SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report
Sections
Status: Approved
Basic Information
- Project No. and Title: NCERA214 : Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production
- Period Covered: 10/01/2017 to 09/30/2018
- Date of Report: 03/26/2019
- Annual Meeting Dates: 06/04/2018 to 06/05/2018
Participants
Accomplishments
Iowa State University
We are conducting what we believe to be the first-ever experiment investigating the effect of oral meloxicam treatment of ewes within 24 hours of lambing on milk production (as measured by lamb growth), ewe metabolic status, and markers of inflammation.
Michigan State University
Outreach accomplishments involved the presentation of programs with proceedings/manuals on birth management, grazing management, forage management, nutrition/feed management and health management for small ruminants production under a wide scale of farm size and operator experience. Applied research efforts included development of a calculator tool to assess the profitability of lamb production. In addition, a series of experiments were initiated to examine the impact of nutrition on reproductive outcome according to season in highly productive sheep. These studies also allowed the study of changes in plane of nutrition and other management practices on fetal growth and development as well as potential impacts on postnatal growth, metabolism and reproductive function. Courses were offered as a clinical clerkship to DVM students on small ruminant production medicine and to undergraduate students on sheep production. In addition, a new course was established for 2-year degree program students on sheep management
Montana State University
Statement: In 2017 & 2018, the Montana State University Sheep Program secured over $475,000 in funding through grants and contracts, submitted or published 5 conference proceedings and 6 journal articles, and developed a program with University Food Services to incorporate approximately 60 research lambs each year onto student dining hall menus.
South Dakota State University
Two graduate students Jessica Reiners and Ann Kolthoff have successfully completed MS degree requirements in the discipline of sheep production- Major (co) – advisor Dr. Jeff Held, SDSU Professor. Reiner’s thesis title “Lysine Bioavailability of Two Lipid Coated Lysine Products after Exposure to Silages with Different Acidities”. The Kolthoff thesis title, “Effect of Pre-Marketing Management Practices on Shrink Loss in Lambs”. Two peer reviewed journal articles have been published from the Reiner’s thesis. Peer-reviewed extension publications will result from the work of Kolthoff will be completed in 2018, results have been shared with national producer audiences and NCERA-214 members. Undergraduate sheep research projects under supervision of Drs. Held and Perry at SDSU were completed in 2018 by Dathan Smerchek and Paige Anderson both SDSU Animal Science students. Smerchek conducted a study titled “Evaluate ram semen quality characteristics between subsequent ejaculates”. Anderson conducted a study titled “Influence of post-pubertal ram semen quality on ewe conception rates. For each study the student submitted an abstract and entered the undergraduate student poster competition the 2018 ASAS Midwest Section meeting held March 12, 2018 in Omaha, NE.
Funding has been granted by the ASI “Let’s Grow” committee to support the “Northern Plains Lamb Value Discovery Program” led by Dr. Travis Hoffman, NDSU and MN Sheep Extension Specialist and co-investigators SDSU Extension sheep staff, Dr. Jeff Held and Mr. David Ollila.
SDSU sheep extension faculty, Dr. Jeff Held and Mr. Dave Ollila co-hosted the educational programming for the 80th Annual South Dakota Sheep Growers Annual Convention held September 29 and 30, 2017 in Brookings, SD. The 2-d educational program included facilities tours, workshops, lamb and wool promotion and featured presentations by industry experts, university personnel plus ASI and ALB representatives. There were three primary convention segments with attendance ranging from 150 to 200 people. A key target audience to attend this convention was new and beginner producers.
Texas A&M AgriLife Research, San Angelo
Results from the previous year have further increased the nutritional and feeding value of ground juniper for use in ruminant livestock diets. Trials over the past 10 years are supporting the approval of using ground juniper as a commercial feed ingredient. Our efforts have resulted in multiple publications, a producer-oriented conference, and multiple presentations.
University of Maryland
After doing a meat goat performance test for 11 years, the University of Maryland has transitioned to sheep research. The first research project is a comparison study of ram, wether, and short-scrotum ram lambs.
In collaboration with other universities, the University of Maryland contributes to a comprehensive effort to educate producers as to the best management practices for controlling internal parasites in their flocks and herds.
USDA, ARS, Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center
Improved breeding strategies to aid organic small ruminant production. The greatest barrier to organic small ruminant (such as sheep and goats) production in the U.S. is reduced weight gains and death due to gastrointestinal parasites. Research demonstrates that genetic selection for parasite resistance in sheep with heritability as high as 0.5 can eliminate the need for most deworming and reduce mortality and morbidity, especially with good nutrition and pasture management. As lead for a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary team funded by NIFA's Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative and the Small Business Innovation Research program, ARS scientists from Booneville, AR, along with colleagues from Louisiana State University, Virginia Tech, Fort Valley State University, and the University of Arkansas, and cooperation from several farmers, have developed selection tools to aid in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes for organic and conventional production of small ruminants After selecting replacement stock from parasite-resistant parents (determined by fecal egg counts around and after the time of lambing), fewer animals within the flocks required deworming. The research has resulted in farmer-friendly publications available through the National Center for Appropriate Technology and the website of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control, and improved accuracies of Estimated Breeding Values for parasite resistance reported by the National Sheep Improvement Program, resulting in increased value of breeding stock and increased use by commercial farms.
University of Rhode Island
This research and outreach program continues to investigate sustainable alternatives to commercial dewormers and educate small ruminant producers in best management practices for parasite control.
Utah State University
Utah State University explored the impact of nutrients and an antiparasitic secondary compound on diet selection and indicators of health in sheep. This study gives a new insight on how sheep prioritize selection of crude protein, energy and a medicinal plant secondary compound (condensed tannins) when experiencing a parasitic burden. Parasitized lambs gave priority to the intake of energy rather than tannins or protein. Among ruminants, most of the studies have focused on protein supplementation because of the link between a protein rich diet and the subsequent immune response. However, few studies aimed at evaluating the effect of energy supplementation in sheep in the perspective of enhancing resistance or resilience towards GINs infections (Hoste et al., 2008). This study suggests that more attention should be given to this variable, particularly in changing and unbalanced feeding environments.
