New Methods of Worm Control
Copper Oxide Wire Particles
Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) have been found to reduce parasite
loads in sheep and goats. COWP were developed for copper deficiency
in cattle. Numerous research trials have demonstrated the efficacy
of COWP in controlling barber pole worm infections in sheep and
goats. Research is on-going.
Sheep producers realize that sheep are very susceptible to copper
toxicity and deaths can occur. The copper in COWP is very poorly
absorbed, thus reducing the risk of copper toxicity. Goats are less
susceptible to copper toxicity, tolerating up to 80 ppm.
COWP boluses can be made and administered on the farm using Copasure,
a copper bolus marketed for copper deficiency in cattle. These boluses
can be repackaged into doses suitable for sheep and goats.
In research trials, the minimum dose that has demonstrated control
is 0.5 g, but as much as 2-4 g may be necessary.
The FAMACHA© system can be used to determine which animals
should receive a COWP bolus. COWP should not be the only method
used for controlling parasites.
To learn more about the use of COWP to control parasites in sheep
and goats, read the 2007 fact sheet, "Tools
for managing internal parasites in small ruminants: copper oxide
wire particles." The fact sheet is a joint publication
of NCAT/ATTRA and the Southern
Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control.
Sericea Lespedeza
For several years now, small ruminant researchers and parasitologists
have been evaluating sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata)
as an alternative to anthelmintics (chemical dewormers).
Sericea lespedeza is a perennial warm season legume that grows
in acidic soils with low fertility. It is considered a noxious or
invasive weed in some states. Sericea is rich in tannins. Though
the mode of action is not fully understood, some plant tannins reduce
parasite loads in sheep and goats.
Studies with sericea lespedeza have involved mature sheep and goats,
as well as young lambs and kids. Sericea has been grazed as a fresh
forage and fed as loose or ground hay. More recent studies have
looked at feeding sericea as a pellet. The effects of sericea on
both natural and acquired infections have been evaluated.
While results of the studies have varied, sericea lespedeza has
generally been effective in controlling barber pole worm infections.
The barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is the primary
worm parasite affecting sheep and goats in warm, moist climates,
such as Maryland.
However, as with all methods of parasite control, producers should
not rely on sericea as the sole method for controlling parasites.
Parasite control requires an integrated approach that minimizes
the use of chemical dewormers.
To learn more about the use of sericea lespedeza to help control
parasites in sheep and goats, read the 2007 fact sheet, "Tools
for managing internal parasites in small ruminants: sericea lespedeza.”
The fact sheet is a joint publication of NCAT/ATTRA
and the Southern Consortium for Small
Ruminant Parasite Control (SCSRPC).
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Goats sought for 2008 pasture test
The 2008 Western Maryland
Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test will be conducted from
June 7 until October 4, 2008, at the University of Maryland's Western
Maryland Research & Education Center in Keedysville, Maryland.
The nomination period for this year's test is April 1-May 15. A
nomination fee of $20 per goat must accompany the nomination
form. Checks should be made payable to the University of Maryland.
An additional $55 will be due when the goats are delivered to the
test site.
Goat producers from any state may consign up to five male goats
to the test, though preference will be given to previous consigners
and Maryland residents. The pasture resource will accommodate approximately
fifty goats.
The guidelines
stipulate that the goats be between 3 and 5 months of age at the
start of the test. There is a minimum weight requirement of 35 lbs.
and it is suggested that goats weigh no more than 70 lbs. They should
be weaned prior to the test and have received two vaccinations for
clostridium perfringins type C and D and tetanus (CD-T)
During the test, the goats will be managed as a single group on
pasture. They will be rotationally grazed among five 2-acre paddocks.
For 2008, the paddocks will consist of primarily orchardgrass, Max
Q™ tall fescue, chicory, pearl millet, and forage kale.
The goats will always have access to a central laneway containing
port-a-hut shelters, water, minerals, and a handling system. As
this is a pasture test, supplemental feed (nutrition tubs and/or
grass hay) will only be provided if environmental conditions necessitate
their use.
While on test, the goats will be evaluated for growth performance,
parasite resistance, and carcass merit. They will be handled every
two weeks using low stress livestock handling techniques to determine
body weight, FAMACHA© and body condition scores and assess
overall health. Only goats scoring 4 or 5 on the FAMACHA© eye
anemia scale will be dewormed, unless other clinical signs are observed.
