Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Recorded and submitted by Scott Bowdridge

In attendance:

• Niki Whitley (FVSU)
• Jim Miller (LSU)
• Joan Burke (USDA-ARS, Booneville, AR)
• Nelson Escobar (UMES)
• Dahlia O’Brien (VSU)
• Stephan Wildeus (VSU)
• Scott Bowdridge (WVU)
• Robert Godfrey (UVI)
• Kwame Matthews (DSU)
• Chelsea Ahrens (UArk – extension)
• Olga Bolden-Tiller (Tuskegee)
• Art Goetch (Langston University)
• Brou Kouakou (FVSU)
• Serena Joseph (UVI)

 Meeting was called to order at 8:30 am and presided by Scott Bowdridge

Bowdridge asked the meeting AA (Bob Godfrey) if he had any information to share with the group from the administrative side

• Godfrey indicated that this is the last year for this coordinating committee and the group would need to write the project and submit to USDA
• Bowdridge then asked the group is discussion of this topic could be tabled for for discussion in the afternoon session

The morning session then consisted of station reports in alphabetical order (Tuskegee rep was late so they went last)

FVSU Report:

• Whitley discussed work occurring at FVSU around sericea (SL) silage and baleage development.
• Also discussed was the anecdotal evidence of a product called Red Cell and reported improved recovery during Haemonchus contortus infection, when used in combination with anthelmintics.
• Whitley noted that controlled studies reported no effect of red cell alone or in combination with levamisole or benzimidazoles. She also acknowledged that their studies had not combined “Red Cell” with macrocyclic lactones
• Most anecdotal evidence was observed during extreme cases of haemonchosis where lambs and kids had FAMACHA scores of 4-5. Which is difficult to model experimentally due to ACUC restrictions

 LSU Report:

• Miller indicated he was conducting research evaluating anthelmintic activity of proprietary aromatic compounds
  • In-vivo tests indicated that 15ml dose showed some efficacy
  • Currently, Miller is in discussion with company about supporting additional research
• flagrans product (developed in AU) has been approved by FDA/USDA/EPA
  • Should be available commercially in the 1^st quarter of 2018
• Miller also reinforced recommendation from ACSRPC about the use of combination dewormers
  • Due to synergistic activity
  • Emphasized that their use should still be on a selective basis
  • Combination dewormers are in the FDA pipeline

 UMES Report:

• Conducting research with SL – have had difficulty in establishing stand but Escobar is hopeful to be conducting trials in the coming year
• Escobar noted that they are designing studies to use sheep/goats to control unwanted vegetation

 USDA-ARS Booneville, AR Report:

• Burke is conducting analyses of NSIP data on Katahdin sheep in collaboration with Dave Notter (Virginia Tech)
  • Initial analyses have been conducted to establish genetic correlations between FEC and growth traits
  • Future work to determine genetic correlation between FEC and maternal traits and Katahdin index

 UVI Report:

• Godfrey is conducting work to establish relationships between grazing behavior and shade seeking and internal body temperature in island sheep
• Godfrey is also studying effects of heat on animal performance

 VSU Report:

• Report was split between Wildeus and O’Brien
• Wildeus shared data on effects of soy hull supplementation on hair crossbred lambs
• Wildeus also reported on a study that evaluates the effect of using terminal sires (Dorset) on Barbados blackbelly and St. Croix ewes
  • Data indicate that crossbred lambs generated larger weights and carcass measures
    • No negative effect on parasitism in crossbred lambs
  • O’Brien discussed repro management workshops they have conducted, which included
    • AI clinic for goat producers
    • Utilizing liquid semen for AI of Katahdin sheep
    • Construction of a mobile repro lab
      • This mobile lab has been named the “Sperminator”
    • O’Brien also spoke about their work using IPM in small ruminants
      • Conducting FAMACHA Training for producers
    • O’Brien spoke about their promotion efforts around eating lamb
      • Shared their “Lambuary” promotion effort around increasing lamb consumption in Virginia

 WVU Report:

• Bowdridge shared immunology research they are conducting
  • croix sheep generate greater IL-4 production early during H. contortus infection
  • Cellular component to immunity has revealed breed difference in immune response
    • Both macrophages and neutrophils of St. Croix sheep are involved in early immune responses
      • Their activity is greater and more efficacious in St. Croix sheep
    • Bowdridge also indicated that they are working on identifying antigens associated with the cuticle of H. contortus
  • Bowdridge commented on grazing research they have been conducting
    • Using predominantly birdsfoot trefoil pastures they have been working to determine the effect of high tannin legumes on their protective or preventative capability during H. contortus infection
      • Bowdridge indicated that sheep infected while grazing had lower FEC than sheep infected prior to grazing BFT
        • Although FEC in pre-infected lambs was reduced after grazing BFT pastures

Tuskegee Report:

• Bolden-Tiller reported that her colleagues are conducting work to evaluate feed additives on reducing FEC in sheep and goats
  • Of note she reported work being conducted on addition of dry, cracked-corn to grazing supplements
• Bolden-Tiller also reported on the seven outreach programs being conducted by faculty at Tuskegee University
  • She also indicated they her colleagues were focused on increasing involvement and participation by faculty and students from the vet school
    • It is their hope that by exposing these folks to problems in small ruminant production that these events may also serve to train those seeking degrees in veterinary medicine
      • With hopes that there are more vet students graduating with some experience in small ruminant health

 After this report the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am and to be resumed at 1:30pm to initiate discussion around SCC-81 project re-write.

Meeting resumed at 1:30 pm

Jim Miller asked the question “Should the group continue?” and discussion centered around this topic

• Only 5 organizations represented in the report – indicates that they have already walked away

 Burke asked the question: If the meeting didn’t take place would that increase the number of abstracts in the general meeting during the small ruminant section?

 Olga asked - What was the impetus for forming the group – initially information exchange

• There is a failure to recruit new members and gaps in knowledge about the existence of this group.
• Universities should not be listed without an active member that is going to actively participate

 Should not consider closing the group without making sure that potential participants are aware of the meeting

Non-participation is possible due to budget restrictions

Does recruiting people solve the issue of commonality of NCERA214 and ACSRPC?

Better communication of our purpose and usefulness in sheep or goat industry

Chelsea from University of Arkansas as a potential new member

Kwame from Delaware State University as a potential new member

Discussion concluded in continuation of the project: followed by a revision of objectives to be included in the re-write.

