Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Accomplishments and Impacts For Objective 1: Develop ecologically and economically sound land management practices that use the unique harvesting abilities of sheep and goats for: a) managing and sustaining native plant communities; b) controlling invasive, exotic plant species; and c) improving nutrient cycling and pest management in range and cropping systems. Descriptions of potential impacts and applications were presented addressing the use of sheep as a control of leafy spurge and spotted knapweed in Montana (Montana State University). The impact sheep and goats have on the control of pine encroachment was presented with the potential impact on reclaiming lands that quit producing herbaceous forage since the encroachment of pine (Montana State University). Potential benefits of using Fecal NIRS to monitor spotted knapweed consumption was reported by Montana State University to better estimate animal consumption. Pre-weaning exposure of lambs to slender false brome was reported to have potential for developing lambs into efficient and economic tools for controlling slender false brome (Oregon State University). Though not present at the meetings, a report was submitted describing the impact of sheep and cattle on controlling leafy spurge over 10 years and another was sent reporting on the use of rotational grazing and multi-species grazing as potential control mechanisms of leafy spurge for the past 10 years (North Dakota State University). A special seminar was presented by Texas A&M University and Angelo State University faculty on the benefits of combining fire, sheep, goat, and rotational grazing for controlling invasive woody plant species on western rangelands. For Objective 2: Develop sheep and goat management strategies that enhance the efficiency for production of high quality, marketable end products by: a) improving biological efficiency through better understanding of environmental and genetic events that influence meat and fiber production; b) identifying unique feedstuffs that enhance the nutritional value of meat; c) utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation both in the field and in the lab to accurately and rapidly measure important characteristics of wool, mohair, and cashmere; and d) develop animal identification systems that ensure the accurate real-time linking of animals to lifetime genetic, performance, health, and origin database. Descriptions of potential benefits of identifying changes in ewe body weight and lamb production over a period of three years were reported (USDA-ARS, Sheep Experiment Station) and a report was given describing the benefits of a web based sheep ration formulation system. The system is accessible to the general public and is expected to assist producers better manage their sheep nutrition (Montana State University). Montana State University also reported on the benefit of using ultrasound measurements in rams to facilitate selection for improved carcass merit of their offspring by understanding the relationship between sire and offspring characteristics. Potential benefits of using hormone treatments post breeding to improve neonatal lamb survival were presented and understanding the time of lamb loss in a range sheep operation is vital to improving sheep production efficiency. (New Mexico State University). Benefits of using various sire breeds to improve lamb production and pounds of lamb weaned in a reduced input sheep production system were reported (Oregon State University). Consumption of toxic plants is a critical concern of sheep producers and the impact of the consumption of potato-weed was presented along with the benefits of better understanding the mechanism the toxin has on pregnancy (Angelo State University). Potential economic benefits of using the OFDA2000 to separate lots of wool by predicting fineness pre-shearing to better capture price premiums was reported (Texas A&M University). For Objective 3: Rapidly and accurately disseminate new information to the producer through: a) development of novel technology transfer platforms; b) hosting field days at research centers; and, c) organizing on-farm demonstration projects. Potential benefits and impacts of combining sheep and goat associations during field days and seminars to more efficiently present information to producers was reported (Utah State University).

