Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Meeting was opened by Dr. Nar Gurung who introduced Dr. Bob Godfrey out SCC081 administrator.  Godfrey reminded the group that the annual report is due 60 days from the date of the meeting and that all SCC-081 members should be registering for the ASAS southern section meeting.  Meeting registration fees allow us access to rooms during the conference. Dr. Godfrey also encouraged the group to review appendix E to determine member not in attendance or those no longer working in this area.  Godfrey urged the group to invite colleagues and others working in this area to join the group.

Dr. Godfrey also addressed news from NIFA.  Due to the nature of our group (SCC) we have no NIFA representative, thus, no NIFA report.  Dr. Godfrey reported that funding for NIFA will increase in FY 2017 but capacity-building funding will not increase. A special topic was addressed concerning the Minor Species Act as it relates to VFD. Susan Schoenian indicated that the VFD does not permit off-label use, which would include water-based coccidian control treatments.  Dr. Godfrey also added that NIFA will “do-away” with minor-use drug funding.  In light of the VFD there will be a push by NIFA to evaluate and study antibiotic resistance.  To address concerns with minor species and VFD, Godfrey indicated that each of us should inform our individual experiment station directors of this topic so that it will be addressed at national director meetings.

Morning station reports were moderated by Dr. D. O’Brien and included:

• Fort Valley State – Dr. N. Whitley
• Langston University – Dr. S. Hart
• Louisiana State University – Dr. J. Miller

*Sidenote – Dr. J. Miller indicated that there are no immediate plans for releasing Zolvix (monepantel) in the US according to information he obtained from Dr. R. Kaplan (University of Georgia).  Dr. Miller also indicated that FDA is looking to approve combination products, which may include monepantel combinations.  Closantel is now available in Canada and that D. flagrans has passed EPA and FDA “hurdles” and a company in the US is set to market product in the 1^st quarter of 2018

• Tuskegee University – Dr. N. Gurung
• USDA-ARS – Dr. J. Burke
• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – Dr. D. Fernandez

Station Reports were adjourned for lunch and set to resume at 1:30 pm

Afternoon station reports were moderated by J. Miller and included:

• University of the Virgin Islands – R. Godfrey
• University of Maryland College Park – S. Schoenian
• Virginia State University – Dr. D. O’Brien
• West Virginia University – Dr. S. Bowdridge

Following stations reports, discussion on a special topic commenced.  Topic was proposed and led by Dr. J. Burke (USDA-ARS) “Diminishing funding support for small ruminant research: future implications and possible solutions”

Dr. Burke addressed closing of UWM sheep dairy research facility and the reduction in flock size at Cornell as symptoms of a larger problem in small ruminant research. As small ruminant production does not constitute a commodity product and is done on such as small scale, writing compelling rational statements in grant applications becomes difficult.  Discussion surrounded this topic for some time. 

It was agreed that anthelmintic resistance is an emerging problem in beef cattle production and that studies using small ruminants may serve as a model for these larger species.  Additionally information from small ruminant studies may at least have application in managing parasitism in beef cattle.

Following discussion of this topic nominations and voting for a new secretary commenced.  Dr. Uma Karki of Tuskegee University was elected Secretary.  President for the program in 2017 will be Dr. Scott Bowdridge of WVU.

Meeting was adjourned.

Fort Valley State University conducted research on Serecia lespedeza (SL) and reported that the SL hay diet was slightly more effective against GIN and coccidia than the SL silage, but the differences were not significant.  There was no treatment effect on PCV values. 

Kentucky State University evaluated alternative forages for meat goat production and utilization of browse for meat goat production. Animals did not lose condition on the novel fescue during the summer grazing period. The outreach activities provided education to producers, extension agents and others in the area of forage management, parasite control, and breed selection practices. 

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. The efficacies of three novel compounds were tested on the on development and survival of gastrointestinal nematode larvae in feces of sheep. Accomplishments: These 3 compounds may be a viable treatment to aid in the control of gastrointestinal nematode infection by reducing development and survival of larvae in feces, thus reducing pasture infectivity. Over 200 producers and scientists were provided training on better management of parasites and how to reduce animal losses, and increase profits.

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.  Utilization and management of forages by goat producers is increasing, and resulting in a more sustainable industry. The Participants increased their knowledge, skills and abilities in goat production, including parasite control and forage management.