Virginia State University
Initial data was collected in a multi-year project evaluating a semi-continuous lamb production system with landrace hair sheep under forage-based management using accelerated mating. Sub-flocks of ewes are bred and lamb in 4 months intervals, and resulting lambs are managed on forage and are marketed as pasture-raised lamb at 80-90 lb. bodyweight. Data are collected on seasonal ewe lambing and weaning performance, and growth rates of lambs are recorded under different seasonal forage environments, and marketing options (live animal, processed and sold hold, sale of cuts for direct marketing.
Impacts
- Michigan State University Our extension programs over the past year (May 2017 to May 2018) reached an audience of 1023 small ruminant producers in the state of Michigan as well as nearby locations. A total of 7 specific extension educational programs were delivered. Producers surveyed reported high satisfaction with these programs and were able to articulate many new management practices they learned in these programs that they will apply to their farms. We were able to make advances in the understanding of the nutritional management of highly productive sheep and at the same time, learn more about the basic biology of fetal growth and development with projects initiated in 2017. We created a cost of production tool in 2018, that will be very useful to the industry the impact of changes in management practices and market dynamics on the profitability of lamb production.
- Montana State University Statement: The Montana State University Sheep Program is led by Tom Murphy, Assistant Professor of Sheep Production in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences, and includes several undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, we currently have a national search open for an extension sheep specialist. The mission of the MSU Sheep Program is to conduct applied research aimed at increasing the profitability of Western sheep production. This research is conducted across two MSU locations, sheep ranches throughout the state, and at facilities operated by our collaborators. Research results are disseminated to the general public and scientific community at extensions events, regional and national conferences, and peer-reviewed articles.
- South Dakota State University Recent studies by investigators at South Dakota State University has shown that common pre-marketing management practices in the North Central region effects the shrink loss in feeder and finished lambs. Results from these studies indicate that both feeder and finished lambs with an overnight stand experience more shrink loss than lambs held in either a familiar environment or a transition pen prior to shipment. Based on the shrink loss results of this work, the pre-marketing practice of overnight stand (shift from starch based diet to poor quality forage ad libitum and access to water) would require at least $5.00 per cwt more to return the same gross dollars as lambs compared to other common pre-marketing practices. Additionally a producer survey conducted by South Dakota State University investigators revealed that less than 20% of the respondents had knowledge of the degree of shrink loss in their lambs that occurs during marketing.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, San Angelo Over the past 10 years, the TX A&M AgriLife Research Nutrition Program, along with numerous collaborating Universities, government organizations (e.g., TX and US Forest Service, TX Soil and Water Conservation Boards, NRCS), various industries (e.g., ranching, forestry equipment, commercial brush harvesters and wood processors), have developed the TX A&M AgriLife Wood to Feed Program. This program focuses on the use of ground woody products as a livestock feed ingredient and the effects of plant secondary compounds (mainly terpenes and condensed tannins) on animal growth, health, and end products (wool, meat fatty acids, sensory characteristics); rumen physiology, microbiology, and efficiency; synergies with various feed ingredients and nutrients; reducing internal parasite viability and fecal egg shedding; and milk characteristics of sheep and goats on rangelands. The cattle research trial described in this NCERA-214 report, further support the fact that ground woody products (juniper) can be effective and safe feed ingredients. When juniper gains commercial approval (either by TX and/or the FDA), local mills predict that they can sell a final hammermilled product for under $80/ton (FOB; DM basis). A few wood-fiber mills and commercial brush harvesters have stated that they are willing to give away wood chips, resulting in a final hammermilled product being priced around $40 to $50/ton (DM basis). In addition to providing the livestock industry with a comparatively inexpensive feed ingredient that is not seasonally priced, it is the only feed ingredient that: (1) requires zero inputs by man to grow; (2) is available 365 d a year; and when harvested, has potential to (3) synergistically enhance natural resources; (4) increase forage production; (5) enhance land value; (6) increase surface water; and (7) reduce wildfires and allergens.
- USDA, ARS, Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center The impact of the research that occurred at DBSFRC resulted in farmer-friendly publications and YouTube videos available through the National Center for Appropriate Technology and the website of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control, and improved accuracies of Estimated Breeding Values for parasite resistance reported by the National Sheep Improvement Program, resulting in increased value of breeding stock and increased use by commercial farms. In addition, a grant work continued on the NIFA, OREI, “Understanding Parasite Resistance in Organic Livestock and Using a Systems Approach for Control.”
- University of Maryland Research at the University of Maryland’s Western Maryland Research & Education Center is currently evaluating the potential of short-scrotum rams as a production option. As a result of their participation in extension educational programs, producers are adopting various best management practices for controlling internal parasites in their flocks/herds, including combination treatments and targeted selective treatment
- University of Rhode Island • Program evaluations and follow up surveys are administered to all program participants on a continual basis. This tracking confirms that the majority of program participants have adopted at least one new integrated parasite control practice and/or plan to adopt a new practice in the near future. The practices with the highest adoption include: FAMACHA scoring, fecal egg count analysis, selective deworming, and genetic selection based on parasite resistance. The program evaluations and surveys also confirm that program participants are gaining new knowledge. • As a result of the NSIP workshop series conducted during March 2017, at least 5 new producers enrolled in NSIP and at least 17 producers plan to enroll in NSIP as a result of the program. Data is still being collected on the May 2018 NSIP workshop series. • The University of Rhode Island uses Google Analytics to track website usage. During Year 2 of the USDA SARE Grant, LNE-342 (9/1/2016 to 8/31/2017), a total of 5,798 new users visited the website with 4,929 (85%) being from the U.S. followed by 216 from Canada. By region 2,382 new users were from target Northeast states and neighboring states and regions in Canada. Thirty-two percent of website traffic comes from social channels such as Facebook, with 31% being attributed to direct typing of the website address, followed by 14% from other website referrals. A similar trend was observed in Year 1 indicative of success with targeted outreach methods. • The videos produced and posted online in October 2014 have the following approximate YouTube views as of May 17, 2018: Why and How To Do FAMACHA Scoring, 14,889 views and Why and How To Do Sheep and Goat Fecal Egg Counts, 13,940 views. The video, Why and How To Practice Integrated Parasite Control For Sheep and Goats, posted online in February 2016, has received approximately 3,974 views as of May 17, 2018. • The Facebook page has received approximately 276 likes with 290 follows as of May 17, 2018. Various posts reach approximately 1,800 people at time.