WERA 039 Participant Publications (2004/2006) Montana MANUSCRIPTS IN PEER REVIEW IN PRESS Surber, L., Roeder, B., P. G. Hatfield, and R. W. Kott. Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of spring-born wethers finished on an 80% barley diet either in the fall or spring and slaughtered at seven to eight, or fourteen to fifteen months of age, respectively. Small Rum. Res. Hatfield, P. G., S. L. Blodgett, T. M. Spezzano, H. B. Goosey, A. W. Lenssen, R. W. Kott, and C. B. Marlow. 2006 Incorporating sheep into dryland grain production systems: I Impact on over-wintering larva populations of Wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cintus Norton, (Hymenoptera: Cephidae). Hatfield, P. G., A. W. Lenssen, T. M. Spezzano, S. L. Blodgett, H. B. Goosey, R. W. Kott, and C. B. Marlow. 2006. Incorporating sheep into dryland grain production systems: II Impact on changes in biomass and weed frequency. . Small Rum. Res Hatfield, P. G., H. B. Goosey, T. M. Spezzano, S. L. Blodgett, A. W. Lenssen, R. W. Kott, and C. B. Marlow. 2006. Incorporating sheep into dryland grain production systems: III Impact on changes in soil bulk density and soil nutrient profiles. . Small Rum. Res PEER REVIEWED JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS Goosey, H. B., P. G. Hatfield, A. W. Lenssen, S. L. Blodgett, and R. W. Kott. 2005.The potential role of sheep in dryland grain production systems. Agric., Ecosystems & Envir. 111:349-353. Boles, J. A., R. W. Kott, P. G. Hatfield, J.W. Berman, and C. R. Flynn. 2005. Supplemental safflower oil affects the fatty acid profile, including conjugated linoleic acid, of lamb. J. Anim. Sci. 83: 2175-2181 INVITED PAPERS Hatfield, P.G. 2006. The Montana sheep ration program. Proc. 55th Annual Montana Livestock Forum and Nutrition Conference April 11-12, 2006 Ï GranTree Inn, Bozeman. Track 5, CD proceedings PROCEEDINGS Dafoe, J.M., P. G. Hatfield, R. W. Kott, B. F. Sowell, J. G. Berardinelli, and K. C. Davis. 2006 Effects of supplemental safflower and vitamin e during late gestation on lamb growth, serum metabolites and thermogenesis. Proc. 55th Annual Montana Livestock Forum and Nutrition Conference April 11-12, 2006 Ï GranTree Inn, Bozeman. Track 9, CD proceedings Dafoe, J.M., P. G. Hatfield, R. W. Kott, B. F. Sowell, J. G. Berardinelli, and K. C. Davis. 2006 Effects of supplemental safflower and vitamin e during late gestation on lamb growth, serum metabolites and thermogenesis. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57: Kelley, A.L., K.C. Davis, P.G. Hatfield, R.W. Kott, and J.M. Rumph. 2006. Genetic parameters for mature weight and lifetime litter weight weaned in Rambouillet and Targhee ewes. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57: Schauer, C.S., J. Held, J.A. Daniel, J.S. Caton, P.G. Hatfield, R. Stobart, and J.O. Hall.2006. Lamb muscle selenium concentration plateaus following 56 days of selenium supplementation. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57: Schauer, C. S., J. Held, J. A. Daniel, J. S. Caton, P. G. Hatfield, R. Stobart, L. P. Anderson, and J. O. Hall. 2005. The influence of length of supra-selenium supplementation on selenium status, feedlot performance, and carcass characteristics of finishing lambs. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56: 356. RESEARCH AND STATION REPORTS Development of high selenium lamb as a human health food. 2005 C.S. Schauer, J. Held, J. Daniel, J. Caton, P. Hatfield, R. Stobart, L.P. Anderson, J.O. Hall, D.M. Stecher, D. Pearson, and D. Drolc. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 46:6-12. POPULAR PRESS Hatfield, P., H. Goosey, S. Blodgett, and R. Kott. 2005. Montana State University Research update. 2005. Integrating sheep into grain production systems achieves 74% reduction in wheat stem sawfly. Montana Woolgrower Bulletin. Feb. Mar Page 9. Flaherty, C. Environment and grain growers friend: sheep. 