed grazing of goats with cattle can have positive influences on botanical composition and invasive plant species control on reclaimed coal-mined lands in the Appalachian region. When compared to control and cattle alone grazing, forage availability was lower for mixed grazing over the entire grazing season. Forage biomass in the control and cattle grazing were 2233.3 and 729.8 kg/ha lower, respectively, in 2007 compared to 2006. Goats showed a clear preference for browse species and forbs such as sericea lespedeza. The grazing behavior of goats influenced the growth pattern of sericea lespedeza from an erect, woody, less leafy plant to a shorter, more palatable, and more leafy plant. The shorter and leafier sericea lespedeza was more acceptable and thus was readily grazed by cattle. In 2006, grazed treatments resulted in a reduction in undesirable weedy species. Furthermore, by the end of the 2007 grazing season, the grazing treatments reduced the weed percentages below 30%. By the end of the two grazing seasons, the grass component of the grazed pastures increased while legumes particularly clovers declined. The change in botanical composition of the pastures due to grazing can be attributed to the grazing pattern and diet preference of the grazing animals. The grazing behavior and diet selection of goats greatly differs from cattle. This makes the mixed grazing of cattle and goats an alternative management technique for managing diverse pasture swards. Goat browsing had negative impact on autumn olive shrubbery. In 2006, branch length was negatively impacted by goat browsing but not in 2007. Differences in autumn olive height showed differences in summer-fall period 2006 and spring-summer period 2007 but no differences in shrub height at the end of the growing seasons were noted. Shrub survival was lower in mixed grazing (61%) by the end of the experiment compared to the other treatments. Standing on their hindlegs and placing their weight on branches resulted in the development of a browse line, broken, and dead branches. Bark stripping and girdling further crippled autumn olive shrub vigor. Mixed grazing goats with cattle is a viable practice on reclaimed coal-mined lands. Mixed grazing resulted in greater utilization of pasture resources mainly due to the different grazing habit of goats and cattle offering opportunities for complementary pasture use. Goats provided biological control for invasive plant species, such as autumn olive. Therefore, goats could have a major role in low-input farm enterprises in the Appalachian coal-mining region. These results suggest that goats and cattle grazing together can be possible that if plant species are diverse and the appropriate mixture of cattle and goats are used, the efficiency of utilization of both herbaceous and woody species can be maximized. Objective 3: Evaluate the production potential of pure- and crossbred sheep and goat germplasm under low-input, forage-based production systems in the Southeastern US. USDA-ARS Grazinglands Research Lab Genotype x Nutrition Interactions in Sheep and Goats Grazing Common Bermudagrass Results: Sheep had greater ADG than goats (45.4 ± 7 g/d vs 15 ± 7 g/d; P < 0.05). Protein supplementation did not increase ADG of the BI or SP kids. However, the BI kids had a higher ADG than the SP kids (22.14 + 7.5 g/d vs 7.7 + 7.4 g/d; P < 0.05). Protein supplementation did not increase ADG of the KK, KS, SK, or SS lambs. However, the SK had the greatest ADG (52.8 + 7.7 g/d) and were heavier than SS (34.4 + 8 g/d; P = 0.006). Results of this study suggest that protein supplementation had no effect on ADG in 2008. In total, 44.44 kg of protein supplementation was consumed in the two pens receiving supplementation, and on average, only 1.38 kg of supplementation per animal was consumed. It is possible that the kids and lambs met their protein requirements through forage protein this year whereas they may have met it by supplemental protein consumption last year due to pasture and climate differences. Further research is needed to determine the impact of low-level protein supplementation on lambs and meat goat kids productivity on warm-season pasture. University of the Virgin Islands The effect of weaning age of St Croix White and Dorper X St Croix White lambs on lamb growth and ewe weight change in an accelerated lambing system in the tropics Results: Ewe weight at breeding prior to this lambing was not different (P > 0.10) than at the subsequent breeding (41.7 ± 0.4 vs. 40.9 ± 0.4 kg, respectively). At the start of the subsequent breeding 80% of LATE ewes were nursing lambs while none of the CONTORL ewes were (P < 0.0001). Pregnancy rate at the subsequent breeding, determined by ultrasound, was not different (P > 0.10) between LATE and CONTROL ewes (85 vs. 90.9%, respectively). The ratio of litter weaning weight to ewe weight was greater (P < 0.002) for dams of LATE lambs than dams of CONTROL lambs (56.7 ± 3.0 vs. 42.6 ± 2.9%, respectively). At weaning LATE lambs were heavier (P < 0.0001) than CONTROL lambs (14.8 ± 0.6 vs. 10.7 ± 0.6 kg, respectively). At 90 d age there was no difference (P > 0.10) in weight between LATE and CONTROL lambs (14.9 ± 0.7 vs. 13.9 ± 0.6 kg, respectively) even though the CONTROL lambs had been on feed for 27 d since being weaned. The ADG from birth to 90 days of age was not different (P > 0.10) between LATE and CONTROL lambs (131.2 ± 6.9 vs. 119.9 ± 6.7 g/d, respectively). Virginia State University Use of liquid stored semen for simple vaginal artificial insemination in hair sheep Results: During the 5 day AI period 85% of ewes displayed estrus with a 75% pregnancy rate. There was no statistical difference (P<0.1) in pregnancy rate in single (67%) and twice inseminated (86%) ewes. Pregnancy rates in the three breeds ranged from 60% in Barbados Blackbelly to 80 and 83% in St. Croix and Katahdin ewe lambs, respectively (P<0.1). Objective 4: Disseminate research results and information to producers through station field days, workshops, websites. In 2008, eighteen (18) multi-county workshops, three (3) county field days, one (1) statewide symposium and one (1) statewide conference were conducted in the State of Alabama. These outreach activities placed emphasis on meat and dairy goat production systems and focused on areas such as genetics, reproductive management, nutrition, pasture management and renovation, performance testing, FAMACHA, herd health management, meat quality assurance, body condition scoring, carcass merit and fabrication, milk production and quality, and manufacture of cheese, soap, lotion, and shampoo. Speakers included in- and out-of-state experts from academia and state and federal government while sponsors were mostly from county and state private sector. Fort Valley State University Information on SL establishment and management and the results of 3 years of SL grazing trials with sheep in South Africa were presented to students, staff, and visiting farmers at FVSU, Auburn University, and Louisiana State University in March, 2008, by Hendrik Botha, a prominent South African producer and collaborating member of the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control. Kentucky State University - Kenneth Andries, Marion Simon Two field days will be held each year as part of the Kentucky State University Third Thursday Thing series of programs that will be dedicated to goat production. These programs will be held in March and October of each year. Speakers will include invited exports from other states and local producers, extension personal, and others in related industry or government positions. Topics for the programs will be determined by producer needs assessment procedures and current events Master Grazer is a program developed by the University of Kentucky extension program and has focused primarily on the beef industry. A modified version of this program will be considered and offered for goat and sheep producers. A three day Symposium will be held that focuses on issues identified by producers at previous Third Thursday Thing field days. These will include forage, genetics, health, and business management. Speakers will be invited from other states depending on expertise needed to provide a strong outreach opportunity. The target audience will be producers, especially small and limited resource producers in Kentucky. Langston University - Steve Hart Langston held their annual goat field day with 300 in attendance. Marketing your product was the theme with afternoon breakout sessions on goat health, marketing, starting your own business, goat budgets, nutrition and internal parasite control. Four parasite workshops were held throughout the year, with about 150 total participants. Workshops taught biology of the worm, dewormer selection and use, FAMACHA (including hands on) and doing your own fecal egg counts. In addition, there were 8 hour long presentations on parasite control throughout the year with a total of 520 in attendance. In addition, 6 popular press articles on parasite control which were later posted to web sites. There were 9 miscellaneous presentations on goat nutrition and goat husbandry with 450 total attendance. On the Langston web site we updated our procedure for doing your own fecal egg count with new pictures and improved text. North Carolina A&T State University An integrated parasite management presentation was given to 15 producers in and around Forsythe County, NC. The meeting was held on a Wednesday night from 7 pm to 9 pm. Oral discussions revealed that the majority of attendees were goat producers and at least 30% also had other non-small ruminant livestock species on their farm (cattle or horses). A voluntary impact evaluation survey was given after the presentation with no demographic information requested and no identifiers used. The survey consisted of 5 questions in a pre-post training format in which respondents were asked to rank their understanding of 5 topic areas using a 5 point Likert-type scale in which 1 = No Understanding and 5 = Complete Understanding. The topics included understanding of refugia, causes or methods of infection, methods to control infection to extend chemical dewormer life (including non-chemical methods), the life cycle of the barber pole worm, and the use of chemical dewormers in an integrated control program. Direct questions were also asked on the survey to determine if respondents intended to make changes on their farm as a result of the training just received (and if yes, what changes were planned), if respondents had previous training in this area and if respondents were interested in further training. North Carolina State University - Jean-Marie Luginbuhl Invited presentations were made at the following events: 1) 12th Annual Vermont Grazing Conference organized by the Vermont Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Burlington, VT; 2) International Kiko Goat Association KikoFest, Gray, TN.; 3) Kentucky State University Goat symposium, Frankfurt, KY; 4) Targeted Grazing Workshop, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA, 5) Center for Environmental Farming systems, Goldsboro, NC. Producers meetings were conducted by trained cooperative extension personnel and the NCSU meat goat specialist throughout North Carolina. One specific training was held at Fort Bragg for the 97th Civil Affairs Brigade before deployment to the Philippines. Invited lectures and field laboratories were delivered to NCSU students of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Tuskegee University - Nar Gurung The Tuskegee University Pre-Vet Club Open Goat Show was held on October 26, 2008. Prior to the actual event, a practice showmanship was conducted in order to increase the participation of minority youth. Ten youth from Perry County participated in the show. Several blue ribbons were won and the educational event/ program was productive for the youth, especially those that were able to attend both workshops leading up to the Tuskegee University Pre-Vet Club Open Goat Show. The show was very well attended this year. As compared to 16 participating youth in 2007, the number went up to 26 this year including 12 minority youth. We also had 26 freshmen students participate from the College of Agricultural, Environmental and Natural Sciences, Tuskegee University for the showmanship category. USDA-ARS Grazinglands Research Lab - Mike Brown Workshop on sheep production to producers and extension agents in Altay Prefecture in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Peoples Republic of China. Virginia Tech - Ozzie Abaye Conducted two field days. The field day participants were very diverse (culture/race and experience). There were a total of 100 people/field day. The field days were organized by Dr. Abaye and 4 county Extension Agents.

