SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report

Sections

Status: Approved

Basic Information

Participants

Ken Andries (Kenneth.andries@kysu.edu) Kentucky State University (Chair) Bob Godfrey (rgodfre@uvi.edu) University of Virgin Islands (Administrative Advisor) Nada Nadarajah (nadarka@auburn.edu) Auburn University Alison Martin (amartin@livestockconservancy.org) The Livestock Converancy Nelson Escobar (enescobar@umes.edu) University of Maryland – Eastern Shores Susan Schoenian (sschoen@umd.edu) University of Maryland – College Park Niki Whitley (ncwhitle@ncat.edu) North Cariliana A&T State University Dahlia O’Brien (dobrien@vsu.edu) Verginia State University Scott Bowdridge (scott.bowdridge@mail.wvu.edu) West Verginia University Jim Miller (jmiller1@lsu.edu) Louisiana State University Dan Waldron (d-waldron@tamu.edu) Texas A&M Joan Burke (joan.burke@ars.usda.gov) USDA – Boonville Tom Terrill (Terrill@fvsu.edu) Fort Valley State University David Fernandez (fernendezd@uapb.edu) University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff Stephan Wildeus (swildeus@vsu.edu) Verginia State University Uma Karki (karkiu@mytu.tuskegee.edu) Tuskegee University Nar Gurung (ngurung@mytu.tuskegee.edu) Tuskegee University.

Ken Andries: Not all station reports were provided to be included in the proceedings. It was stressed that the station reports are critical to the overall reporting process and need to be supplied to be included in the reports on the project. Some concerns were raised related to the number of e-mails that were not delivered and a need to update the web page to remove those that are not currently active and to update addresses for those that have moved or had changes in their e-mail address. Station reports were presented and each station was given the opportunity to report on activities. Bob Godfrey: Reported that UM is not planning to continue participation in the project. He reminded those attending that while multiple members were allowed from an institution, only one was considered a voting member.

Accomplishments

Fort Valley State University continued research on the impact of sericea lespedeza supplementation for parasite control and animal performance issues. The information from this research was provided to producers to help them see the potential and to understand issues related to this product to reduce parasite loads and improve animal performance and health. Kentucky State University outreach activities provided education to producers, extension agents and others in the area of forage management, parasite control, and breed selection practices. The trainings result in improved production practices that reduce cost and improve survival of goats which improves sustainability and profitability producers in the state. Louisiana State University presentations on parasite resistance, FAMACHA training, treatment protocols and new strategies on parasite control in small ruminants were conducted. These efforts increase the awareness of issues and potential processes to decrease dependence on chemical treatments and improve health and survival of sheep and goats in the southeast region. North Carolina A&T University research on gene expression for resistance to parasites will increase knowledge of this issue and can lead to potential genomic testing to improve selection for resistant animals. Through trainings for producers they increased awareness of parasite control measures and practices. A farm tour was conducted and training of students increased awareness of activities and programs in small ruminants at the university. North Carolina State University pasture renovation information and practices were provided to producers to demonstrate the importance of improved pastures and inclusion of legumes to grass pastures for performance of forage and animals was successful. Meetings and field days were conducted and well received with a lot of positive feed pack and indications of adaption of recommended practices. Tuskegee University field days and programs were well received. Work on evaluation of different sources of tannins as possible treatments and control of parasites was well received. The impact of these on animal performance can be an issue and research was conducted on these factors. Grazing behavior was observed and forage and weather patterns determine grazing behavior in the research. Forage height and stem diameter for browsing differs with plant species. Publications on forage management were finished and made available to producers. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff conducted trainings in FAMACHA and conducting fecal egg counts, integrated pest management strategies and other parasite and disease prevention practices. They conducted trainings for beginning farmers to assist them in developing better protocols for improved sustainability of small ruminant practices. These programs resulted in improved health and survival of goats and sheep. This will result in increased sustainability of producers in Arkansas. They trained 31 USDA, CES and CP personnel in basic small ruminant management, fecal egg counting and FAMACHA which will result in greater impact as they assist additional producers. University of Maryland College Park information on alternative treatment for control of parasites and was offered to producers. The program resulted in more informed decision making by producers when considering alternative treatments for parasites. This will result in a decreased dependence on chemical treatments while improving the health of sheep and goats. Producers were also trained on the procedures to conduct fecal egg counts and the importance of using this information when making selection decisions. University of Maryland Eastern Shore animal behavior indicated that sheep and goats have a difference in preference for unwanted vegetation in the test area. However they are effective in removing unwanted vegetation. Producers can utilize this information to plan grazing practices to help reduce invasive and undesirable vegetation from many locations with minimal environmental impact. University of the Virgin Islands breed comparisons were conducted between St. Crux and Dorper cross bred sheep for performance and parasite resistance. Management practices were also examined. The results indicated that there are differences in performance and management strategies that can increase weaning weights in hair sheep on limited input. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Booneville, AR, provided training to producers, scientist, extension agents and veterinarians on the results of research into parasite treatment and management protocols. This training and outreach results in an increase in knowledge and improved parasite control. This knowledge will improve overall control and survival of sheep and goats in the region. Virginia State University conducted research and educational programs that examined reproductive and growth in sheep. These efforts provided improved knowledge to producers on production and selection practices. Field day evaluations indicated that produces gained knowledge on animal management and the importance of reproductive efficiency. West Virginia University research into genetic resistance of sheep to parasites is continuing and resulting in progress to possible genetic testing for resistance that will improve selection for this very important trait.