- Utah State University Utah State University has assessed the combined impact of nutrients and condensed tannins on reducing parasitic burdens in sheep and the animals’ diet selection. This research can lead to sustainable improvements in the control of Haemonchus contortus infections in sheep. A better understanding of the net benefit of self-selection of nutrients and plant secondary compounds by parasitized livestock in complex feeding environments will allow for the development of innovative managing strategies aimed at providing the food alternatives and conditions for improving the nutrition, health and welfare of grazing animals while reducing anthelmintic resistance.
- Virginia State University The use of Dorset rams as terminal sire for land race hair sheep (Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix) in a forage-based, accelerated mating system increased growth rates of crossbred compared to purebred lambs when supplemented on pasture, but not when grazing only in spring and early summer. Indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism were more pronounced in crossbred than purebred only when no supplement was provided while grazing. Use of terminal sires during the transitional breeding periods under accelerated mating (July) significantly decreased pregnancy rates compared to purebred mating.
Publications
Fort Valley State University
Abstracts:
Smith, E., N. Whitley, K. Lyte, A. Singh, L. Greer-Mapson, R. Lewis, V. Owen, G. Dykes, A. Roberson, J.M. Burke, and T.H Terrill. 2017. Effect of an Iron Supplement on Indicators of Gastrointestinal Nematode (GIN) Parasitism in Sheep. 18th biennial research symposium ARD proceedings., p 181.
- L. Greene, B. Kouakou, P. Dangal, J. H. Lee, and J. N. Sheed. 2017. Effects of replacing corn with dried distiller’s grains plus solubles and poultry fat on performance and meat quality of lambs consuming bermudagrass hay. J. Anim. Sci. 95 (Suppl 4):327-328.
Extension/Outreach:
Popular press articles:
Whitley, N. “When deworming is not enough”. July 2017 Timely Topic article: American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (www.wormx.info) – also linked on Facebook, over 38,000 reaches in 3 days.
Externally reviewed fact sheets:
Whitley, N. Goat and Sheep Production: Starting an Enterprise. 2017. Fort Valley State University. ANR-AS-16206.
Whitley, N. Goat and Sheep Production: Breed Basics. 2016, updated 2017. Fort Valley State University. ANR-AS-16201. Updated 2017.
Whitley, N. Goat and Sheep Production: Breeding Stock Selection Basics. 2016, updated 2017. Fort Valley State University. ANR-AS-16202.
Whitley, N. Goat and Sheep Production: Feeding Basics. 2016, updated 2017. Fort Valley State University. ANR-AS-16203.
Whitley, N. Goat and Sheep Production: Breeding Basics. 2016, updated 2017. Fort Valley State University. ANR-AS-16204.
Whitley, N. Goat and Sheep Production: Hoof Care Basics. 2016, updated 2017. Fort Valley State University. ANR-AS-16205.
Presentations
Whitley, N. STAG vets introduction to small ruminant production, Ware Cty, May 19, 2018
Whitley, N. Small ruminant production Q&A, Meriwether Cty, May 3, 2018
Whitley, N. FAMACHA/parasite management, Monroe Cty, April 19, 2018
Whitley, N. FAMACHA/parasite management, Brooks Cty, March 17, 2018, 10 participants
Whitley, N. STAG Vets, Intro Small Ruminant Production, March 10, 2018, 20 participants
Whitley, N. Intro to Small Ruminant Production, March 2, 2018, 10+ participants
Whitley, N. SSAWG, Small Ruminant Health; Introduction/Sustainable Practices, Jan 19, 2018, 75+ participants
Whitley, N. Goat and Sheep Production, Colquitt, GA Jan 18, 2018, 41 participants
Whitley, N. Goat and Sheep Production, Quitman, GA Dec 14, 2017, 15 participants
Whitley, N. Delmarva All Worms All Day, DESU, Dover, DE, Dec 9, 2017, 75 participants
Whitley, N. FAMACHA/IPM workshop, PVAMU, Nov 18, 2017, 43 participants
Whitley, N. Sunbelt EXPO; SmRum Nutrition, Health, Production; 60+ participants, Oct 17-19, 2017
Whitley, N. Georgia National Fair, Sheep/Goat Story and Market Goat Show, Oct 8-18, 2017
Whitley, N. JFCP/Beg Farmers FAMACHA/IPM, etc. Hands-On session 16 participants, Sept 22, 2017
Whitley, N. Small/Ruminant Production, Seeds of Prosperity, FVSU, Aug 25, 2017, 20 participants
Whitley, N. Reproduction in Goats, Carroll County, Aug 4, 2017, 16 participants
Whitley, N. Fecal egg counting workshop, June 27, 2017, 14 participants
Whitley, N. Small Ruminant Health (and sericea lespedeza) Workshop, June 20, 2017, 29 attendees
Louisiana State University
Journal articles
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 95, 103-112.
Notter, D.R., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J.L.M., 2017. Association between FAMACHA Scores and Fecal Egg Counts in Katahdin Lambs. J Anim Sci 95, 1118-1123.
Proceedings/Abstracts
Miller, J.E., Kelly, V.E., Taupier, R., Burke, J.M., 2017. In vivo efficacy of a novel compound on gastrointestinal nematode infection in lambs. Proc USDA SCC-81.
Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Notter, D.R., Morgan, J.L.M., Miller, J.E., 2017. Genetic parameters for fecal egg count and body weight in Katahdin lambs. Ann Meeting Amer Soc Anim Sci Southern Section, 1.
Burke, J.M., Notter, D.R., Miller, J.E., 2017. Sire’s estimated breeding value (EBV) for fecal egg count (FEC) influences BW, FEC, and anemia measures of offspring in Katahdin sheep. Ann Meeting Amer Soc Anim Sci Southern Section, 52.
Michigan State University
Articles
Redden. R., E. Sanko, R. Ehrhardt and C. Hiemke. 2017. Seasonality of the United States Lamb Industry. White paper prepared for the American Lamb Board. Submitted April 2018.