Publications

Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) Technical Correa, J.E. 2008. Nutritive Value of Goat Meat. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular. No. UNP-0061. Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities. Leite-Browning, M. L. 2008. Contagious Ecthyma (Orf/Sore Mouth) in Sheep and Goats. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular. No. UNP-0063. Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities. Leite-Browning, M. L. 2008. Listeriosis (Circling Disease). Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular. No. UNP-0064. Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities. Leite-Browning, M. L. 2008. Polioencephalomalacia (Goat Polio). Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular. No. UNP-0065. Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities. Leite-Browning, M. L. 2008. Mastitis in Goats. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular. No. UNP-0102. Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities. Spencer, R. D. 2008. Goat Facilities. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular. No. UNP-0103. Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities. Spencer, R. D. 2008. Overview of the U.S. Meat Goat Industry. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular. No. UNP-0104. Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities. Delaware State University Abstracts D.J. OBrien , M. C. Gooden, N. C. Whitley, and S. Schoenian. 2009. Use of garlic as a potential natural dewormer in small ruminants. J. Anim. Sci. Accepted. E. K. Crook, D. J. OBrien, N. C. Whitley, R. Kaplan, and J. L. Eierman. 2009. Anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants in the Delmarva region. J. Anim. Sci. Accepted. E. K. Crook, D. J. OBrien, N. C. Whitley and R. Kaplan. 2009. Anthelmintic Resistance on Mid-Atlantic U.S. Farms: Results Obtained Using in vitro DrenchRite® Larval Development Assays. ARD 15th Biannual research symposium proceedings. Accepted. D. J. OBrien, E.K. Crook, J.L. Eierman, N.C. Whitley, and J.E. Miller. 2009. Pumpkin Seeds Fail to Have Anthelmintic Effects in Meat Goats. ARD 15th Biannual research symposium proceedings. Accepted. Fort Valley State University Journal articles Howell, S.B., Kaplan, R.M., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Valencia, E., Williams, M.J., Williamson, L.H., Zajac, A.M., 2008. Anthelmintic resistance in sheep and goat farms in the southeastern United States. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 233, 1913-1919. Moore, D.A., Terrill, T.H., Kouakou, B., Shaik, S.A., Mosjidis, J.A., Miller, J.E., Vanguru, M., Kannan, G., Burke, J.M. 2008. The effects of feeding sericea lespedeza hay on growth rate of goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. J Anim Sci 86, 2328-2337. Abstracts Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., 2008. Impact of grazing systems on management of gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned lambs in Arkansas. J Anim Sci 86 (Suppl. 2), 394. Miller, J.E. Burke, J.M., Terrill, T.H., 2008. Effect of i copper oxide wire particles, incorporated into feed pellets, on established infection of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Proc 5th Inter Conf Novel Approaches Control Helminth Parasites Livestock Zajac, A.M., Miller, J.E., Kaplan, R.M., Terrill, T.H., 2008. Effect of manure preparation technique on larval recovery from fecal cultures. Proc 53rdAnn Meet Amer Assoc Vet Parasitol: 49. Soli, F.A., Terrill, T.H., Getz, W.R., Shaik, S.A., Vanguru1, M., Vuggam, A.K., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., 2008. Comparison of sheep and goats for efficacy of copper oxide wire particles against gastrointestinal nematodes. Ann Meet So Sect Amer Soc Anim Sci: 33. Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., Burke, J.M., 2008. The effect of sericea lespedeza, fed as pellets, on established infection of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Ann Meet So Sect Amer Soc Anim Sci: 32. Shaik, S.A., Terrill1, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Dykes, G.S., Miller, J.E., Kouakou, B., Kannan, G., Burke, J.M., 2008. Use of sericea lespedeza hay to reduce worm burden in goats. Ann Meet So Sect Amer Soc Anim Sci: 32-33. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Journal articles Hunt, P.W., McEwan, J.C., Miller, J.E., 2008. Future perspectives for the implementation of genetic markers for parasite resistance in sheep. Trop Biomed 25, 18-33. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., 2008. Use of FAMACHA system to evaluate gastrointestinal nematode resistance in offspring of stud rams. Vet Parasitol 153, 185-192. Chaudary, F.R., Qayyum, M., Miller, J.E., 2008. Development and survival of Haemonchus contortus infective larvae derived from sheep faeces under sub-tropical conditions in the Potohar region of Pakistan. Trop Anim Health Prod 40, 85-92. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., 2008. Dietary copper sulfate for control of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Vet Parasitol 154, 289-293. Fontenot, D.K., Kinney-Moscona, A., Kaplan, R.M., Miller, J., 2008. Effects of copper oxide wire particle bolus therapy on trichostrongyle fecal egg counts in exotic artiodactylids. J Zoo Wild Med 39, 642-645. Howell, S.B., Kaplan, R.M., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Valencia, E., Williams, M.J., Williamson, L.H., Zajac, A.M., 2008. Anthelmintic resistance in sheep and goat farms in the southeastern United States. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 233, 1913-1919. Moore, D.A., Terrill, T.H., Kouakou, B., Shaik, S.A., Mosjidis, J.A., Miller, J.E., Vanguru, M., Kannan, G., Burke, J.M. 2008. The effects of feeding sericea lespedeza hay on growth rate of goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. J Anim Sci 86, 2328-2337. Burke, J.M., Wells, A., Casey, P., Miller, J.E., 2009. Garlic and papaya lack control over gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Vet Parasitol 159, 171-174. Abstracts Whitley, N.C., Terrill, T.H., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Gooden, M.C., 2008. Influence of sericea lespedeza pellets on gastrointestinal parasite fecal egg counts in goats. J Anim Sci 86 (Supple. 2), 92-93. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., 2008. Impact of grazing systems on management of gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned lambs in Arkansas. J Anim Sci 86 (Suppl. 2), 394. Miller, J.E. Burke, J.M., Terrill, T.H., 2008. Effect of i copper oxide wire particles, incorporated into feed pellets, on established infection of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Proc 5th Inter Conf Novel Approaches Control Helminth Parasites Livestock Moscona, A.K., Borkhsenious, O., Sod, G. A., Leibenguth, B.A., Miller, J.E., 2008. Mechanisim of action of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) as an anthelmintic agent. Proc 53rdAnn Meet Amer Assoc Vet Parasitol: 39. Shakya, K.P., Miller, J.E., Horohov, D.W., 2008. Comparative evaluation of immune responses to Haemonchus contortus infections in relatively resistant Gulf Coast Native and susceptible Suffolk lambs. Proc 53rdAnn Meet Amer Assoc Vet Parasitol: 40. Zajac, A.M., Miller, J.E., Kaplan, R.M., Terrill, T.H., 2008. Effect of manure preparation technique on larval recovery from fecal cultures. Proc 53rdAnn Meet Amer Assoc Vet Parasitol: 49. Hickey, A., Miller, J.E., Shakya, K.P., Smith, W.D., 2008. Effect of vaccinating grazing ewes with Haemonchus contortus H11/HgalGP antigens on established infection. Proc 53rdAnn Meet Amer Assoc Vet Parasitol: 76. Soli, F.A., Terrill, T.H., Getz, W.R., Shaik, S.A., Vanguru1, M., Vuggam, A.K., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., 2008. Comparison of sheep and goats for efficacy of copper oxide wire particles against gastrointestinal nematodes. Ann Meet So Sect Amer Soc Anim Sci: 33. Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., Burke, J.M., 2008. The effect of sericea lespedeza, fed as pellets, on established infection of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Ann Meet So Sect Amer Soc Anim Sci: 32. Miller, J.E., Shakya, K.P., Smith, W.D., 2008. Effect of vaccinating grazing ewes with H-11/H-gal-GP antigens from intestinal membrane cells on established Haemonchus contortus infection. Ann Meet So Sect Amer Soc Anim Sci: 32. Shaik, S.A., Terrill1, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Dykes, G.S., Miller, J.E., Kouakou, B., Kannan, G., Burke, J.M., 2008. Use of sericea lespedeza hay to reduce worm burden in goats. Ann Meet So Sect Amer Soc Anim Sci: 32-33. University of Maryland Abstracts Schoenian, S., Bennett, M., Dietz-Band, J., Jackson, D., and J. Semler. (2008). Using the FAMACHA© system to control internal parasites in meat goats grazing summer pastures. Presented at annual meeting of the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science in Dallas, TX. (abstract 130). North Carolina A&T State University Other publications King K., Sutherland, D-A, Mukthar,H, and Worku, M. 2008. Evaluation of goat health using fecal egg count, white blood cell differential counts and packed cell volume. NC-OPTed Alliance day poster. North Carolina State University Abstracts Abaye O. A., D. Webb, G.. Scaglia, C.Teutsch and J-M. Luginbuhl. 2008. Assessing the Effect of Cattle Grazing Alone and with Goats on Animal Performance and Nutritive Values of Pastures Established on Reclaimed Coal-Mined Lands. ASA. Abaye O. A., D. Webb, G.. Scaglia, C.Teutsch and J-M. Luginbuhl. 2008. The Influence of Cattle Grazing Alone and with Goats on Forage Biomass, Botanical Composition and Browse Species. ASA. Tuskegee University Journal articles Solaiman, S. G. N. K. Gurung, Q. McCrary and H. Goyal. 2009. Feeding performance and blood parameters of male meat goats fed Easiflo cottonseed. Small Ruminant Research. Accepted. Cummins, K. A. ,S. G. Solaiman and W. G. Bergen. 2008. The effect of dietary copper supplementation on fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of adipose depots in Boer x Spanish goats. J. Anim Sci. 86:390-396. Abstracts Solaiman, S., S. Roper, K. Beguesse, G. Reddy, N. Gurung, and K. Copedge K. 2008. Effects of induced copper deficiency with added molybdenum on health and immune responses of male goat kids. J. A. S 87.(Suppl. 1). Gurung, N. K., S. G. Solaiman, D. L. Rankins, Jr., and W. H. McElhenney. 2008. Effects of distillers dried grains with solubles on intake, digestibility, and passage rate in goats. Proceedings 9th International Conference on Goats. Queretaro, Mexico. Pp. 211. Lawler, R. C., N. K. Gurung, M. S. Goodman, and O. Bolden-Tiller. 2008. Integration of meat goat production into pine silvopasture. J. Anim Sci (Suppl. 1): 275. USDA-ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farm Research Center Journal articles Burke, J. M., A. Wells, P. Casey, and J. E. Miller. 2009. Garlic and papaya lack control over gastrointestinal nematodes in goats and lambs. Vet. Parasitol. 159:171-174. Howell, S. B., J. M. Burke, J. E. Miller, T. H. Terrill, E. Valencia, M. J.Williams, L. H. Williamson, A. M. Zajac, and R. M. Kaplan. 2008. Anthelmintic resistance on sheep andgoat farms in the southeastern United States. J. Amer. Vet. Med. Assoc. 233:1913-1919. Moore, D. A., T. H. Terrill, B. Kouakou, S. A. Shaik, J. A. Mosjidis, J. E. Miller, M. Vanguru, G. Kannan, and J. M. Burke. 2008. The effects of feeding sericea lespedeza hay on growth rate of goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. J. Anim. Sci. 86:2328-2337. Burke, J. M., and J. E. Miller. 2008. Dietary copper sulfate for control of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Vet. Parasitol. 154:289-293. Burke, J. M., and J. E. Miller. 2008. Use of FAMACHA system to evaluate gastrointestinal nematode resistance in offspring of stud rams. Vet. Parasitol. 153:85-92. Abstracts Whitley, N.C., Terrill, T.H., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Gooden, M.C., 2008. Influence of sericea lespedeza pellets on gastrointestinal parasite fecal egg counts in goats. J Anim Sci 86 (Supple. 2), 92-93. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., 2008. Impact of grazing systems on management of gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned lambs in Arkansas. J Anim Sci 86 (Suppl. 2), 394. Miller, J.E. Burke, J.M., Terrill, T.H., 2008. Effect of i copper oxide wire particles, incorporated into feed pellets, on established infection of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Proc 5th Inter Conf Novel Approaches Control Helminth Parasites Livestock Soli, F.A., Terrill, T.H., Getz, W.R., Shaik, S.A., Vanguru1, M., Vuggam, A.K., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., 2008. Comparison of sheep and goats for efficacy of copper oxide wire particles against gastrointestinal nematodes. Ann Meet So Sect Amer Soc Anim Sci: 33. Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., Burke, J.M., 2008. The effect of sericea lespedeza, fed as pellets, on established infection of Haemonchus contortus in sheep. Ann Meet So Sect Amer Soc Anim Sci: 32. Shaik, S.A., Terrill1, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Dykes, G.S., Miller, J.E., Kouakou, B., Kannan, G., Burke, J.M., 2008. Use of sericea lespedeza hay to reduce worm burden in goats. Ann Meet So Sect Amer Soc Anim Sci: 32-33. University of the Virgin Islands Abstracts Godfrey, R.W. and R. C. Ketring. 2008. The effect of time of day of feeding on growth and body temperature of hair sheep lambs in the tropics. J. Animal Sci. 86(Suppl. 1) Virginia State University Abstracts Wildeus, S. and Collins, J.R. (2008) Use of short duration progestagen treatment combined with prostaglandin to synchronize estrus in hair sheep. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. p. 30 Wildeus, S., Mook, J.L. and Collins, J.R. (2008). Sperm motility, viability, and fertility of sheep and goat semen after extended solid storage at 4°C. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. p. 31 Mook, J.L and Wildeus, S. (2008). Effect of egg yolk level, washing, and extended pre-freeze equilibration on post-thaw motility of buck semen. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. p. 31 Mook, J.L., Collins, J.R. and Wildeus, S. (2008) Retention of sperm motility, viability and fertility in ram semen after liquid storage at 4°C for up to 96 hours. Journal of Animal Science, 86, Suppl. 2:496-497 Blackburn, H., Brown, M., Wildeus, S., Stobart, R., Bixby, D., Dzakuma, J., Ericsson, S., Getz, W., Crockett, N., Matsa, D., Welsh, C., Spiller, S., and Waldron, D. (2008) Genetic diversity of U.S. sheep breeds. Journal of Animal Science, 86, Suppl. 2:596 Virginia Tech Abstracts Webb., D. M., A. O. Abaye, C. Teutsch and G. Scaglia. Effects of cattle grazing alone and with goats on nutritive values and animal performance. 2008. International Goat Conference. Mexico, September. In Proc. International Goat conference, Mexico. Abaye, A. O., Webb., D. M., C. Teutsch and G. Scaglia The influence of cattle grazing alone and with goats on forage biomass, botanical composition and browse species. 2008. ASA - meetings 5-9 October, Houston, TX.

Impact Statements

In this study, garlic was not effective in reducing fecal egg counts in lambs and kids. More studies are needed to evaluate the use of natural plant dewormers in small ruminants.
Anthelmintic resistance is on the rise in small ruminants and alternative means of parasite control need to be evaluated. It is important that smart drenching techniques be broadly instituted, and alternative means of parasite control evaluated.
Pumpkin seeds were not effective in reducing FEC in meat goat kids. More studies are needed to evaluate the use of natural plant dewormers in small ruminants.
Milling copper wire particles into feed pellets made treatment easier and may be an effective alternative delivery method for use of this GIN control technique.
The data in this study demonstrates a serious emerging problem in the United States of llama and alpaca GIN resistant to drugs from all of the three major anthelmintic classes. Also, FAMACHA© can be a valuable tool for anemia detection in llamas and alpacas in the USA.
Copper sulfate drench at either dose was equally effective as copper oxide wire particles at reducing fecal egg count and may offer reduced potential for copper toxicity.
Through farm tours and related workshops, producers indicated an interest in the topic of potential genetic indicators for selection of natural parasite resistance in goats. The validation of the simple DNA collection cards was noted by producers as a potential benefit to their operation and something they would be willing to use.
The Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test is only one of three pastured-based performance tests for small ruminants in the U.S. and one of three tests sanctioned by the American Kiko Goat Association. The FAMACHA© system has proven to be an effective method for monitoring and controlling internal parasites in the test goats.
Providing COWP mixed into feed or administered as a bolus was equally effective in suppressing FEC for a period of about 4 weeks.
Results suggest that a less aggressive approach towards deworming alpacas for gastrointestinal parasites may be feasible in the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly in years of low rainfall, and would help delay the development of anthelmintic resistance.
Preliminary results indicated that the use of orchardgrass and novel endohpyte infected tall fescue have strong potential for the development of year-round forage grazing systems in the Middle Atlantic States.
Grazing Sericera lespedeza showed excellent potential as a non pharmaceutical alternative to chemical anthelmintics in an integrated parasite control program.
Up to 38% of DDGS (on dry matter basis) can be included in diets for meat goats without any compromise in nutrient intakes and digestibility and up to 31% of DDGS can be included in the diet without any compromise in dry matter intake, growth performance and carcass quality.
Up to 30% Peanut Skins (on an as-fed basis) can be included in diets of meat goats without any compromise in nutrient intakes and digestibility.
The use of mixed grazing goats with cattle showed a great potential for improving the utilization of plants that were both established and invasive found on reclaimed coal mined lands in the Appalachian region. The preference of goats for invasive plant species and increased output per land area are attractive benefits of mixed grazing goats with cattle for livestock producers in this region.
Protein supplementation of sheep and goats on warm-season forages can be important in expression of genetic potential for gain and is especially relevant in breeds with higher genetic potential for gain.
Weaning at 90 days of age can be done in an accelerated lambing system with no detrimental effect on ewe productivity. The later weaning led to a decrease in the amount of time that lambs received high cost, imported feed without a reduction in their growth and would have a positive impact on the economics of producing hair sheep in the tropics.
Vaginal AI can be used to enhance genetic diversity in small farms.
Numerous workshops and producer presentations were delivered across the southeastern U.S. related to the objectives of this multistate project. Adoption of the management practices presented will result in healthier, more productive and more profitable small ruminant flocks in the region.

Date of Annual Report: 05/27/2010

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/07/2010 - 02/07/2010
Period the Report Covers: 02/01/2009 - 01/01/2010

Participants

Niki Whitley (ncwhitle@ncat.edu) - North Carolina A&T State University (Chair);
Jean-Marie Luginbuhl (jean-marie.luginbuh@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina State University (Secretary);
David Morrison (dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu) - Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (Administrative Advisor);
Aimee Wurst (wursta@lincolnu.edu) - Lincoln University Extension;
Bob Godfrey (rgodfre@uvi.edu) - University of the Virgin Islands;
Charlotte Clifford-Rathert (Clifford-rathertc@lincolnu.edu)- Lincoln University;
Dahlia Jackson-OBrien (djackson@dsu.edu) - Delaware State University;
James Miller (jmille1@lsu,edu) - Louisiana State University AgCenter;
Joan Burke (joan.burke@ars.usda.gov) - USDA ARS Booneville, AR;
Kenneth Andries (Kenneth.andries@kysu.edu) - Kentucky State University;
Maria Leite-Browning (mll0002@auburn.edu) - Alabama Cooperative Extension;
Mike Brown (mike.brown@ars.usda.gov) - USDA ARS El Reno;
Nada Nadarajah (nadarka@auburn.edu) - Auburn University;
Sandra Solaiman (ssolaim@tuskegee,edu) - Tuskegee University;
Susan Duckett (sducket@clemson.edu) - Clemson University;
Thomas Terrill (terrillt@fvsu.edu) - Fort Valley State University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Agenda:
8:30 AM Welcome and introduction of group members

9:00 AM Updates from Administrative Advisor, Dr. David Morrison

Station Reports AM session chaired by Dr. Jean-Marie Luginbuhl

12:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM Station Reports PM session chaired by Dr. Dahlia J. OBrien

Business meeting

2:30 PM Mini-Symposium Incorporating parasite resistant genetics into a flock/herd

Dr. Scott Bowdridge, New Jersey College of Medicinel

Dr. Jim Morgan, National Sheep Improvement Program

Susan Schoenian, University of Maryland Extension (absent because of flight delays due to adverse weather conditions)

4:00 PM Adjourn

Meeting was called to order by Niki Whitley at 10 am. Self-introductions were made and guests in attendance were as follows: David Keisling, Lincoln University; James Morgan, (jlmm@earthlink.net) National Sheep Improvement Program, Fayetteville, Arkansas; Nelson Escobar, (enescobar@umes.edu University of Maryland Eastern shores; Olga Bolden-Tiller, (obtiller@tuskegee.edu) - Tuskegee, University; Richard Browning, (rbrowning@tnstate.edu) - Tennessee State University; Scott Bowdridge, New Jersey College of Medicine; Will Getz, (getzw@fvsu.edu) - Fort Valley State University. Members not in attendance were noted. Some members scheduled to make presentations did not make the meeting because of flight delays due to adverse weather conditions.
Dr. David Morrison (Administrative Advisor) made the official welcome. He indicated that SCC-81 is an excellent model and that he was impressed by our accomplishments described in the proceedings prepared by the group. He also thanked all members for our contributions and the number of abstracts submitted that enhance the visibility of SAAS. He emphasized that the main purpose of the regional project is research, interaction and coordination, but extension also is encouraged. Dr. Morrison indicated that the 2011 meeting will be held in Corpus Christi, Texas.
New officers for 2010-2011 (Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, Chair and Dalia Jackson OBrien, secretary) were introduced and format/duties of officers were discussed. Several members indicated that they would like to have the number of objectives or sections expanded to include other research topics. Dr. Morrison mentioned that the objectives of the SCC-081 regional project cannot be changed until its completion in September 2012. Nevertheless, it was noted that other topics have been presented briefly in previous meetings following the station reports. It was agreed that one section including other research topics will be part of future proceedings but will not be part of the electronic report.
The mini-symposium presentations by Dr. Scott Bowdridge and Dr. James Morgan concerning the incorporation of parasite resistant genetics into sheep flocks and goat herds led to a very productive question and discussion session.
Meeting adjourned at 4PM.