 Discussion of objective 1

New title ‘utilization of GIN control methods including selective deworming, forage/grazing management, and animal selection for nematode resistance’

• In the descriptive text (for the re-write) make sure to include non-chemical means of parasite control
• Include institutions working on this objective (potential list)
  • USDA-ARS
  • FVSU
  • WVU
  • DSU
  • UA – Ext
  • VSU
  • UMES
  • Tuskegee
• Joan will help with text and so will Scott

 Discussion of Objective 2

New title ‘Emphasize forage feeding systems for year-round grazing to meet nutritional requirements that mitigate drought and other plant and animal stressors’

Limit discussion of climate change in text

Potential institutions – Susan should be here somewhere??

• USDA-ARS
• FVSU
• UVI
• UA – Ext
• VSU
• UMES
• Tuskegee

• Joan will help with this, Stephen and Dahlia will help

 Discussion on objective 3

New title ‘Strategies for the improvement of small ruminant reproduction’

Niki will take point on all new text and will be assisted by Olga.

Institutional involvement

• USDA-ARS
• FVSU
• UVI
• WVU
• VSU
• UMES
• Tuskegee

• Make sure to include Out-Of-Season breeding in the text (Niki)

 As we draft these documents make sure to send to potential collaborators to be included in the group – also make sure to notify individuals of what a coordinating committee is!

 Discussion of Objective 4

New title ‘Disseminate research results and information to stakeholders.’

• USDA-ARS
• FVSU
• WVU
• DSU
• UA – Ext
• VSU
• UMES
• Tuskegee
• UVI

Dahlia, Chelsea and Kwame will handle re-write of this section

Kwame is nominated as secretary and approved!  Remind Uma that she will be the chair for 2018 meeting

To make the job of the chair and secretary more transparent we developed a list of duties for each position:

Chair duties:

• Solicits and collates station reports into proceedings
• Submits annual project report to AA by 50d after meeting
• Provides tentative proceedings to Animal Science department chair at NC A&T by two weeks before SCC81 annual meeting
• Bring copies of the proceedings, lcd projector and computer

  Secretary

• Coordinate with SS animal science secretary to make arrangements for room assignment
  1. Ask for conference room setup to facilitate discussion
• Coordinate with chair and distribute agenda and final copy of the proceedings before the annual meeting
• Takes minutes
• Must send minutes to chair and participants by one week following the annual meeting

 Discussion of invited speakers – do one year in advance? Permits time to seek funding in support of travel

Topic outside of objectives?

Darris Burnett at Mississippi state – guest speaker on meat science

Or Susan Duckett – fescue toxicosis

Niki suggested an economist to speak about profitability – someone from USDA

Where is the goat and sheep industry going? Someone to speak on that topic

Meeting was adjourned at 4:00pm

Accomplishments: (results)

Fort Valley State University: The FEC and OC were impacted by a treatment by week interaction (P<0.05). For HW, compared to Week 0, FEC were lower by the first week after treatment and remained low throughout the study (P<0.05). In contrast, FEC for SW treated animals were not lower until Week 2, remaining lower for Week 3 while FEC from SP treated animals were only lower than Week 0 at Week 3 (P<0.05).  Treatment with HW resulted in lower OC for all three weeks while SP and SW treatment had lower OC for Week 3 only. Packed cell volume was not different for the three treatments.

Both SL pellet diets reduced OPG in the goats compared with control animals after 7 days (P<0.05) while EPG values were lower than control after 21 and 28 days, respectively, in the goats fed leaf only and whole plant SL pellets, and these differences were maintained until the end of the trial. Both groups of SL pellet-fed goats had higher PCV values than control animals from days 28–42 of the trial.

There was no effect of Red Cell® on GIN egg production (Table 1), PCV (averaged 30.2 ± 0.4% for all animals) or most CBC measurements.  However, WBC tended to be the lowest for RC alone (P=0.0526) and RDWs, a measurement of the variation in the size of red blood cells was highest for RC alone (P<0.03; Table 2).

Log transformed FEC were impacted by a treatment x day interaction (P<0.01), but not such that there was any impact of Red Cell®. There was no effect on PCV or most CBC measurements.  Though HGB was lower (P<0.05) for RC than dewormed animals (but similar to NONE), it is not clear how accurate the VetScan analysis is for goat blood samples.

There was a large degree of phenotypic diversity in color, shape, and size of the fruit and seed coat for Lespedeza species, as well as in the concentration and location of trichomes on the surface of the seed coats.  Similar phenotypic diversity was observed in the concentration, type (glandular and non-glandular), and location (abaxial or adaxial surface) of trichomes on leaves of Lespedeza species, as well as their ability to fluoresce, indicating presence or absence of secondary compounds. 

At least 282 participants attended parasite management workshops for small ruminants (approximately 130 certified) and many indicated they felt the training was useful.

Louisiana State University:  On D 0, the mean FEC was 13312 ± 3021 (SE) and 13460 ± 1877 for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (Figure 1). FEC was significantly (p<0.05) reduced at 24 h, but similar (p>0.05) at 48 and 72 h. Since GI transit time is about 24-48 h, it suggests that there may be an effect on reducing female worm egg output during transit time exposure. There was no effect on percent development/survival of larvae in the feces (Figure 2). However, there was a hint of effect at 48 h which would fit the transit time. Study 2: On D 0, there was no difference (p>0.05) in mean FEC (4390 ± 1632, 5990 ± 824, 5510 ± 1655, 6550 ± 2899 and 7850 ± 5100 for Groups 1-5, respectively, Figure 3). Compared to Group 1, Groups 2 and 5 FEC remained higher, and Groups 3 and 4 were similar or lower throughout the study. However, there was a significant (p<0.05) reduction for Group 4 at 48 h, which would fit the transit time. There was no effect on percent development and survival of larvae in the feces (Figure 4). 

            Overall, one-time administration of 5, 10 or 15 ml or multiple administration of 1 ml × 10 d of the novel compound did not result in control. However, there was a consistent observation that the 10 and 15 ml dose may have affected female worm egg output by contact during ingesta transit time. This might warrant an additional study to evaluate the 15 ml dose administered daily.