Ehrhardt, R.A. 2017. Ensuring adequate colostrum is key to improving the health and welfare of small ruminants at birth. Proceedings of the MSU Small Ruminant Health Symposium. East Lansing, MI.
Ehrhardt, R.A. and Recktenwald E.B. 2018. “Guide to marketing to the non-traditional lamb market in the upper Midwest”. Prepared for the American Lamb Board.
Ehrhardt, R.A. and Recktenwald E.B. 2018. Cost of production calculator for the non-traditional lamb market. Prepared for the American Lamb board.
Ehrhardt, R.A. and Recktenwald E.B. 2017. . “An Introduction to Accelerated Lamb Production.” Video produced with Premier1 for the American Sheep Industry Association Let’s Grow Program. https://youtu.be/_EiVt8WlyhM
Montana State University (2017 & 2018)
Articles
Knuth, R. M., W. C. Stewart, J. A. Boles, C. M. Page, A. F. Williams, and T. W. Murphy. 2018. Evaluating the effect of South African Meat Merino breeding on pre and postweaning growth, feedlot performance, carcass traits, and wool characteristics in an extensive production setting. Transl. Anim. Sci. doi:10.1093/tas/txy036
Murphy, T. W., W. C. Stewart, and J. B. Taylor. 2018. Factors affecting ewe somatic cell count and its relationship with lamb weaning weight in extensively managed flocks. Transl. Anim. Sci. doi:10.1093/tas/txy031
Murphy, T. W., W. C. Stewart, C. G. Smith, and J. B. Taylor. 2018. Effects of late gestation shearing on body weight gain, feed intake, and plasma metabolite concentrations in Rambouillet ewes housed outdoors during winter. (Submitted to Animal, awaiting reviews).
Murphy, T.W., Y. M. Berger, P. W. Holman, M. Baldin, R.L. Burgett, and D. L. Thomas. 2018. Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing the live weight of artificially-reared lambs. (Submitted to Small Ruminant Research Journal, accepted minor revisions).
Page, C. M., T. W. Murphy, M. L. Van Emon, J. G. P. Bowman, S. A. Wyffels, and W. C. Stewart. 2018. Serum trace mineral concentrations in weaned Montana ram lambs and their relationship with water quality characteristics. (Submitted to Professional Animal Scientist, accepted minor revisions).
Walker, J. W., W. C. Stewart, R. Pope, S. Spear, M. Ebert, and T. W. Murphy. 2018. Evaluation of mean fiber diameter measurements by FibreLux micron meter and OFDA 2000 in Texas and Intermountain west wool. Small Rum. Res. 159:31-37
DelCurto, T., T. Murphy, and S. Moreaux. 2017. Demographics and long-term outlook for western US beef, sheep, and horse industries and their importance for the forage industry. Proc. West. Alfalfa & Forage Symp. Reno, Nevada, U.S.A.
Murphy, T. W., Y. M. Berger, P. W. Holman, M. Baldin, R.L. Burgett, and D. L. Thomas. 2017. Estimates of genetic parameters, genetic trends, and inbreeding in a crossbred dairy sheep research flock in the United States. J. Anim. Sci. 2017.95:4300-4309.
Murphy, T. W., Y. M. Berger, P. W. Holman, M. Baldin, R.L. Burgett, and D. L. Thomas. 2017. Factors affecting ewe performance in a crossbred dairy sheep research flock in the U.S. J. Anim. Sci. 2017.95:1892-1899.
Page, C. M., I. McGregor, M. L. Van Emon, T. W. Murphy, C. K. Larson, J. G. Berardinelli, and W. C. Stewart. 2017. Effects of zinc source and dietary concentration on zinc status, growth performance, and wool characteristics in developing rams. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 68:136-140.
Stewart, W. C., T. W. Murphy, D. R. Notter, M. R. Mousel, G. S. Lewis, K. A. Leymaster, and J. B. Taylor. 2017. Wool characteristics of Rambouillet, Polypay, and Romanov-White Dorper x Rambouillet ewes in an extensive rangeland production system. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 68:175-179.
South Dakota State University
Publications
Crane, A.R., Redden, R.R., Crouse, M.S., Kirsch, J.D., Borowicz, P.P., Held, J.E., Swanson, K.C., Schauer, S.C. (2018) Influence of distillers’s dried grains with solubles on ram lamb growth and reproductive traits. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 96, Issue 4, p. 1484-1494.
Petzel, E.A., Smart, A.J., Benoit, S.P., Selman, S.L., Bailey, E.A., Beck, E.E., Walker, J.A., Wright, C.L., Held, J.E., Brake, D.W. (2018). Estimates of diet selection in cattle grazing cornstalk residues by measurement of chemical composition and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy of diet samples. J. Anim. Sci. Vol 96, Issue 5, p. 1914-1928.
Reiners, J. N., Held, J. E., Qiao, Q., Reza, K. M., Brake, D. (2017). Lysine bioavailability among 2 lipid-coated lysine products after exposure to silage. Translational Animal Science, 1, 311-319.
Reiners, J. N., Held, J. E., Wright, C. L., Brake, D. (2018). Lysine retained among two lipid coated lysine products after exposure to alfalfa- or corn-silage with different amounts of acidity. Journal of Dairy Science. Vol. 101. Issue 6, p. 5159-5165.
Abstracts
Anderson, P.P., Smerchek, D.T., Held, J.E., Kolthoff, A.R. Stenberg, T., Perry, G.A. 2018. Influence of post-pubertal ram semen quality on ewe conception. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 96 - #508. Midwest Section Mtg. March 12-14, 2018. Undergraduate Poster Competition.
Petzel, E.A., Smart, A.J., Benoit, S.P., Selman, S.L., Bailey, E.A., Beck, E.E., Walker, J.A., Wright, C.L., Held, J.E., Brake, D.W. (2018). Estimates of botanical composition of diets from analyses of chemical components or near-infrared spectroscopy among cattle fed binary mixtures of cornstalk and non-cornstalk residue. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 96 - #414. Midwest Section Mtg. March 12-14, 2018.