Tuskegee University research is focused on three major areas: year-round grazing/browsing management, use of alternative dewormers against Haemonchus contortus, and supplementary feeding of meat goats. The field days and programs were well received. The Tuskegee University has demonstrated that and alternative natural dewormer (condensed tanning containing pine bark) can control internal parasites infestation in goats. The woodland grazing can be very helpful for goat farmers in Alabama and other states with woodlands containing similar browse species. Goat farmers can use these finding for implementing proper strategies for utilizing the woodland vegetation to feed their animals and minimize the requirements for purchased feed.   These findings will be helpful for grazing managers, specialists, and farmers to manage woodland grazing without undesirable effects on the desirable plant species present in woodland. The extension and outreach programs are well received. The main programs include Tuskegee University Master Goat Producers Certification Training Program (MGPCP) – Year 8, annual Goat Day and annular Goat Show.

University of Maryland College Park: Since 2006, 639 goats from 84 herds in 20 states have been evaluated in the Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test. Top-performers have been selected and sold or returned to farms for breeding. The test has increased the use of performance testing in the meat goat industry. The test serves as a valuable source of information pertaining to parasite control, pasture-rearing, and carcass traits in meat goats. Since 2006, the meat goat test blog has received 125,377 hits.

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 conducted comparative evaluation of the gastrointestinal parasite burdens around the time of parturition in hair sheep in the tropics. The results showed that Dorper X St. Croix White ewes have higher gastrointestinal parasite burdens than St. Croix ewes during the postpartum period, although none of these values were high enough to indicate a serious risk to the animal.  This may be due to the innate parasite resiliency of the St Croix White breed.

USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Booneville, AR, examined commercially available copper oxide wire particles (COWP) in combination with albendazole (alb) for control (CON) of gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs. The results showed that the percentage of H. contortus in cultured feces was reduced to a greater extent in the COWP than CON or CON+alb groups of lambs. Farmers should be able to rely on the COWP products examined as an aid in the control of H. contortus, being mindful that only adults are targeted. It appears promising that COWP in combination with albendazole increased efficacy with a greater reduction in FEC compared with COWP alone. Further research is needed on combining COWP and other synthetic anthelmintics. In another study, ARS showed that finishing light weight Katahdin lambs on pasture without or with minimal supplement. The station also provided training to sheep and goat producers estimated to impact more than 800 producers, scientists, extension agents, and veterinarians from southeastern, Midwestern and northeastern U.S.

Virginia State University conducted research on the influence of breed and supplementation on consumer ratings of meat quality attributes of pasture-raised ground lamb meat. Results showed that ground meat from hair sheep lambs could provide an opportunity to enhance profitability for small-scale producers in Virginia. Different workshops which included Patsure Lambing Workshop, Integrated Parasite Management Workshop and Small Ruminant Field Day 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 on-farm artificial insemination (AI) evaluation with sheep findings confirm earlier observation that ewe lambs are not suited for vaginal AI and that there are significant ram effect in pregnancy outcomes to vaginal AI.  Use of agro-byproducts to supplement hair and wool x hair crossbred lambs grazing fescue pasture in spring rresults showed supplementation to have a greater impact on growth rate in crossbred than purebred hair sheep lambs, but type of supplement apparently had no effect.  Results also indicate that supplementation and crossbreeding had significant effect on carcass quality under the conditions of this experiment.

West Virginia University research reported that the gain and carcass merit of TX-sired lambs is equivalent to SU-sired lambs providing data to support use of alternative terminal sires in Katahdin crossbreeding programs without impacting parasite resistance of crossbred progeny. These data taken together indicate aberrant immune development in susceptible Suffolk crossbred sheep in response to Haemonchus contortus, which may contribute to resulting establishment of adult parasites. Overall, the data indicate that a differential host response occurs to L3 and L4. Their data also demonstrated that lambs supplemented at a rate of 2% BW with a 19% crude protein ration had FEC and greater gain while grazing predominantly fescue pastures.  These data provide additional means whereby producers can mitigate the effects of gastrointestinal nematodes parasitism on growth of grazing lambs.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES): Over 26 sheep and goat producers were trained on how to balance ration to avoid pregnancy toxemia and how to identify worm resistance on their individual farms.

