SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report

Sections

Status: Approved

Basic Information

Participants

Members of the WERA-039 committee attending the meetings were Chris Lupton (Texas A&M); Chair, Mike Salisbury (Angelo State - TX); Jim Thompson (Oregon State); Howard Meyer (Oregon State); Dick Battaglia, Administrative Advisor (University of Idaho); Bob Stobart (University of Wyoming); Paul Kuber (Ohio State); Pete Burfening (CSREES); Chris Schauer (North Dakota State); Tim Ross (New Mexico State); Jackson Dzakuma (Prairie View A&M  TX); Tumen Wujili (University of Nevada-Reno); Pat Hatfield (Montana State); and C. Kim Chapman (Utah State).

See copy of WERA039 Joint Meeting minutes, attached.
[Minutes]

Accomplishments

Summary of Accomplishments Objective 1: Develop ecologically and economically sound land management practices that use the unique harvesting abilities of sheep and goats for: a) managing and sustaining native plant communities; b) controlling invasive, exotic plant species; and c) improving nutrient cycling and pest management in range and cropping sys-tems A Montana State University study demonstrated that grazing sheep on winter or spring wheat stubble and associated summer fallow does not negatively impact soil nitrate-nitrogen, percent gravimetric water, or subsequent crop yield. A Texas study showed that selection for high or low consumption of juniper in Angora goats has not resulted in any substantial differences in mohair production or quality and certainly not any that would have any economic impact for producers. Another study in Texas examining the effect of juniper consumption on reproductive performance in Boer-cross nannies, showed no abortions occurred and no differences were observed in offspring number, vigor scores, or overall weight of kids. An interim report of a Utah study indicates no deleterious effect on commercial white faced ewes relative to body condition and lamb production by strategic grazing of dormant sagebrush areas, and that prescribed sheep grazing may be beneficial to brood-rearing habitat for sage-grouse. Finally, and Oregon State University study indicates that Brachypodium sylvaticum seeds are not likely to retain viability after passing through the sheep digestive system; therefore, the use of sheep as grazing tools to control this invasive weed species is not likely to pose a threat of spreading viable seed. Since the seed has a prominent awn, spread via transport in wool remains a concern so it is recommended that shorn sheep be used for grazing control. Objective 2: Develop sheep and goat management strategies that enhance the efficiency for production of high quality, marketable end products by: a) improving biological effi-ciency through better understanding of environmental and genetic events that influence meat and fiber production; b) identifying unique feedstuffs that enhance the nutritional value of meat; c) utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation both in the field and in the lab to accurately and rapidly measure important characteristics of wool, mohair, and cash-mere; and d) develop animal identification systems that ensure the accurate real-time linking of animals to lifetime genetic, performance, health, and origin databases. A Montana study showed that lambs from ewes supplemented with only safflower seeds and no additional Vitamin E, were born with an apparent decrease in basal metabolic rate. This may compromise the newborn lambs ability to adapt to extreme environmental conditions. A texas goat selection study showed that progress can be made by selecting goats, for both high and low tolerance to Haemonchus contortus, by selecting from those that are artificially challenged and then maintained on pasture. Another Texas study examined different methods of objectively measuring the luster of mohair produced by Angora goats. A study conducted at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station demonstrated that Se-enrichment of fetal muscle, via in utero transfer of selenomethionine from the diet, results in lambs exhibiting enhanced long-term Se status to at least 159 d of age. Another Selenium study conducted in North Dakota suggests that animals may prove to be an excellent filter for preventing Se toxicity in humans who are consuming diets with supranutritional levels of Se for the prevention of cancer. Because of the plateau in muscle Se concentration, humans may be prevented from consuming toxic levels of Se if red meat is the source of supra-Se in their diet. Two Texas studies examined the relationship between the thyroid gland and shedding of E. coli o157:H7 by sheep. Another study conducted at Texas A & M University showed similar growth rate responses between lambs consuming Bio-Mos and the control group. Objective 3: Rapidly and accurately disseminate new information to the producer through: a) development of novel technology transfer platforms; b) hosting field days at research centers; and, c) organizing on-farm demonstration projects. The Montana Sheep Ration program which is available at www.msusheepration.montana.edu provides sheep producers with a way to balance and save rations for sheep at various lifecycle stages, find answers to nutritional questions and do a variety of other nutritional queries over the world wide web. The impact of the 2007 Utah Sheep and Goat Education Day indicated that over 180 producers received information on a variety of sheep/goat topics. Eighty percent indicated the information they received would benefit them economically.