2005 MSU new service New Mexico State University Hernandez, L. L., G. S. Bell, T. T. Ross, R. A. Halasheh, A. S. Carman, and C. A. Loest. 2005. Comparative hepatotoxicity of metabolites associated with snakeweed (Gutierrezia spp.). Proc., West. Sec., Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:45-47. Hernandez, L. L., G. S. Bell, T. T. Ross. 2005. Comparative hepatotoxicity of plant extracts, pure compounds, and gastrointestinal fluids associated with snakeweed (Gutierrezia spp.). Proc., West. Sec., Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:163-166. Redden, R. R., S. H. Cox, T. T. Ross. 2005. Breeding Suffolk rams to western white face ewes on New Mexico rangelands increases weaning weight of lambs. Proc., West. Sec., Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:167-169... North Dakota Carpinelli, M.F., C.S. Schauer, D.W. Bohnert, S.P. Hardegree, S.J. Falck, and T.J. Svejcar. 2005. Effect of ruminal incubation on perennial pepperweed germination. Rangeland Ecol. Manage. 58:632-636. Schauer, C.S., D.W. Bohnert, D.C. Ganskopp, C.J. Richards, and S.J. Falck. 2005. Influence of protein supplementation frequency on cows consuming low-quality forage: Performance, grazing behavior, and variation in supplement intake. J. Anim. Sci. 83:1715-1725. C.S. Schauer, J. Held, J.A. Daniel, J.S. Caton, P.G. Hatfield, R. Stobart, L.P. Anderson, and J.O. Hall. 2005. The influence of length of supra-selenium supplementation on selenium status, feedlot performance, and carcass characteristics of finishing lambs. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 56:356-359. K.L. Nelson, K. Sedivec, C.S. Schauer, J. Olson, M. Faulkner, and T. Faller. 2006. Effects of dormant season grazing on herbage production and plant growth. Soc. Range. Manage. 59:263. J. Evoniuk, P. Berg, M. Johnson, C. Stoltenow, C.S. Schauer, K. ORourke, and D. Redmer. 2005. Analysis of associations between genotypes at codon 171 and 136 of the prion protein gene and production traits in a survey of market lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1): #9586. Schauer, C.S., J. Caton, D. Drolc, D. Pearson, D. Stecher, and M. Stamm. 2006. Protein supplementation: Daily, once every 5 days, or once every 10 days. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 47:6-13. Nelson, K.L., K.K. Sedivec, J. Olson, M. Faulkner, T. Faller, and C.S. Schauer. 2006. Effects of dormant season grazing on herbage production and plant growth. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 47:14-25. C.S. Schauer, J. Held, J. Daniel, J. Caton, P. Hatfield, R. Stobart, J.O. Hall, D.M. Stecher, D.Pearson, and D. Drolc. 2006. Lamb muscle selenium concentration plateaus following 56 days of selenium supplementation. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 47:26-33. C.S. Schauer, P.B. Berg, M. Stamm, D.M. Stecher, D. Pearson, and D. Drolc. 2006. Influence of dried distillers grains on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of finishing lambs. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 47:34-37. C.S. Schauer, P.B. Berg, D. Nudell, T.C. Faller, D.M. Stecher, D. Pearson, and D. Drolc. 2006. Influence of Katahdin breeding on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of finishing lambs. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 47:38-42. C.S. Schauer, K.K. Sedivec, T.C. Faller, S. Kronberg, and D.M. Stecher. 2006. Multi-species grazing and single species grazing on leafy spurge infested rangeland. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 47:43-49. C.S. Schauer, K.K. Sedivec, T.C. Faller, D.M. Stecher, and S. Kronberg. 2006. Effect of multi-species grazing on leafy spurge infested rangeland using twice-over rotation and season-long grazing treatments. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 47:50-55. M.M. Stamm, C.S. Schauer, D.M. Stecher, D. Pearson, and D. Drolc. 2006. Southwest Feeders Project: Backgrounding North Dakota Angus Associations steer calves for the 2006 National Angus Carcass Challenge. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 47:78-83. M.M. Stamm, C.S. Schauer, L.M.M. Surber, S.D. Cash, A. Todd, D.M. Stecher, D. Pearson, and D. Drolc. 