Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

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.

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.

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.