Impacts

  1. Angelo State University: Impact- Land owners can use goats as an effective biological control for small encroaching Juniper plants without adversely affecting reproduction in pregnant does. Therefore, landowners should be able to maintain stocking rates and production levels by controlling the invasion of Juniper on native rangelands.
  2. Montana State University: Impact- This study demonstrates that grazing sheep on winter or spring wheat stubble and associated summer fallow does not negatively impact soil nitrate-nitrogen, percent gravimetric water, or subsequent crop yield. With the rising cost of fossil fuels and herbicides needed for traditional summer fallow, sheep, as a summer fallow biological control method, may be an economically viable alternative to traditional energy intensive systems.
  3. New Mexico State: Impact- Research at the NMSU Corona Range and Livestock Research Center has indicated that range ewes ovulate 1.75 ova per estrous cycle, give birth to 1.34 lambs and wean 1.14 lambs per ewe. We can increase profitability of the sheep operation by decreasing reproductive wastage or increase the weight of the lambs weaned and sold. Current research with progesterone therapy has not decreased embryonic mortality. However, our crossbreeding (Suffolk X western white face) has increased lamb weaning weight by 10 % above the straightbred western white face lambs.
  4. North Dakota State University: Impact- Successful feeding strategies have been developed for increasing the selenium concentration of lamb muscle cuts. This selenium-fortified muscle, when consumed by humans, may result in a reduction in human cancer rates when the muscle is consumed at a rate of 0.25 pounds per day.
  5. Texas A&M University: Impact- Using goats to control encroaching juniper include potential savings of $85-100/hour and $30-70/hectare compared to mechanical and chemical treatments, respectively. Control of juniper species is desirable on millions of hectares of western rangelands. Control of juniper will be attained without herbicides using a system that produces fiber and meat while improving the range environment. Reduction of encroaching cedar species will not only result in more productive rangelands but also in a healthier environment for the countless humans that suffer with juniper allergies.
  6. Utah State University: Impact- Initial data indicates that sheep grazing may be effective in opening shrub canopy to increase competitiveness of understory plants such as grasses and shrubs, without reducing the reproductive performance of the sheep flock. If further study shows an increase in brood-rearing capability of sage grouse due to improved habitat, this management strategy could be another tool for land and wildlife managers to use to reduce the possibility of the sage grouse being listed on the Endangered Species list.
  7. Utah State University: Impact- In the five-year genesis of the Utah Sheep and Goat Education Days, they have become the states largest attended Extension educational event dealing with livestock. Significant learning has taken place on a variety of management topics. These annual events have also developed into a venue where significant networking takes place. Eighty percent of attendees at the 2007 event indicated that the information they received would benefit them economically.
  8. Montana State University: Impact- This free online ration program, that can be used by anyone with access to the internet, will allow sheep producers to match available feeds and forages to sheep nutritional needs.