Smerchek, D.T., Anderson, P.P., Held, J.E., Kolthoff, A.R., Stenberg, T., Perry, G.A. (2018) Evaluate ram semen quality characteristics between subsequent ejaculates. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 96 - #507. Midwest Section Mtg. March 12-14, 2018. Undergraduate Poster Competition.
Conference Papers or Posters Presented, Invited Lectures
Held, J. E. (Professor), Morrical, D. (Professor - Iowa State), ASI Industry Tour, "2017 ASI Young Entrepreneurs Tour," American Sheep Industry Assn, Watertown, SD, July 18, 2017.
Held, J. E. (2018). Identifying and Treating Common Ewe Diseases. Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program – Lambing Time Short Course. February 9, 2018.
Held, J. E. (2018). Flock feeding management strategies. Univ. of Wisconsin.-Extension Educational Program. Wausau, WI, April 25, 2018.
Held, J.E. (2017). The 2017 South Dakota Master Lamb Producers Awards Program Highlights. SDSGA Annual Convention September 30, 2016. Rapid City, SD
Held, J. E. (2017). SDSU sheep research and extension programming highlights. SDSGA Annual Convention September 29 and 30, 2017. Brookings, SD
Held, J. E. (2018). Guidelines for modern sheep nutritional practices in the Midwest. Univ. of Wisconsin-Extension. Professional improvement training for livestock extension agents. Madison, WI, April 26, 2018.
Texas A&M AgriLife Research, San Angelo
Publications (journal articles, abstracts, book chapters, extension, outreach) *indicates a graduate student.
Whitney, T. R. 2017. Ground Juniperus pinchotii and urea in supplements fed to Rambouillet ewe lambs: I. Feedlot growth traits, blood serum parameters, and fecal characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 95:3676−3686. doi: 10.2527/jas2017.1419
Whitney, T. R., J. L. Glasscock, J. P. Muir, W. C. Stewart, and E. J. Scholljegerdes. 2017. Substituting ground woody plants for cottonseed hulls in lamb feedlot diets: growth performance, blood serum chemistry, and rumen fluid parameters. J. Anim. Sci. 95:1−14. doi: 10.2527/jas2017.1649 in press
*Stewart, W. C., Whitney, T. R., E. J. Scholljegerdes, D. M. Hallford, J. W. Walker, R. P. Adams, and H. D. Naumann. 2017. Effects of feeding ground redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii) to gestating ewes on pre- and postpartum performance, serum metabolites and hormones, milk fatty acid composition and progeny preweaning performance. J. Anim. Sci. 95:4113−4123. doi: 10.2527/jas2016.1090
Ishaq, L., C. J. Yeoman, and T. R. Whitney. 2017. Ground Juniperus pinchotii and urea in supplements fed to Rambouillet ewe lambs. Part 2: Ewe lamb rumen microbial communities. J. Anim. Sci. doi: 10.2527/jas2017.1731
Kerth, C. R., K. R. Wall, S. B. Smith, T. R. Whitney, J. L. Glasscock, and J. T. Sawyer. 2018. Substituting ground woody plants for cottonseed hulls in lamb feedlot diets: Carcass characteristics, adipose tissue fatty acid composition, and sensory panel traits. J. Anim. Sci. 96:487−497 doi: 10.1093/jas/sky024
*Glasscock, J. L., T. R. Whitney, J. R. Roper, A. R. Holmes, S. G. Marrs, W. C. Stewart, and E. J. Scholljegerdes. 2017. Substituting ground woody plants for cottonseed hulls in goat feedlot diets: growth performance and blood serum chemistry. J. Anim. Sci. doi 10.1093/jas/sky159
Published Abstracts, Proceedings, Posters, and Oral Presentations
Whitney, T. R. 2017. Underutilized feed resources. Texas A&M AgriLife Research and US Forest Service Conference: Strategic Supplementation Strategies to Enhance Texas Rangelands and Reduce Livestock Production Costs. May 12. Kerrville, TX. Oral Presentation.
Whitney, T. R. 2017. Economic feasibility of using ground juniper in livestock diets. Texas A&M AgriLife Research and US Forest Service Conference: Strategic Supplementation Strategies to Enhance Texas Rangelands and Reduce Livestock Production Costs. May 12. Kerrville, TX. Oral Presentation.
Whitney T. R., J. T. Sawyer, and C. Hartz. 2017. Substituting ground juniper for ground alfalfa hay in steer feedlot diets: growth and blood serum characteristics. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. annual meeting. June 20 - 23. Fargo, ND. Proceedings and Oral Presentation by Whitney. J. Anim. Sci. 68:239−243.
Whitney, T. R. 2017. Economic and marketing opportunities for ground aspen wood to be used as a livestock feed ingredient. Industry meeting with Univ. of Minnesota Faculty, Marth Companies and Great Lakes Renewable Energy, Inc. Aug. 14. Oral Presentation. Invited.
Whitney, T. R. 2017. Nutritional challenges of accelerated lambing, lamb feedlot nutrition, and enhancing rumen function. Zinpro, Inc.: joint meeting with C.P. Pokphand Co. (Vice President, Adirek Sripratak). Aug. 16. Oral Presentation. Invited.
Whitney, T. R. 2017. Challenges vs. opportunities of various supplemental feeds. 44th Annual Texas A&M AgriLife Sheep and Goat Field Day. Aug. 18. San Angelo, TX. Oral Presentation. Invited.
Whitney, T. R. 2017. Using unique feed supplements and ingredients in livestock diets. 2nd Annual Texas A&M AgriLife Expo. Aug. 18. San Angelo, TX. Oral Presentation. Invited.
Whitney, T. R. 2017. Food Use Authorization Request: Use of ground redberry and blueberry juniper as a ruminant livestock feed ingredient. Submitted to and approved by the U.S. FDA.
University of Maryland
Abstracts
Schoenian, S., Semler, J., Gordon, D., Bennett, M, and D. O’Brien. (2017). Using copper oxide wire particles to reduce barber pole worm infections in meat goats. Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. In proceedings: 39.
Schoenian, S. and J. Semler. (2017). Using webinars to educate sheep and goat producers. Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. In proceedings: 46-47.