Journal Articles

• Acharya, M., J.M. Burke, K.P. Coffey, E.B. Kegley, J.E. Miller, G.R. Huff, E. Smyth, T.H. Terrill, J.A. Mosjidis, and C. Rosenkrans. 2015. Changes in hematology, serum biochemistry, and gastrointestinal nematode infection in lambs fed Sericea lespedeza with or without dietary sodium molybdate. Journal of Animal Science 93:1952-1961.
• Acharya, M., Burke, J.M., Coffey, K.P., Kegley, E.B., Miller, J.E., Huff, G.R., Smyth, E., Terrill, T.H., and C. Rosenkrans, C. Jr. 2015. Changes in hematology and serum biochemical profiles in lambs fed Sericea lespedeza. J. Anim. Sci. 93, 1952-1961.
• Bowdridge, S.A., A.M. Zajac, and D.R. Notter. 2015. St. Croix sheep produce a rapid and greater cellular immune response contributing to reduced establishment of Haemonchus contortus. Parasitol. 208:204-210.
• Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Smyth, E., and M. Acharya. 2016. Examination of commercially available copper oxide wire particles in combination with albendazole for control of gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs. Vet. Parasitol. 215, 1-4.
• Donoghue, D.J., Mays, A.R., Goodwin, H.L., Hale, M., Spencer, T., O’Gorman, M., Jose, S., Burke, J.M., and A. Donoghue. 2014. Armed to farm: Developing training programs for military veterans in agriculture. J. Rural Soc. Sci. 29, 82-93.
• Holt, R.M., E.A. Shepherd, A.G. Ammer, and S.A. Bowdridge. 2015. Effects of peripheral blood mononuclear cells on Haemonchus contortus larval motility in vitro. Parasit. Immunol. 37:553-556.
• Hoste, H., J.F.J. Torres-Acosta, C.A. Sandoval-Castro, I. Mueller-Harvey, S. Sotiraki, H. Louvandini, S.M. Thamsborg, and T.H. Terrill. 2015. Tannin containing legumes as a model for nutraceuticals against digestive parasites in livestock. Veterinary Parasitology 212:5-17.
• Jacobs, J.R., S.P. Greiner, and S.A. Bowdridge. 2015. Serum interleukin-4 (IL-4) production is associated with lower fecal egg count in parasite-resistant sheep. Vet. Parasitol. 211:102-105
• Kommuru, D.S., N.C. Whitley, J.E. Miller, J.A. Mosjidis, J.M. Burke, S. Gujja, A. Mechineni, and T.H. Terrill. 2015. Effect of Sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellets on adult female Haemonchus contortus in goats. Veterinary Parasitology 207:170-175.
• Kumi, A. S. I. Howard, R. Smith, N. Gurung, and A. Elliott. 2015. Impact of Using Different Stocking Rates of Goats under Pine Plantation on Plant Species occurrences and Animal Productivity," Professional Agricultural Workers Journal: Vol. 2: No. 2, 5. Available at: http://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/pawj/vol2/iss2/5.
• Matthews, K.K., D.J. O’Brien, N.C. Whitley, J.M. Burke, J.E. Miller, and R.A. Barczewski. 2016. Investigation of possible pumpkin seeds and ginger effects on gastrointestinal nematode infection indicators in meat goat kids and lambs. Sm. Rum. Res. Jan. 2016, DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.12.036.
• Mathews, K. K., D. J. O’Brien, N. C. Whitley, J. M. Burke, J. E. Miller, and R. A. Barczewski. 2015. Investigation of possible pumpkin seeds and ginger effects on gastrointestinal nematode infection indicators in meat goat kids and lambs. Small Ruminant Research. 136:1–6.
• Min, B.R., D. Perkins, C. Wright, A. Dawod, B.J. Min, T.H. Terrill, J.S. Eun, R. Shang, S.S. Yang, and N. Gurung. 2015. Effects of feeding two different tannin-containing diets on ruminal fermentation profiles and microbial community changes in meat goats. Agriculture, Food, and Analytical Bacteriology 15:153-165.
• Min, B.R., S. Solaiman, T.H. Terrill, A. Ramsay, and I. Mueller-Harvey. 2015. The effects of tannins-containing ground pine bark diet upon nutrient digestion, nitrogen balance, and mineral retention in meat goats. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology 6:1-8.
• B. R., E. A. Wilson, S. Solaiman, and J. Miller. 2015. Effects of Condensed Tannin-Rich Pine Bark Diet on Experimentally Infected with Haemonchus Contortus in Meat Goats. Int J Vet Health Sci Res. 3(3), 49-57.
• Min, B. R., D. Perkins , C. Wright , A. Dawod , B. J. Min , T. H. Terrill , J.-S. Eun, R. Shange, S. Y. Yang, and N. Gurung. 2015. Effects of feeding two different tannin-containing diets on ruminal fermentation profiles and microbial community changes in meat goats. Agric. Food Anal. Bacteriol. 5: 153-165.
• Nadarajah, K., S. Schoenian, and D.L. Kuhlers. 2015. Gastro-intestinal Parasite (GIP) Infestation and its Associated Effects on Growth Performance of Bucks on a Pasture-based Test in Maryland. Sheep & Goat Research Journal. Volume 30, 2015-July, 24-29.
• Riley, D.G., Burke, J.M., Chase, C.C., Jr., and S. W. Coleman. 2016. Heterosis and direct effects for Charolais-sired calf weight and growth, cow weight and weight changes, and ratios of cow and calf weights and weight changes across warm season lactation in Romosinuano, Angus, and F1 cows in Arkansas. J. Anim. Sci. (In Press).
• Matthews, K.K., O’Brien, D.J., Whitley, N.C., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., and R. A. Barczewski. 2016. Investigation of possible pumpkin seeds and ginger effects on gastrointestinal nematode infection indicators in meat goat kids and lambs. Small Rum. Res. 136, 1-6.
• Riley, D.G., Burke, J. M., Chase, C.C., Jr., and S. W. Coleman. 2014. Genetic effects for reproductive performance of straightbred and crossbred Romosinuano and Angus cows in a temperate zone. Livest. Sci. 180, 22-26.
• Weiss S.A., R.W. Godfrey, R. Ben-Avraham and R.C. Ketring. 2015. Performance and carcass characteristics of hair sheep lambs finished on tropical pasture or rangeland and supplemented with maize. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 27, Article #228. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd27/11/weis27228.htm.