Publications

Participant Publications (2006-2007) Montana PEER REVIEWED JOURNAL and BOOK PUBLICATIONS Hatfield, P. G., S. L. Blodgett, T. M. Spezzano, H. B. Goosey, A. W. Lenssen, R. W. Kott, and C. B. Marlow. 2007 Incorporating sheep into dryland grain production systems: I Impact on over-wintering larva populations of Wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cintus Norton, (Hymenoptera: Cephidae). Small Rum. Res. 67:209-215. Hatfield, P. G., A. W. Lenssen, T. M. Spezzano, S. L. Blodgett, H. B. Goosey, R. W. Kott, and C. B. Marlow. 2007. Incorporating sheep into dryland grain production systems: II Impact on changes in biomass and weed frequency. . Small Rum. Res. 67:216-221. Hatfield, P. G., H. B. Goosey, T. M. Spezzano, S. L. Blodgett, A. W. Lenssen, R. W. Kott, and C. B. Marlow. 2007. Incorporating sheep into dryland grain production systems: III Impact on changes in soil bulk density and soil nutrient profiles. . Small Rum. Res. 67:222-231. Hatfield, P. G., H. Goosey, A. Lenssen, and S. Blodgett. 2006. Incorporating Target Grazing into Farming Systems. Chpt 14. IN: TARGETED GRAZING. A natural approach to vegetation management and landscape enhancement. pp 129-140. Copyright 2006 American Sheep Industry Association Suber, L., Roeder, B., P. G. Hatfield, and R. W. Kott. 2006. Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of spring-born wethers finished on an 80% barley diet either in the fall or spring and slaughtered at seven to eight, or fourteen to fifteen months of age, respectively. Small Rum. Res. 66:102-107 BOOK CHAPTERS Hatfield, P. G., H. Goosey, A. Lenssen, and S. Blodgett. 2006. INcroporating Target Graing into Farming Systems. Chpt 14. IN: TARGETED GRAZING. A natural approach to vegetation manatgment and landscape enhancement. pp 129-140. Copyright 2006 American Sheep Industry Association INVITED PAPERS Hatfield, P.G. 2006. The Montana sheep ration program. Proc. 55th Annual Montana Livestock Forum and Nutrition Conference April 11-12, 2006 Ï GranTree Inn, Bozeman. Track 5, CD proceedings PROCEEDINGS Dafoe, J.M., P. G. Hatfield, R. W. Kott, B. F. Sowell, J. G. Berardinelli, and K. C. Davis. 2006 Effects of supplemental safflower and vitamin e during late gestation on lamb growth, serum metabolites and thermogenesis. Proc. 55th Annual Montana Livestock Forum and Nutrition Conference April 11-12, 2006 Ï GranTree Inn, Bozeman. Track 9, CD proceedings Dafoe, J.M., P. G. Hatfield, R. W. Kott, B. F. Sowell, J. G. Berardinelli, and K. C. Davis. 2006 Effects of supplemental safflower and vitamin e during late gestation on lamb growth, serum metabolites and thermogenesis. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57: Kelley, A.L., K.C. Davis, P.G. Hatfield, R.W. Kott, and J.M. Rumph. 2006. Genetic parameters for mature weight and lifetime litter weight weaned in Rambouillet and Targhee ewes. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57: Schauer, C.S., J. Held, J.A. Daniel, J.S. Caton, P.G. Hatfield, R. Stobart, and J.O. Hall. 2006. Lamb muscle selenium concentration plateaus following 56 days of selenium supplementation. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57: POPULAR PRESS King, Tim, Sheep save soil moisture while ridding bugs. Can they make flockmaster a profit doing it? Sheep! Magazine 2006 New Mexico Redden, R. R., S. H. Cox, M. R. Rubio, and T. T. Ross. 2006. An evaluation of western whiteface lamb loss on the range. Proc., West. Sec., Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57: 137-138 Redden, R.R., B.J. Herron, C.H. Martinez, and T.T. Ross. 2006. Effects of hCG and progesterone administered to ewes post breeding on serum concentration of progesterone and estradiol. Proc., West. Sec., Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57:32-34 North Dakota C.S. Schauer, K.K. Sedivec, M. Vlaminck. 2007. Effects of multi- and single-species grazing on leafy spurge infested rangeland: A 10 year summary. Soc. Range. Manage. 60:383. E. Windorski, C.S. Schauer, D. Pearson, A. Wurst, K. Inskeep, and J. Luther. 2007. Effects of melengestrol acetate and PG600 on fertility in Rambouillet ewes outside the normal breeding season. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 48:30-34. C.S. Schauer, M.M. Stamm, D.W. Bohnert, and J.S. Caton. 