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Develop integrated GIN control methods that decrease reliance on chemical dewormers through the use of selective deworming (FAMACHA system), better forage management and grazing options and breed or animal selection for nematode resistance or resilience. Susan Duckett, Clemson University; Dalia Jackson-OBrien, Delaware State University; Thomas Terrill, Fort Valley State University; Charlotte Clifford-Rathert, Lincoln University; James Miller, Louisiana State University AgCenter; Niki Whitley, North Carolina A&T State University; Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, North Carolina State University; Sandra Solaiman, Tuskegee University; Dalia Jackson, University of Maryland (for Susan Schoenian); Joan Burke, USDA-ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center; Mike Brown, USDA_ARS Grazinglands Research Lab; Stephan Wildeus, Virginia State University. The effect of forage species on growth rates and gastrointestinal nematode infection in lambs. Average daily gain was greater in lambs grazing chicory than those grazing bermudagrass (0.27 ± 0.04 and 0.07 ± 0.02 kg/d respectively). FAMACHA scores were lower for lambs grazing chicory than bermudgrass by d 56 and throughout the remainder of the study. Chicory lambs also exhibited lower FEC by d 69 than bermudagrass lambs (445 ± 437 and 6539 ± 3120 eggs per gram respectively). On d 80, ultrasound fat thickness and muscle depth were greater in chicory lambs than those grazing bermudagrass (P < 0.01). Use of pumpkin and ginger as potential natural dewormer in goats Body weights were influenced by day with d0 weights (17.6±0.6kg) lower (P<0.01) than d42 weights (20.1±0.6 kg). FEC were influenced by treatment with the CON group having the highest (P<0.05) FEC compared to both the PUM and GIN groups (4,683±483 epg, 3,409±404 epg, and 2096±572 epg, respectively. FEC were also influenced by day with d0 (6194±750 egg) and d7 (3749±750 epg) FEC greater (P<0.01) than d35 (661±750 epg) and d42 (1308±750 epg) FEC. PCV was influenced by treatment with GIN (31.4±1.2%) greater than both CON (25.2±1.0%) and PUM (27.4±0.9%). Six kids had to be dewormed in the ginger group while three were dewormed in the control group due to having packed cell volumes < 15% (indicative of anemia). Use of papaya seeds as a potential natural dewormer in goats The initial study period for this experiment was 6 weeks; however, due to increased fecal egg counts in all kids, regardless of treatment, the study had to be discontinued. Papaya seeds administered at this level in this experiment were not effective in reducing fecal egg counts. Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and goats in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. The predominant species found was Haemonchus contortus (84%), but resistance is reported based on the predominant species for each farm tested. Resistance or a low level of resistance to BZ was reported on 97% (31/32) and 3% (1/32) of farms tested, respectively. Resistance to IVM was reported on 56% (18/32) of farms while susceptibility was reported on 22% (7/32) of farms. A low level of IVM resistance was reported for 6 farms (19%) and suspected resistance was reported for 1 farm (3%). The drug, MOX, was effective against GIN on 50% of tested farms (16/32), while a low level of resistance or resistance was found on 19 and 31% of farms, respectively. Susceptibility to LEV was present on 72% (23/32) of farms while a low level of resistance or resistance was found on 6 and 9% of farms, respectively. Suspected resistance to LEV was reported on the remaining 13% of farms. Feeding sericea lespedeza leaf meal to goats: effect on gastrointestinal nematode infection. Feeding SL reduced (P < 0.05) establishment of H. contortus and total GIN, had no effect on number of mature (established) worms, but reduced (P <0.05) fecundity (number of eggs per female) of the mature GIN by d 28. The SL diet reduced (P < 0.05) FEC and increased (P < 0.05) PCV on d 7, 14, and 28 post-feeding in kids with a mature GIN infection. Use of Herbs as De-wormers for Sustainable and Profitable Production of Sheep and Goats under Natural Grazing Conditions At the end of the study, it was concluded that all forms of the Artemisia absinthium were effective in controlling parasites in sheep and goats. Ivermectin® was also very effective in controlling parasites in the sheep and goats, however the 100% greenhouse grown Artemisia absinthium was the most effective of all with nearly no egg counts throughout the study, and with only one outlier. Fecal egg counts, Hematocrits, FAMACHA®, and weights all differed equivalently within breeds (P< .0001), months (P<. 0001), breeds x months (P<. 007), and interaction of breeds x treatments x months (P<. 001). Evaluation of the effectiveness of copper oxide wire particles vs. copper sulfate for Haemonchus contortus control in grazing lambs. At the start of the study, FEC and PCV for Control, COWP and CS groups were 5190, 5563 and 5160 EPG and 22.2, 20.5 and 19.2, respectively. At week 1, there was a reduction of 32% for the COWP group FEC, but both the Control and CS group FECs increased and PCVs for all groups dropped substantially, so a salvage deworming was necessary and all animals were dewormed with pyrantel pamoate and albendazole. FEC decreased and PCV increased in response to the deworming. Subsequently for the reminder of the study, the COWP group FEC and PCV remained lower and higher than the CS and Control groups which were similar. Individual treatments for the 3 groups were 7, 1 and 14, respectively. Weight gain for the 3 groups, respectivelty, were 5.6, 8.2 and 5.6 kg. Evaluation of the effectiveness of grazing sericea lespedeza as a deworming paddock against Haemonchus contortus infedction in lambs. At the start of the study, FEC and PCV for the Control and SL groups were 6367 and 6133 EPG and 25.1 and 22.9, respectively. FEC decreased and were similar in both groups through week 4. Subsequently, FEC increased in the Control group and SL group FEC remained consistently and significantly (p<0.05) lower than the Control group through week 11. On week 11, six Control animals required deworming. Subsequently, the FEC decreased to the level of the SL group FEC and remained similar to the end of the study. The PCV for both groups were similar throughout the study. Individual treatments for the Control and SL groups were 28 (2 per animal) and 39 (1.4 per animal), respectively. Weight gain for Control and SL groups, respectivelty, were 8.5 and 9.7 kg. Influence of diets containing sericea lespedeza leaf meal on gastrointestinal parasite fecal egg counts in goats The FEC were influenced by a treatment by d interaction (P < 0.003) in which FEC were similar for all treatments on d -1, but were greater (P < 0.02) for the CON animals on all other days. Average FEC were 2402 ± 294, 1209 ± 202, 2033 ± 439 and 4286 ± 1716 eggs/g for CON, 2305 ± 489, 279 ± 49, 305 ± 30, and 842 ± 213 eggs/g for 50SLP and 2330 ± 447, 230 ± 60, 219 ± 45 and 434 ± 76 eggs/g for 73SLP for d 0, 7, 14 and 21, respectively. There was no influence of treatment on PCV which averaged 30.7 ± 0.5 over the entire treatment period for all animals. For the few animals sampled for 10 d after treatment, FEC returned to pre-treatment levels within 2 days after treatment ended for 50SLP and 73SLP. Evaluation of sericea lespedeza as a summer forage and natural parasite control for grazing goats. Year 2 progress report The FEC of kids grazing SL decreased within 11 d and stayed lower than for PM kids from d 11 through 46 (avg: 194 vs 2040, resp.; P < 0.001). The FEC of CMBO kids decreased from 2855 to 568 (P < 0.001) within 7 d of grazing SL and then increased from 59 to 1065 (P < 0.001) within 7 d when switched again to PM plots. When kids were grazing PM their PCV values were lower (P < 0.05) than for SL only on d 11 (PM and CMBO) and d 32 (PM). FAMACHA scores improved for SL (P < 0.001) on d 11 and for PM (P < 0.01) on d 25 compared to the other treatments. Eight of the 15 kids on the PM plots and four on the CMBO plots had to be dewormed within 11 d. Following barn feeding on d 46, FEC and FAMACHA scores increased while PCV decreased in all treatments. Four kids in the SL treatment had to be dewormed within 7 d of being in the barn. Haemonchus contortus larvae recovered from fecal cultures decreased from 100% at d 0, to 42 and 38, 50 and 56, and 95 and 95% by d 46 and d 67 for SL, CMBO and PM, respectively. In summary, SL decreased FEC and changed larvae species composition in fecal cultures. Assessing system nutrient balance on Alabama farms for possible nutrient overload or deficiency and parasite load At the time of sampling, February through June, 60% of the farms had higher than 500 FEC that is considered wormy and among nematodes, Trichostrogylus, and Ostertagia, followed by Haemonchus were predominant worms found in goats. Coccidiosis was prevalent throughout the farms indicating stressful conditions and poor management conditions. Among counties surveyed, Barbour, Chambers, Dale, and Macon counties had most parasitic goats (over 80% infection). More than 75 and 84% of the goats having low serum Cu and Zn, respectively. Both Cu and Zn boost immune functions of goats. Among macro-minerals, almost 100 % of goats had normal levels of serum Ca, S and Mg, and only 41% had normal Na levels. Among counties surveyed, Dallas county had the highest number of Cu-deficient goats followed by Bullock, Macon, and Lee. Dallas county also had the highest number of Zn-deficient goats followed by Bullock, Butler, Macon, and Lee. Over 53% or 44 out of 82.7% Zn-deficient goats were parasitic, and almost 56% or 41.3 out of 74.6% Cu-deficient goats were parasitic. Forages collected from Dallas and Barbour counties had high levels of Mo (3.5-4.5 ppm). High levels of Mo can reduce Cu availability and induce copper deficiencies. Both of these counties were among those that had high parasite counts. The majority of the soils studied had an acidic pH and normal available Cu and Zn levels however, they were deficient in Se. Characterization of coccidia species in different counties of Alabama This study investigates each species of coccidian prevailing and infecting young goats in various Alabama counties Procedures: Thirteen different farms located in southern part of Alabama were selected for this study. Six goats under 12 months of age were tested on each farm. Fecal samples were collected for total fecal egg counts, coccidian counts, and characterization. Oocysts were sporulated, centrifuged and Using a brightfield light microscopy (Lietz LABORLUX 12) the coverclips for each goat were scanned systematically under 40 X magnification for sporulated oocysts. When oocysts were located a metric ruler (1mm = 1¼m) was used to measure the oocyst and sporocyst L and W on a video monitor (Hitachi Denshi Ltd). Results: Data are currently been analyzed. Integrated control of gastrointestinal nematodes using copper oxide wire particles and sericea lespedeza in peri-parturient sheep and goats in Arkansas Haemonchus contortus is typically the predominant GIN in the southeastern U.S. even during cooler months. However, Trichostrongylus spp. was the predominant GIN for both goats and sheep. Feeding COWP to peri-parturient does led to a reduction in FEC by day 14 (P < 0.02), but FEC of untreated does decreased and was similar to that of COWP-treated does by day 21 (COWP × day, P < 0.008). The SL hay fed to ewes tended to reduce FEC compared with ewes fed BG hay (1236 < 1723 eggs/g, P < 0.06) and COWP pellets tended to reduce FEC (1200 < 1759 eggs/g, P < 0.09). The PCV was similar between treatments in goats and sheep. Birth weight (3.31 > 3.07 ± 0.09 kg, P < 0.02) and body weight at 60 days of age (12.8 > 11.8 ± 0.4 kg, P < 0.03) of kids from untreated does were heavier than those from COWP-treated does. Lambs from ewes fed SL were lighter at birth than those from ewes fed bermudagrass (4.17 < 4.50 ± 0.12 kg, P < 0.04). Sixty days later, body weights were similar between hay groups. There was no effect of COWP administered to ewes on offspring. Tannin Rich Peanut Skins Lack Anthelmintic Properties The interaction effect between treatment and days on feed for lamb weight was evident for 2008 (P < 0.01) but not 2009. The main effect of pellet source was not significant (P > 0.05) for lamb weight for either year. Averaged across both pellet treatments, ADG was 100 g d-1 in 2008 and 98 g d-1 in 2009. Except on the first two days that pellets were offered in 2008, lambs consumed nearly the entire amount of the Alf pellets provided. Consumption of PS pellets in 2008 was markedly less and increased as a convex quadratic function (r2 = 0.64, P < 0.001) from 0.24% of BW to a maximum of 0.76% of BW after 68 d on feed, corresponding to 90 to 67% refusal, respectively. In contrast, refusal of both Alf and PS pellets occurred in 2009. In 2009, Alf pellet consumption exceeded PS pellet consumption on two days, while PS pellet consumption was greater than Alf pellet consumption on another two days of the trial (P < 0.10). During the days on feed in 2009, pellet consumption ranged from 1.1 to 2.3% of BW, corresponding to 47 to 1% refusal, respectively. Because the PS pellet formulations in 2008 and 2009 differed, the average intake of PS for each feeding was 0.58 and 0.87% of BW in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Initial FEC of lambs in 2008 were 220 eggs g-1 FW and increased during the days on feed. In 2008, lambs offered Alf pellets for 37 d had a 2.8-fold greater FEC than lambs fed PS pellets (1,160 eggs g-1 FW, P < 0.10), and lambs offered Alf pellets for 72 d had a 2.5-fold greater FEC than the lambs fed PS pellets (4,470 eggs g-1 FW, P < 0.10). For the 2009 FEC there was no indication of interaction between treatment and days on feed or main effect of treatment. Because the 2009 lambs had not been treated with an anthelmintic drug after weaning, the initial FEC was 4,260 eggs g-1 FW. The FEC level increased to 12,500 eggs g-1 FW after 28 d on feed. After 28 d on feed, all lambs were switched to the Alf pellet and treated with an anthelmintic drug resulting in a decline in FEC to 640 eggs g-1 FW by 42 d. For both years there was not a significant interaction between treatment and days on feed or main effect of treatment on PCV. There was a linear decline in PCV both years. The level of PCV decreased from 33 to 27% (0 to 72 d) in 2008 and from 28 to 16% (0 to 28 d) in 2009. Fiber growth and quality in alpacas managed with or without routine anthelmintic treatment in the mid-Atlantic U.S. One animal was dewormed (moxidectin 0.4 mg/kg) in May 2008 in Group B. Body weight (71±2.8 kg), fecal egg count (<15 strongylid eggs/g), and packed cell volume (32.9±1.5%) were not different (P>0.1) between groups. Clean fiber weight was 625±68 and 553±56 g for saddle, 285±32 and 251±27g for butt, 627±59 and 562±70 g for neck, 612±54 and 587±72 g for long leg, and 201±15 and 207±31g for short leg for Group A and B, respectively, and not different (P>0.1) between groups. For the saddle mean staple length was 87±3.7 and 83±4.9 mm, mean fiber diameter 31.8±1.4 and 31.1±1.4 microns, and staple strength 87.7±3.8 and 86.0±2.5 N/ktex for Group A and B, respectively, again not different (P>0.1) between groups. Objective 2: Develop a forage-based feeding system for year-round grazing that meets nutritional requirements by evaluating performance of forage (legumes, grass and browse) varieties and/or forage systems and animal performance. Susan Duckett, Clemson University; Kenneth Andries, Kentucky State University; Sandra Solaiman, Tuskegee University; Dalia Jackson, University of Maryland (for Susan Schoenian); Mike Brown, USDA_ARS Grazinglands Research Lab; Evaluation of soybeans as a possible annual forage for growing goats in Kentucky. Parasite loads were extremely high in 2009 resulting in the removal of several animals from the control treatment. Problems were not as large in the soybean field, most likely due to a lack of previous contamination in the pasture. Because of this, the control data was not used. Intermediate weights were not collected due to logistical issues with construction on the research farm so parasite data is not available. The goats on soybean field were grazed for 58 days starting July 28 and ending on September 24. The trial started with 46 weaned doe kids. Two animals were removed due to health issues after 20 days of grazing. The remainder of the animals gained 0.09 lbs/day during the grazing period. This is similar to weight gains from earlier projects on fescue with supplementation during summer months. Kentucky Master Goat Grazer Demonstration Farm Two master grazer demonstration farms were established and conducted grazing projects in 2009. These producers used sorghum-sudangrass as an annual forage to maintain animals during the summer. The choice of forage