Book Chapter, Handbook and Proceedings

• Crawford, C., D.J. Mata-Padrino, D.P. Belesky, E.E. Felton, and S.A. Bowdridge. 2015. Effects of protein supplementation on parasitism in grazing lambs. ASAS Southern Section Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
• Garza, J., and S.A. Bowdridge. 2015. Texel crossbred lambs show increased resistance Haemonchus contortus. 60th Annual Meeting AAVP, Boston, MA.
• Gurung, N., S. Hart, and A. Peischel. 2015. Suitable Animal Species and Facility Requirements for Grazing in a Silvopasture System. In: Uma Karki (ed.): Handbook for Training Field Extension and Technical Assistance Personnel: Sustainable Agroforestry Practices in Southeastern Region. Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program with 1890 Agroforestry Consortium. pp. 41-58.
• Jacobs, J.R., and S.A. Bowdridge. 2015. Peripheral immune cells of St. Croix sheep rapidly produce IL-4 in response to Haemonchus contortus antigen in vitro. 60th Annual Meeting AAVP, Boston, MA.
• Karki, U. (Ed.). 2015. Sustainable agroforestry practices in the Southeastern Region: training handbook. Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, Tuskegee University, Publication No. TUAG1015-01.
• Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., and T. H. Terrill. 2015. Potential newer control methods. Proc. Int. Cong. Sustainable Parasite Management, May 25-26, 2015, Pretoria, South Africa.
• Shepherd, E., J. Garza, ands S.A. Bowdridge. 2015. Quantification of Haemonchus contortus larval death after culture with host immune cells by measuring larval ATP. 60th Annual Meeting AAVP, Boston, MA.
• Miller, J.E., 2015. Internal and external parasites. In: T.A. Gipson, R.C. Merkel, K. Williams, T. Sahlu (Eds.), Meat Goat Production Hand Book, The (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, Langston, OK: 105-122.