Fecal samples will be collected every 14 days until the goats require
deworming. Scrotal measurements will be taken at the beginning and
end of the test. Ultrasound carcass measurements will be done towards
the end of the testing period. Consigners may nominate up to two
goats for the collection of slaughter data. There will be an additional
fee of $25 per head for this option. The slaughter component is
NEW for 2008.
There will be a Performance Tested Buck and Invitational Doe Sale
on Saturday, October 4, at the Washington County Agricultural Center
in Boonsboro, MD (an adjacent property).
The top 20 bucks based on performance data and minimum standards
for structural correctness and reproductive soundness will be eligible
to sell via live auction.
In addition, consigners will be able to nominate up to 5 doe kids
for each male goat they have on test. Sale does must have on-farm
performance records.
A Goat Field Day will be held at the research center prior to the
sale. The field day and sale are NEW for 2008.
For more information about the 2008 goat test, sale, and field day,
contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu;
Jeff Semler at (301) 791-1304 or jsemler@umd.edu,
or Jeanne Dietz-Band at (301) 432-7296 or jdietzba@umd.edu.
Information can also be obtained from the blog at
http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com.
The Meat Goat Test is sponsored by University of Maryland Cooperative
Extension. Visit http://sheepandgoat.com/releases/goattest-08release.html
to access the nomination form, guidelines and protocol, Maryland
Health Regulations, and CVI and self-certification form.
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Maryland
had a little lamb
The University of Maryland (UMCP) owns and houses a small flock
of breeding Katahdin and White Dorper hair sheep at their facility
directly on the College Park Campus, the CAMPUS FARM. The facility
is also home to the resident horses, cattle, pigs, and chickens!
The Animal and Avian Science Department uses the animals at the
Campus Farm as a student teaching facility to help enrich the students’
learning experience outside the classroom.
By offering such classes as ANSC 235, commonly called “Lamb
Watch,” students can gain valuable hands-on experience that
can be used in expanding their education in animal care and management.
Should you have any questions about our Department, University,
facility, or animals, please feel free to contact: Lindsay Callahan,
Campus Farm Manager, at (301) 405-1298, or e-mail at lindsayc@umd.edu.
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Educational
opportunites
2008 Maryland-Delaware Shearing Schools
The 2008 MD-DE Sheep Shearing School for beginners will be held
Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The
school for advanced shearers (those who have attended previous schools
and sheared at least 150 sheep) will be held Saturday, April 5,
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Both schools will be held at Ridgely Thompson's
farm at 1942 Uniontown Road, Westminster, MD 21157.
Participation (minimum age is 16) is limited to the first 25 for
the beginners' school and first 10 for the advanced school. The
registration deadline for the beginners' school is March 17. The
registration fee is $80 per person and includes a copy of ASI's
Sheep Shearing Notebook and instructional DVD. The registration
deadline for the advanced school is March 28. The registration fee
is $25 per person.
The New Zealand method of shearing will be taught. Blade shearing
will not be taught. Instructors are David Greene, Dr. Richard Barczewski,
and Aaron Geiman. The schools are sponsored by University of Maryland
and Delaware Cooperative Extension, the Maryland Sheep Breeders
Association, and the Delaware Sheep and Wool Producers Association.
Information and registration forms are available online at:
Beginners' school: http://www.sheepandgoat.com/rograms/08shearschoolbeg.pdf
Advanced school: http://www.sheepandgoat.com/rograms/08shearschooladv.pdf
MPWV Spring Educational Conference
The Maryland-Pennsylvania-West Virginia (MPWV) Meat Goat Producers
Association will be holding an educational seminar on April 26th
at Carroll Community College in Westminster, Maryland. The seminar
will be held at the college from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. before moving
to Don and Pam Adams' Bridgestone Manor Farm for lunch and a field
day from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Seminar topics will include: traditional veterinary and health
care; selling your goats; pasture and nutrition; non-traditional
goat health care; and the pros and cons of registering your goats.
Field day topics will include: getting ready for the show: trimming
hooves and clipping goats; animal health: giving shots correctly
and evaluating goat health.
A separate educational track for youth is being planned. It will
cover selecting, raising, and getting our kid(s) ready for the show
and sale. The day's speakers will include veterinarians, extension
agents, and experienced goat producers.
The conference will begin with a business meeting and discussion
of upcoming events: Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance
Tested Buck and Invitational Doe Sale (October 4); WV Purebred Sheep
Show & Sale (which includes goats), Washington County (MD) Open
Class Goat Show, and plans for the 2009 educational conference.