            Presented programs at the following: 1) Parasitology update and Integrating FAMACHA, drugs and other alternative measures for controlling worms. Louisiana State University Small Ruminant Field Day, April 30, 2016, Baton Rouge, LA. 2) What cattle, sheep and goat producers should know about dewormers. Ruminant producer meeting, June 23, 2016, New Gloucester, ME. 3) Integrating anthelmintics, FAMACHA and other alternative measures for controlling nematodes in small ruminants, October 15, 2016, USDA ARS, Booneville, AR. 4) Integrating anthelmintics, FAMACHA and other alternative measures for controlling nematodes in small ruminants, October 25, 2016, GoatCamp, Lohn, TX. 5) Major internal and external parasites of small ruminants and their prevention, control, and treatment strategies; FAMACHA, smart drenching, and integrated approach to control barber pole worm. Tuskegee University, October 28, 2016, Tuskegee, AL. 6) Integrating anthelmintics FAMACHA and other alternative measures for controlling nematodes in small ruminants, Southeastern Kiko Goat Association, November 11, 2016, Hattiesburg, MS. Approximately 300 producers and scientists were in attendance.

Tuskegee University: Overall, there were no differences (P >0.10) in dry matter intake, body weight, and carcass traits between diets. H. contortus adult worm numbers were lower (P <0.05) for goats that were fed PB diet than for control. On day 84, control goats on control WS diet had greater (P = 0.01) FEC than PB diet group. It was concluded that feeding ground PB as a feed ingredient has the potential to decrease internal parasite infection without detrimental effects.

The supplementation of dry cracked corn did not affect the performance of meat goats indicating that if there are adequate Marshall-ryegrass and Crimson-clover forages available, meat goats do not require any additional energy supplementation.

The results produced indicated a greater increase in carcass yield with more desirable fatty acids compositions in intramuscular fat content in meat goats from grass-legume multiple combinations compared to mono-culture forage.

The saturated fatty acids (SFA), poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and PUFA/SFA ratios in subcutaneous adipose tissue as well as mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and PUFA composition of mesenteric kidney fat were increased with increasing phytochemical tannin-containing ground pine bark supplementation. The study showed that phytochemical plant tannins could be a means to moderate the accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids with the aim of improving percentage of these PUFA/SFA ratios in goat meat. The effects would be useful to improve carcass fatty acids composition and human health.

Goats weighed 54±2.2 lb. at the beginning and 121±2.7 lb. at the end of the study. Their average FAMACHA score was 2.5 and BCS was 2.4. The average daily gain was the highest (3.6±0.30 oz.) when goats grazed on silvopasture plots with cool-season forages, and showed a poor performance while in other grazing systems. This study warrants supplementation of Kiko wethers while grazing in woodlands, and during times with limited or low quality vegetation available for grazing.

White lead tree was the most preferred species followed by mimosa. Some Bush indigo branches were debarked and broken. Further studies on goats’ preference for these species are continued for making the final recommendation.

Most frequent (83%-98%) and severe debarking occurred with longleaf pines in the silvopasture plots with cool-season forages during the winter/spring grazing period leading to the death of several trees with severe damage. There was no significant debarking of pine trees during warm-season grazing in the silvopasture plots or woodlands. 

All selected forages, except one, produced well and readily grazed by goats. Goats performed better (p<0.001) while grazing cool-season forages (103±8.5 g/d) versus grazing on warm-season forages (60±9.3 g/d)

Goats’ loafing behavior was the highest (44%) in the morning, and the grazing behavior was dominant during mid-day and afternoon hours (40%). Goats also showed some debarking behavior (2%), which mostly occurred on longleaf pine (98%). Debarking began at 23.9±1.52 cm from the base of the tree and reached up to 70.4±2.62 cm from the initial debarking point. Nine percent of the debarked trees were severely damaged.  The study showed that longleaf pine trees can be susceptible to possible damage by Kiko wethers during cool-season grazing even when the trees are 10 yr. old, and terminal buds are beyond the reach of grazing animals.

A total of 118 livestock producers, county agents, and technical assistance personnel participated at the events. The skills and knowledge of program participants increased on different aspects of sustainable year-round forage production and grazing/browsing management

A total of 76 people participated in the events. Participants gained skills and knowledge on various approaches on monitoring health conditions of small ruminants and taking care of the problems on time. Most importantly, they learned about the preventive measures of possible health problems.

Thirty-nine trainees participated, and learned about different aspects of agroforestry.

The pasture management station focused on informing producers of the various fencing and feed available including rotational grazing management to efficiently raise goats as well as helpful tips and hints to get optimal production efficiency from their current operation.

Thirty nine participants, including agricultural professionals, graduate students producers and other stakeholders, took part in the program, representing operations in AL, FL, GA, MS, MI, and LA.  Based on survey results, participants found the presentations to be of quality and value and the presenters knowledgeable with adequate materials, and they would recommend the program to others.  An increase in post-test scores compared to pre-test scores, indicated that producers acquired knowledge that could result in improved herd management.  In conclusion, the TU MGPC program provided producers with valuable information necessary for meat goat producers to become competitive in this global economy.  (PART 2)  During 2016, no producers sought Level 2 training.  (PART 3)  During 2016, no producers sought Level 3 training.

Twenty-two students participated in the event showing 16 head of goats among them on Saturday, October 15, 2016. All participants were Tuskegee University freshmen students who participated in the showmanship.

Of the sixteen participants, one responded indicating that the presentation and hands-on activities were of quality and value and provided the necessary materials (3.6-3.8/4.0); and that they would recommend the program to others.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore: Preliminary results will be combined with the 2017 data to evaluate results. Initial evaluation of the sheep grazing patterns show that there is acceptance of the different forage varieties. It is expected that the sericia portion will be ready to be pastured spring/summer 2017.