2006. Protein supplementation of low-quality forage: Influence of frequency of supplementation on ruminant performance and nutrient utilization. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 57:335-338. C.S. Schauer, J. Held, J.A. Daniel, J.S. Caton, P.G. Hatfield, R. Stobart, and J.O. Hall. 2006. Lamb muscle selenium concentration plateaus following 56 days of selenium supplementation. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 57:339-342. Oregon Bohnert, D.W., C.S. Schauer, M.F. Carpinelli, and S.J. Falck. 2006. A nutritional calendar for Forage Kochia. Research Progress Report 2005: Eastern Oregon agricultural Research Center. SR 1057:52-53. Bohnert, D.W., T.A. Currier, C.S. Schauer, and S.J. Falck. 2006. Daily and alternate-day supplementation of natural protein and non-protein nitrogen to ruminants consuming low-quality forage. Research Progress Report 2005: Eastern Oregon agricultural Research Center. SR 1057:55-56. Texas Angelo State University Kiker W.A., M.W. Salisbury, B. Green and G.R. Engdahl. 2007. Effects of protein and energy feeding on ovine oocyte production and developmental capacity. Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resource. (Accepted) Sluiter, R.S., B.J. May, M.W. Salisbury, C.B. Scott, G.R. Engdahl and B.F. Craddock. 2007. Feedlot Performance and Carcass Traits of Texas Rambouillet Feeder Lambs Implanted with Growth Implants. Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources. (Accepted) Woolley, D.K., B.J. May and M.W. Salisbury. 2007. Effect of protein level on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of Texas Rambouillet feeder lambs. Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resource. (Accepted) Cook. R.W., C.B. Scott, and F.S. Hartmann. 2006. Using short-term goat consumption to reducethe number of mesquite seeds does not induce toxicity. Range. Ecol. Manage. (accepted). Dunson, W.T, C.B. Scott, E.S. Campbell, C.A. Taylor, Jr., M.A. Carr, and T.R. Callaway. 2006. Rumen function and the ability of goats to consume redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchottii). (in press) Ch. ? Poisonous Plant Symposium, Logan, Utah. Kellermeier, J. D., G. G. Hilton, M. A. Carr, and B. J. May. 2006. Development and consumer acceptance of pre-cooked lamb leg roasts. Sheep & Goat Res. J. 21:24-29. Knutson, H.J., M.A. Carr, L.A. Branham, C.B. Scott, and T.R. Callaway. 2006. Effects of activated charcoal on binding E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium in sheep. Small Rumin. Res. 65:101-105. Presentations Salisbury, M.W. 2006. Meat Goat Production Strategies for Profit Minded Producers. Missouri Goat Producers Symposium. Web-Cast to Four Locations Salisbury, M.W., J.R. Copeland, D.F. Waldron, F.Craddock. 2006. Dorper vs. Rambouillet-Parasite Resistance. 33rd Annual Sheep and Goat Field Day. San Angelo, Texas. Sato, N.E.A., M.W. Salisbury, C.B. Scott, C.J. Owens, and G.R. Engdahl. 2006. Potato weed (Solanum dimidiatum) ingestion does not cause embryonic loss or affect neonatal lamb survival. Abstr. Soc. Range Manage. Self, J.M., M.W. Salisbury, B.J. May, G.E. Engdahl, C.B. Scott and R. Horst. 2006. Vitamin D Supplementation in Fall Born Rambouillet Lambs Raised on Small Grain Pastures. J. Anim. Sci. 84:Supp. 2. Prairie View A & M University Dzakuma, J.M., E.A. Wilson, N.C. Beckford, B.M. Johnson, L.C. Nuti and T.M. Craig. 2006. Selection for resistance in goats using artificial nematode challenge. 8th World Cong. Genet. Appl. Livest. August 13-18, 2006. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. pp 4-16. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, San Angelo Lupton, C.J., A. McColl, and R.H. Stobart. 2006. Fiber characteristics of the Huacaya alpaca. Small Rumin. Res. 64,3:211-224. Rodgers, A.D., C.J. Lupton, and S.D. Lukefahr. 2006. Fiber production and properties in genetically furred and furless rabbits. J. Anim. Sci. 84:2566-2574. Walker, J.W., E.S. Campbell, C.J. Lupton, C.A. Taylor, Jr., D.F. Waldron, and S.Y. Landau. 