2006. Preliminary report for Southwest Feeders Project: Profitable calf backgrounding integrating annual forage crops. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 47:84-89. D. Nudell, C.S. Schauer, D. Pearson, D. Drolc, and D. Stecher. 2006. Initial observations on electronic identification of sheep at Hettinger Research and Extension Center. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 47:90-91. Texas Angelo State University Kiker, W.A., M.W. Salisbury, B. Green and G.R. Engdahl. 2005. Effects of protein and energy feeding on ovine oocyte production and developmental capacity. Sheep and Goat Res. J. (Submitted) Salisbury, M. W., T. T. Ross, C. R. Krehbiel, C. L. Schultz, and L. L. Melton. 2004. Effects of protein type on intake, nitrogen balance, and site, and extent of digestion in whiteface wethers consuming low-quality grass hay. J. Anim. Sci. 82:3567-3576. Salisbury, M.W. 2005. Goat Reproduction Management. Proceedings:Gathering of Goat Producers IV. Kiker, W.A., M.W. Salisbury and G.R. Engdahl. 2005. Effects of protein and energy feeding on ovine oocyte production and developmental capacity. J. Anim. Sci. Western Sect. Proc. 56:312-316. Woolley, D.K., B.J. May and M.W. Salisbury. 2005. Effect of protein level on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of Texas Rambouillet feeder lambs. J. Anim. Sci. Western Sect. Proc. 56:139-142. Salisbury, M.W., C.J. Lupton, J.M. Self, and G.R. Engdahl. 2005. Effect of the amount of hair at birth on fiber diameter and staple length at weaning in Rambouillet lambs. WERA Annual Meeting: Houston Texas. Kiker, W.A., M.W. Salisbury and G.R. Engdahl. 2005. Effects of protein and energy feeding on ovine oocyte production and developmental capacity. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Supp. 2:. Woolley, D.K., B.J. May and M.W. Salisbury. 2005. Effect of protein level on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of Texas Rambouillet feeder lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 83:Supp. 2:. Salisbury, M.W., B.J. May, S.J. Talley, M.A. Carr, and G.R. Engdahl. 2004. Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of feeder lamb implanted and re-implanted with Zeranol implants. Progress Report, Department of Agriculture, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX. R  10:114-122. Kiker, W.A., M.W. Salisbury, B.B. Green, and G.R. Engdahl. 2004. Effects of protein and energy feeding on ovine oocyte production and developmental capacity. Progress Report, Department of Agriculture, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX. R  10:123-131. Woolley, D.K., B.J. May, and M.W. Salisbury. 2004. Effect of protein level on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of Texas feeder lambs. Progress Report, Department of Agriculture, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX. R  10:132-139. Dusek, D.C., M.W. Salisbury, C.B. Scott, and F.S. Hartmann. 2004. Effects of bitterweed ingestion on fetal development and reproductive ability in sheep. Progress Report, Department of Agriculture, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX. R  10:47-57. Hart, A.M., M.A. Carr, D.F. Waldron, and M.W. Salisbury. 2004. Using real-time ultrasound to measure lamb carcasses and determine yield. Progress Report, Department of Agriculture, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX. R  10:77-88. Lackey, M.R., G.G. Hilton, M.A. Carr, J.D. Kellermeier, W.R. Hartnett, and M.W. Salisbury. 2004. Progress Report, Department of Agriculture, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX. R  10:105-113. Salisbury, M.W. 2006. Meat Goat Reproduction Strategies for Profit Minded Producers. Meat Goat Producers Workshop, Four Locations in Missouri Via Web Conferencing. Salisbury, M.W. 2005. Management Practices to Insure Reproductive Efficiency in Sheep. Missouri Livestock Symposium. Kirksville, Missouri. Salisbury, M.W. 2005. Meat Goat Reproduction Strategies for Profit Minded Producers. Missouri Livestock Symposium. Kirksville, Missouri. Salisbury, M.W. 2005. Sheep and Meat Breeding and Reproduction. Missouri Sheep and Meat Goat Training Program. Kirksville, Missouri. Salisbury, M.W. 2005. Goat reproduction management to assure a successful kid crop. The 4th Gathering of Goat Producers. Seguin, Texas. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, San Angelo Lupton, C.J., A. McColl, and R.H. Stobart. 2005. Fiber characteristics of Huacaya alpacas in the United States of America. Small Rumin. Res. (In press). Rodgers, A.D., C.J. Lupton, and S.D. Lukefahr. 2005. Fiber production and properties of rabbits with and without the recessive furless gene. J. Anim. Sci. (In press). Lupton, C.J. and R. Elvestad. 2005. A North American alpaca research project. Where in the world? Alpaca World Mag. Issue 14, Summer:14-17. Lupton, C.J., A. McColl, F.A. Pfeiffer, and R.H. Stobart. 2005. Fiber characteristics of U.S. Huacaya alpacas. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):173. Walker, J.W., E.S. Campbell, B.S. Engdahl, C.J. Lupton, C.B. Scott, C.A. Taylor, D.F. Waldron, and W.R. Whitworth. 2005. Considerations for using fecal NIRS for predicting botanical composition of diets. Western Extension, Research and Academic Coordinating Committee 039 (WERA 039) Ann. Rep. Houston, TX:18-19. Campbell, E.S., B.S. Engdahl, C.J. Lupton, C.B. Scott, C.A. Taylor, D.F. Waldron, J.W. Walker, and W.R. Whitworth. 2005. The use of fecal NIRS to identify levels of consumption of the toxic shrub juniper in a selective breeding program with goats. WERA 039 Ann. Rep. Houston, TX:20-21. Salisbury, M.W., C.J. Lupton, J.M. Self, and G.R. Engdahl. 2005. Effect of the amount of hair at birth on fiber diameter and staple length at weaning in Rambouillet lambs. WERA 039 Ann. Rep. Houston, TX:37. Lupton, C.J., J.W. Walker, B.S. Engdahl, and F.A. Pfeiffer. 2005. Prediction of greasy wool and mohair characteristics using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). WERA 039 Ann. Rep. Houston, TX:38-39. Campbell, E.S., B.S. Engdahl, C.J. Lupton, C.B. Scott, C.A. Taylor, Jr., D.F. Waldron, J.W. Walker, and W.R. Whitworth. 2005. The use of fecal NIRS to identify levels of consumption of the toxic shrub juniper in a selective breeding program with goats. Proc. 7th. Int. Symp. Poisonous Plants, Logan, UT. June 6-10. Lupton, C.J. 2004. Angora goats: production and management. IN Encyclopedia of Animal Science, Pond, W.G. and A.W. Bell, Eds. Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York:13-15. Lupton, C.J. 2004. Mohair: biology and characteristics. IN Encyclopedia of Animal Science, Pond W.G. and A.W. Bell, Eds. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York: 645-648. Lupton, C.J. 2004. Mohair: production and marketing. IN Encyclopedia of Animal Science, Pond, W.G. and A.W. Bell, Eds. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York: 649-652. Lupton, C.J. 2005. Wool: skirting, classing, and marketing. IN Encyclopedia of Animal Science, Pond, W.G. and A.W. Bell, Eds. Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York. Submitted 7-19-05. In press. Lupton, C.J. and F.A. Pfeiffer. 2004. Application of OFDA2000 technology to wool marketing and other fibers. Texas Agric. Exp. Sta. Ann. Rep. Texas Food & Fibers Comm. 28-34. Lupton, C.J., J.W. Walker, B.S. Engdahl, and F.A. Pfeiffer. 2004. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for rapid estimation of commercially important characteristics of raw animal fibers. Texas Agric. Exp. Sta. Ann. Rep. Texas Food & Fibers Comm:18-27. Taylor, C.A., E.S. Campbell, C.J. Lupton, D.F. Waldron, and J.W. Walker. 2004. Improving the use of goats to manage juniper. Texas Agric. Exp. Sta. Ann. Rep. Texas Food & Fibers Comm:8-17. Waldron, D.F. and C.J. Lupton. 2005. Improvement of sheep through selection of performance-tested and progeny-tested breeding animals. Texas Agric. Exp. Sta. Res. Cen. Tech. Rep. 2005-1. Waldron, D.F. and C.J. Lupton. 2005. Angora goat performance test report. Texas Agric. Exp. Sta. Res. Cen. Tech. Rep. 2005-3. Lupton, C.J. 2005. 2004 report on OFDA2000 usage in Texas. Ann. Rep. Amer. Sheep Indus. Assoc. 3/1/05. Elvestad, R. and C.J. Lupton. 2005. The effects of age, location, nutrition, and season on body weight, fiber production, and fiber quality characteristics of penned alpaca males. Natural Research Council Canada, Industrial Research Assistance Program. 91 pp.