was based on availability and productivity of the forage. Both producers found that the animals consumed the forage very well and that the productivity was more than adequate for their herds. One producer maintained 20 mature does on one acre for 90 days using a three section rotation. During this time his does gained weight and body condition. FAMACHA scores improved as well. The other producer used nursing does and found that body condition improved and kids growth was good though does did not greatly improve body weight. The second producer also used winter rye as an early annual and saw animal body weight improve without the feed cost that he has used in the past. At kidding this producer moved his does to alfalfa pasture. Kid growth rate during this time were very good but the nursing does did not gain weight. They did maintain body condition. This producer reduced his annual feed cost by half using these forage procedures. His largest problem was lack of quality fencing to control animals so they did not rotate through the system as desired. Evaluation of three stocking rates, alternative forages and browse for meat goat production in Kentucky Objective 1: goats will be stocked at three different stocking rates on fescue pasture interseeded with red clover. These pastures will be divided into four paddocks for rotational grazing. The stocking rates will be 300, 600, and 900 lbs of goat per acre. Mature non-lactating does will be used for this project to eliminate confounding of milk production with performance and forage consumption. Forage samples will be collected along with forage height measurements and plant population data to determine consumption, forage quality, and plant species changes over time. The project will be conducted for three years to average over time. Two replications of each treatment will be conducted each year. Objective 2: annual and perennial alternative forages will be established and utilized for growth and performance data collection using young growing goats. These forages will include Sericea Lespedeza, pearl millet, sorghum-sudangrass, and native warm season forages. These forages will be grazed using rotational grazing practices during the summer with a tall fescue/red clover pasture as a control. Forage production and quality data will be collected to determine forage quality. Goats will be weighed every 28 days and FAMACHA scores and BCS will be taken. Fecal samples will be collected at the start, middle, and end of grazing to evaluate parasite egg output on the different forages. Animals will be treated for parasites as needed. Objective 3: a producer cooperator will be identified and location set up to evaluate different management and performance of mature does on browse. The objective will be to maintain the browse as a forage resource not remove it from the area. Sampling of rumen fluid will be collected to identify if any different in rumen microbes exist for goats grazing browse compared to traditional forages. Estimations of forage productivity, recover rates, and animal performance will be collected. Comparing mono crop vs. multi-crop improved pastures for year-round goat production in Southeastern U.S. Twelve 0.5-acre paddocks have been planted with six various combinations of cool season grasses and legumes (two replication per pasture type). Forty eight goats will be randomly assigned to each paddock at 8 goats per acre fixed stocking rate. Pasture DM out put will be estimated before and after grazing. Soil samples, and forage samples will be collected. Animal performance will be monitored throughout performance period. Animals will be slaughtered and carcass and meat quality will be assessed. Results: Data will be analyzed and results will be reported later. The effects of feeding regimes and production practice on sensory quality of chevon Results indicated that animals fed SS and BH scored higher (P < 0.05) for tenderness, flavor and acceptability compared to kudzu and Eastern gamma grass. Animals fed kudzu received the lowest (P < 0.05) sensory scores. In group 2 animals treated with no concentrate and no dewormer block (NCND) and allowed to graze received a minimum acceptable score of 5.04 ± 0.24 to 5.40 ± 0.24 compared to animals that received CDW, CND and DNC feeding regimen. In this, study animals fed SS and allowed to graze (NCND) were given higher sensory scores and showed promise as a viable conduit for producing goat meat of acceptable quality. Effect of feeding system and breed on É-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content of lamb muscles There was little evidence of interactions among fixed effects for É-6, É-3, or É-6/ É3 in these data. There was a trend (P < 0.10) for É-6 to be greater in LL of forage-fed lambs than concentrate-fed lambs and É-3 concentrations of forage-fed lambs were greater than concentrate-fed lambs in both LL and SM (P < 0.05). The ratio É-6/ É-3 was greater in SS lambs than KK lambs in both muscles (P < 0.05) and there was evidence of a direct breed effect in favor of KK (P < 0.05) in both muscles where Katahdin-sired lambs were lesser in this ratio than Suffolk-sired lambs. In addition, forage-fed lambs were lesser than concentrate-fed lambs in É-6/ É-3 in both LL and SM (P < 0.05). Averaged over muscle, É-6/É-3 in concentrate-fed lambs averaged 4.54, 3.69, 3.34, and 3.74 in SS, SK, KS, and KK whereas in forage-fed lambs these averages were 3.58, 3.12, 2.87, and 2.01, respectively. Objective 3: Evaluate the production potential of pure- and crossbred sheep and goat germplasm under low-input, forage-based production systems in the Southeastern US. Sandra Solaiman, Tuskegee University; Robert Godfrey, University of the Virgin Islands; Stephan Wildeus, Virginia State University. Critical analysis of reproductive performance in Boer and Kiko meat goats breeding herd under semi-intensive management system Effect on gestation length was found non significant (P > 0.05) for Boer and Kikos (150 ± 5.2 vs.149.75 ± 5.9 days). Gestation length was shorter in does with multiple births than in single births. Body weight and condition score of does at breeding were 63.79 ± 15.50 vs. 59.82 ± 6.70 kg and 4.84 ± 0.32 vs.4.12 ± 0.69 for Boer and Kiko does, respectively. Boer and Kiko differed significantly for prolificacy (P < 0.05) and birth types (P < 0.01). Also birth and weaning weights were influenced by breed (2.43 ± 0.51 vs. 2.73± 0.53kg; 12.51 ± 2.99 vs. 14.46 ± 2.54 kg, (P < 0.05) for Boer and Kiko breeds respectively. The percentages of singles, twins, and triplets born were 27.3, 27.3, 45.4% for Boer and 0, 16.7, 83.3% for Kiko. The mean litter sizes at birth were (2.08 ± 0.16 vs. 2.17 ± 0.03, p>0.05) for Boer and Kiko goats. However, these differences became significant at weaning (1.09 ± 0.17 vs. 2.00 ± 0.03. P < 0.01, for Boer and Kiko, respectively. Precision breeding in Kiko and Boer does using bucks fitted with a marking harness Mean values for body conformation and testicular traits in bucks were 4.20 ± 0.40 vs. 4.13 ± 0.20 (body condition score), 78.1 ± 6.1 vs. 72.9 ± 4.6 kg (body weight), 79.3 ± 3.0 vs. 90.1 ± 2.4 cm (height at withers), 72. 7 ± 7.7 vs. 82.9 ± 7.2 cm (body length), and 32. 9 ± 3.8 vs.31.28 ± 4.03 (scrotal circumference) for Boer or Kiko bucks respectively. Body weights at breeding and gestation lengths were similar for both breeds (65.32 ± 15.44 kg vs. 59.82 ± 6.70 kg; 151.20 ± 5.39 days vs. 149 .75 ± 5.94 days,(P > 0.05) for Boer and Kiko does, respectively. Body condition scores differed significantly (4.85 ± 0.33 vs. 4.12 ± 0.69, P < 0.05). The proportion of does bred within 10 days was 60% vs. 0%; 15 days, 20 vs. 12%, and 20 days, 20 vs. 88%, for Boer and Kiko does. Out of 16 does that kidded, 14 were within 1-4 days of the predicted due dates; two kidded 8 and 10 days earlier. Normal mating did not always produce clearly distinguishable marks. Occasionally a trial mounting produced a mark, resulting in a false positive reading. We attributed these false positives to mechanical problems associated with crayons and harnesses. Milk production and lamb growth of hair sheep weaned at 63 or 90 d of age in an accelerated lambing system in the tropics Ewe weight at breeding prior to this lambing was not different (P > 0.10) than at the subsequent breeding (40.9 ± 1.1 vs. 41.9 ± 1.1 kg, respectively). At the start of the subsequent breeding 43% of LATE ewes and 10% of the CONTORL ewes were nursing lambs (P < 0.0004). Pregnancy rate at the subsequent breeding, determined by ultrasound, was not different (P > 0.10) between LATE and CONTROL ewes (97.4 vs. 97.8%, respectively). At weaning LATE lambs were heavier (P < 0.0001) than CONTROL lambs (14.5 ± 0.4 vs. 11.2 ± 0.4 kg, respectively). At 90 d of age there was no difference (P > 0.10) in weight between LATE and CONTROL lambs (14.5 ± 0.4 vs. 13.9 ± 0.4 kg, respectively) even though the CONTROL lambs had been on feed for 27 d since being weaned. Milk production on d 28 and 63 was not different between breeds or weaning age (P > 0.10). By d 76 and 90 milk production of LATE ewes had decreased by 16 (P < 0.07) and 34% (P < 0.0002) of d 28 levels, respectively. Liquid semen vaginal AI in three hair sheep breeds during transition to seasonal breeding Only 33% of ewes displayed estrus during the 5 d AI period, and incidence of estrus was similar (P > 0.1) between breeds (BB: 33%; KA: 29%; SC: 37%). Pregnancy rate to AI was low, and similar for BB and SC ewes (28 and 23%, respectively), while KA ewes failed to become pregnant (P < 0.1). In BB and SC ewes pregnancy rate was not different (P > 0.1) for fresh and 12 h-stored semen (28 and 23%, respectively), but was higher (P < 0.05) for AM than PM inseminations (41 and 14%, respectively). Objective 4: Disseminate research results and information to producers through station field days, workshops and websites. Maria Leite-Browning, Alabama A&M University; Nada Nadarajah, Auburn University; Kenneth Andries, Kentucky State University; James Miller, Louisiana State University AgCenter; Niki Whitley, North Carolina A&T State University; Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, North Carolina State University; Sandra Solaiman, Tuskegee University; Dalia Jackson, University of Maryland (for Susan Schoenian); Joan Burke, USDA-ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center. Goat and Sheep Production Systems Results obtained from Extension professionals showed that a grand total of 378,454 contacts were made through this project. Sign-in sheets showed that a total of 896 goat and sheep producers attended educational activities carried out and/or sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Development of necessary tools and disseminating them to improve goat production Performance data gathered from 38 herds on 563 meat goat kids showed 70% of progeny were sired by purebred Boers, 10% by other purebred meat-type bucks, while rest were from crossbred sires that are predominantly Boer-crosses. Growth and weight gain of kids from birth to market were summarized by sex, type of birth, does parity, breed of sire and doe respectively. Kids performance traits considered were birth and weaning weights (BW, WW), market weight (MKTW), age at weaning, ADG and adjusted 60-d weight. Mean age at weaning of all kids was 98 days. Mean BW, WW and MKTW for male kids were 3.7 + 0.9, 20.1 + 7.2 and 22.1 + 7.7 kg, respectively. Corresponding mean weights for female kids were 3.5 + 0.9, 19.2 + 6.9 and 18.4 + 4.2 kg, respectively. The mean ADG and adjusted 60-d wt for the male kids were 183 + 71 g and 14.8 + 4.3 kg and that for female kids were 183 + 83 g and 14.4 + 4.8 kg, respectively. In general, male kids recorded heavier weights at birth, weaning and marketing than female kids but such influence of sex on ADG and adjusted 60-d weight did not show much of differences. Kids born as singles were heavier at birth (4.0 + 1.0 kg), at weaning (20.0 + 5.6 kg) and had higher adjusted 60-d wt (15.1 + 3.6 kg) than those kids born as twins, triplets and quadruplets. On average the second and third parity does produced heavier kids at birth (3.9 + 1.0 kg) compared to first parity does (3.5 + 0.9 kg) and weaned heavier kids (21 kg). Kids born from the most common Boer, Spanish and Kiko breeds recorded average BW (3.5, 2.7 and 3.8 kg), WW (22.1, 18.5 and 13.3 kg) and adjusted 60-d wt (15.4, 12.7 and 12.3 kg), respectively. Producer and extension education on goat production and management: Third Thursday Thing goat field day, Kentucky Extension district goat producer school, and agent in-service trainings on parasite control. The field days were attended by over 180 producers in 2009. Programs have resulted in improved forage utilization, implementation of rotational grazing, use of annual forages, and improved parasite control methods. The distance education meetings went well and were attended by 150 producers on all three nights. This has lead to a desire to conduct similar program types in other locations and have producers participate from more locations to increase the impact of the programs. Technical issues caused some small concerns with this program but those are being worked out and a new set of meetings is being planned. Sustainable parasite control program was presented to producers in three separate meetings around Kentucky. Agents that attended received information provided by the SCSRPC group provided on integrated parasite control. This program will be repeated in the future to reach more agents. Efforts are being made to have this included as part of the agent continuing education process for extension agents and to be presented to new agents as part of their training. Survey of North Carolina sheep and goat producers after gastrointestinal parasite management training Of producers responding to the survey, 40% had 50 animals or less, 21% had 50-75 animals, and 39% had over 75 animals. In addition, 93% of respondents felt that the training they received made a difference in their ability to control or monitor parasitism in their flock. The majority of respondents reported fewer (68%) or the same (28%) amount of parasite problems on their farm after the training. When asked if using the FAMACHA© eyelid color chart to make worming decisions, 86% answered yes. Of those using the chart, 88% scored their animals at least once a month. No respondents dewormed their animals more often after training, 19% dewormed the same amount and 81% dewormed less often. When asked how much money they saved in the first year after training, 52% indicated that they saved more than $80 and 30% more than $40. Respondents reported saving money primarily through fewer drug treatments (91%) and fewer animal deaths (64%). The most popular practices adopted after training included rotational grazing (79%), genetic selection (55%), peri-parturient female deworming (55%), and weighing animals before treatment (48%). Producers also increased plant grazing height (45%), began using multispecies grazing (41%), reduced stocking rate (38%), began using grain supplementation on pasture (38%) and planted a tannin-containing forage (38%). Impact evaluation of integrated parasite management training conducted in the Northeast US over a two year period. All of the respondents (100%) felt that FAMACHA©/Integrated Parasite Management training made a difference in their ability to control or monitor parasitism in their flock. Of those producers responding, 77% indicated they had less of a problem with parasites after the training. When asked if they were using the FAMACHA© eyelid color chart to make worming decisions, 96% answered yes. Of those using the chart, 50% scored their animals once or twice a month while 25% scored their animals irregularly. No respondents dewormed their animals more often after training, 16% dewormed their animals the same amount and 84% dewormed their animals less often. The majority (66%) of producers indicated that they saved more than $80 in the first year after training due to reducing drug treatments or experiencing fewer animal deaths from gastrotintestinal parasites. The most popular practices respondents adopted after the training included rotational grazing (77%), genetic selection (58%), increasing height of plants being grazed (46%), and using grain supplementation on pasture to improve nutrition (42%). Of those responding to the survey, the majority (62%) had less than 50 animals, 19% had 50-75 animals, and 19% had over 100 animals. Livestock Integrated Parasite Management and Fecal Egg Counting Training All of the agents responded to the survey and indicated that the training was relevant to their needs, was based on credible, up-to-date information and allowed them to gain knowledge/skills they would use to enhance their professional responsibilities and impact their clientele. All agreed that they would use the educational materials provided to them during the training and would recommend the training to other agents.