Schoenian, S., Gordon, D., Semler, J., Bennett, M, and D. O’Brien. (2017). Western Maryland Pasture Based Meat Goat Performance Test. National Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. In proceedings: 113-114.
Presentations
Schoenian, S. Adventures in Sheep & Goat Farming. Invited talk at Indianhead Sheep & Goat Association Shepherd’s Clinic. Rice Lake, WI. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Can you make money with a small flock or herd? Invited talk at Indianhead Sheep & Goat Association Shepherd’s Clinic. Rice Lake, WI. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Raising your own replacements. Invited talk at Indianhead Sheep & Goat Association Shepherd’s Clinic. Rice Lake, WI. 2017.
Schoenian, S. What’s new with internal parasite control?. Invited talk at Indianhead Sheep & Goat Association Shepherd’s Clinic. Rice Lake, WI. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Current recommendations for controlling internal parasites in small ruminants.. Invited talk at Mid-Atlantic States Bovine Conference. Hagerstown, MD. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Current recommendations for controlling internal parasites in small ruminants. Invited talk at New River Valley Sheep & Goat Club annual meeting. Pulaski, VA. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Enhancing the survival of lambs and kids. Invited talk at New River Valley Sheep & Goat Club annual meeting. Pulaski, VA. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Feeding managing the pregnant female. Invited talk at New River Valley Sheep & Goat Club annual meeting. Pulaski, VA. 2017.
Schoenian, S. What can we learn from Australia and New Zealand? Invited talk at New River Valley Sheep & Goat Club annual meeting. Pulaski, VA. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Using combination treatments to deworm sheep. Invited talk to Western Pennsylvania Sheep Association. Somerset, PA. 2017.
Schoenian, S. The next step in performance testing. Invited talk at Bluegrass Performance Invitational Sale. Frankfurt, KY. 2017.
Schoenian, S. 10 things every goat producer should know. Invited talk (webinar) for Dakota Goat Association Statewide Conference. Delivered electronically. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Parasites and goats. Invited talk for Dakota Goat Association Statewide Conference. Delivered electronically. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Management tools for flock and herd improvement. Invited talk at 2nd annual Missouri Sheep & Goat Symposium. Columbia, MO. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Fine-tuning breeding animal selection for your farm. Invited talk at 2nd annual Missouri Sheep & Goat Symposium. Columbia, MO. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Internal parasite update. Invited presentation for Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida. Ocala, FL. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Small Flock Management. Invited presentation for Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida. Ocala, FL. 2017.
Schoenian, S. 10 things every goat producer should do. Invited webinar for American Goat Federation. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Selecting replacement ewes and culling underperforming ewes. Invited webinar for American Sheep Industry Association’s Let’s Grow Program. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Developing weaning programs for your Katahdin flock. Invited presentation for Katahdin Hair Sheep International. Crawford, IN. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Combination treatments: high time to implement. Invited presentation for Katahdin Hair Sheep International. Crawford, IN. 2017.
Schoenian, S. To deworm or not to deworm: on-farm decision-making tools for deciding who to treat and when. Delmarva Small Ruminant Conference: All Worms All Day. Dover, DE. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Sometimes you’ve got to shove a drug down their throat: proper use of dewormers. Delmarva Small Ruminant Conference: All Worms All Day. Dover, DE. 2017.
Schoenian, S., N. Whitley, and D. O’Brien. Determining anthelmintic resistance on commercial sheep farms in the southeastern US. Annual meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. Salt Lake City, UT. 2017.
Schoenian, S. Nutrient requirements of sheep and goats. Invited presentation for Southern Maryland Meats. Upper Marlboro, MD. 2017.
USDA, ARS, Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center
Articles
Notter, D.R., Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Morgan, J.L.M., Miller, J.E., 2018. Genetic parameters for ewe reproductive performance and peri-parturient fecal egg counts and their genetic relationships with lamb body weights and fecal egg counts in Katahdin sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 96, 1579-1589.
Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Morgan, J.L.M., Miller, J.E., Notter, D.R., 2017. Genetic parameters for fecal egg counts and their relationship with body weights in Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci.96, 1590-1599.
Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Notter, D.R., Morgan, J.L.M., 2017. Variance components for direct and maternal effects on body weights of Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 95, 3396–3405.
Hamilton, T.N., Terrill, T.H., Kommuru, D.S., Rivers, A., Mosjidis, J.A., Miller, J.E., Drake, C., Mueller-Harvey, I., Burke, J.M., 2017. Effect of supplemental sericea lespedeza pellets on internal parasite infection and nutritional status of grazing goats. J. Agric. Sci. Tech. 334-344.
Spangler, G.L., Rosen, B.D., Babatunde, I., Hanotte, O., Kim, E.-S., Sonstegard, T.S., Burke, J.M., Morgan, J.L.M., Notter, D.R., Van Tassell, C.P. Whole genome structural analysis of Caribbean hair sheep reveals quantitative link to West African ancestry. PLOS One. Doi.org/10.137/journal.pone.0179021.
Notter, D.R., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J.L.M., 2017. Association between FAMACHA scores and fecal egg counts in Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 95, 1118-1123.
Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Herring, A.D., Sanders, J.O., Craig, T.M., VanWyk, J., Riley, D.G., 2017. Utilization of year round data in the estimation of genetic parameters for internal parasite resistance traits in Dorper sheep. Sm. Rum. Res. 151, 5-10.
Muir, J.P., Terrill, T.H., Burke, J.M., Mosjidis, J.A., Luginbuhl, J.-M., Miller, J.E., Coleman, S.W., 2016. Harvest regimen changes sericea lespedeza condensed tannin, fiber, and protein concentrations. Grassland Sci. (In Press).
Muir, J.P., Terrill, T.H., Mosjidis, J.A., Luginbuhl, J.-M., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M. 2017. Season progression, ontogenesis and environment affect Lespedeza cuneata herbage condensed tannin, fiber and crude protein content. Crop Sci. 57, 515-524.
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. 95, 103-112.
Abstracts
Acharya, R.S., Fitting, E., Burke, J., Joshi, N., 2018. Supporting pollinator communities by floral enhancement within livestock pasture ecosystem. Southeastern Branch Entomol. Soc. Amer., Orlando, FL (Abstr.).