A year-round rotational grazing and new forages was the focus of a workshop at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.  An all-day session started at 9 a.m. in the Center for Food Science and Technology on the campus.  Presenters helped 45 participants to understand the subject matter.  The 45 participants were credited CEU’s for conservation planning. The idea that producers have to use hay for feed during the winter because “that’s the way daddy always did it” is an outdated and costly way of raising animals, said Les Vough, forage agronomist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.  “Our team will show that year-round rotational grazing is practical and that it can greatly reduce feed costs for livestock producers and horse owners.” Dr. Les Vough is a retired University of Maryland forage crops Extension specialist. Often referred to as “The Hay Guy,” Vough is recognized for his research and extension efforts in integrated management systems for improved hay as well as pasture production and utilization. He has written numerous publications on forage production, quality and utilization, including the popular University of Maryland Extension (UME) publication entitled “Evaluating Hay Quality.”  Other workshop speakers were:  Dr. Don Ball, author of the popular book “Southern Forages” and numerous other articles and publications as well as a former president of the American Forage and Grassland Council; Dr. Enrique Nelson Escobar, UMES small ruminant production and management Extension specialist; Dr. Jarrod Miller, UME agricultural educator and soil specialist; Dr. Terron Hillsman, Maryland state conservationist, USDA-NRCS; Shannon Dill,  UME principal agent and marketing specialist; and Eddie Draper, program manager and beef cattle specialist, Wye Angus Facility-University of Maryland.

USDA-ARS Booneville, AR: Litter was a significant (P < 0.01) random effect for BW and WW but not for the other traits. While maternal effect was significant (P < 0.01) for all body weights, it was very low for fecal egg count and its inclusion in the model was not significant based on likelihood ratio test. Depending on the model used, heritability estimates ranged from 0.18 to 0.50 for BW, 0.15 to 0.40 for WW, and 0.16 to 0.40 for PWW. Weaning fecal egg count heritability was 0.24 and post weaning heritability was 0.26. Preliminary analyses obtained higher estimates of heritability for fecal egg count when less restrictive management groups were used. Bi-variate analyses revealed very low genetic (-0.06 to 0.16) and phenotypic (-0.09 to 0.08) correlations between weights and fecal egg counts. Genetic and phenotypic correlations for WWEC and PWWEC were 0.80 and 0.31; BW and WW were 0.66 and 0.47; BW and PWW were 0.44 and 0.38; WW and PWW were 0.89 and 0.82, respectively.

Fixed effects of management group, dam age, type of birth (for BWT) or type of birth and rearing (for WWT and PWWT), and lamb age at weighing (fitted as a covariate for WWT and PWWT) were all significant (P < 0.05). Variance components for random effects were estimated in sequentially more complex models and tested for significance with likelihood-ratio tests. A model that fitted only an additive genetic animal effect overestimated additive variance for all BW, resulting in larger estimates of direct heritability than models that included maternal effects. Maternal effects were significant (P < 0.05) for all BW. Heritability estimates for the optimal models were 0.15 for BWT, 0.18 for WWT, and 0.20 for PWWT. Estimates of maternal heritability were 0.14 for BWT, 0.10 for WWT, and 0.06 for PWWT. Permanent environmental maternal effects explained 4 to 6% of total phenotypic for these BW. Litter effects included temporary environmental effects common to littermates and a proportion of the dominance genetic variance and accounted for an additional 16 to 19% of phenotypic variance. The correlation between additive direct and maternal genetic effect was -0.14 for BWT, -0.23 for WWT, and -0.04 for PWWT. Total heritability predicted the total response in direct and maternal genetic effects from mass selection and ranged from 0.20 to 0.23 for BWT, 0.18 to 0.22 for WWT, and 0.22 to 0.25 for PWWT. Direct and maternal additive, maternal permanent environmental, phenotypic and residual correlations between BWT and WWT were 0.53, 0.58, 0.51, 0.44, and 0.39, respectively; those between BWT and PWWT were 0.45, 0.58, 0.36, 0.37, and 0.33 respectively, and those between WWT and PWWT were 0.85, 0.99, 0.92, 0.81, and 0.77, respectively.

Participates in technology transfer activities: Presented at the Southern Section ASAS and SCC-81 (Sustainable small ruminant production in the southeastern US) in San Antonio, TX (2/16); Presented station report at the Regional Project NCERA-214, “Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production,” which met in San Angelo, TX (6/16); Dissemination of parasite resistant sheep at Katahdin Hair Sheep International Expo in Cookeville, TN (8/16); reproduction techniques to small farmers in Hope, AR (8/16), and FAMACHA training and artificial insemination workshop at USDA, ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center, Booneville, AR (10/16). Estimated to impact more than 800 producers, scientists, extension agents, and veterinarians from southeastern, Midwestern and northeastern U.S. 

University of The Virgin Islands: To evaluate the relationship between environmental conditions, body temperature and grazing behavior have been collected by hair sheep in the tropics. All the data has been collected and methods to evaluate and analyze the GPS data are being explored and will be used to evaluate the relationship between body temperature and grazing behavior.

Virginia State University: Final BW and ADG were higher (P<0.01) in crossbred than purebred lambs (28.8 vs. 25.7 kg, and 110 vs. 62 g/d), but FEC (979 eggs/g) and PCV (34.4%) were not different between breed types. Continued supplementation linearly increased (P<0.05) final BW (25.1 to 29.8 kg) and ADG (51 to 127 g/d). There was no consistent effect of supplement duration on FEC and PCV, but rather a curvilinear response (P<0.05) associated with higher FEC and lower PCV in lambs removed from supplementation 42 d before the end of the trial.  Cold carcass weight (11.9 vs. 8.8 kg), loin area (10.9 vs. 8.3 cm²), kidney and pelvic fat (0.166 vs. 0.138 kg) and hide weight (4.02 vs. 2.68 kg) were greater (P<0.05) in crossbred than purebred lambs, and increased linearly with continued supplementation. Variations in forage quality during the trial significantly influenced ADG, especially when lambs grazed the annual ryegrass sections during the last weigh period of the trial, resulting in compensatory growth in the non-supplemented lambs. There were no breed type by supplementation interactions for either BW, ADG, FEC or PCV. 

Pregnancy rate was affected (P<0.001) by season, and highest in November (95.2%) followed by July (83.4%), and March (74.9%). Pregnancy rate was also higher (P<0.001) in purebred than crossbred matings (90.0 vs. 78.6%).  Litter size was higher (P<0.001) following November than July and March mating (1.97, 1.66, and 1.51 lambs born/ewe lambing, respectively), but there was no effect of dam or sire breed on litter size (Table 1).  Reductions in litter size at weaning ranged from 14 to 17% and were not affected by season or breed. 