Publications

Browning Jr., R. and M. L. Leite-Browning. 2009. Reproductive, growth, and fitness traits among Boer, Kiko, and Spanish meat goat does semi-intensively managed in the Southeastern United States. Trop. Sub. Agro. 11:109-113. Browning Jr., R. and M. L. Leite-Browning. 2009. Mid-project research report: Breed evaluation of meat goats for doe-kid performance when managed on Southeastern US pasture. Proc. 24th Annual Goat Field Day. April 25. Langston University, OK. pp 8-13. Nadarajah, K. 2009. A coordinated on-farm and research center performance recording system for genetic improvement of meat goats. In: Proceedings of the National Symposium and the Xth Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Vet. College, Chennai, India, November 24-26, 2009. pp 37-43. Correa, J.E., 2009. Basic Meat Goat Nutrition. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Publication. No. UNP-0062. Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities. Leite-Browning, M.L., 2009. Coccidiosis in Goats and Prevention. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Publication. No. UNP-0109. Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities. Auburn University Nadarajah, K. 2009. A coordinated on-farm and research center performance recording system for genetic improvement of meat goats. In: Proceedings of the National Symposium and the Xth Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Vet. College, Chennai, India, November 24-26, 2009. pp 37-43. Nadarajah, K., R. D. Spencer, D.M. Gimenez, D. L. Kuhlers and D. L. Rankins 2009. A case-study: Meta-analyses of performance data on meat goat kids gathered by producers in Alabama using an on-farm electronic record keeping software tool. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E Suppl 3):4. Crook, E. K., D. J. O2Brien, N. C. Whitley, R. Kaplan, and J. L. Eierman. 2009. Anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants in the Delmarva region. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (ESuppl 3):34. Crook, E.K., D. J. O2Brien, N. C. Whitley, R. M. Kaplan, J. M. Burke. 2009. Use of in vitro and in vivo tests to characterize gastrointestinal nematode anthelmintic resistance on sheep and goat farms in the mid-Atlantic U.S. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E - Suppl. 2):128. OBrien, D. J., M.C. Gooden, and N.C. Whitley. 2009. Use of garlic as a potential natural dewormer in small ruminants. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 3):32. OBrien, D.J., K.K. Mathews, J.E. Miller, N.C. Whitley, E.K. Crook and J.L. Eierman. 2009. Natural plant anthelmintic fails to reduce internal parasites in meat goat kids. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 2):311. Burke, J.M., J.E. Miller, and T.H. Terrill. 2009. Impact of rotational grazing on management of gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned lambs. Vet. Parasitol. 163:52-56. Burke, J.M., J.E. Miller, and T.H. Terrill. 2009. Use of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in stressed lambs or kids. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 3):34. Burke, J.M., J.E. Miller, S. Wildeus, and T.H. Terrill. 2009. Administration of copper oxide wire particles as a bolus or in feed for gastrointestinal nematodes control in yearling or peri-parturient does. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 3):35. Elzy, M., T.Broussard, B. Kouakou, T.H. Terrill, and J.H. Lee. 2009. The effects of sericea lespedeza in dairy goat total mixed ration on milk yield and composition. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, March 28-April 1, 2009, Atlanta, GA: 86. Gillespie, R.M., L. H. Williamson, T.H. Terrill, and R.M. Kaplan. 2009. Efficacy of anthelmintics on llama and alpaca farms in Georgia. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, March 28-April 1, 2009, Atlanta, GA: 99. Kannan, G., J.H. Lee, B. Kouakou, and T.H. Terrill. 2009. Influence of feeding sericea lespedeza hay on nutritional and flavor profile of chevon. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, March 28-April 1, 2009, Atlanta, GA: 213. Kouakou, B., J.H. Lee, T.H. Terrill, and G. Kannan. 2009. The effects of replacing alfalfa hay by sericea lespedeza on goat milk composition. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, March 28-April 1, 2009, Atlanta, GA: 64. Lucas, S.D., T.H. Terrill, Soli, F.A., S.A. Shaik, W.R. Getz, J.E. Miller, M. Vanguru, and J.M. Burke. 2009. Comparison of sericea lespedeza leaf and whole plant meal for control of gastrointestinal nematode infection in goats. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, March 28-April 1, 2009, Atlanta, GA: 43. Luginbuhl, J-M, J.E. Miller, T.H. Terrill, and H.M. Glennon. 2009. Evaluation of sericea lespedeza as a summer forage and for helminth control of grazing goats. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 3):37. Orlik, S.T., J.E. Miller, J.M. Burke, and T.H. Terrill. 2009. Effect of copper oxide wire particles incorporated into feed pellets on the peri-parturient rise in ewe fecal egg count. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 3):35. Soli, F.A., T.H. Terrill, S.A. Shaik, W.R. Getz, J.E. Miller, M. Vanguru, and J.M. Burke. 2009. Evaluation of copper oxide wire particles in a feed pellet to control gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, March 28-April 1, 2009, Atlanta, GA: 44. Terrill, T.H., F. Soli, S.A. Shaik, W.R. Getz, J.E. Miller, M. Vanguru, and J.M. Burke. 2009. Effectiveness of copper oxide wire particles for control of gastrointestinal nematode infection in sheep and goats. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, March 28-April 1, 2009, Atlanta, GA: 108. Burke, J.M., A. Wells, P. Casey, J.E. Miller, 2009. Garlic and papaya lack control over gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Vet Parasitol 159:171-174. Shakya, K.P., J.E. Miller, D.W. Horohov, 2009. A Th2 type of immune response is associated with increased resistance to Haemonchus contortus in naturally infected Gulf Coast Native lambs. Vet Parasitol 163:57-66. Burke, J.M., J.E. Miller, T.H. Terrill, 2009. Impact of rotational grazing on gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned lambs. Vet Parasitol 163:67-72. Terrill, T.H., G.S. Dykes, S.A. Shail, J.E. Miller, B. Kouakou, G. Kannan, J.M. Burke, J.A. Mosjidis, 2009. Efficacy of sericea lespedeza hay as a natural dewormer in goats: Dose titration study. Vet Parasitol 163:52-56. Whitley, N.C., J.E. Miller, J.M. Burke, D. Cazac, D. Jackson-OBrien, L. Dykes, J.P. Muir, 2009. Effect of high tannin grain sorghum on gastrointestinal parasite fecal egg counts in goats. Small Rumin Res 87:105-107. Burke, J.M., J.E. Miller, S. Wildeus, T.H. Terrill, 2009. Administration of copper oxide wire particles as a bolus or in feed for gastrointestinal nematode control in yearling or peri-parturient does. J Anim Sci 87 (E-Suppl. 3):35. Burke, J.M., J.E. Miller, T.H. Terrill, 2009. Use of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in stressed lambs or kids. J Anim Sci 87 (ESuppl. 3):34. Wildeus, S., J.E. Miller, J.M. Burke, 2009. Effect of copper oxide wire particles as a bolus or in feed on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism in goat kids of two breeds. J Anim Sci 87 (E-Suppl. 3):35. Luginbuhl, J-M., J.E. Miller. T.H. Terrill, H.M. Glennon, 2009. Evaluation of sericea lespedeza as a summer forage and for helminth control of grazing goats. J Anim Sci 87 (E-Supple. 3):37. Orlik, S.T., J.E. Miller, J.M. Burke, T.H. Terrill, 2009. Effect of copper oxide wire particles incorporated into feed pellets on the peri-parturient rise in ewe fecal egg count. J Anim Sci 87 (E-Suppl. 3):35. Whitley, N.C., R.M. Kaplan, J.M. Burke, T.H. Terrill, J.E. Miller, W.R. Getz, S. Mobini, E. Valencia, M.J. Williams, 2009. Small ruminant producer gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) management survey. J Anim Sci 87 (E-Suppl. 2):310. OBrien, D.J., K.K. Matthews, J.E. Miller, N.C. Whitley, E.K. Crook, J.L.Eierman, 2009. Natural plant anthelmintic fails to reduce internal parasites in meat goat kids. J Anim Sci 87 (E-Suppl. 2):311. Bernard, G., M. Worku and M. Ahmedna. 2009. The effects of diatomaceous earth on parasite infected goats. Bull. Georg. Nat. Acad. Sci. Volume 3. Whitley, N.C., J. E. Miller, J. M. Burke, D. Cazac, D. J. OBrien and L. Dykes and J.P. Muir. 2009. Effect of high tannin grain sorghum on internal parasite fecal egg counts in goats. Small Rumin. Res. 87:105-107. Worku, M., R. Franco and J.H. Miller. 2009. Evaluation of the activity of plant extracts in Boer goats. Am. J. Anim. Vet. Sci. 4:72-79. of the 2010 SCC-81 Coordinating Committee Meeting Worku, M., R. Franco and K. Baldwin. 2009. Efficacy of garlic as an anthelmintic in adult Boer goats. Arch. Biol. Sci. 61:135-140. Crook, E.K., D. J. OBrien, N.C. Whitley, R. Kaplan, J.L. Eierman, and R.A. Barczewski. 2009. Anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants in the Delmarva region. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 3):34. Crook, E. K., D. J. OBrien, N.C. Whitley, R.M Kaplan and J.M. Burke. 2009. Use of in vitro and in vivo tests to characterize anthelmintic resistance in sheep and goat farms in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 2):128. Kershaw, T., Q. Hawley, H. Mukhtar and M. Worku,. 2009. Parasite Resistance in Spanish x Boer and Spanish Goats. Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences North Carolina, A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411. 15th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, Inc. (ARD). OBrien, D. J., M.C. Gooden, and N.C. Whitley. 2009. Use of garlic as a potential natural dewormer in small ruminants. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 3):32. OBrien, D.J., K.K. Mathews, J.E. Miller, N.C. Whitley, E.K. Crook and J.L. Eierman. 2009. Natural plant anthelmintic fails to reduce internal parasites in meat goat kids. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 2):311. Whitley, N.C., R.M. Kaplan, J.M. Burke, T.H. Terrill, J.E. Miller,W.R. Getz, S. Mobini, E. Valencia and M. Williams. 2009. Small ruminant producer gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) management survey. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 2):310. Lane, L. and M.Worku. 2009. Identification of the putative ligand-binding region of caprine Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) from a Spanish goat. 8th Annual NC OPT-ED Alliance Day Conference. LSAMP. October 2, 2009 Greensboro Coliseum Complex Special Events Center. Abaye, O. A., D. Schlueter, D. Webb, J-M. Luginbuhl, and G. Scaglia. 2009. Influence of cattle grazing alone and with goats on forage biomass, botanical composition and browse species. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 3):34. Luginbuhl, J-M., J. P. Mueller, and H. M. Glennon. 2009. Performance of suckling kids and their dams control-grazed on three tall fescue cultivars. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Supp.3):32. Luginbuhl, J-M., J.E. Miller, T.H. Terrill, and H.M. Glennon. 2009. Evaluation of Sericea lespedeza as a summer forage and for helminth control of grazing goats. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 3):37. Luginbuhl, J-M., and E. B. Rayburn. 2009. Goat nutrition and management. In: E. B. Rayburn (Ed) Animal Production Systems for Pasture-Based Livestock Production. Chapter 6. pp 153-187. Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service. NRAES-171. Ithaca, NY. Luginbuhl, J-M., and K. L. Anderson. 2009. Coccidiosis, the most common cause of diarrhea in young goats. ANS 09-616MG. Luginbuhl, J-M., and K. L. Anderson. 2009. Switchgrass and secondary photosensitization problems in grazed goats The NCSU experience. MGN 02-09. Drake, C., S. Solaiman, J. Thomas, N. Gurung and Y. Dupre. 2009. Growth performance and carcass characteristics of goat kids fed diets containing sericea lespedeza. 1890 Land-Grant Universities Association of Research Directors 15th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA. March 28 - April 1, 2009 (p 102). Ford, D. Jr., C. Okere, D. A. Philip and O. Bolden Tiller. Libido Test Scores. 2009. Body conformation and testicular traits in pubertal Boer and Kiko goats. 2009. 1890 Land-Grant Universities Association of Research Directors 15th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA. March 28 - April 1, 2009 (p 55). Williams, T. A., N. L. Dawkins, J. R. Bartlett, E. G. Rhoden and V. Khan. 2009. The effects of feeding regimes and production practice on sensory quality of chevon. 1890 Land-Grant Universities Association of Research Directors 15th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA. March 28 - April 1, 2009 (p 55). Phillips, D., C. Okere, and N. Gurung. 2009. Precision Breeding in Kiko and Boer Females Using Bucks Fitted with a Marking Harness. Proc. 67th Annual Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Tuskegee University. Streeter, J. S. Solaiman, C. Okere, and N. Gurung. 2009. Critical analysis of reproductive performance in Boer and Kiko meat goat breeding herd under semi-intensive management system. Proc. 67th Annual Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Tuskegee University. Schoenian, S., Semler, J., Dietz-Band, J., Bennett, M.B. and D.J. Jackson-OBrien (2009). Characterizing the parasite challenge of meat goats grazing summer pastures in Western Maryland. 2010 Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. In Proceedings, 57-58. Godfrey, R.W. and A.J. Weis. 2009. The effect of weaning age on lamb growth and ewe productivity in an accelerated lambing system in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 3): 32. Godfrey, R.W., R. C. Ketring, S. S. Robinson and S. T. Willard. 2009. Use of infrared thermal imaging of the muzzle as a measure of body temperature in sheep and cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 2):550. Whitley, N.C., J. E. Miller, J. M. Burke, D. Cazac, D. J. OBrien and L. Dykes and J.P. Muir. 2009. Effect of high tannin grain sorghum on internal parasite fecal egg counts in goats. Small Rumin. Res. 87:105-107. Terrill, T.H., Dykes, G.S., Shaik, S.A., Miller, J.E., Kouakou, B., Kannan, G., Burke, J.M., Mosjidis, J.A., 2009. Efficacy of sericea lespedeza hay as a natural dewormer in goats: Dose titration study. Vet. Parasitol. 163, 52-56. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., 2009. Impact of rotational grazing on management of gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned lambs. Vet. Parasitol. 163, 67-72. Burke, J.M., Wells, A., Casey, P., Miller, J.E., 2009. Garlic and papaya lack control over gastrointestinal nematodes in goats and lambs. Vet. Parasitol. 159, 171-174. Burke, J.M., Wells, A., Casey, P., Kaplan, R.M., 2009. Herbal dewormer fails to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Vet. Parasitol. 160, 168-170. Burke, J.M., 2009. Obstacles to organic and grass fed small ruminant production. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 2):344. Whitley, N.C., Kaplan, R.M., Burke, J.M., Terrill, T.H., Miller, J.E., Getz, W.R., Mobini, S., Valencia, E., William, M.J., 2009. Small ruminant producer gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) management survey. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 2): 310. Wildeus, S. R.A. Stein and Collins, J.R. (2009). Intake and growth of hair sheep and goats pen-fed in single and mixed species groups of different sizes.. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. p. 32. Wildeus, S., Miller, J.E. and Burke, J.M. (2009). Effect of copper oxide wire particles as a bolus or in feed on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism in goat kids of two breeds. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. p. 35. Wildeus, S., Zajac, A.M., Lupton, C.J, and Collins, J.R. (2009). Effect of parasite management practices on fecal egg counts and fiber characteristics in alpacas. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. p. 36. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Wildeus, S., and Terrill, T.H. (2009) Administration of copper oxide wire particles as bolus or in feed for gastrointestinal nematode control in yearling or peri-parturient does. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. p. 35. Zajac, A.M., Wildeus, S. and Lupton, C.J. (2009) Transmission of intestinal parasites of alpacas in the mid-Atlantic region, U.S.A. Proc.22nd Conf. World Assoc. Advan. Vet. Parasitology. Hagens,, B., Whitely, N., Wildeus, S., Wilson, M, Luchansky, J., Ettinger, M. and Pao, S. (2009) The impact of wild birds and farm management on Salmonella and Camplyobacter in small ruminants. Proc. ARD Research Symposium, p. 70. Thompson, T.C., Collins, J.R., Chozu, E.J. and Wildeus, S. (2009) Vaginal artificial insemination in hair sheep ewe lambs using liquid semen stored at room temperature. Proc. ARD Research Symposium, p. 144. Mook, J.L., Collins, J.R. and Wildeus, S. (2009) Effect of trehalose on motility and fertility of buck semen after extended storage at 4°C. Proc. ARD Research Symposium, p. 208.

Impact Statements

Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities: Post surveys indicated that 95% of participants gained knowledge as a result of the educational. Moreover, 95% 0f participants reported improvements in herd health and production efficiency, and 75% reported increases in profitability ranging from 8 to 17.5%. Conversely, 81% of participants reported that weather conditions played a major role in profit margin reduction.
Auburn University: Active participation of producers in performance recording of their individual animals should benefit the meat goat industry. If meat goat producers in the southeast could implement such a record keeping system in their operations, a regional genetic evaluation system could be developed. Given the fact that the meat goat industry is a fast growing small farm enterprise in the southeastern US, producers are looking for educational and extension support to improve their production systems. Dissemination of research findings, providing field trainings and educational programs are key factors that producers could benefit most.
Clemson University: Chicory showed excellent potential as a non-pharmaceutical alternative to chemical anthelmintics for lambs, resulting in greater animal performance.
Delaware State University: Additional studies using ginger and pumpkin seeds are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of these natural dewormers in controlling internal parasites in goats. Anthelmintic resistance in the Mid-Atlantic area is a serious problem and is likely on the rise, thus alternative means of parasite control need to be evaluated and that smart-drenching techniques be broadly instituted.
Fort Valley State University: The primary effect of sericea lespedeza (SL) in the diet of goats infected with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) was on reducing fecundity and fecal egg count (FEC) in mature GIN, but reducing the total number of worms during establishment of the GIN infection.

Date of Annual Report: 04/28/2011

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/06/2011 - 02/06/2011
Period the Report Covers: 02/01/2010 - 01/01/2011

Participants

Jean-Marie Luginbuhl (jean-marie.luginbuh@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina State University (Chair);
Niki Whitley (ncwhitle@ncat.edu) - North Carolina A&T State University (Acting secretary for Dahlia Jackson-OBrien);
David Morrison, (dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu) - Louisiana State University AgCenter, (Administrative Advisor);
Adele Turzillo, (aturzillo@nifa.usda.gov) National Program Leader, Animal Production Systems, USDA NIFA;
Bob Godfrey (rgodfre@uvi.edu) - University of the Virgin Islands;
James Miller, (jmille1@lsu,edu) - Louisiana State University AgCenter;
Kenneth Andries, (Kenneth.andries@kysu.edu) - Kentucky State University;
Nada Nadarajah, (nadarka@auburn.edu) - Auburn University;
Sandra Solaiman, (ssolaim@tuskegee,edu) - Tuskegee University;
Stephan Wildeus, (swildeus@vsu.edu) Virginia State University;
Steve Hart, (shart@luresext.edu) Langston University;
Susan Schoenian (sschoen@umd.edu) University of Maryland;
Thomas Terrill (terrillt@fvsu.edu) - Fort Valley State University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Jean-Marie Luginbuhl at 9AM. Self-introductions were made and guests in attendance were as follows: Linda Coffey, (lindac@ncat.org) National Center for Appropriate Technology; Nelson Escobar, (enescobar@umes.edu) University of Maryland Eastern Shores; Olga Bolden-Tiller, (obtiller@tuskegee.edu) Tuskegee University; Paul Casey, (paul.casey@heifer.org ) Heifer Project; Steven Jones, (sjones@uaex.edu) University of Arkansas Extension; Will Getz, (getzw@fvsu.edu) - Fort Valley State University. Tom Terrill and Jim Miller were accompanied by two graduate students. Members not in attendance were noted.

David Morrison (Administrative Advisor) discussed the coordinating committee and processes for joining. Nelson Escobar and Steven Jones will be joining. David Morrison talked about the Multi-state Dept Head Committee and how each coordinating committee has a monitor and ours is Ralph Noble. He submitted a report of our activities at their recent meeting and they agreed that our group was an excellent model.

David Morrison suggested a Chair, a Chair-elect and a secretary, but indicated it was OK with just a Chair and a Secretary as we have as a group. Clarification was given that the group decided on only 2 officers based on experience with other committees. Steve Hart volunteered/was elected to be the new Secretary/Chair-elect.

Jean-Marie Luginbuhl asked about the website and the number of people listed: it was clarified that only 1 representative per institution should report, but that participation and attendance at the annual meeting is open to anyone. David Morrison mentioned that the project will be ending in Sept 2012, so we need to appoint a committee, look at changes (objectives, etc.) and consider re-submitting.

Jean-Marie Luginbuhl suggested AFRI discussions in the afternoon session since he had problems getting speakers for the mini-symposium. David Morrison indicated it was a good idea (especially for integrated grants).

David Morrison also discussed NIMSS, the system used to coordinate multistate activities. He indicated that 1890 Land Grant institutions do not have access to NIMSS, as NIMSS was initially established for 1862 Land Grant Institutions. Therefore, the need to bypass that system to get participants from 1890 institutions to officially sign up. Interested faculty from 1890 institutions should ask their research director to send David Morrison an email documenting their desire to become an official participant of SCC-81. Once the information is received, David Morrison notifies the regional administrators office to add the new member to the official participants list.

Adele Turzillo (USDA NIFA representative) talked to us about her background and noted that she could not always come to the meetings because she was on 7 of them. She talked about the organization of NIFA and David Morrison sent around an organizational chart for us to review. Adele Turzillo talked about how the budget was in the House of Representatives and hopefully we would soon have a final budget, though we know it could just stay as is with a continuing resolution. A proposal almost doubled AFRI budget from last years, the House reduced it, but it is still higher. No change in formula funds. Adele Turzillo pointed out the Vet. Med. Program (VMLRP) in which veterinarians can apply and get money in exchange for serving in areas of the country with a great need for livestock veterinarians. The President wanted to eliminate the Organic Transition Program (ORG), but the House put it back in. The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension initiative (OREI) stayed steady (Mary Peet from North Carolina State University is the leader of this initiative and she wants more animal science proposals). Adele Turzillo briefly discussed the AFRI programs: the proposals only focus on Research and will not be reviewed if anything else is included in it. Later grants will allow for extension activities. Adele Turzillo also discussed the joint NIH-NIFA program for grants for research relevant to livestock and humans NIH administered but NIFA is giving input on the review panel.