The cost is $15 per person or $25 per family (paid in advance)
or $20/person and $30/family (if paid at the door). Lunch is included
in the registration fee. For more information, contact Pam Adams
at 443-802-3734 (cell) or pamela.j.adams@eds.com.
The MPWV Meat Goat Producers Association (http://www.meatgoat.biz/)
was organized to promote the meat goat industry and provide its
members with information to help them breed and market high quality
meat goats. The association includes members from Maryland, Pennsylvania,
and West Virginia. Membership dues are $35 for the first year and
$20 for subsequent years.
NLFA Sheep Industry Leadership School
The California sheep industry will be the focus of the Howard Wyman
Sheep Industry Leadership School, when the 23rd annual Leadership
School meets July 13-16, 2008 in Dixon, California.
Interested sheep men and women with all levels of experience in
the sheep industry may apply by completing a brief application and
submitting a short essay explaining their experience in the sheep
industry and what they would like to learn.
Applications must be received by May 1, 2008 and no fee is required.
However, once selected, applicants will be notified and asked to
submit a registration fee of $100 to secure their placement.
The National Lamb Feeders Association (NLFA) covers the other program
costs, including food, lodging and tour expenses. Participants are
responsible for their own travel to and from the Dixon, CA site.
For more information, visit the NFLA web site, www.nfla-sheep.org.
Delmarva Goat Association
The Delmarva Goat Association was organized in April 2007. It currently
has about 40 members, comprised of adult as well as youth producers
and exhibitors of meat goat, dairy goat, and Pygmy goats.
The Delmarva Goat Association's mission statement is to promote
the education, breeding, showing, and marketing of all breeds of
goats within the Delmarva region, through networking, professional
seminars, clinics, breeding and marketing services, and sanctioned
shows.
**Goat Field Day on April 5**
The association's first large event will be a Goat Field
Day on Saturday, April 5, 2008, in Camden-Wyoming, Delaware. The
field day will feature seminars conducted by professional educators
and nationally-recognized breeders. In addition, there will be a
small auction, raffle, and private treaty sales.
The goal of the field day is to provide a well-rounded experience
to our youth, as well as adults, who are interested in goats for
pleasure or business. For more information about the Delmarva Goat
Association and field day, contact Kim Vincent at kimv.1@netzero.net.
Download program flyer for field day at http://www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/DelMarVa.pdf
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Just for Youth:
Sheep & Wool Skillathon
The Sheep & Wool Skillathon will be held on Sunday, May 4,
8 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. The
Festival (www.sheepandwool.org)
is always held the first full weekend in May at the Howard County
Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland.
The Sheep and Wool Skillathon is open to any youth between the ages
of 8 and 18. Individuals and teams (of 3 or 4) from any county,
state, or province may compete. Youth compete according to their
actual, not 4-H, age. Youth ages 8 to 11 compete as juniors; youth
ages 12 to 13 compete as intermediates; and youth 14 to 18 compete
as seniors.
The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival awards ribbons and premiums
to the top ten individuals in each age division and Festival t-shirts
to the members of the top three teams in each age division.
A Skillathon provides youth with the opportunity to blend knowledge
and skills acquired in livestock judging, demonstrations, and care
and exhibition of livestock into a single activity. It consists
of a series of stations where youth are tested on their knowledge
and abilities related to livestock. All of the stations in the Sheep
& Wool Skillathon will obviously relate to sheep and wool.
Last year’s Sheep & Wool Skillathon consisted of the following
stations: equipment ID, disease ID, forage and feed ID, breed ID,
meat ID, fleece (wool) judging (Rambouillet fleeces), sheep judging
(Romney yearling ewes), hay judging (grass hay), a written test
(10 Qs for juniors, 15 Qs for intermediates, and 20 Qs for seniors),
and a senior team problem (calculating average daily gain, feed
efficiency, cost of gain, and profitability of feeding lambs).
Study resources for Skillathon teams can be found at the Skillathon’s
web page at www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/skillathon/skillathon.html.
Sponsors are currently being sought for each of the Skillathon stations.
Sponsors (individuals, organizations, or businesses) will receive
recognition via signage and press. So far, the following companies
and organizations have agreed to sponsor stations: Premier
Sheep Supplies, Ltd. - equipment ID; Sheep!