Birth weights were heavier (P<0.001) in crossbred than purebred lambs (3.34 vs. 2.73 kg), in ram than ewe lambs, and single than twin and triplet lambs (Table 2).  Crossbred lambs had significantly heavier birth weights in August, while there were no differences between lambing seasons in purebred lambs. Pre-weaning average daily gain and adjusted 60-day weaning weight were again higher in crossbred than purebred lambs (144 vs. 121 g/d; 12.21 vs. 10.15 kg).  In contrast, FAMACHA^Ó scores were higher (less favorable) in crossbred than purebred lambs, and higher following April than August and September lambing. 

Two reproductive management workshops were conducted (41 producers and 11 agricultural students), 1 curriculum developed , 21 small ruminant producers and prison offenders trained in sheep and/or goat artificial insemination techniques,  and 3 graduate students trained in vaginal AI in hair sheep.  Participants were provided with evaluation forms to rate their experience and knowledge gained, provide comments and also to indicate the need for additional educational events. All participants indicated that workshops exceeded their expectation and acknowledged the hands-on experience and opportunities for dialogue as highlights.

Sperm motility in straws at the end of the second AI session (27 h of storage) ranged from 60 to 80% in individual rams. Pregnancy rate to AI (14.1%) was lower than anticipated, but tended to be higher (P=0.09) in fresh compared to 12 h stored semen (20.0 vs. 8.1%).  Similarly, pregnancy rate tended to be higher (P=0.09) following a double than a single insemination (20.9 vs. 8.9%).  There was no effect (p=0.88) of ram on AI pregnancy rate. Ewe age tended to effect (P=0.09) pregnancy rates, being highest in 2 yr (30.8%), 3 yr (18.2%) and 4 yr old (18.2%) ewes, while no pregnancies were observed in ewes older than 4 yr.  In contrast, pregnancy rate after clean-up mating was not affected by ewe age.  Fetal numbers were no different in pregnancies resulting from AI or clean-up matings (64.3 and 71.6% multiples, respectively). 

Ejaculate volume of the two Blackbelly rams was from 1.7 to 1.8 ml, with 80% motility, and 2.4 and 3.6 billion sperm/ml.  On Farm X, 10 Blackbelly ewes were inseminated (5 per ram), with 3 ewes (30%) confirmed pregnant (1/5 ram A, 2/5 ram B).  Ejaculate volume of the four St. Croix rams ranged from 1.2 to 1.9 ml, with 90-95% motile sperm and 2.7 to 4.6 billion sperm /ml.  On Farm Y, 30 crossbred hair sheep ewes (predominantly Katahdin) were inseminated with 10 ewes confirmed pregnant (30%).  Differences between sires were observed: ram C (4/10; 40%); ram D (2/3, 67%); ram E (2/9; 22%); and ram F (2/8; 25%). 

To date, the unit has been used for various on-farm trials, workshops, and custom collections for small ruminant germplasm preservation.

There were a total of 6 parasite management workshops conducted (150 producers and 4 ANR agents), 1 curriculum developed for training,  2 extension publications developed, 4 ANR agents utilizing training materials, 38 small ruminant producers certified and adopting FAMACHA for selective deworming in herd/flock, 32 small ruminant producers skilled in conducting fecal egg counts to make selection in herd/flock, and 7 small ruminant producers armed with the knowledge of dewormer resistance status on their farm.        

There were a total of 3 cooking demonstrations (75 participants), 1 farm tour of VSU’s Hair Sheep Program (20 participants), 1 website developed (http://www.ext.vsu.edu/lambuary), and 4extension publications – 4 recipes (2 by Dr. O’Brien and 2 by Dr. Nartea)    

The field day was attended by 90 participants and they were provided with an evaluation form to rate their experience and knowledge gained, provide comments and also to indicate the need for additional educational events. The workshop met the expectation of most participants and the speakers were rated as most informative.

West Virginia University: At time points 12 and 18 hours post infection using 5 µg/mL, proliferation was determined to be significantly higher in St. Croix PBMCs when compared to Suffolk PBMCs (P <0.001). From this data, experiments were performed at 6 hours, 12 hours and 18 hours using St. Croix and Suffolk PBMCs and 5 µg/mL cuticle antigen to each well; controls used in these experiments were: conA (5 µg/mL), LPS (10 µg/mL), CLA (10 µg/mL), and CWA (10 µg/mL). Cuticle antigen initiated a significantly greater amount of proliferation in St. Croix PBMCs than Suffolk PBMCs at 12 hours (P<0.05) but proliferation did not significantly differ from controls LPS or CLA. At 6 there was no significant different in proliferation between the different treatments. At 18 hours, there was a significantly higher amount of proliferation in the conA, LPS, CLA, and CWA when compared to cuticle antigen in both St. Croix and Suffolk breeds (P<0.05).

STC-derived monocytes reduced larval ATP (0.10 µM ATP) to the same extent as PBMC (0.10 µM ATP), which was significantly lower than STC-derived lymphocytes alone (0.15 µM ATP) (P < 0.001).  In a separate experiment, larval ATP was significantly reduced when co-cultured with STC-derived PBMC (0.06 µM ATP) or monocytes (0.9 µM ATP) compared to larvae exposed to STC-derived lymphocytes alone (0.11 µM ATP) (P < 0.001).  ATP concentration of larvae exposed to SUF-derived PBMC, monocytes, or lymphocytes were not significantly different (0.09, 0.09, 0.10 µM ATP respectively).  In both experiments, larval treatment groups exposed to cells were significantly reduced from untreated control larval ATP (0.26 µM ATP) (P < 0.001).

No difference of breed or immune status were observed in serum-induced L3 aggregation (80%, P > 0.05), as such, when serum from primed Suffolk sheep was used, xL3 (62%) and L4 (40%) aggregation was significantly reduced compared to L3 (80%, P < 0.001).  Removal of either complement or antibody effectively eliminated L3 aggregation compared to primed Suffolk serum (P < 0.001) and aggregation was restored by addition of purified antibody to antibody depleted serum.   Use of fluorescence-labeled anti-sheep IgG antibody allowed documentation of IgG bound specifically to serum complexes within L3 masses and was present only in larvae incubated with normal serum and a combination of complement and antibody depleted serum.