Will Getz from Fort Valley State University discussed the American Goat Federation (AGF; gave out a pamphlet); ASI goat group no longer exists because AGF will now take up for goats what ASI does for sheep.

Steve Jones from the University of Arkansas Extension reported on some of his activities since he started 14 months ago in a small ruminant position. Those included a 300 d of grazing focus to decrease hay feeding to 60 days and saving $25/head and an electronic newsletter going out to 300+ people.

Linda Coffey from the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) talked about her activities, demonstrated a Small Ruminant Toolbox USB and offered free copies to those interested

Discussion about the 2012 new project.
Suggestions of additional objectives included nutrition and carcass evaluation. It was suggested that those topics were relevant to sustainable agriculture but that they could fit under other objectives. Sustainable and other political terms were discussed. It was suggested to drop low-input (and perhaps forage-based) from objective 3 and leaving as Production systems common in the southeastern USA. It was decided not to add objectives. Subcommittees were appointed on a volunteer basis to review objectives and related materials for changes to be more inclusive:
Objective 1: Jim Miller, Joan Burke (Jim volunteered), Nada Nadarajah
Objective 2: Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, Kenneth Andries, Tom Terrill
Objective 3: Susan Schoenian, Sandra Solaiman
Objective 4: Steve Jones, Kenneth Andries, Olga Bolden-Tiller
The deadline to have drafts of the modified objectives is Aug 15th (subcommittees send to everyone to look at/comment on). Dahlia O-Brien will coordinate with the subcommittee members to make sure that they are making progress and submit something on time (send out reminders, etc.)

Meeting adjourned at 4:45PM

Accomplishments

Station Reports from attending members: (See proceedings for details and for reports from members who did not attend the meeting) One representative per station reported for all station objectives. Objective 1: Develop integrated GIN control methods that decrease reliance on chemical dewormers through the use of selective deworming (FAMACHA system), better forage management and grazing options and breed or animal selection for nematode resistance or resilience. Nada Nadarajah, Auburn University; Niki Whitley, North Carolina A&T State University; James Miller, Louisiana State University AgCenter; Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, North Carolina State University; Sandra Solaiman, Tuskegee University; Stephan Wildeus, Virginia State University; Steve hart, Langston University; Thomas Terrill, Fort Valley State University. Objective 2: Develop a forage-based feeding system for year-round grazing that meets nutritional requirements by evaluating performance of forage (legumes, grass and browse) varieties and/or forage systems and animal performance. Kenneth Andries, Kentucky State University; Sandra Solaiman, Tuskegee University; Jean-Marie Luginbuhl for Ozzie Abaye, Virginia Tech. Objective 3: Evaluate the production potential of pure- and crossbred sheep and goat germplasm under low-input, forage-based production systems in the Southeastern US. Robert Godfrey, University of the Virgin Islands; Sandra Solaiman, Tuskegee University; Susan Schoenian, University of Maryland; Wildeus, Virginia State University. Objective 4: Disseminate research results and information to producers through station field days, workshops and websites. Nada Nadarajah, Auburn University; Kenneth Andries, Kentucky State University; James Miller, Louisiana State University AgCenter; Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, North Carolina State University; Niki Whitley, North Carolina A&T State University; Robert Godfrey, University of the Virgin Islands; Sandra Solaiman, Tuskegee University. 1. Auburn University: The relatively small sample size of data currently available through our collaboration should allow us to continue our effort to lead further investigation of the prevalence of GIP in goat population and to understand the relationships with different level of resistance to GIP and production traits that would help the meat goat industry. From a selection point of view, the aim is to identify those individuals that could withstand and exhibit resistance or resilience to allow goats to maintain optimum levels of production. Thus, study of underlying genetic variations in meat goats for resistance to GIP and to understand the relationships between growth performance and parasite resistance of individual animals should help for developing a strategy to select animals for future breeding to benefit the meat goat industry. Meat goat industry is one of the fast growing small farm enterprise in the Southeastern U.S. Meat goat producers and youths in clubs (4-H and FAA programs) are looking for educational and extension support to improve their understanding and production systems of small ruminants. Dissemination of research findings, providing field trainings and educational programs are key factors that the producers could benefit most. 2. Clemson University: Lambs grazing chicory had increased performance and reduced GIN infection compared to those grazing bermudagrass with protein supplementation. 3. Delaware State University: The results of the present study indicate that although anthelmintic resistance in GIN is a serious problem on small ruminant farms in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. producers are employing some form of integrated parasite control strategies to extend the efficacy of available anthelmintics. Goat browsing was effective in controlling japanese honeysuckle following one grazing season, however it might require multiple grazing seasons to have an impact on autumn olive and multiflora rose. Even though the hormonal estrous synchronization protocol used was more effective in synchronizing estrus during late spring, subsequent fertility was similar between groups. 4. Fort Valley State University: This work demonstrated that grazing SL pasture is a useful alternative to perennial summer grass pasture for goats in autumn in Georgia, when there is often a shortage of high-quality pasture. These results demonstrated that feeding supplemental SL pellets may be a useful tool for reducing GIN infection in goats grazing grass pasture in Georgia. 5. Kentucky State University: Medium stocking rate had the best performance with animals maintaining body weight and condition. Forage can be used to meet nutritional needs of goats during lactation but it must be of high quality and digestibility. Increased use of forages in goat operations is resulting in a decrease in cost of production. Better forage and production management is helping improve the health of the animals as well as increasing growth rates without the need for additional supplementation. Producers that have been involved with the Third Thursday Thing programs have reported implementation of a variety of practices including better parasite management, improved forages, budgeting and record keeping, and improved selection practices. Producers utilizing the on-farm performance testing programs have reported improved productivity and better culling strategies on their farms. They have indicated that they are finding animals that were not as productive as previously thought and others that were more productive then they believed. This has changed their culling and improved overall herd performance. 6. Langston University: Anthelmintic combinations can be highly effective with strongyles that are resistant to anthelmintics. However, selective treatment is necessary to prevent the development of strongyles that are highly resistant to these anthelmintic combinations. In this case, administration of a combination of two fairly resistant anthelmintics was efficacious for reducing fecal egg count. 7. Lincoln University: Results suggest that embryonic and fetal wastage in goats may be a significant problem for some herds. Further, preliminary data suggests that these losses occur at a different rate than those found in sheep, and that losses seem to primarily occur relatively late in pregnancy, while sheep have been found to lose equally throughout pregnancy. These differences, if found to be significant, could be an interesting method to help discover reasons for pregnancy losses in small ruminants. 8. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center: Copper treatment in the form of COWP appears to be preferable to CuSO4 for controlling infection in lambs. Also, the worm population appears to be resistant to the combination of levamisole and albendazole. Supplement feeding sericea lespedeza leaf meal at 25% of total intake may be useful to reduce FEC and reinfection in grazing lambs. Rabon, administered in a mineral mix at the approved cattle dose, would not be useful for controlling nematode parasites of lambs. Over 100 producers were in attendance at Parasite Control workshops. 9. North Carolina A&T State University: This data indicates that 75% sericea lespedeza pellets decreased fecal egg counts in goats as has been noted by previous studies. Although not designed to measure it, this project also supports the idea of increased nutritional status (changing from limit feeding as a group to ad libitum individual feeding) also resulting in decreased fecal egg counts. Overall, the results indicate that North Carolina producers responding to the survey changed their management practices which improved control of parasites on their sheep and goat farms and saved them money. Overall, producers attending FAMACHA©/Integrated Parasite Management training have clearly benefited. However, 2009 NAHMS Goat producer survey information (Katherine Marshall, personal communications) indicates that 75% of goat producers responding to a survey reported that they had not heard of FAMACHA©, indicating that much more work is needed in this area. With this training, agents are better able to provide integrated parasite control methods to farmers, include FAMACHA© training. Two agents involved with the training provided success stories indicating that producers they trained were saving animals and thus saving money. As has been noted through previous surveys FAMACHA© training helps producers use less chemical dewormers while managing gastrointestinal parasites on their farm better, saving them money. A preliminary advisory council tour of the site indicated that the planned demonstrations and applied research will be well-received and have great impact. 10. North Carolina State University: Grazing sericea lespedeza showed excellent potential as a non pharmaceutical alternative to chemical anthelmintics in an integrated parasite control program. Utilization and management of forages by goat producers is increasing, and resulting in a more sustainable industry. The increased knowledge of participants results in changes in gastrointestinal parasite control approach by producers and resulted in healthier animals, lower production costs and better culling and management decisions. In addition, many producers planted or requested information about sericea lespedeza due to our research results using this legume in a summer grazing system. Participants increased their knowledge, skills and abilities in goat production, including parasite control and forage management. 11. Tuskegee University: Identifying key management problems in controlling parasites in Southeastern U.S. may help in better prevention methods. Tannins-containing pine bark as a feed additive has the potential to decrease internal parasites and fecal methane gas production, and improve animal performance and feed efficiency by altering ruminal fermentation (VFA and ammonia productions). Tannin-containing pine bark is readily available and has a long history of production and use as mulch in the timber industry in Southern USA. Pine bark is a natural product and generally regarded as safe (GRAS). Combination of grass and legume pastures will improve animal performance and soil health for a sustainable goat production in the Southeastern U.S. Early indications show that Kiko crossbred goats performed better under the condition and producers are beginning to realize the importance of raising goats under pine plantations and its potential benefits. Identification of species specific sequence for testicular genes can be utilized to construct high-throughput tools, such as microarrays, in goats. Limited resource producers may not be in a position to test libido or ejaculate qualities of males before using them for breeding; a procedure to relate body conformation and external testicular traits to serum testosterone profiles may provide a useful tool for breeding soundness examination in pubertal males. Based on the results of this study, it is hypothesized that scrotal circumference measurement used in conjunction with serum testosterone levels and body conformation traits can be incorporated into a breeding soundness tool for selecting or culling breeding Boer goat sires at an early age. The low and negative correlations observed between serum IGF-I and carcass or testicular traits suggest that serum IGF-I levels in pubertal Boer males and their crosses may not be a useful predictor of genetic merit for carcass or reproductive performance. However, further research needs to be conducted in order to explore the utility of serum IGF-I values in meat goat breeding and schemes. This study has indicated hematological (packed cell volume) values and could serve as a baseline information for comparison in conditions of nutrient deficiency, physiological and health status of Boer and Kiko meat goats kept under semi-intensive husbandry practice in Southeast Alabama. Data so obtained could be used for diagnosis of disease, for criteria of adaptability as well as to elucidate some physiological mechanisms in these breeds of meat goats. This study has indicated hematological values could serve as baseline information for comparison in conditions of nutrient deficiency, physiological and health status of Boer goats kept under intensive husbandry system in Southeast Alabama. The component of the hematological biochemical parameters in Boer goats in this study seems to point out some differences from those obtained for other ruminant species. Since the animals were apparently healthy, deviation from these baseline hematological values may be regarded for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes as possible infection or metabolic and nutrient deficiency in intact Boer bucks. Differences in growth pattern of breeds can impact the time required to reach slaughter weight and optimum efficiency. The Tuskegee University Goat Day remains the flagship technology transfer events for meat goat producers in the state of Alabama and beyond. The project resulted in increased knowledge gained by producers on goat management and producers apparent willingness to implement programs learned in the course. Further, the program provided producers and agricultural professionals (and others) opportunity to interact and form future collaborations that could lead to growth in the goat industry. The survey results indicate that the participants in the workshop increased their knowledge female reproductive anatomy and physiology, and participants felt that they had a thorough understanding of artificial insemination in goats. Participants indicated that they were likely to implement this procedure at their own farms. These activities build leadership. 12. University of Maryland Extension: The Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test is the only pasture-only small ruminant performance test in the United States. It is one of three tests sanctioned by the American Kiko Goat Association, which emphasizes performance to its members. The Maryland test is increasing the interest in performance testing and the use of performance tested bucks as evidenced by increasing participation in test, field day, and sale; higher demand for performance tested bucks (higher prices); and development of other forage-based small ruminant tests. According to electronic survey, 80 percent of visitors to the meat goat test blog would prefer to use a performance tested buck. Ninety percent of respondents to an online survey value the emphasis the test places on parasite traits. 13. University of the Virgin Islands: Weaning at 120 days of age can be done in an accelerated lambing system with no detrimental effect on ewe productivity. The later weaning age decreases the amount of time that lambs received high cost, imported feed without a reduction in their growth and would have a positive impact on the economics of producing hair sheep in the tropics. The Cooperative Extension Service at UVI conducted a series of Livestock Production and Management workshops during the Fall of 2010. R. Godfrey and S. Weiss participated by presenting information on sheep and goat production and management, pasture/forage production, and parasite control (FAMACHA training) in a classroom and field setting. The workshop attendance varied from 5-15 participants for each session. 14. USDA_ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farm Research Center: Additional funding was received to expand this project and collect more data. Results from this study will aid in developing breeding values for Katahdins, which can be used as a model for other species. Identification and selection of parasite resistant sheep and goats will be essential for organic farms and those without reliable anthelmintics. (This research was supported by Southern Region SARE grant OS09-045.) High quality forages such as sun hemp that allow goats to graze away from GIN infested forages will reduce GIN infection because of increased tolerance to GIN associated with good nutrition and reduced intake of infective larvae. Supplementation of SL leaf meal pellets to weaned goats on pasture offers control of H. contortus but not Trichostrongylus. The latter is often not life threatening, but may reduce weight gains in goats. Only 17% of SL supplemented goats required deworming compared with 84% of control goats leading to conservation of dewormer and potentially slowing anthelmintic resistance. This project has the potential to impact small ruminant producers who experience problems with gastrointestinal nematodes (primarily Haemonchus contortus, but others will be addressed as needed), including conventional and organic production systems throughout the U.S. 15. USDA-ARS Grazinglands Research Lab: Preliminary results from this research demonstrate that a maternal genetic effect can be important in forage intake and possibly efficiency of forage utilization. With respect to the breeds in this study, it would seem that the best breed combination for crossbred stocker lambs would be Suffolk-sired lambs from Katahdin ewes. 16. Virginia State University: Results indicate that there may be a benefit to feeding juniper meal leaf towards controlling nematode parasites in lambs. Data suggest that bucks were more dominant than rams, with activity levels being lower in pens with bucks. Increasing the stocking rate differentially affected behavior in the two species. These findings have implications for setting up mixed species production systems. Breed and rumen by-pass fat supplementation had no effect on weaning performance under the conditions of this trial. The increase in milk fat by rumen by-pass fat feeding in dairy sheep was not observed in the hair sheep here. 17. Virginia Tech: The use of mixed grazing goats with cattle showed a great potential for improving the utilization of plants that were both established and invasive found on reclaimed coal mined lands in the Appalachian region. The preference of goats for invasive plant species and increased output per land area are attractive benefits of mixed grazing goats with cattle for livestock producers in this region.