Magazine - breed ID; Frederick Sheep Breeders Association -
sheep judging; and The
Delmarva Farmer - undecided.
In 2007, the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival hosted the 2nd annual
Sheep & Wool Skillathon. Ninety-five (95) youth from six states
and nine Maryland counties competed for prizes. The first place
junior team was from St. Mary's/Calvert County. The first place
intermediate and senior teams were from Carroll County.
For more information, to register individuals or teams for the 2008
contest (April 20 registration deadline), or to sponsor one of the
Skillathon stations, please contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767
x343 or sschoen@umd.edu.
www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/skillathon/skillathon.html
New 4-H Animal Science Specialist
Christopher
Anderson has accepted the position of 4-H and Youth Animal Science
Specialist with the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension.
He will begin work at the Maryland 4-H Center on April 21. Chris
fills the position previously held by Willard Lemaster.
Chris Anderson currently serves as a two county (Sangamon-Menard
Unit) 4-H educator in Illinois. He has been with University
of Illinois Cooperative Extension for 20 years. Chris grew up on
a livestock and grain farm in central Illinois. He served in the
Peace Corps in Haiti.
He holds a B.S. degree in Animal Agricultural Science and an M.S.
degree in Extension Education from the University of Illinois at
Champaign-Urbana. In recent years, Chris has served as national
president of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents.
The 4-H and Youth Program in Maryland welcomes Chris' expertise
to the 4-H Animal Science program.
2008 Maryland State Fair Schedule
The Maryland State Fair will resume its traditional schedule in
2008. 4-H livestock activities will be centered around the first
weekend of the fair, while open class livestock shows will occur
Labor Day weekend. The dates for the 2008 fair are August 22-September
1.
In 2007, the schedule was changed, in hopes of reversing the downward
trend in 4-H livestock entries, partially attributed to conflicts
with school opening dates, which vary by county.
http://www.bcpl.net/~mdstfair/
Changes to 4-H Meat Goat Show
Several changes were approved for the 2008 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Show.
The yearling doe classes have been split. Does that have kidded
will not compete against does that have not kidded yet. The breeding
show consists of a commercial and registered division, with all
breeds competing together.
A county group class has been added to the market goat show. To
be eligible, counties must show four market goats from a minimum
of three exhibitors.
Ten market goats will now be eligible to sell at the 4-H Livestock
Auction. Previously, goats were limited to six sale animals. The
Grand Champion Market Goat must sell, whereas the Reserve Champion
and Champion Rate-of-Gain animals have the option of selling after
the champion. Other sale animals will be chosen by the judge. Market
goats must weigh a minimum of 50 lbs. to be eligible for the sale.
Contact Susan Schoenian at sschoen@umd.edu
or (301) 432-2767 x343 for more information about the state fair
4-H meat goat show.
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DSU update
from Dr. Dahlia Jackson
It’s been a cold winter and at DSU we’re looking forward
to springtime to get started with our planned research projects.
We weaned our October born kids in January when they were approximately
3 months of age and we will be kidding again in March with a separate
breeding group.
The weaned kids are from does that were used last spring in an
out-of-season breeding project. We did this study to look at the
buck effect alone or the buck effect in combination with progesterone
priming to induce and synchronize estrus in does during the non-breeding
season (April – early May).
The buck effect (also known as the ram or male effect) defined
simply is the induction and synchronization of estrus in females
following the separation from sight, sound, and smell of all males
for a period of at least three weeks.
An undergraduate student, Jodie Lynn Eierman, assisted with conducting
this project and the results were presented at the Southern Section
American Society of Animal Science meeting a few weeks ago.
Early last May, fifty-four crossbred does were used in the experiment
and were separated into two groups. In one group, estrus was induced
and synchronized using only the buck effect (27 does) while in the
other group, estrus was induced and synchronized by progesterone
priming prior to the buck effect (27 does). We took blood samples
from all females to ensure that they were not cycling.
Regumate™ was the progesterone of choice for this experiment
because previous studies with another progesterone, Melengestrol
acetate (MGA), resulted in reduced fertility in treated females.
Therefore, we wanted to see if Regumate™ could be an effective
alternative. Some of you might be familiar with Regumate™
since it has been used for many years to suppress estrus in the
swine and horse industry.
Following treatment, all females were grouped for mating with 4
meat-type bucks (2 Boer and 2 Kiko) wearing marking harnesses for
a period of 15 days. We checked twice daily to see which females
were in estrus and who had been mated.