Larval binding was higher in primed and naïve St. Croix derived neutrophils (93% and 68%) compared to Suffolk (78% and 45%, P < 0.001).  Binding of L3 by neutrophils was dependent on immune status in both breeds and was reduced when cells were incubated with xL3 and L4. There was a slight trend observed with PH groups having a higher amount of IL-4 secretion (P = 0.051).

Analysis of parasitological data indicated no effect of sire during the primary infection however sire effects were observed during challenge infection as SU-sired lambs had a greater fecal egg count (FEC) (269 eggs/g) compared to KT-sired lambs (116 eggs/g; P = 0.04) whereas FEC of TX-sired lambs was not different from either sire group  (170 eggs/g) P > 0.05.  Upon slaughter no differences in worm burden of representative sire groups were observed. No significant differences were found in growth data between the sire groups, however, SU-sired lambs tended to have higher ADG (0.34 kg/d) vs. KT (0.25 kg/d) (P = 0.051) but no advantage compared to TX-sired lambs (0.28 kg/d).  Analysis of REA using ultrasound and direct carcass measurements revealed no sire effect (SU 15.19 cm²; TX 14.91 cm², KT 12.71 cm²; P > 0.05).  Leg score favored SU (11.6) and TX (11.2) lambs vs KU-sired lambs (10.4) P < 0.05.  A consistent trend can be observed across years.

Thirty-six lambs were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group A received artificial parasitic infection once grazing trefoil, Group B received infection 5 weeks prior to grazing and Group C was not infected. Lambs were grazed in triplicate reps by trmt group for six seeks on a parasite-free stand of predominantly trefoil. Fecal eggs counts of lambs in group B were greatest and peaked higher than group A, but fell of rapidly once they began grazing the trefoil plots.  FEC of lambs in group A peaked at 5,000 eggs/g and steadily declined over the 6 week grazing period.  Lambs in group C had the greatest gain. 

Presented parasite control programs at WV extension winter dinner meetings, University of Delaware Seminar Series, Buckeye Shepherds Symposium, WV Cattlemen’s College, NC Sheep and goat workshop and National Texel Sheep Breeder’s meeting.

Journal Articles

Godfrey, R.W. and A.J. Weis. 2016. Effect of weaning age on hair sheep lamb and ewe production traits in an accelerated lambing system in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci. 94:1250-1254. doi:10.2527/jas2015-9987

E.N. Escobar 2016. A review on the use of herbs and spices as alternative compounds to manage helminthosis in small ruminants. Journal of Livestock Science (ISSN online 2277-6214) 7: 244-249

K.K. Matthews, D.J. O’Brien, N.C. Whitley, J.M. Burke, J.E. Miller, 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.

E.K. Crook, D.J. O’Brien, S.B. Howell, B.E. Storey, N.C. Whitley, J.M. Burke, and R.M. Kaplan. 2016. Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on sheep and goat farms in the mid-Atlantic region and comparison of in vivo and in vitro detection methods. Small Rum Res. 143; 89–96

Acharya, M., J.M. Burke, K.P. Coffey, E.B. Kegley, J.E. Miller, E. Smyth, M.G. Welborn, T. H. Terrill, J.A. Mosjidis, and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2016. Changes in concentrations of trace minerals in lambs fed sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellets with or without dietary sodium molybdate. Journal of Animal Science 94:1592-1599.

Burke, J.M., J.E. Miller, T.H. Terrill, E. Smyth, and M. Acharya. 2016. Examination of commercially available copper oxide wire particles in combination with albendazole for control of gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs. Veterinary Parasitology 215:1-4.

Crook, E.K., D.J. O’Brien, S.B. Howell, B.E. Storey, N.C. Whitley, J.M. Burke, R.M. Kaplan. 2016. Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on sheep and goat farms in the mid-Atlantic region and comparison of in vivo and in vitro detection methods. Small Rum Res 143:89–96.

Hoste, H., J.F.J. Torres Acosta, J. Quijada, J.I. Chan Perez, M.M. Dakheel, D.S. Kommuru, I. Mueller Harvey, and T.H. Terrill. 2016. Interactions between nutrition and infections with Haemonchus contortus (and related gastrointestinal nematodes) in small ruminants. In: Gasser R. and G. von Samson-Himmelstjersterna (Eds.). Haemonchus contortus and Haemonchosis – Past, Present and Future Trends, First Edition, Advances in Parasitology. 93:239-351.

Matthews, K.K., D.J. O’Brien, N.C. Whitley, J.M. Burke, J.E. Miller, 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. 136:1–6.

Wright, C., D. Perkins, A. Dawod, B. R. Min, T.H. Terrill, J. E. Miller, T. Vines, and N. Gurung. 2016. The Effects of Phytochemical Tannin Containing Diets on Meat Goat Performance and Drug Resistant Haemonchus contortus Control. International Journal of Veterinary Health Science & Research 4:104-109.

Notter, D.R., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J.L.M., 2016. Association between FAMACHA scores and fecal egg counts in Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. (In Press).

Muir, J.P., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Luginbuhl, J.-M., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., Coleman, S.W., 2017. Season progression, ontogenesis and environment affect Lespedeza cuneata herbage condensed tannin, fiber and crude protein content. Crop Sci. 57, .

Notter, D.R., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J.L.M., 2017. Factors affecting fecal egg counts in peri-parturient Katahdin ewes and their lambs. J. Anim. Sci. (In Press).

Crook, E.K., O’Brien, D.J., Howell, S.D., Storey, B.E., Whitley, N.C., Burke, J.M., Kaplan, R.M., 2016. Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on sheep and goat farms in the mid-Atlantic region and comparison of in vivo and in vitro detection methods. Sm. Rumin. Res. 143, 89-96.

Lay, C.T., Burke, J.M., Paulsen, D.B., Chowdhury, S.I., 2016. A triple gene mutant of BoHV-1 administered intranasally in lambs replicates efficiently in the nasal epithelium and induces neutralizing antibody. Int. J. Vacc. Immuniz. 2.1, 1-4.

Acharya, M. Burke, J.M., Coffey, K.P., Kegley, E.B., Miller, J.E., Smyth, E., Welborn, M.G., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Rosenkrans, C. Jr., 2016. Changes in concentrations of trace minerals in lambs fed sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellets with or without dietary sodium molybdate. J. Anim. Sci. 94, 1592-1599.

Riley, D.G., Burke, J.M., Chase, C.C., Jr., Coleman, S.W., 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. 94, 1-12.