Publications

Journal articles Burke, J.M., Coleman, S., Chase, C.C. Jr., Riley, D.G., Looper, M.L. 2010. Interaction of breed-type and endophyte-infected tall fescue on milk production and quality in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 88, 2802-2811. Burke, J.M., Orlik, S., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A. 2010. Using copper oxide wire particles or sericea lespedeza to prevent a peri-parturient gastrointestinal nematode infection in sheep and goats. Livest. Sci. 132, 13-18. Burke, J.M., Soli, F., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Wildeus, S., Shaik, S.A., Getz, W.R., Vanguru, M. 2010. Administration of copper oxide wire particles in a capsule or feed for gastrointestinal nematode control in goats. Vet. Parasitol. 168, 346-350. Gillespie, R.M., L.H. Williamson, T.H. Terrill, and R.M. Kaplan. 2010. Efficacy of anthelmintics on South American camelid (llama and alpaca) farms in Georgia. Vet. Parasitol. 172:168-171. Miller, M. C., S. K. Duckett, and J. G. Andrae. 2011. The effect of forage species on performance and gastrointestinal nematode infection in lambs. Small. Rum. Res. 95:188-192. Solaiman, S., J. Thomas, Y. Dupre, B. R. Min, N. Gurung, T. H. Terrill. 2010. Effect of feeding sericea lespedeza hay on growth performance, blood metabolites, and carcass characteristics of Kiko crossbred male kids. Small Rumin. Res. 93: 149-156. Soli, F., Terrill, T.H., Shaik, S.A., Getz, W.R., Miller, J.E., Vanguru, M., Burke, J.M. 2010. Efficacy of copper oxide wire particles against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats. Vet. Parasitol. 168, 93-96. Weiss S.A., J.P. Muir and R.W. Godfrey. 2010. Coral vine consumption by St. Croix White hair lambs. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 22, Article #97. Retrieved July 6, 2010, from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd22/5/weis22097.htm Abstracts Ahmed, Y. M. Worku, H. Mukhtar, and R. Noble. 2010. Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (Nramp1) and goat health. J. Anim. Sci. 88, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 93, E-Suppl. 1/Poult. Sci. Vol. 89, E-Suppl. 1. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., 2010. Integrated control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) using sericea lespedeza, FAMACHA, and copper oxide wire particles in weaned goats in Arkansas. J Anim Sci 88 (E-Supple. 3), 31-32. Carter, L., N. Whitley, D. Kahl, T. Terrill, J. Miller. 2010. Fecal Gastrointestinal Parasite Egg Counts in Post-Parturient Does Fed Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata). Proceedings: National Goat Conference, September 12-15, 2010. Crook, E.K., D.J. OBrien, S.B. Howell, B. Storey, N.C. Whitley, S. Schoenian, J.M. Burke, R.M. Kaplan. 2010. Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and goats in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. J. Anim. Sci. 88 E-Suppl. 3:12. Godfrey, R. W. and K. Facison. 2010. Milk production and lamb growth of hair sheep weaned at 63 or 90 d of age in an accelerated lambing system in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 88(E-Suppl. 2):304. Luginbuhl, J.-M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Glennon, H.M., 2010. Evaluation of sericea lespedeza as a summer forage and natural parasite control for grazing goats. J Anim Sci 88 (E-Supple. 3), 31. Jackson-OBrien, D. J., E.K. Crook, N.C. Whitley, R. Kaplan, B. Storey, and S. Howell. 2010. Previous Anthelmintic Use and Integrated Parasite Management on Gastrointestinal Nematode Resistance on Sheep and Goat Farms in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. National Goat Conference Proceedings. Matthews, K. K., D. J. Jackson-OBrien, E. Crook, J. Eierman,; and N. Whitley. 2011. Estrus, Mating and Fertility Response in Meat Goats Following Estrus Synchronization Protocols. ARD 16th Biannual research symposium proceedings. Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Burke, J.M., Mosjidis, J.A., Whitley, N.C., 2010. Dose titration effect of sericea lespedeza feed pellets on gastrointestinal nematode infection in lambs. Proc 55th Ann Meet Amer Assoc Vet Parasitol: 45. O'Brien, D. J., E.K. Crook, J.L. Eierman, K.K. Matthews,and N.C. Whitley. 2010. Estrus, Mating and Fertility Response in Meat Goats Following Estrus Synchronization Protocols. National Goat Conference Proceedings. OBrien, D.J., J.L. Eierman, E.K. Crook, K. K. Matthews, and N.C. Whitley. 2010. Estrus and mating response after estrus synchronization protocols in meat goats. Proceedings: National Goat Conference, September 12-15, 2010. O'Brien, D.J., M.C. Gooden, J.C. Warren, E.K. Crook, J.E. Miller, N.C. Whitley, and J.M. Burke. 2010. Efficacy of ginger and pumpkin seeds in controlling internal parasites in meat goat kids. J. Anim. Sci. 88 E-Suppl. 2:581. Perdue, M. A., N.C. Whitley, S. Schoenian, and D. J. OBrien. 2010. Impact evaluation of integrated parasite management training conduct in the Northeast US over a two-year period. J. Anim. Sci. 88 E-Suppl. 3:35. Terrill, T.H., Joshi, B.R., Kommuru1, D.S., Mechineni, A., Gujja, S., Kamisetti, N.R., Dzimianski, S.L., Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Burke, J.M., 2010. Feeding sericea lespedeza leaf meal to goats: effect on gastrointestinal nematode infection. J Anim Sci 88 (E-Supple. 3), 32. Warren, J. C., D.J. OBrien, and R. Beaman. 2011. Use of Goats for Controlling Invasive Weeds in New Castle County Delaware ARD 16th Biannual research symposium proceedings. Whitley, N.C., Terrill, T.H., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., 2010. Influence of diets containing sericea lespedeza leaf meal on gastrointestinal parasite fecal egg counts in goats. J Anim Sci 88 (E-Supple. 3), 33. Whitley, N.C., J-M. Luginbuhl, S. Schoenian, and M. Worku. 2010. Survey of North Carolina sheep and goat producers after gastrointestinal parasite management training. J. Anim. Sci. . Small ruminant producer gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) management survey. J. Anim. Sci. 88 E-Suppl. 3:35. Schoenian, S., Semler, J., Dietz-Band, J., Gordon, D., Lantz, W., and D. OBrien. (2010). Developing a meat goat performance testing program in Maryland. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 88, E-Suppl. 3. Whitley, N., S. Schoenian, R. Kaplan, R. Storey, T. Terrill, J. Burke, J. Miller and S. Mobini. 2010. Impact of Integrated Parasite Management and FAMACHA© Training in the United States. Proceedings: National Goat Conference, September 12-15, 2010. Wildeus, S. and Chozu, E.J. 2010. Liquid semen vaginal AI in three hair sheep breeds during transition to seasonal breeding. J. Anim. Sci., 88, E-Suppl. 3:34. Wildeus, S., Lupton, C.J. and Zajac, A.M. 2010. Fiber growth and quality in alpacas managed with or without routine anthelmintic treatment in the mid-Atlantic U.S. J. Anim. Sci., 88, E-Suppl. 3:34 Wildeus. S., and Stein, R. A. 2010. Feeding behavior of intact yearling hair sheep and meat goat males pen-fed in single and mixed-species groups. J. Anim. Sci., 88, E-Suppl. 2: 455. Worku, M., A. Yasser, H. Mukhtar, and R.C. Noble. 2010. Expression of CD14 in Haemonchus infected goats. Strengthening the goat industry Proceedings of the National goat conference Florida A&M University 12-15 2010 p179. Book chapters Miller, J.E., Olcott, B.M., Bath, G.F., 2010. Infectious and parasitic diseases. In: S. Solaiman (Ed.), Goat Science and Production, Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, IA: 217-240. Devendra, C., and S. G. Solaiman. 2010. Perspectives on Goats and Global Production. In: Goat Science and Production, Solaiman, S. G. Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, a John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication. pp 21-38. Gurung, N. K. and S. G. Solaiman. 2010. Goat Breeds. In: Goat Science and Production, Solaiman, S. G. Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, a John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication. pp 193-216. Ebert, R. A., and S. G. Solaiman. 2010. Animal Evaluation. In: Goat Science and Production, Solaiman, S. G. Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, a John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication. pp 193- 216. Solaiman, S. G. 2010. Goat Science and Production, Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication. Solaiman, S. G. 2010. Feeds and Feeding Management. In: Goat Science and Production, Solaiman, S. G. Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication. pp 193-216. Solaiman, S. G. 2010. Housing Requirements. In: Goat Science and Production, Solaiman, S. G. Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication. pp 323-338. Solaiman, S. G. and F. N. Owens. 2010. Digestive Physiology and Nutrient Metabolism. In: Goat Science and Production, Solaiman, S. G. Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication. pp 157-178. Solaiman, S. G. and G. F. W. Haenlien. 2010. Future Needs for Teaching, Research, Extension, and Outreach. In: Goat Science and Production, Solaiman, S. G. Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication. pp 359-368. Solaiman, S. G., E. Kebede, and E. M. Aviki. 2010. Business Plan, Production Enterprise, and Marketing Strategy. In: Goat Science and Production, Solaiman, S. G. Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication. pp 339-358. Conference proceedings Godfrey, R.W., R.E. Dodson and R.C. Ketring. 2010. Production traits of St. Croix and Dorper x St. Croix White ewes in an accelerated lambing system in the tropics. Advances in Animal Bioisciences. 1(part 2):386-387. Luginbuhl, J-M., J. Paul Mueller, J. T. Green, Jr., D. S. Chamblee, and H. M. Glennon. 2010.Grazing and browsing behavior, grazing management, forage evaluation and goat performance: Strategies to enhance meat goat production in North Carolina. In L. Anderson, D. Jackson, A. McKenzie-Jakes, O. Onokpise, K. Sarjeant (Eds) Strenghtening The Goat Industry. pp 73-87. Florida A&M Univ. September 12-15. Tallahassee, FL. (Invited). Nadarajah, K. 2010. Genetic Improvement of Goats for Meat Production: Current Status and Looking Forward to prepare for the Future. Proc. National Goat Conference, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, September 12-15, 2010. pp 32-42. Extension publications Abaye, A. O., Matt Webb , Carl Zipper, J. M. Luginbuhl, and Chris Teutsch 2010. Managing shrub-infested post mined- pasturelands with goats and cattle: I. Effects on forage biomass, nutritive values, and animal performance. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 460-146. Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 2010. Artificial Insemination in Goats. UNP-0095 Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 2010. Puberty in Goats. UNP-0108. Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 2010. The Estrous Cycle in Does. UNP-0111 Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 2010. Controlled Breeding Season Management for Meat Goats. UNP-0117

Impact Statements

The study of underlying genetic variations in meat goats for resistance to GIP and to understand the relationships between growth performance and parasite resistance of individual animals should help for developing a strategy to select animals for future breeding to benefit the meat goat industry.
Lambs grazing chicory had increased performance and reduced GIN infection compared to those grazing bermudagrass with protein supplementation in South Carolina.
Although anthelmintic resistance in GIN is a serious problem on small ruminant farms in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., producers are employing some form of integrated parasite control strategies to extend the efficacy of available anthelmintics.
Grazing sericea lespedeza pasture is a useful alternative to perennial summer grass pasture for goats in autumn in Georgia and showed excellent potential as a non pharmaceutical alternative to chemical anthelmintics in an integrated parasite control program in North Carolina.
Feeding supplemental sericea lespedeza pellets may be a useful tool for reducing GIN infection in goats grazing grass pasture in Georgia and feeding 75% sericea lespedeza pellets decreased fecal egg counts in goats in North Carolina.
In Kentucky, forage, when grazed at medium stocking rates, can be used to meet nutritional needs of goats during lactation but it must be of high quality and digestibility.
Producers involved in regularly scheduled extension education programs in Kentucky have reported implementation of a variety of practices including better parasite management, improved forages, budgeting and recordkeeping, and improved selection practices.
Anthelmintic combinations can be highly effective with strongyles that are resistant to anthelmintics.
Embryonic and fetal wastage in goats may be a significant problem for some herds in Missouri.
Copper treatment, in the form of COWP, appears to be preferable to copper sulfate for controlling GIN infection in lambs in Louisiana.
Supplement feeding sericea lespedeza leaf meal at 25% of total intake may be useful to reduce FEC and reinfection in grazing lambs in Louisiana.
Producers attending FAMACHA©/Integrated Parasite Management training in North Carolina use less chemical dewormers while managing gastrointestinal parasites on their farm better, thus saving them money.
Alabama rersearch showed that tannins-containing pine bark as a feed additive has the potential to decrease internal parasites and fecal methane gas production, and improve animal performance and feed efficiency.
Identification of species-specific sequence for testicular genes can be utilized to construct high-throughput tools, such as microarrays, in goats.
Hematological (packed cell volume) values could serve as a baseline information for comparison in conditions of nutrient deficiency, physiological and health status of Boer and Kiko meat goats kept under semi-intensive husbandry practice in Southeast Alabama.
The Tuskegee University Goat Day remains the flagship technology transfer event for meat goat producers in the state of Alabama.
The Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test is the only pasture-only small ruminant performance test in the United States.
Weaning at 120 days of age can be done in an accelerated lambing system with no detrimental effect on ewe productivity in the Virgin Islands.
In Arkansas, only 17% of sericea lespedeza-supplemented goats required deworming compared with 84% of control goats leading to conservation of dewormer and potentially slowing anthelmintic resistance.
Maternal genetic effects can be important in forage intake and possibly efficiency of forage utilization in Oklahoma.
There may be a benefit to feeding juniper leaf meal towards controlling nematode parasites in lambs in Virginia.
The use of mixed grazing goats with cattle showed a great potential for improving the utilization of plants that were both established and invasive found on reclaimed coal-mined lands in the Appalachian region.

Date of Annual Report: 03/29/2012

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/05/2012 - 02/05/2012
Period the Report Covers: 09/01/2010 - 10/01/2011

Participants

Jackson-OBrien, Dahlia - Delaware State University;
Schoenian, Susan - University of Maryland;
Godfrey, Robert - University of the Virgin Islands;
Miller, James - Louisiana State University AgCenter;
Nadarajah, Nada - Auburn University;
Solaiman, Sandra - Tuskegee University;
Terrill, Thomas - Fort Valley State University;
Burke, Joan - USDA-ARS;
Escobar, Nelson University of Maryland Eastern Shore;
Bowdridge, Scott West Virginia University;
Whitley, Niki North Carolina A&T State University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Dahlia Jackson-OBrien at 9:09 AM. Self-introductions were made and guests in attendance were as follows: Olga Bolden-Tiller, (obtiller@tuskegee.edu) Tuskegee University; Steven Jones, (sjones@uaex.edu) University of Arkansas Extension; Marion Simon, (marion.simon@kysu.edu) - Kentucky State University; Will Getz, (getzw@fvsu.edu) - Fort Valley State University; Nar Gurung (ngurung@mytu.tuskegee.edu) Tuskegee University; Ralph Noble, (rcnoble@ag.ncat.edu) North Carolina A&T State University; and David Fernandez (dfernandez@uaex.edu) - University of Arkansas. Dahlia Jackson-OBrien was accompanied by graduate student Kwame Matthews. Members not in attendance were noted.

Robert Godfrey discussed the coordinating committee and deadline for renewal proposal submission. The deadline is July 1st, 2012. Dr. Godfrey also explained that SCC-81 will be changed and a new number will be assigned. He described the procedure for requesting a renewed coordinating committee, proposal format and steps and responsibilities from the decision to renew to final approval. These were supplemented with handouts. Dr. Godfrey also described the difference between a coordinating committee and a full-blown project (Multi-state) with the main difference being the elaborate, concrete collaboration in a full-blown project. In addition, full-blown projects could get travel funds and there could be non-institution/NGO involvement. There was discussion on this and it was decided that the group would remain a coordinating committee since the group had been doing well so far.

Dahlia Jackson-OBrien asked about participants and repercussions of failing to submit annual reports. There were a few participants that failed to submit reports 2 years in a row. Dr. Godfrey suggested that these institutions could contacted if there is a failure to submit 2 years in a row to ascertain the problem and if not addressed, that participant could be removed from the list of official participants. Joan Burke indicated that Mike Brown had retired and therefore did not submit a report.

Adele Turzillo (USDA NIFA representative) participated via conference call. She talked about the change in directorship of NIFA and that Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young was now the acting Director of NIFA. Adele Turzillo went over NIFAs budget for FY2012 and Dr. Jackson-OBrien distributed handouts that were forwarded to the group which showed a slight decrease in total, discretionary and mandatory funding. Adele Turzillo then proceeded to discuss NIFAs competitive programs, eligibility, success rates and deadlines. She also indicated that indirect cost rates had been increased from 22% to a maximum of 30% of total costs. Adele Turzillo also discussed the joint NIH-NIFA program for grants for research relevant to livestock and humans Mark Mirando is the NIFA program contact on this effort. She also explained that NIFA has released a funding opportunity partnering with NSF, NIH and the U.K. Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council titled Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases. Solicitation website was provided and Adele indicated that the application submission deadline would be the first Wednesday in December of each year. In addition, the group was informed that NIFA and ARS held a joint 5-year stakeholder workshop in 2011 and a summary of the workshop was available on-line (website provided in handout). Finally, Adele Turzillo provided an update on NIFAs personnel as well as the National Program Leaders and Program Specialists.

Will Getz from Fort Valley State University gave an update on ASI. He indicated that ASI hosts the Sheep and Goat Research Journal for applied practical research articles (www.sheepusa.org). Keith Inskeep is the Editor. Dr. Getz also mentioned that ASI has launched a rebuilding the inventory effort (2+2+2 plan). Essentially, this plan aims to increase sheep inventory by 350,000 by the following: each producer increase their inventory by 2 for every 50 ewes, increase the number of lambs born to 2/ewe and finally to increase the off take of lambs by 2%. ASI has also set aside money for each state to pay modest amounts for mentors to help new producers. Lastly, Dr. Getz informed the group that the American Goat Federation (AGF) was growing and becoming more operational.

Steve Jones from the University of Arkansas Extension reported on some of his activities since he started in a small ruminant position slightly over 2 years now. This included educational programs conducted (including FAMACHA training, Field days, Producer short courses, Tool Box for Educators and an electronic newsletter) and on-farm demonstrations (including alternative forages, grazing management and alternative fencing).