Even though on average, Regumate™ primed females were mated
faster than the group that received no priming (3 versus 6 1/2 days),
all females were mated at the end of the breeding period (15 days).
Similar numbers of females in both groups (combined 42 out of 54
females used) kidded with birth weights averaging approximately
7 lbs and litter size averaging 2.3 kids.
At weaning, there were no differences between the groups, with
kid weight averaging 40 lbs and around 2 kids weaned per/doe.
For this study, we concluded that progesterone priming was not
necessary to induce cycling and the buck effect alone could be used
to induce and synchronize estrus in does. Also, Regumate™
did not negatively influence fertility since similar numbers of
females were mated and kidded in both groups.
For 2008, we plan on repeating the study to include a third group
that will be primed with Melengestrol Acetate (MGA) in order to
make comparisons between the two products (MGA and Regumate™).
At DSU, we enjoyed kidding in the fall last year. Our Animal Science
students actively participated in our kidding project and due to
this we had minimal problems and kid losses.
In addition, the temperature was warm which made it even more enjoyable.
Even though we had to feed more at this time of year (due to limited
pastures), the kids grew a lot better and most of this can be attributed
to less parasite problems at this time of year.
If you would like more information on year-round breeding in sheep
and goats and for more information on the project mentioned above
please contact me at (302) 857 – 6490 or djjackson@desu.edu.
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The
"skinny" on sore mouth
Despite research, “sore mouth,” also known as “scabby
mouth” or contagious ecthyma, remains an industry challenge.
A six-year-old survey showed that four out of 10 U.S. sheep and
goat operations reported sore mouth infecting their flocks in the
previous three years. And, with no known treatment and only 14 percent
of nursing lambs vaccinated—and just 5 percent of operators
using a vaccination in replacement or breeding ewes, sore mouth
will continue to invade sheep and goat herds.
The pox virus that causes sore mouth is found worldwide and is
easily spread between animals and can be passed from an infected
kid to a doe’s teats. Additionally, the scabs of infected
animals contain a virus. As such, scabs that fall off an infected
animal can serve as a source of infection to susceptible animals
for up to a month.
A flock can also become infected through contaminated soil, bedding,
feed or trucks, or by direct contact with infected animals such
as at shows or replacement animals brought onto the operation.
The sore mouth virus can be passed within a flock by carrier animals
that may not show symptoms. Once an animal has been infected, it
takes two to 14 days for the first signs of disease to appear. Infected
animals usually recover from sore mouth within a month.
Animals may become infected with sore mouth more than once in their
lifetime although infections are likely to occur years apart and
subsequent infections are usually less severe.
Sore mouth lesions are painful and may cause reduced feed intake
and weight loss. In a young kid, these sores can cause the kid to
stop nursing. As a consequence, the kid may incur severe weight
loss, stunted growth, or even death. If a doe’s teats become
infected, she may become too painful to nurse the kid and will abandon
it.
Being a zoonotic disease, sore mouth can be transmitted to humans
who come in contact with infected animals. People often develop
sores on their hands. These sores may be painful and can last for
up to two months. People do not infect other people, however.
Certain measures can be taken to lessen the risk of sore mouth
infection:
- Reduce the likelihood of mouth and muzzle cuts. For
example, remove thistle or harsh brush from grazing areas.
- Quarantine new animals until sore mouth can be ruled
out.
- Avoid bringing animals with sore mouth to public
events such as fairs and shows.
In addition, since sore mouth may be transmitted through saliva,
it is recommended that hands not be placed on the muzzle or inserted
into the mouth of sheep and goats at shows and then placed on or
into the mouth of other sheep and goats from other flocks in the
show ring or pens. Commercial live virus vaccines are available
to help protect against sore mouth.
Producers considering the use of an orf vaccine should consult
a veterinarian. Use of a vaccine is only suggested for previously
infected flocks since the vaccination will cause an orf infection
in the animals and could lead to contamination of the operation
with virus-containing scabs. In addition, all sore mouth vaccines
contain live virus that can cause infection in humans. As such proper
protective measures must be taken when vaccinating.
If you observe animals that appear to have more serious symptoms
than sore mouth, call your veterinarian, state or federal animal
disease control officials or your county agricultural agent. The
reason: foot-and- mouth disease resembles sore mouth and can affect
sheep and goats. Although FMD has not occurred in the United States
since 1929, one cannot be too cautious.