Impacts

  1. Fort Valley State University: Feeding supplemental SL pellets at 1.5% of body weight (Approximately 35% of daily intake) on pasture may provide a short-term (approximately 2 months) boost in health and productivity for yearling goats compared with conventional (non-tannin) feed pellets, but these benefits may be reduced or lost with longer-term SL feeding. These effects did not appear to be due to serum micronutrient status of the animals in this investigation.
  2. Kentucky State University: Breed differences exist for genetic potential in meat goats and can be observed through evaluation of breeding values. The use of breeding values though the calculation of estimated breeding values or expected progeny differences will allow producers to select superior animals over the use of visual appraisal alone. This will allow for an increase in the overall production and sustainability of the meat goat industry.
  3. Louisiana State University: Dissemination of research results had led to use of technologies to better manage parasites, reduce animal losses, and increase profits. Knowledge gained by scientists.
  4. North Carolina A&T State University: Administration of CorPet to goats impacted transcription and translation of genes important in combating inflammation, indicating it may with innate immunity important in with fighting gastrointestinal nematode infections. It is interesting to note that in other studies by this lab, supplementation with commercial probiotics showed promise in improving body weight, PCV, FAMACHA scores. Further differential effects of probiotic source(composition) was observed on the levels of coccidia and Haemonchus eggs per gram feces over an eight week period in goats under grazing conditions.
  5. North Carolina State University: Inclusion of clovers resulted in similar yields and gains as POS and increased N cycling in the system, which would reduce the need for N fertilization, thus potentially increasing profitability and sustainability. 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.
  6. Tuskegee University: Feeding of pine bark or tannin extracts reduced bacteria population san rumen fermentation. Producers that receive training and information on the procedures have improved pasture conditions and land utilization to decrease cost of production and improve animal health. Many outreach projects resulted in increased knowledge of producers and implementation of practices is resulting in improved sustainability and decreased use of fire and chemicals in pine forest areas.
  7. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff: Small ruminant producers increased their knowledge of science-based pest, disease and parasite management, improved reproductive management and nutritional management. They have also learned where to find up-to-date science-based information on small ruminant production and management. Youth in the state learned about the importance of the small ruminant industry and Cooperative Extension. Further, USDA, CES and CEP personnel are better informed on small ruminant management in Arkansas.
  8. University of Maryland (College Park): Fecal egg counts were reduced by 82 percent in 87 percent of the goats the received a copper bolus. Fecal egg counts were reduced by 99 percent in 89 percent of goats that received a copper bolus and commercial dewormer.
  9. University of Maryland Eastern Shore: Sheep and goat producers reduced their need for herbicide and fertilizer which decreased cost of production. This was effective in all areas of the farm and has increased the suitability of small family farms in the area.
  10. University of the Virgin Islands: Weaning hair lambs later than 63 days of age results in heavier lambs at weaning. Parasite burdens of ewes and lambs, using FEC, PCV or FAMACHA scores as indicators, was not impacted by weaning age when lambs were weaned during the dry season. The parasite resilience of local hair sheep breeds in the USVI may be aiding the lambs and ewes in having with parasite burdens that are less than non-adapted breeds.
  11. USDA, Agricultural Service, Booneville, AR: Concerns related to the continued effectiveness of SL for use as parasite control were identified. The dissemination of research results had led to use of technologies to better manage parasites, reduce animal losses, and increase profits. Knowledge gained by scientists. Dissemination of genetics with known breeding values to improve flock genetics, especially parasite resistance.
  12. Virginia State University: Research results indicated that supplementation and use of terminal sires can increase pregnancy, decrease FECs and increase birth and weaning weights in hair sheep breeds. The participant evaluation indicated that the workshop filled an educational need, increased participants skills in lamb processing and encouraged producers to explore the option of low-input pasture lambing in their operation. The field day provided participants with an increased knowledge and awareness of the small ruminant industry and the steps that can be taken to add value and potentially increase farm income.
  13. West Virginia University: The data indicate a significant role for IL-4 and local lymph node hypertrophy in the rapid and early reduction of larvae in a parasite-resistant host. Thus, a delay in the generation of host protective immune responses in parasite-susceptible sheep permit establishment of adult worms thereby increasing pathology resulting from H. contortus infection. These results indicate that lambs supplemented with 19% CP ration gain despite being parasitized and that supplementation including fish meal derived by-pass protein can reduce FEC in grazing lambs.