France, M.M., Kelly, V.E., Miller, J.E., Burke, J.M., McKenzie, K.M., 2018. Efficacy of compound X (Bedoukian Research) on reducing fecal egg count in lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1), 71 (Abstr.). https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.133
Burke, J.M., Pickett, A.T., Howell, B., Wood, E.L., Acharya, M., Miller, J.E., 2018. Examining relationships between production and gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) measures in organic and conventionally reared Katahdin lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1), 71-72 (Abstr.). https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.134
Ngere, L., Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Morgan, J.L.M., Notter, D.R., 2018. Genetic parameters for ewe reproductive performance and peri-parturient fecal egg counts and their genetic relationships with lamb body weights and fecal egg counts in Katahdin sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1), 70 (Abstr.). https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky027.131
Wright, S., Arsi, K., Manning, L., Donoghue, A.M., Hale, M., Spencer, T., O’Gorman, M., Gold, M., Fanatico, A.C., English, H., Burke, J.M., Donoghue, D.J., 2018. Armed to farm: Soldiering the success of military veterans in new poultry, livestock and agroforestry enterprises. Southern SAWG, Memphis, TN, January 2018.
Acharya, R.S., Fitting, E., Burke, J., Joshi, N., 2017. Development of native pollinator habitat within livestock pasture. Entomol. Soc. Amer. Ann. Mtg, Logan, UT, November 2017.
Purdy, P.H., Spiller, S.F., McGuire, E., McGuire, K., Koepke, K. Stobart, R.H., Burke, J.M., Acharya, M., Beemer, T., Moss, G.E., Lake, S., Blackburn, H.D., 2017. The fertility achieved with nonsurgical AI and frozen-thawed ram sperm is influenced by the estrous synchronization protocol, semen cryopreservation diluent, and age and breed of the sheep. Biol. Reprod. (Abstr.).
Articles
Anthelmintic efficacy of cranberry vine extracts on ovine Haemonchus contortus. 2018. Barone, C.D.*, Zajac, A.M., Manzi-Smith, L.A., Howell, A.B., Reed, J.D., Krueger, C.G., Petersson, K.H. Vet Parasitol. 253:122-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.016
Utah Agricultural Experiment Station
Publications
Montes-Sánchez, J.J. and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Understanding medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae ssp. asperum) low intake and palatability through in vitro digestibility and fermentation kinetics. Animal. 1-9.
Heroy, K.Y., St. Clair, S., Burritt, E.A. and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Plant community chemical composition influences trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) intake by sheep. Journal of Chemical Ecology 43:817-830.
Montes-Sánchez*, J.J., Van Miegroet, H., and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Effects of energy supplementation and time on use of medusahead by grazing ewes and their lambs. Rangeland Ecology and Management. 70:380-387.
Montes-Sánchez*, J.J. and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Effects of early experience and alternative feeds on medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae ssp. asperum) intake by sheep. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 188:9-16.
Synthesis Papers
Villalba, J.J. 2017. Psychobiology of ingestive behavior of herbivores. Proceedings of the X° Congress ALEPRyCS, 2017. Revista Argentina de Produccion Animal 37:17-22.
Gregorini, P., Villalba, J.J., Chilibroste, P., and Provenza, F.D. 2017. Grazing management: Setting the table, designing the menu and influencing the diet. Animal Production Science. 57:1248-1268.
Villalba, J.J., Costes-Thiré, M*., and Ginane, C. 2017. Phytochemicals in animal health; diet selection and trade-offs between costs and benefits. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 76:113-121.
Book Chapters
MacAdam, J.W. and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Beneficial effects of temperate forage legumes that contain condensed tannins. In: C. Matthew (ed) Forage Plant Ecophysiology, MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. pp. 31-43.
Scientific and Outreach Oral Presentations.
Villalba, J.J. 2017. Psychobiology of ingestive behavior of herbivores. X Latin American Conference of Specialists on Small Ruminants and South-American Camelids. Punta Arenas, Chile. May 2-4, 2017.
Villalba, J.J. 2017. Ruminants as architects for the management of natural landscapes: an adaptive look to climate change. Extensive Livestock Production in the XXI Century: Foraging Behavior is Sheep as an Adaptation Tool to Climate Change. National Institute of Agricultural Research, Punta Arenas, Chile. December 14, 2017.
Villalba, J.J. 2017. The Psychobiology of Diet Selection in Ruminants: From Pens to Landscapes. Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Mexico. Seminar Series. November 29, 2017.
Villalba, J.J. 2017. Foraging Behavior as a Tool to Improve Animal Productivity and Welfare. Keynote for the Agricultural Fair of the State, Xmatkuil, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. November 27, 2017.
Lagrange, S.P., Beauchemin, K., MacAdam, J.W. and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Effects of grazing diverse combinations of sainfoin, birdsfoot trefoil, and alfalfa on beef cow performance and environmental impacts. The American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) and the Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS) Joint Annual Meeting. Baltimore, Maryland. July 8-12, 2017.
Stewart, E.K., Beauchemin, K., MacAdam, J.W. and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Environmental impacts from cattle consuming tannin-containing hays. The American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) and the Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS) Joint Annual Meeting. Baltimore, Maryland. July 8-12, 2017.
Stonecipher, C.A., Spackman, C., Panter, K., and Villalba, J.J. 2018. Glyphosate as a Tool to Increase Livestock Consumption of Medusahead on Annual Grass Invaded Rangelands. 71st Annual Meeting of the Society for Range Management. Sparks, NV. January 28-February 2, 2018.
Spackman, C., Panter, K., Stonecipher, C., and Villalba, J.J. 2018. Grazing rotations on restored land as a new tool for medusahead control. 71st Annual Meeting of the Society for Range Management. Sparks, NV. January 28-February 2, 2018.
Taylor, J., Veblen, K., Thacker, E., and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Energy- and protein-based supplements improve decadent sagebrush use by elk. 70th Annual Meeting of the Society for Range Management. St. George, UT. January 29-February 2, 2017.
Bateman, T., and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Developing a model that predicts the continuous fractional cover of medusahead in the channeled scablands of eastern Washington using remote sensing techniques. 70th Annual Meeting of the Society for Range Management. St. George, UT. January 29-February 2, 2017.