Reprinted from the Sheep & Goat Health Report, Fall/Winter
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Focus
on research
No beneficial effects of treatment for tapeworms
Opinions on the importance of tapeworms (Moniezia sp.)
to sheep (and goat) health and growth are controversial. Researchers
in Germany used two flocks of sheep and several breeds of sheep
to determine the effect of treatment (with praziquantel) for tapeworms.
Individual fecal flotations were performed (using a combination
of zinc chloride and sodium chloride). Lambs were assigned to treatment
(n=117) or control (n=117) groups.
The treated animals received a commercial 2.5% solution of praziquantel
at 3.75 mg/kg orally, repeated every six weeks for up to 4 treatments.
All lambs, treated and control, received oral moxidectin on the
same schedule, at the labeled dosage, to remove possible effects
of nematodes on lamb health.
At the beginning of the trial, in June-July, 28 to 45% of lambs
were positive for tapeworm eggs. The percentage dropped off markedly
in both the treated and untreated lambs, such that 0 to 7% of treated
animals and 0 to 9% of control lambs had detectable eggs at the
last sampling before slaughter, up to 140 days after the beginning
of the trial.
There was no significant differences in body weight between the
groups. In fact, the animals that remained infected with tapeworms
were often heavier than the average of the uninfected lambs.
Reinfection presumably occurred on pasture as 11 of 22 lambs last
treated 30-36 days before slaughter had juvenile tapeworms in the
intestine as did 5 of 45 necropsied up to 29 days after the final
treatment. 29 of the 67 control lambs contained juvenile tapeworms.
In this study, the researchers found no clear evidence for
pathogenicity. A beneficial effect of treatment for tapeworms could
not be demonstrated in this trial.
Source: Wool & Wattles, AASRP Newsletter, Oct-Dec 2007.
Read in-depth article about tapeworms at www.sheepandgoat.com/articles/tapeworms.html.
About praziquantel
Praziquantel is considered to be more effective at removing
tapeworms than albendazole (Valbazen®), which is more effective
than fenbendazole (SafeGuard®). Praziquantel is marketed in
the U.S. primarily for cats and dogs as Droncit®. Some horse
dewormers contain praziquantel: Zimecterin® Gold Paste, Equimax™
Paste, and Quest® Plus Gel.
Low stress weaning
German scientists evaluated the effects of age at weaning in combination
with different weaning procedures on two breeds of lambs (Merinoland,
Rhoenschaf). Lambs were weaned at either 8 or 16 weeks of age in
two stages or with the traditional method of weaning by abrupt separation.
In the 2-stage treatment, the lambs were prevented from suckling
their dams for 1 week (stage 1) before their separation (stage 2).
Control lambs were nursed by their dams until they were separated.
Lamb body weight and behavior were recorded before and after separation.
After separation, lambs weaned at 8 weeks of age had better average
daily gain (ADG) than lambs weaned at 16 weeks of age. ADG until
12 and 16 weeks of age did not differ for either treatment in the
study.
Based on behavior data, lambs weaned in two stages were less distressed
than lambs weaned by the traditional method of abrupt separation.
Control lambs had higher agitation scores regardless of weaning
age or breed.
Read abstract in Journal of Animal Science (January 2008)
at http://jas.fass.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/1/220.
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Prevalence
of scrapie in goats
While there have been only 19 cases of scrapie in goats reported
since 1990, the extent to which the disease affects goats is not
known. USDA is in the process of determining the prevalence of scrapie
in the U.S. goat population.
The study started in May of 2007 and is expected to be completed
in 2008. The primary sampling sites are those most likely to slaughter
goats that have been comingled with sheep and slaughter facilities
which have found scrapie-infected sheep.
The goal of the study is to determine the prevalence of scrapie
in goats. If no scrapie is found, there will be a 95 percent confidence
that the prevalence is below 0.1 percent (1 in 1,000 goats).
USDA is currently conducting research to determine which codons
affect scrapie susceptibility in goats. Currently, all goats test
QQ, though it is not known if resistance /susceptibility is determined
solely by codon 171.
Source: Sheep & Goat Health Report, Fall/Winter 2007.
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Featured Web Site
eXtension: an internet resource you can trust
eXtension was officially
launched on February 21 in a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony. The
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture did the honors from the USDA Ag Outlook
Forum in Washington DC. A local extension office from each of the
seventy-five land grant universities participated via web conference.