Publications

Journal Articles Abdelrahim, G. M., J. Khatiwada and N. K. Gurung. 2014. Effects of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Lamb. Journal of Animal Research and Technology 1 (2): 25–30. Bobenchik AM, Witola W.H.*, Augagneur Y, Nic Lochlainn L, Garg A, Pachikara N, Choi JY, Zhao YO, Usmani-Brown S, Lee A, Adjalley SH, Samanta S, Fidock DA,Voelker DR, Fikrig E, Ben Mamoun C. (2013). Plasmodium falciparum phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase is essential for malaria transmission. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U S A. 110(45):18262-7. (* Equal first Author). Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., 2014. The effects of supplemental sericea lespedeza pellets in lambs and kids on growth rate. Livest. Sci. 159, 29-36. George, W.D., R. W. Godfrey, R. C. Ketring, M. C. Vinson and S. T Willard. 2014. Relationship among eye and muzzle temperatures measured using digital infrared thermal imaging and vaginal and rectal temperatures in hair sheep and cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 92:4949-4955. Karki, U. and M.S. Goodman. 2014. Microclimatic differences between mature loblolly-pine silvopasture and open pasture. Agroforestry Systems. Online First (Online Publication) Nov. 16 - DOI: 10.1007/s10457-014-9768-4. Kommuru, D.S., N.C. Whitley, J.E. Miller, J.A. Mosjidis, J.M. Burke, S. Gujja, A. Mechineni, and T.H. Terrill. 2014. Effect of sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellets on adult female Haemonchus contortus in goats. Vet Parasitol. In press. Available online DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.11.008 Kommuru, D.S., Barker, T., Desai, S., Burke, J.M., Ramsay, A., Mueller-Harvey, I. Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Kamisetti, N., Terrill, T.H., 2014. Use of pelleted sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) for natural control of coccidia and gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned goats. Vet. Parasitol. 204, 191-198. Kommuru, D.S., Barker, T., Desai, S., Burke, J.M., Ramsay, A., Mueller-Harvey, I. Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Kamisetti, N., Terrill, T.H., 2014. Use of pelleted sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) for natural control of coccidia and gastrointestinal nematodes in weaned goats. Vet. Parasitol. 204, 191-198. Mechineni, A., Kommuru, D.S., Gujja, S., Mosjidis, J.A., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Ramsay, A., Mueller-Harvey, I., Kannan, G., Lee, J.H., Kouakou, B., Terrill, T.H., 2014. Effect of fall-grazed sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) on gastrointestinal nematode infections of growing goats. Vet. Parasitol. 204, 221-228. Mekata H, Konnai S, Mingala CN, Abes NS, Gutierrez CA, Dargantes AP, Witola WH, Inoue N, Onuma M, Murata S, Ohashi K (2013). Isolation, cloning, and pathologic analysis of Trypanosoma evansi field isolates. Parasitol Res.:112 (4):1513-21. Min, B.R., S. Solaiman, R. Shange and J.