Abstracts

• Burke, J.M., Acharya, M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Smyth, E., Huff, G.R., Kegley, E.B., Coffey, K.P., and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr., 2015. Influence of sericea lespedeza on relationships between gastrointestinal nematode infection and hematology, serum biochemistry, and trace minerals in lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1): (Abstr.).
• Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Smyth, E., and M. Acharya. 2015. Efficacy of copper oxide wire particles from three sources to control Haemonchus contortus in lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1): (Abstr.).
• Escobar, E. N. 2015. Management of unwanted vegetation using small ruminants (sheep and goats) on Delmarva. Posters were presented at the 2015 Joint Annual Meeting of the American Society of Animal Science reporting the results from the 2014 season.
• Godfrey, R., S. Joseph, L. LaPlace, and W. George. 2015. Effect of weaning age on parasite burdens of hair sheep lambs and ewes in an accelerated lambing system in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93 (E-Suppl. 1):46.
• Karki, U. 2015. Agroforestry research and extension education program at Tuskegee University. The 73rd Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, Dec. 6-8, Kellogg Conference Center, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088. (Abstract and oral presentation).
• Karki, U., J. Idassi, S. R. Mentreddy, N. Gurung, C. Christian, G. Boyd, O. Onokpise, L. Karki, Y. Diabate, and S. Bambo. 2015. Trainers' training in agroforestry practices in the Southeastern Region: 1890 Agroforestry Consortium initiative. 14th North American Agroforestry Conference. June 1-3, Ames, Iowa. (Abstract and poster presentation).
• Lee, J., Wildeus, S., Lee, J., Nartea, T. J., Lemma, B., and B. Kouakou. 2015. Effect of breed type, supplementation and sex in rotationally-grazed hair and wool x hair sheep lambs: Carcass characteristics.  Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p. 43.
• Lemma, B., Lee, J. H., Wildeus, S., Kaanan G., and B. Kouakou. 2015. Chemical composition and quality of fresh lamb from rationally grazed hair and wool x hair sheep lambs as influenced by soy hull supplementation. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93, Suppl. s3:168
• Lemma, B., Lee, J. H., Wildeus, S., Kouakou, B., and G. Kaanan. 2015. Fatty acid composition of different fat depots from hair and wool x hair sheep supplemented with soy hull on pasture. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93, Suppl. s3:791.
• Riley, D.G., Coleman, S.W., Chase, C.C., Jr., and J. M. Burke. 2015. Heterosis for reproduction of Romosinuano-Angus cows in Arkansas. J. Anim. Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1): (Abstr.).
• Schoenian, S., Semler, J. Gordon, D.L., Bennett, M.B., and D. O’Brien. 2015. Health, performance, and carcass characteristics of pen-fed vs. pasture-raised meat goats. Annual meeting of the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Schoenian, S., J. Semler, D. Gordon, M. B. Bennett, and D. O’Brien. 2015. Health, performance, and carcass characteristics of pen-fed vs. pasture-raised meat goats. American Society of Animal Science Southern Section. J. Anim. Sci. Vol 93, Suppl. S3: 101.
• Smyth, E., Burke, J.M., Acharya, M., Miller, J.E., and K. P.Coffey. 2015. Grass finishing systems for lambs born in fall and winter. J. Anim. Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1): (Abstr.).
• Wildeus, S., and C. D. Teutsch. 2015. Energy supplementation of purebred and crossbred hair sheep lambs grazing stockpiled fescue. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p. 43.
• Wildeus, S., Lee, J., Teutsch, C. D., and T. J. Nartea.   Effect of breed type, supplementation and sex in rotationally-grazed hair and wool x hair sheep lambs: Growth and gastrointestinal parasites. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p. 43.
• Wildeus, S. 2015. Terminal sire mating of landrace hair sheep ewes with Dorset rams: Ewe and pre-weaning lamb performance.  Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p. 43.

Extension Articles

• Luginbuhl, J-M. The NCSU Meat Goat Program and the Status of the NC Meat Goat Industry.
• Luginbuhl, J-M. History of the NC Meat Goat Program.
• Luginbuhl, J-M. Consider breeding your does to target ethnic holidays where goat meat is part of the Holiday feast.
• Luginbuhl, J-M. Is There a Market for Goat meat in the US? Yes, There Is!
• Luginbuhl, J-M. Pink Eye or Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis. MGN 2.
• Luginbuhl, J-M. Listeriosis in your Herd. MGN 1.
• Luginbuhl, J-M. Toxoplasmosis. MGN 3.
• Luginbuhl, J-M. 2015 – Year of the Goat.
• Launching of the NCSU Meat Goat Extension Portal
• meatgoats.ces.ncsu.edu