Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: OBJECTIVE 1 A study by Montana State University found that NIRS technology would be extremely useful in fine tuning grazing prescriptions (desired type or class of animal--yearling vs. mature ewes, experienced vs. naive sheep or sheep vs. goats), time of use (season or stage of growth of target plant of use), climatic conditions best suited to target plants use (temperature) as well of identifying individuals which may prefer the target plant to a greater extent. A Texas study looking at Juniper leaves found that Juniper leaves are an abundant resource and if they and/or their terpene oils can reduce viability of H. contortus larvae, then producers have a natural product that may not kill the larvae, but may increase effectiveness of synthetic anthelmintics and possibly reduce anthelmintic resistance. Juniper is an abundant, medium quality (CP approximately 7%) resource that can possibly be used as a roughage source in mixed growing rations for lambs. As transportation and feed costs increase, and as we evaluate various juniper harvesting and grinding techniques, using juniper may become a viable feed. Also, if the "value" of juniper increases, then we will have another natural resource management tool. Distiller's dried grains are becoming a more abundant source of feed, which are high in both energy and protein. In addition, the by-pass protein in DDG is believed to be a factor in increasing juniper consumption. We will be evaluating how DDG effect digestibility of juniper leaves this winter. An innovative study by Utah evaluated the effect of grazing sheep on sage-grouse brood rearing grounds. Preliminary data indicates no deleterious effect on commercial white faced ewes relative to body condition and lamb production by strategic grazing of dormant sagebrush areas. It also indicates prescribed sheep grazing may be beneficial to brood-rearing habitat for sage-grouse. More substantial application recommendations will be forthcoming following the conclusion of the study in 2009. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: OBJECTIVE 2 An Angelo State study found that it is not beneficial to supplement Kelp seaweed extract to rams as a method to prevent heat related infertility in Rambouillet and Suffolk Rams. A study by Montana State showed that the OFDA 2000 has proved to be a useful and dependable machine that is highly portable and stands up to conditions in Montana. The machine with proper operators is fully capable of keeping pace with a high volume shearing crew. Combining future research and the Australian Virtual Classer program, the Montana Wool Lab should be able to perfect how much wool can be put into different lines and what the cut-off for each line should be adding value to Montanas wool clip. Another Montana study evaluated the effects on lamb immune function through supplementation of Vit E, chelated Zn or chlortetracyclcine at two levels during late gestation. Although the HIGH supplement improved lamb weaning weights, measures of lamb immune function didnt provide a clear understanding of the interactions that occurred. A study to evaluate backgrounding of feeder lambs in Montana found that backgrounding may add value to ewe/lamb production systems and provide alternative marketing strategies and times. A Montana study evaluated using an index to select yearling Targhee ewes found that the Western Range Index provides numerous benchmarking and time saving options to sheep producers. The index can be used to rank ewes and rams for bucking groups, quickly identify superior sires at ram sales, and track genetic progress in the flock. Using the index, one can rapidly sort genetically superior sheep and spend more time on wool quality and other phenotypic traits. Using ultrasound to establish a recommended protocol for adjusting ram ultrasound loineye estimates in Montana showed that in the Targhee rams across the state under different management scenarios, it appears the appropriate scanning weight should be between 180 and 200 lbs with the outside limits being 170 to 210 lbs. Additionally, the 190 lbs target in the linear adjustment turns out to be the same target for the power adjustment. A study from New Mexico found that targeted grazing at high stocking densities with goats and sheep can increase juniper use. Low density grazing appears to encourage selective grazing which results in more intensive use of herbaceous understory. Overall, stocking density and mixed grazing are two promising techniques to manipulate juniper and herbaceous plant utilization in targeted grazing of invasive woody plant species. North Dakota evaluated dried distillers grains on the effect of gain and carcass characteristics and showed that with the expansion of the ethanol industry in the U.S. may result in an increase in the availability of dried distillers grains for cattle and sheep feeders. Maximizing the use of dried distillers grains may become economically feasible for lamb feeders when prices become favorable, especially in relation to the current grain prices. When appropriately priced relative to corn and barley, dried distillers grains with supplemental thiamin can effectively replace up to 60% of a lamb finishing ration with no negative effects on feedlot performance or carcass traits. A parasite study at Prairie View A&M with goats indicated that it has been estimated that Texas goat producers spend $6 million on anthelmintics to treat 1.2 million goats in Texas (TX Agricultural Statistics, 2005). In 2004, 25,000 deaths were reported in sheep and goats in Texas due to gastrointestinal nematodes (Dr. Tom Craig, personal communication). Each year, during IGRCs Annual Goat Field Day, workshops that are offered on Parasites and their control are always filled to capacity. This is an indication that producers in East Texas will welcome research solutions that would alleviate the high cost of money spent on treatment for parasites. A Texas A&M study compared the two OFDAs versus the standard method of determining average fiber diameter and variability in fleeces. They found the faster methods were not capable of accurately estimating AFD or CV of whole fleeces compared with the standard method. Estimates of AFD were more accurate and precise than those of CV. In the absence of standard whole fleece measurements, OFDA100 and OFDA2000 would provide useful guidance for selection purposes. University of Nevada Reno reported that the Rafter 7 Ranch wool clips have been improving significantly for fleece weight, fineness, yield, length and sale prices since the implementation of Performance Index for selection of rams and replacement ewes. It was also noted that the Rafter 7 Ranch regular clients flocks also showed an improvement of their clip quality and flock performance. The application of OFDA measurement program and Performance Index selection have improved the profitability of the sheep ranch operations by identifying elite breeding animals and selling higher premium priced wool clips. A report from the University of Wyoming reported that approximately 23% of domestic rams are unsatisfactory breeders resulting in an annual loss of $13.5 million to U.S. producers. The identification and removal of sexually inactive rams from production flocks would decrease overall ram costs while increasing genetic progress, profitability, and, therefore, sustainability of sheep production. The US Sheep Experiment Station reported a study whereby they utilized subsets of the data generated by an OFDA2000 may be useful to assess historical nutritional status of production ewes, and thus provide valuable information about nutrient availability and supply of a given range or pasture. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: OBJECTIVE 3 Utah State reported on the success of the 2008 Utah Sheep and Goat Education Day. More than 185 sheep and goat producers from seven states attended. Well over 50% indicated that they gained considerable new information from the 10 topics covered by the program.

PLEASE, SEE ATTACHMENT. WERA 039 MEMBER PUBLICATIONS-08.