-S. Eun. 2014. Gastrointestinal bacterial and methanogenic Archaea diversity dynamics associated with condensed tannins-containing pine bark diet in goats using 16S rDNA amplicon pyrosequencing. International Journal of Microbiology. Volume 2014, Article ID 141909, 11pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/141909. Min, B.R., C. Wright, P. Ho, J. S. Eun, N. Gurung, and R. Shange. 2014. The effect of phytochemical tannins-containing diet on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial diversity dynamics in goats using 16S rDNA amplicon pyrosequencing. Agric. Food Anal. Bacteriol. 4:195-211. Sommers, K.N., Jacobs, J. and S.A. Bowdridge. 2014. Delayed immune responses of parasite-susceptible sheep during Haemonchus contortusinfection are associated with greater larval burden. Proc. 59th Meeting Am. Assoc. Vet. Parasitol. Denver, CO. Whitley, N.C., Oh, S-H., Lee, S.J., Schoenian, S., Kaplan, R.M., Storey, B., Terrill, T.H., Mobini, S., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Perdue, M.A., 2014. Impact of integrated gastrointestinal parasite management training for U.S. goat and sheep producers. Vet Parasitol 200, 271-275. Witola W.H., Liu S., Montpetit A., Welti R., Hypolite M., Roth M., Zhou Y., Mui E., Cesbron-Delauw M.F., Fournie G.J., Cavailles P., Bisanz C., Boyer K., Withers S., Noble G., Swisher C.N., Heydemann P.T., Rabiah P., and McLeod R. (2014). ALOX12 in Human Toxoplasmosis. Infect. Immun. (In-Press). Witola, W.H., Bauman, B., McHugh, M., Matthews K. (2014). Silencing of GRA10 Protein Expression Inhibits Toxoplasma gondii Intracellular Growth and Development. Parasitol. Int. 651 (5): 6551-658. Book Chapters Worku, Mulumebet Chapter 14 Goat Genetics and Genomic Progress 137 Molecular and Quantitative Animal Genetics. Hasan Khatib. ISBN: 978-1-118-67740-7 Abstracts Crawford, C.D., D. Mata-Padrino, D. Belesky and S.A. Bowdridge. Effects of protein supplementation on growth of parasitized organic lambs while grazing. 2014 ASAS Southern Section Meeting Dallas, TX Godfrey, R.W., W. D. Preston, A. M. Jung, S. Joseph, L. LaPlace, P. E. Hillman, K. G. Gebremedhim, C. N. Lee and R. J. Collier. 2014. Evaluating the impact of breed and pregnancy on body temperature of hair sheep ewes in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 92 (E-Suppl 1): 36. Godfrey, R.W., W. D. Preston, A. M. Jung, S. Joseph, L. LaPlace, P. E. Hillman, K. G. Gebremedhim, C. N. Lee and R. J. Collier. 2014. Evaluating the impact of breed, hair coat and pregnancy on sweating rate of hair sheep ewes in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 92 (E-Suppl 1): 37. Whitley, N.C., S.-H. Oh, K. Moulton, R.A. Franco, S.B. Routh, D. King, C. Kyle and J. Idassi. 2015. Influence of Moringa Oleifera on Fecal Egg Counts and Packed Cell Volume in Meat Goats. J. Anim. Sci. 93 E. Suppl.1:submitted. Whitley, N.C., S.-H. Oh, K. Moulton, R.A. Franco, S. B. Routh, and C.A. Kyle. 2014. Effect of Tasco® on Fecal Egg Counts and Packed Cell Volume in Meat Goats. J. Anim. Sci. 92 E Suppl.2:929. Proceedings Escobar E.N., J.J. Rodriguez and N.S. Dawson. University of Maryland Extension-1890 Program. 