Business Meeting and discussion about the 2012 new project:
Dahlia Jackson-OBrien asked the group if they had heard anything from Langston University and if Steve Hart would be able to attend the 2013 Meeting since he will be Chair. There was group discussion on what steps should be taken if the Chair cannot make the meetings. It was decided that a replacement could be found to chair the meeting but that the SCC-81 Chair would still be responsible for requesting annual reports, organizing and printing the proceedings. Susan Schoenian was nominated and elected the next Secretary/Chair elect.
This was followed by a discussion on the proposal renewal and suggestions of additional objectives. It was suggested that nutrition and carcass evaluation and reproduction be included in the objectives of the new proposal. It was also suggested that those topics were relevant to sustainable agriculture and that they could fit under other objectives. There was concern about trying to fit everything and losing the true purpose of the group. Dahlia Jackson-OBrien mentioned the comments from the previous years discussion and the suggestion that low-input (and perhaps forage-based) be dropped from objective 3 and Production systems common in the southeastern USA be left it. Again, it was decided not to add objectives, but to create subcommittees that would work on each objective to make it more inclusive if possible but not to stray away from original intent. The following individuals volunteered (or were volunteered) to serve on sub-committees to review our current objectives for any changes:

Objective 1: Jim Miller, Joan Burke, Nada Nadarajah and Scott Bowdridge

Objective 2: Tom Terrill, Kenneth Andries, Sandra Solaiman and Jean-Marie Luginbuhl

Objective 3: Stephan Wildeus, Olga Bolden-Tiller, and Kenneth Andries

Objective 4: Susan Schoenian, Dahlia OBrien, Niki Whitley and Nelson Escobar

In addition, a writing committee was appointed on a volunteer basis and includes: dahlia Jackson-OBrien, Joan Burke, and Stephan Wildeus. Dahlia O-Brien will coordinate with the subcommittee members to make sure that they are making progress and submit the proposal on time to Robert Godfrey no later than 1 week before July 1st, 2012.

Meeting adjourned at 4:20PM

Accomplishments

Publications

Journal Articles Blackburn, H.D., Paiva, S.R., Wildeus, S., Getz, W., Waldron, D., Stobart, R., Bixby, D., Purdy, P.H. Welsh, C., Spiller, S., and Brown, M. 2011. Genetic structure and diversity among U.S. sheep breeds: Identification of major gene pools. Journal of Animal Science doi.102527/jas.2010-3354. Burke, J.M., Whitley, N.C., Pollard, D.A. J. Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H. Moulton, K.E., 2011. Dose titration of sericea lespedeza leaf meal on Haemonchus contortus infection in lambs and kids. Vet. Parasitol. 181, 345-349. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., 2011. Use of a mixed sericea lespedeza pasture system for control of gastrointestinal nematodes lambs and kids. Vet. Parasitol. (2011), doi:101016/j.vetpar.2011.11.074. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H., 2011. Grazing sericea lespedeza for control of gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs. Vet. Parasitol. (2010), doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.12.004. Burke, J.M., Whitley, N.C., Pollard, D.A., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Moulton, K.E., Mosjidis, J.A., 2011. Dose titration of sericea lespedeza leaf meal on Haemonchus contortus infection in lambs and kids. Vet Parasitol 181, 345-349. Burke, J.M., N.C. Whitley, D.A. Pollard, J.E. Miller, T.H.Terrill, K.E. Moulton, J.A. Mosjidis. 2011.Dose titration of sericea lespedeza leaf meal on Haemonchus contortus infection in lambs and kids. Vet. Parasitol. 181:345-349. (doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.05.005) Cubbage, F., V. Glenn, J. P. Mueller, D. Robison, R. Myers, J-M. Luginbuhl, and R. Myers. 2011. Early tree growth, crop yields, and estimated returnsfor an agroforestry trial in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Agrofoestry. Systems. Accepted. Godfrey, R.W., L. Larson, A.J. Weis and S.T. Willard. 2010. Evaluation of ultrasonography to measure fetal size and heart rate as predictors of fetal age in hair sheep. Sheep & Goat Research Journal 25: 60-65. Gurung, N. K., S. G. Solaiman, D. L. Rankins, Jr., A. L. Kendricks, G. M. Abdelrahim, W. and H. McElhenney. 2012. Effects of distillers dried grains with solubles on apparent nutrient digestibility and passage kinetics of Boer x Spanish castrated male goats. Journal of Applied Animal Research. In Press. Juárez-Reyes, A. S., M. A. Cerrillo-Soto, M. Guerrero-Cervantes, H. Bernal-Barragán, E. Herrera-Torres, F. G. Rios-Rincón, and J.M. Luginbuhl. 2011. Productive and reproductive performance and metabolic profile of ewes supplemented with hydroponic green wheat. Small Rumin. Res. Submitted. Joshi, B.R., Kommuru, D.S., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Burke, J.M., Shakya, K.P., Miller, J.E., 2011. Effect of feeding sericea lespedeza leaf meal in goats experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Vet Parasitol 178, 192-197. Joshi, B.R., Kommuru, D.S., Terrill, T.H., Mosjisis J.A., Burke, J.M., Shakya, K.P., Miller, J.E., 2011. Responses of sericea lespedeza feeding in goats experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Vet. Parasitol. 178, 192-197. Leick, C. M., P.R. Broadway , S. Solaiman , J.M. Behrends. 2012. Quality and consumer acceptability of salt and phosphate enhanced goat loin from goats fed varying levels of pine bark. Meat Science 90: 665669. Luginbuhl, J-M., S. Pietrosemoli, J. M. Freeman, and K. L. Anderson. 2011. Alternatives to traditional anthelmintics to control gastrointestinal nematodes in grazing meat goats. Archiv. Latinoam. Prod. Anim. In Press. Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Terrill, T.H., Kearney, M.T., 2011. A comparison of two integrated approaches of controlling nematode parasites in small ruminants. Vet. Parasitol. 178, 300-310. Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Terrill, T.H., Kearney, M.T., 2011. A comparison of two integrated approaches of controlling nematode parasites in small ruminants. Vet Parasitol 178, 300-310. Min, B. R., S. Solaiman, N. Gurung, J. Behrends, J. S. Eun, E. Taha, and J. Rose. 2012. Novel uses of tannin-containing pine bark as feed additive to improve production efficiency, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and carcass traits in Koko-cross goats. J. of Anim. Sci. Accepted for Publication. Solaiman, S., B. R. Min, N. Gurung, J. Behrends, and W. McElhenney. 2012. Effects of breed and harvest age on feed intake, growth, carcass traits, blood metabolites, and lipogenic gene expression in Boer and Kiko goats. J. Anim. Sci. In Press. Solaiman, S., B. R. Min, N. Gurung, J. Behrends, and E. Taha. 2011. Assessing feed intake, growth performance, organ growth, and carcass characteristics of purebred Boer and Kiko male kids fed high concentrate diet. Small Ruminant Research, 98 (1-3): 98-101. Tedeschii L. O., A. Cannas, S.G. Solaiman, R. A. M. Vieira, N. K. Gurung. 2012. Development and evaluation of empirical equations to predict ruminal fractional passage rate of forages in goats. J. Agr. Sci. 150: 95-107. Terrill, T.H., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Mosjidis, J.A., 2011. Experiences with integrated concepts for the control of Haemonchus contortus in sheep and goats in the United States. Vet. Parasitol. (In Press). Turner, K.E., Wildeus, S., and Collins, J.R. 2011. Performance and nutrient utilization in purebred and Spanish and Boer x Spanish and Kikio x Spanish genetic types of goats offered alfalfa hay with corn supplementation. Small Ruminant Research 96:144-148. Webb, M., A.O. Abaye, C.D. Teutsch, J.-M. Luginbuhl, G. Scaglia, and C.E. Zipper. Mixed Grazing Goats With Cattle on Reclaimed Coal Mined Lands in the Appalachian Region: Effects on Forage Standing Biomass, Forage Botanical Composition and Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.). Sheep and Goat Research Journal; (in press) Webb, M., 0. A. Abaye, C. Teutsch, J-M. Luginbuhl, G. Scaglia, and C. Zipper. 2011. Effects of mixed grazing goats with cattle on forage biomass, botanical composition and browse species on reclaimed pastures in the Appalachian coal region. Sheep & Goat Res. J. Accepted. Abstracts Gooden, M., E. N. Escobar, N. C. Whitley, D. J. Jackson-OBrien, and H. Taylor. 2011. Lack of an effect of pelletized diets containing pumpkin seeds on gastrointestinal nematode fecal egg counts in goats. J. Anim. Sci. Accepted. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (E - Suppl.1):T395 (p. 400). Gooden, M., E.N. Escobar, N.C. Whitley , D.J. Jackson-OBrien, and H. Taylor. 2011. Lack of an effect of pelletized diets containing pumpkin seeds on gastrointestinal nematode fecal egg counts in goats. J. Anim. Sci. 89 E-Suppl.1:400. Luginbuhl, J-M., H. M. Glennon, J. E. Miller, and T.H. Terrill. 2011. Evaluation of sericea lespedeza grazed as a summer forage and natural parasite control for goats. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 2): 15. Matthews, K.K., D.J. O'Brien, N.C. Whitley, J.E. Miller, J.M. Burke, and R.A. Barczewski. 2012. Efficacy of pumpkin seed oil in controlling internal parasites in Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 90 E-Suppl. 3 in press. So Sections Nadarajah, K., S. Schoenian, D. L. Kuhlers, M. D. Carpenter and D. Rankins. 2011. Gastro-intestinal parasitic infestation in meat goats and its relationships with production traits under a pasture-based performance test in Western Maryland. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 1):399. Nadarajah, K., M. Penick, D. L. Kuhlers, M. D. Carpenter and D. Rankins. 2011. Gastro-intestinal parasitic infestation and its relationships with growth performance in meat goats on pasture with supplemental grain feeding test at the Kerr Center in Oklahoma. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 1):399. OBrien, D.J., K.K. Matthews, E.K. Crook, N.C. Whitley, B. Storey, Sue Howell, and Ray Kaplan. 2011. Integrated parasite control, dewormer use and gastrointestinal nematode resistance on small ruminant farms in the mid-Atlantic U.S. J. Anim. Sci. 89 E-Suppl. 1:401. OBrien, D.J., K.K. Matthews, E.K. Crook, N.C. Whitley, B. Storey, S. Howell, R. Kaplan. 2011. Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) resistance and GIN management on small ruminant farms in the mid-Atlantic U.S. J. Anim. Sci. Accepted. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (E - Suppl.1): T399 (p. 401). Renner, B. M., S. Pietrosemoli, J-M. Luginbuhl, C. Raczkowski, J. T. Green, and J. Grossman. 2011. Effect of stocking rate on forage production, soil compaction and root numbers in a swine pasture system. J. Anim. Sci. 89, E-Suppl. 1/J. Dairy Sci. 94, E-Suppl. 1: 315. Warren, J.C., D.J. O'Brien, C. Heckscher, R. Beaman, N.C. Whitley. 2011. Goat browsing for invasive shrub and internal parasite control. J. Anim. Sci. Accepted. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (E - Suppl.1):T398 (p. 401). Warren, J.C., D.J. OBrien, C. Heckscher, R. Beaman and N.C. Whitley. 2011. Goat browsing for invasive weed and internal parasite control. J. Anim. Sci. 89 E-Suppl. 1:401. Whitley, N.C., T.H. Terrill, J.E. Miller, J.M. Burke, K. Moulton, L. Townsend, J.R. Horton, J. French, and A.K. Cooper. 2011. Effect of sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) leaf meal pellets fed to gastrointestinal nematode infected goats. J. Anim. Sci. 89 E-Suppl. 1:398. Whitley, N.C., M. A. Perdue, S. Schoenian, R.M. Kaplan, B. Storey, T.H. Terrill, J.M. Burke, W.R. Getz, S. Mobini, and J.E. Miller. 2011. Small ruminant integrated parasite management and FAMACHA© Training in the United States. J. Anim. Sci. 89 E-Suppl. 3:15. Wildeus, S. and Chozu, E.J. 2011. Performance of two breeds of lactating hair sheep ewes fed rumen by-pass fat following winter lambing. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p. 33 Conference Proceedings Clary, A.P., Chozu, E.J., Wildeus, S., and Zeng, S.S. 2011. Effect of rumen by-pass fat supplementation on milk composition of hair sheep ewes. Proc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Assoc. Res. Dir., p. 133-134. Gooden, M.C., E.N. Escobar, J.G. Schwarz, N. C. Whitley, and D. Jackson OBrien. 2011. Effect of garlic and papaya seed on fecal egg counts in sheep and goats as natural anthelmintics. ARD proceedings, April, 2011; p. 175-176. Gooden, M.C., E.N. Escobar, J.G. Schwarz, N. C. Whitley, and D. Jackson OBrien. 2011. Effect of garlic and papaya seed on fecal egg counts in sheep and goats as natural anthelmintics. ARD proceedings, April, 2011; p. 175-176. Hagens, B., Scharz, J.G., Whitley, N.C., Wilson, M., Luchansky, J., Wildeus, S., Kim, C., Ettinger, M., and Pao, S. 2011. The impact of wild birds and farm management on Campylobacter and Salmonella in small ruminants. Proc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Assoc. Res. Dir., p. 75-76. Matthews, K. K., D. J. Jackson-OBrien, E. Crook, J. Eierman. 2011. Estrus, Mating and Fertility Response in Meat Goats Following Estrus Synchronization Protocols. Presented ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Szabo, S.D., Chozu, E.J., and Wildeus, S. 2011. Effect of shipping environment and extender composition on motility of liquid stored ram semen. Proc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Assoc. Res. Dir., p. 172-173. Warren, D.J,. OBrien and R. Beaman. 2011. Use of Goats for Controlling Invasive Weeds in New Castle County Delaware. Presented ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Whitley, N.C., S. Schoenian, J-M. Luginbuhl, M. Worku and R.C. Noble. 2011. Impact of gastrointestinal parasite management training in North Carolina. ARD proceedings, April, 2011; p. 195. Wildeus, S. and Zajac, A.M. 2011. Species differences in strongylid parasite egg counts in co-grazed hair sheep and goats. Proc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Assoc. Res. Dir., p. 195-196. Wildeus, S. 2011. Accelerated hair sheep lamb production systems in the tropics: Joining three times in two years. 5° Simposio Internacional sobre Caprinos e Ovinos de Corte, João Pessoa, Brazil Book Chapters Miller, J.E., Kaplan, R.M., Pugh, D.G., 2011. Internal parasites. In: D.G. Pugh (Ed.), Sheep and Goat Medicine (2nd Edition), Elsevier Saunders, Maryland Heights, MO: 106-125. Extension Publications Abaye, A. O., M. Webb, C. Zipper, J. M. Luginbuhl, and C. Teutsch. 2011. Managing shrub-infested post mined- pasturelands with goats and cattle: I. Effect on Botanical composition and browse species. VCE Numbered Publication 460-146 Abaye, A. O., M. Webb, C. Zipper, J. M. Luginbuhl, and C. Teutsch. 2011. Managing shrub-infested post mined- pasturelands with goats and cattle: II. Effects on forage biomass, nutritive values, and animal performance. VCE Numbered Publication 460-147 Abaye, A.O., D.M. Webb, C.E. Zipper, J. M. Luginbuhl, and C. Teutsch. 2011. Managing shrub-infested post mined- pasturelands with goats and cattle: I. Effects on forage biomass, nutritive values, and animal performance. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 460-146. Luginbuhl, J-M. 2011. Laminitis or founder. MGN 01-11. Luginbuhl, J-M. 2011. Getting your goats ready for the breeding season. MGN 02-11.

Impact Statements

Auburn University: Dissemination of research findings, providing field trainings and educational programs are key factors that the producers could benefit the most from.
Kentucky State University: The business plans of many beginning producers are better written and more comprehensive which has allowed them to gain the necessary financial support to start their enterprises. We saw the start of a refigure group goat farm this year and they received much of their education and business planning through our programs. This group is working to provide goats to their community.
Louisiana State University: Neither treatment benefited production (weight gain). Over 200 producers were in attendance.
North Carolina A&T State University: Integrated parasite management and FAMACHA© training helps producers use less chemical dewormers while managing gastrointestinal parasites on their farm better, saving them money.
North Carolina State University: The increased knowledge of participants results in changes in gastrointestinal parasite control approach and resulted in healthier animals, lower production costs and better culling and management decisions. In addition, many producers planted or requested information about sericea lespedeza due to our research results using this legume in a summer grazing system.
Tuskegee University: The project resulted in increased knowledge gained by producers on goat management and producers apparent willingness to implement programs learned in the course as well as secure grant funding to sustain their operations. Further, the program provided producers and agricultural professionals (and others) opportunity to interact and form future collaborations that could lead to growth in the goat industry.
Tuskegee University: The survey results indicate that the participants in the workshop increased their knowledge female reproductive anatomy and physiology, and participants felt that they had a thorough understanding of artificial insemination in goats. Participants indicated that they were likely to implement this procedure at their own farms.
Tuskegee University: The animal and poultry science students view this event as one of the main extracurricular activities. A large number of student volunteers who attended the event are testimony to it. The event is helping build leadership qualities among students. Each year more and more minority kids are attracted to the event.
Virginia Tech: The preference of goats for invasive plant species and increased output per land area are attractive benefits.
West Virginia University: A better understanding of the effects of environmental conditions (primarily temperature and rainfall) can lead to systems of grazing management for organic lamb production that will be less costly in fencing and labor compared to our routine management.
West Virginia University: Future research on grazing management may reduce costs and still provide internal parasite control, for instance varying the grazing period according to predicted weather. Over 100 producers have attended these events.