Wright, C., Perkins, D., Dawod, A., Min, B.R., Terrill, T.H., Miller, J.E., Vines, T., 2016. The effects of phytochemical tannin containing diets on meat goat performance and drug resistant Haemonchus contortus control. Int J Vet Health Sci Res. 4, 104‑109

Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Smyth, E., Acharya, M., 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.

Acharya, M., Burke, J.M., Coffey, K.P. Kegley, E.B., Miller, J.E., Smyth, E., Welborn, M.G., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Rosenkrans, Jr, C., 2016. Changes in concentration of trace minerals in lambs fed sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellets with or without dietary sodium molybdate. J Anim Sci 94, 1592-1599.

Matthews, K.K., O'Brien, D.J., Whitley, N.C., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Barczewski, R.A., 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.

Jacobs, J.R., K.N. Sommers, A.M. Zajac, D.R. Notter, S.A. Bowdridge. 2016. Early IL-4 gene expression in abomasum is a critical difference in resistance to H. contortus. Parasit. Immunol. 38:333-339.

Book Chapter, Handbook and Proceedings

“Managing Reproduction in Hair Sheep.” 9^th Annual Small Ruminant Conference, Alabama A&M University, Orange Beach, Alabama, August 26-27, 2016.

“Gastrointestinal Parasite Resilience of Hair Sheep Breeds.” 9^th Annual Small Ruminant Conference, Alabama A&M University, Orange Beach, Alabama, August 26-27, 2016.

Godfrey, R.W., W. Preston, A. Hogg, S. Joseph, L. Laplace, P. Hillman, K. Gebremedhin, C. Lee and R. Collier. 2016. Evaluating the Impact of Breed, Pregnancy and Hair Coat on Body Temperature and Sweating Rate of Hair Sheep Ewes in the Tropics. UVI-AES Annual Report pp. 20-26.

Terrill, T.H., E. Griffin, D.S. Kommuru, J.E. Miller, J.A Mojidis, M.T. Kearney and J.M. Burke.2016. Effect of ensiling on anti-parasitic properties of sericea lespdeza. American Forage and Grasslands Council meeting proceedings available at: http://www.afgc.org/proceedings/2016/.

Abstracts

Godfrey, R.W., J. A. Ruggiero, S. A. Lakos, S. A. Lockwood and H. G. Kattesh. Comparison of plasma and hair cortisol concentrations in hair sheep ewes and lambs in response to weaning with or without fence line contact. 2016. J. Anim. Sci.  Vol. 94:35. doi:10.2527/ssasas2015-071

Escobar, E.N., J. J. Rodriguez and H. Taylor. 2016. A demonstration on the use of goats and sheep to control unwanted vegetation in sensitive areas. In Proceedings of the 5th Grazing Livestock Nutrition Conference, Canyons Resort, Park City, UT. July 17 to 19th, 2016.

Wildeus, S. O’Brien, D. 2016. Effect of sire breed on pregnancy rate in landrace hair sheep during summer mating. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p.54.

O’Brien, D., Wildeus S., Nartea, T. J., Lee, J., 2016.  The influence of breed and supplementation on consumer ratings of meat quality attributes of pasture-raised lambs. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p. 52.

Wildeus, S. Lee, J., Teutsch, C.D., Nartea, T.J. 2016.  Use of agro-by-products to supplement hair and wool x hair crossbred lambs grazing fescue pasture: Growth and gastrointestinal parasites. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p. 50.

Tripp, C., Lee, J., Wildeus, S., Lemma, B.B.  2016.  Use of agro-by-products to supplement hair and wool x hair crossbred lambs grazing fescue pasture: Carcass characteristics. Proc. Ann. Meet. South. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., p. 50

Tripp, J. J., Lee, J., Wildeus, S. Discua, A., Kafle, D.  2016.  Meat quality parameters of pasture-raised lamb chops as influenced by highly digestible fiber containing agro-byproducts.  Proc. Ann. Meet. Inst. Food Technologists, Abstract 082.

 Tripp, C., Lee, J.H., Wildeus. S.., Discua, A., Kafle, D.  2016.  Fatty acid composition of different fat depots from hair and wool x hair crossbred lambs supplemented with highly digestible fiber containing agro-byproducts on pasture.  J. Anim. Sci Vol. 94, E-Suppl. 5, p. 826-827

2016. Schoenian, D. O’Brien, J. Semler, D. Gordon, M. B. Bennett. 2016. Carcass and fatty acid profile of pen-fed and pasture-raised meat goat kids. American Society of Animal Science Southern Section. J. Anim. Sci. Vol 94, Suppl. S1: 106.
2017. J. Nartea, D. J. O’Brien, S. Wildeus and J. Lee. 2016. Consumer ratings of meat quality attributes of pasture-raised ground lamb meat as affected by breed and supplementation. 7^th National Small Farm Conference, Virginia Beach, VA.
2018. J. O’Brien and S. Wildeus. 2016. On-farm validation of a liquid semen vaginal artificial insemination protocol in hair sheep. 7^th National Small Farm Conference, Virginia Beach, VA.
2019. J. O’Brien and T. J. Nartea. 2016. A Survey of Virginia Small Ruminant Production Practices. 7^th National Small Farm Conference, Virginia Beach, VA.

Min, B.R., C. Wright, D. Perkins, M. Mienaltowski, A. Dawod, N.K. Gurung, and T. H. Terrill. 2016. Condensed tannins-Induced Gene Expression in Meat Goats: A pilot study. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 1): 51.

Muir, J.P, T.H. Terrill, J.A. Mosjidis, J-M. Luginbuhl, J.E. Miller, and J.M. Burke. 2016. Harvest Regimens to maximize sericea lespedeza crude protein and condensed tannins. Proc. 70th SPFCIC:17.

Acharya, M., Burke, J.M., Hansen, C., Rorie, R.W., 2017. Evaluation of semen extenders for short-term storage of ram semen at 4°C. Int. Embryo Trans. Soc. Conf. (Abstr.). Jan. 14-17, 2017.

Muir, J.P., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Luginbuhl, J.-M., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., 2016. Harvest regimens to maximize sericea lespedeza crude protein and condensed tannins. Proc. 70^th Southern Past. For. Crop Impr. Conf., 17 (Abstr.).