2013. Proceedings: “1st Workshop on the Use of Sheep and Goats as Tools to Manage Unwanted Vegetation in Woodlands and Recreational Areas”. Editors: 97 p. Available in CD format. Glennon, H., J-M. Luginbuhl, J.P. Mueller, J. Grossman, and M. Schroeder-Moreno. Addition of clovers to tall fescue pastures improves nitrogen status of animals, forages and soils. SAAS, Dallas, 2-4 Feb. 2014. Houdijk, J., and S.A. Bowdridge. 2014. Can protein supplementation reduce reliance on anthelmintics in small ruminant production systems? 13th Intl Congress of Parasitology (ICOPA). Mexico City, MX Karki, U. 2014. Guidelines on preparing and showing meat goats: for Alabama youths. Cooperative Extension Program, Tuskegee University, Publication Number TUAG 1014-01. Karki, U. 2014. Goat Production: Care and Management of Newborn Kids. Cooperative Extension Program, Tuskegee University, Publication Number TUAG 0914-01. Luginbuhl, J-M., Mueller, J.P., and Glennon, H. M. 2014. Performance of replacement does control-grazed on three Festuca arundinacea cultivars IGA-sponsored European Regional Conference on Goats. Hungary and Romania. 7-12 April. Nadarajah, K., Schoenian, S., and D.L. Kuhlers. 2014 Gastro-intestinal parasite infestation (GIP) in bucks and their associated effects on performance of bucks on test. Proc. SCC081, 10-11. Notter, D.R., J. Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J.L.M., 2014. Factors affecting susceptibility to gastrointestinal nematode parasites in periparturient Katahdin ewes and their lambs. Proc. XLI Reunión de la Asociación Mexicana para la Producción Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria y VII Reunión Nacional Sobre Sistemas Agro y Silvopastoriles, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, July 2-4, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida. Schoenian S., J. Semler, D. Gordon, M. Bennett, and D. O’Brien. 2014 Performance and carcass characteristics of pen vs. pasture-fed goats. Proc. SCC081, 54-5 Schoenian, S., Semler, J., and R. Brzozowski. 2014. Using Webinar Short Courses to Educate Small Ruminant Producers. Annual meeting of the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science in Dallas, TX. Semler, J., Gordon, D., Lantz, W., Bennett, M.B., Escobar, N., D. O’Brien, and S. Schoenian. 2014. Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test: A Five Year Summary. Annual meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in Mobile, AL. In proceedings: p 36-37. Worku, M, A. Byers, N. Whitley, R. Noble, H. Ismail and G. Summers. 2014. Goat Genetic Selection. Small Farms Field Day Proceedings. June 19, 2014. Extension Publications Andries, K.M. 2014. Kentucky Sheep and Goat Pocket Record Book. KSU Extension Publication No. KYSU-FAS-BUL-0001. Luginbuhl, J-M., and J. Grossman. Pastures for Goats. Book Chapter and web- based Training and Certification Program for Meat Goat Producers. 2nd edition. Langston Univ. Langston, OK. Luginbuhl, J-M. Consider breeding your does to target ethnic holidays where goat meat is part of the Holiday feast. MGN 01-14.
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