2007. Effects of breed, sex, and age on the variation and ability of fecal near-infrared reflectance spectra to predict the composition of goat diets. J. Anim. Sci. 85:518-526. Lupton, C.J., J.E. Huston, B.F.Craddock, F.A. Pfeiffer, and W.L. Polk. 2007. Evaluation of a new system for concurrent production of lean lamb and high quality wool. Small Rumin. Res. In press. Lupton, C.J., J.E. Huston, J.W. Hruska, B.F.Craddock, F.A. Pfeiffer, and W.L. Polk. 2007. Evaluation of an innovative system for producing high quality mohair and meat from Angora male kids. Small Rumin. Res. In press. Campbell, E.S., C.A. Taylor, Jr., J.W. Walker, C.J. Lupton, , D.F. Waldron, and S.Y. Landau. 2007. Effects of protein supplementation on juniper intake by goats. J. Range Manage. Submitted. Lupton, C.J. 2006. Wool: skirting, classing, and marketing. IN Encyclopedia of Animal Science, Pond, W.G. and A.W. Bell, Eds. Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York. Published 3-27-06. 4pp. Lupton, C.J. and F.A. Pfeiffer. 2006. Predicting fineness of instrument-classed wool lines using an Optical-based Fibre Diameter Analyser (OFDA2000). J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl 1):56-57. Lupton, C.J., R.P. Elvestad, F.A. Pfeiffer, and K. MacKinnon. 2006. Effects of age, location, and nutrition on body weight, fiber production, and fiber quality characteristics of penned alpaca males. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):58. Pfeiffer, F.A., E.S. Campbell, B.S. Engdahl, T.D. Lovett, C.J. Lupton, C.A. Taylor, D.F. Waldron, and J.W. Walker. 2007. Effects of selection for increased juniper consumption on body weight and mohair production of Angora goats. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1): In press. Wyoming Refereed Manuscripts Cameron, B.A., Stobart, R.H. 2006. The color of scoured and carded wools: a comparison of U.S., Australian and New Zealand wools. SID Sheep and Goat Research Journal. 21:17-23. Lupton, C.J. , A. McColl, and R.H. Stobart 2006. Fiber characteristics of the Huacaya Alpaca Small Ruminant Research Cameron, B.A., and Stobart, R.H. 2006. Yellowing propensity of Rambouillet sheep Sheep and Goat Research Journal (submitted) Annual Reports P.H. Purdy, R. H. Stobart, W. J. Murdoch, G.E. Moss, H. D. Blackburn. 2006. The fertility of ram sperm held for 24 hours at 5 C prior to cryopreservation. Department of Animal Science Annual Report. B.A. Larson, R.H. Stobart, G.E. Moss 2006. UW Sheep Program. Department of Animal Science Annual Report B.M. Alexander, R.H. Stobart, G.E. Moss 2006. Scrapie resistance and ram performance: Rambouillet Ram Test 2002-2006. Department of Animal Science Annual Report R.H. Stobart, B. Larsen, L. McCormick. 2006. Ram Tests: Genetic Potential in Purebred Rams. Department of Animal Science Annual Report. R. H. Stobart, B. Larsen, B. Reece, S. Snider. 2006. Ram Tests: Evaluating Genetic Potential in Meat Breeds of Sheep. Department of Animal Science Annual Report. USDA/ARS U.S. Sheep Experiment Station Barraza, M. L. , J. R. Strickland, H. Zepeda, J. B. Taylor, C. R. Krehbiel, G. S. Bell, and J. L. Klotz. 2006. Gross and histopathological observations of long-term catheterized vessels in experimental sheep. J. Vet. Med. 53:230-238. Leytem, A. B., J. B. Taylor, V. Raboy, and P. W. Plumstead. 2006. Dietary low-phytate mutant-M 955 barley grain alters phytate degradation and mineral digestion in sheep fed high-grain diets. Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. http://dx.doi.org/, doi: 10.1016/ j.anifeedsci.2006.11.005. Lewis, G. S. and M. C. Wulster-Radcliffe. 2006. Prostaglandin F2a up regulates uterine immune defenses in the presence of the immunosuppressive steroid progesterone. Am. J. Reprod. Immunol. 56:102-111. Seefeldt, S.S., J. B. Taylor, and S. Van Vleet. 2006. Reducing Euphorbia esula with a combination of sheep grazing and imazapic. J. Arid Environ. 69:432-440. Sheldon I. M., G. S. Lewis, S. Leblanc, and R. O. Gilbert. 2006. Defining postpartum uterine disease in cattle. Theriogenology 65:1516-1530. Stellflug, J.N. 2006. Comparison of cortisol, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone responses to a defined stressor in sexually inactive rams and sexually active female-oriented and male-oriented rams. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1520-1525. Stellflug, J. N., N. E. Cockett, and G. S. Lewis. 2006. Relationship between sexual behavior classifications of rams and lambs sired in a competitive breeding environment. J. Anim. Sci. 84:463-468.
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