Wright, S., Arsi, K., Donoghue, A.M., Hale, M., Spencer, T., O’Gorman, M., Goodwin, H.L., Jose, S., Fanatico, A.C., Gekara, O.J., Burke, J.M., Pote, D.H., 2016. Armed to farm: Soldiering the success of military veterans in new poultry, livestock and agroforestry enterprises. Small Farms Conf. 2016.

Miller, J.E., Kelly, V., Burke, J.M., 2016. In vitro efficacy of three novel compounds on development and survival of gastrointestinal nematode larvae in feces of sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 94 (E-Suppl. 2), xx (Abstr.).

Acharya, M., Burke, J.M., Smyth, E., Ngere, L., Rorie, R.W., 2016. Serum anti-mullerian hormone as an indicator of fertility in Katahdin ewes. J. Anim. Sci. 94 (E-Suppl. 2), xx (Abstr.).

Acharya, M., Burke, J.M., Smyth, E., Davis, A., Lester, T.D., Rorie, R.W., 2016. Effect of semen extender and storage temperature on ram sperm motility over time. J. Anim. Sci. 94 (E-Suppl. 1), 53 (Abstr.).

Spangler, G.L., Rosen, B.D., Sonstegard, T.S., Burke, J.M., Notter, D., Morgan, J., Blackburn, H.D., Benavides, M., Van Tassell, C.P., 2016. Genome wide analysis of Caribbean hair sheep reveals climate mediated sub-groups defined by Iberian, African, and British admixture. Int. Plant Anim. Gen. XXIV Conf. (Abstr.).

Spangler, G.L., Burke, J.M., Notter, D., Morgan, J., Rosen, B.D., Sonstegard, T.S., Blackburn, H.D., Benavides, M., Van Tassell, C.P., 2016. Structural analysis of the Katahdin sheep genome as a tool for animal improvement. BARC Poster Day.

Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Smyth, E., Acharya, M., 2016. Examination of commercially available copper oxide wire particles in combination with albendazole for control of gastroinestinal nematodes in lambs. Proc USDA SCC-81, 17-18.

Miller, J.E., Pereira, A., Young, K.R., Kelly, V.E., Burke, J.M., 2016. In vitro efficiacy of three novel compounds on development and survival of gastrointestinal nematode larvae in feces of sheep.  Proc USDA SCC-81, 19-20.

Terrill, T.H., Whitley, N.C., Griffin, E., Kommaru, D.S., Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Kearney, M.T., Burke, J.M., 2016. Effect of ensiling on anti-parasitic properties of sericea lespedeza. Proc USDA SCC-81, 21.

Min, B.R., Wilson, E.A., Solaiman, S., Miller, J., 2016. Effects of condensed tannin-rick pine bark diet on experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus in meat goats. Proc USDA SCC-81, 22.

Smyth, E., Burke, J.M., Coffey, K.P., Acharya, M., Miller, J.E., 2016. Finishing light weight Katahdin lambs on pasture without or with mineral supplement. Proc USDA SCC-81, 24.

Muir, J.P., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Luginbuhl, J-M., Miller. J.E., Burke, J.M., 2016. Harvest regimens to maximize sericea lespedeza crude protein and condensed tannins. Proc. 70th Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference, 17.

Kelly, V., Theriot, H., Burke, J., Miller, J., 2016. In vitro effects of a novel compound (Bedoukian Research) on poultry Eimeria spp. development and excystation. Proc 61st Ann Meet Amer Assoc Vet Parasitol, 64.

Elkins, C., S.A. Bowdridge. 2016. Infection with H. contortus shifts genera diversity of fecal microbiome. 61^st Annual Meeting AAVP San Antonio, TX

Garza, J., S.A. Bowdridge. 2016. Serum induces H. contortus larval aggregation via complement and antibody complexes that differ by larval stage. 61^st Annual Meeting AAVP San Antonio, TX

Garza, J., S.A. Bowdridge. 2016. Haemonchus contortus induced neutrophil extracellular trap formation differs between resistant and susceptible breeds of sheep. 61^st Annual Meeting AAVP San Antonio, TX

Garza, J., S.A. Bowdridge. 2016. Haemonchus contortus fourth stage larval excretory/secretory protein inhibits serum-mediated larval aggregation. 61^st Annual Meeting AAVP San Antonio, TX

Jacobs, J., S.A. Bowdridge. 2016. Interleukin-4 and its downstream targets are rapidly upregulated in immune cells of St. Croix sheep exposed to H. contortus larval antigen in vitro. 61^st Annual Meeting AAVP San Antonio, TX

Jacobs, J., J. Garza, S.A. Bowdridge. 2016. RNA-seq analysis of immune cells cultured with H. contortus larval antigen reveals differential gene expression in parasite resistant and susceptible sheep. 61^st Annual Meeting AAVP San Antonio, TX

Middleton, D., J. Keenan, J. Garza, S.A. Bowdridge. 2016. RNA-seq reveals differential gene expression in abomasal lymph node during H. contortus infection. 61^st Annual Meeting AAVP San Antonio, TX

Russ, B., J. Garza, S.A. Bowdridge. 2016. Isolation of third stage H. contortus cuticle and cuticle protein. 61^st Annual Meeting AAVP San Antonio, TX

Shepherd, E.A., J. Garza, S.A. Bowdridge. 2016. Quantification of H. contortus larval death after culture with host immune cells by measuring larval ATP. 61^st Annual Meeting AAVP San Antonio, TX

Weaver, A.R., D.L. Wright, M.A. McCann, A.M. Zajac, S.A. Bowdridge, S.P. Greiner. 2016. Evaluation of terminal sire breeds for hair sheep production systems on lamb birth, weaning, and grazing performance. ASAS Southern Section Meeting San Antonio TX.

Bowdridge, S.A., D. Mata-Padrino, D.P. Belesky. 2016. Effect of fish meal supplementation rate on parasitism and performance of grazing lambs. ASAS Southern Section Meeting. San Antonio, TX.

Bowdridge, S.A., C.S. Sotomaior, M.A. McCann, A.M. Zajac, S.P. Greiner. 2016. Effect of sire breed on gain, carcass characteristics and parasite resistance of Katahdin crossbred feedlot-finished lambs. ASAS Southern Section Meeting San Antonio, TX.