Spackman, C., Panter, K., Stonecipher, C., and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Glyphosate application and cattle grazing: An integrated approach to control medusahead. 70th Annual Meeting of the Society for Range Management. St. George, UT. January 29-February 2, 2017.
Heroy, K.Y, Burritt, E.A., StClair, S., and Villalba, J.J. 2017. Nutritional state influences trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) intake by sheep. 70th Annual Meeting of the Society for Range Management. St. George, UT. January 29-February 2, 2017.
Virginia State University
Articles
Nartea, T., Wildeus, S., Lee, J., O’Brien, D.J. 2017. Breed and supplementation influence on consumer ratings of ground meat from pasture-raised lamb. J. Extension 55 (6):6RIB2
Abstracts
Tripp, C., Lee, J.H., Kafle, D., Discua, A., Wildeus, S. 2017. Quality of fresh lamb from pasture-raised sheep as influenced by highly digestible fiber containing agro-byproducts. Proc. ARD 18th Biannual Research Symposium, p.51.
Fitchett, A., Wildeus. S. 2017. Pre-weaning performance of purebred and crossbred hair sheep lambs born during different season. Proc. ARD 18th Biannual Research Symposium, p. 172.
Bailey, M., Wildeus. S. 2017. Season and breed effects on pregnancy rate and litter size in landrace hair sheep ewes under accelerated mating. Proc. ARD 18th Biannual Research Symposium, p. 176
Wildeus. S., O’Brien, D.J. 2017. Deploying a mobile reproduction lab: Meat the Sperminator. Proc. ARD 18th Biannual Research Symposium, p. 257.
Wildeus, S., O’Brien, D. 2017. Growth and FAMACHA scores in purebred and terminal sire crossbred lambs produced from landrace hair sheep under an accelerated mating system. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:332, doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.680
Kafle, D., Lee, J. H, Wildeus, S., Discua, A., Tripp, C. 2017. Quality of fresh lamb from pasture-raised purebred and crossbred hair sheep lambs gradually removed from soy hull supplementation before harvest. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:332-333, doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.681
Kafle, D., Lee, J. H., Wildeus, S., Tripp, C., Discua, A. 2017. Fatty acid composition of different fat depots from purebred and crossbred hair sheep lambs gradually removed from soy hull supplementation before harvest. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:333. doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.682
O’Brien, D., Wildeus, S., Wright, D. L., Weaver, A. R., Greiner, S. P. 2017. Effect of sire breed on pregnancy rate of Katahdin ewes after liquid semen vaginal artificial insemination. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:221, doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.450
Schoenian, S., J. Semler, D. Gordon, M. Bennett, D. O’Brien. Using Copper Oxide Wire Particles to Reduce Barber Pole Worm Infection in Meat Goat Bucklings. National Association of Agricultural County Agents. July 2017.
Schoenian, S., D. O’Brien, and N. Whitley. Determining Anthelmintic Resistance on Sheep Farms in the Southeastern US. National Association of Agricultural County Agents. July 2017.
Escobar, E.N., E. Kassa, D. O’Brien and H. Taylor. 2017. The induction and synchronization of estrus in sheep during the fall and late spring (season and out of season) using controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices on Delmarva. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:39, doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.450
Escobar, E.N., E. Kassa, D. J. O’Brien and H. Taylor. 2017. The induction and synchronization of estrus in meat goats during the fall and late spring (season and out-of season) using controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices on Delmarva. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 4:128, doi:10.2527/asasann.2017.450
Michigan State University
Ehrhardt, R.A. “Improve parasite management with combination drug therapy”. 2017. Michigan Shepherd News.
Ehrhardt R.A. “Understanding how to treat and prevent Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) in sheep and goats.” 2017. Michigan Shepherd’s News.
Ehrhardt R.A. “Understanding and preventing ketosis/pregnancy toxemia in sheep.” 2017. Michigan Shepherd’s News
Recktenwald E.B. and R.A. Ehrhardt “Understanding the Ethnic Lamb Market in Michigan: Arab American edition.” 2017. Michigan Shepherd’s News.
Invited presentations:
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author, keynote address). “Maximizing resource use by extending the lambing season.” 2017. Iowa sheep day educational program. Ames, Iowa.
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author). “Logistics of grazing cover crops and crop residue”. 2017. Iowa sheep day educational program. Ames, Iowa.
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author). “Fall goat roundtable program.” 2017. Michigan Dairy Goat Association Fall Field Day. Charlotte, MI.
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author). “Precision feeding of sheep and goats”, “Male fertility management in small ruminants”, and “Basics of parasite management for sheep and goats”. Northwest Michigan Small Ruminant Management Series. 2017. Big Rapids, MI
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author). 2017. Ontario Large Flock Operators Annual Educational Program. Walkerton, Ontario (presented electronically via webinar format).
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author). “A practical guide for selection in commercial sheep production”. 2018. North Country Shepherds Winter Management Program, Canton, NY (presented electronically via webinar format).
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author). “Parasite management in commercial sheep farms in the Great Lakes region of North America. Webinar prepared for the Western Ontario Lamb Producers Association. March 2018.
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author). “Feeding and management to improve reproductive efficiency throughout the year”. Webinar prepared for the Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program, April 2018.
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author). “Understanding Wool Growth”. Michigan Shepherds Weekend, 2018.
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author). “What can we learn about optimizing sheep management and marketing from the Spartan Sheep Production Model?” Michigan Shepherds Weekend, 2018.
Ehrhardt, R. A. (Presenter and author). “Sheep production innovations in Michigan in 2017”. Michigan Shepherds Weekend. 2018.
Recktenwald, E.B. (Presenter and author). “Using the Spartan Sheep Production Model to Analyze Cost of Lamb Production in Several Production Scenarios”. Michigan Shepherds Weekend , 2018.
Recktenwald, E. B. (Presenter and author). “Exploring non-traditional or ethnic marketing opportunities”. Buckeye Shepherd Symposium, Dec. 2017
Recktenwald, E. B. (Presenter and author). “Examining the profitability of several sheep production scenarios with a simulation model”. Buckeye Shepherd Symposium, Dec. 2017