In Maryland, the Washington County Extension Office hosted the eXtension
public launch.
eXtension is unlike any other search engine or information-based
website. It's a space where university content providers can gather
and produce new educational and information resources on wide-ranging
topics.
Because it's available to students, researchers, clinicians, professors,
as well as the general public, at any time from any Internet connection,
eXtension helps solve real-life problems in real time.
eXtension resource areas are known as Communities of Practice (COP).
These Community of Practices are typically multi-institutional,
multi-state, and multi-disciplinary bringing the "best of the
best" educational resources to the public. A “meat goat”
COP is currently being developed.
http://www.extension.org
Participate in an eXtension Webinar
Are you considering adding a value-added product to your agricultural
business? Want to learn what makes one value-added product a cash
generator and another product a money pit? Join eXtension's Entrepreneurs
and Their Communities team for an online workshop on Wednesday,
March 26 from 1:30-2:30 (EST).
Ginger S. Myers, Ag Marketing Specialist with the University of
Maryland Cooperation Extension. is the featured speaker. The title
of her presentation is “Marketing Value-added Products: Where
do I sell all this stuff?”
No pre-registration is required and there is no fee to participate.
About 10 minutes prior to the start time simply go the Adobe Connect
Pro meeting room at http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ecop/.
You will be presented with a login screen that has an "Enter
as Guest" option. Enter your first name, last name and state,
then click "Enter Room" to join the conference.
To hear the audio of the workshop and participate in the Q&A
portion of the workshop we will be using a built-in teleconferencing
capability of Adobe's Connect Pro conferencing software.
Once you log into the meeting you will be presented with the option
to enter your call-back number, your phone will automatically be
called. After entering your number you will be automatically called
and joined into the audio portion of the Web conference on your
phone. The session will be recorded and posted to the internet.
Newcomers to online learning are welcome! We're all learning this
together. For more information, contact Cindy Mason at 301-432-2767
x301 or cmason@umd.edu.
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Table of Contents
Goats improve bog turtle habitat
The bog
turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is a threatened species
in Maryland and other eastern states. It is found in Carroll, Baltimore,
Harford, and Cecil counties. In fact, Maryland has 30 percent of
the global population of bog turtles.
The habitat of bog turtles is being threatened by development,
shifts in land use, woody succession, and invasive plant species.
In 2007, the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Landowner
Incentive Program (LIP) designed, implemented, and funded two
prescribed grazing projects in Carroll County to restore wetlands
for bog turtles.
Both projects utilized goats to control young red maple trees and
multiflora rose that were threatening the open canopy and delicate
wetland ecosystem required by bog turtles.
Those involved with the prescribed grazing projects were very satisfied
with the first year results. The projects will be repeated in 2008,
with a few modifications: lower stocking rates and supplemental
feeding of the goats. DNR is hoping to expand the prescribed grazing
projects to other counties.
Goat producers in the mentioned counties should contact Linh Phu
at (410) 260-8554 or LPhu@dnr.state.md.us,
if they are interested in leasing their goats out for future prescribed
grazing projects. Linh is a biologist with DNR’s Landowner
Incentive Program.
Source: Technical Memorandum: Restoring bog turtle wetlands
with the use of prescribed grazing: first year results. Maryland
Department of Natural Resources, January 2008.
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Table of Contents
Calendar
of Events
March 27-28 - MD-DE Sheep Shearing School for Beginners
Ridgely Thompson Farm, Westminster, MD
Info: David L. Greene at (301) 329-6241 or greelamb@verizon.net
April 5 - MD-DE Advanced Sheep Shearing School
Ridgely Thompson Farm, Westminster, MD
Info: David L. Greene at (301) 329-6241 or greelamb@verizon.net
April 5 - Delmarva Goat Association Field Day
Camden-Wyoming, DE
Info: Dr. Dahlia Jackson at (302) 857-6490 or djjackson@desu.edu
April 8-9 - Targeted Grazing Workshop
Pennsylvania Furnace, PA
Info: Rochelle Oxarango at (208) 436-1113 or targetgraze@pmt.org
April 26 - MPWV Spring Educational Conference
Carroll Community College & Bridgestone Manor Farm
Info: Pam Adams at 443-802-3734 (cell) or pamela.j.adams@eds.com
May 3-4 - Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival
Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MD
Info: www.sheepandwool.org
June 7 - Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Test
Starts
Western MD Research & Education Ctr., Keedysville, MD
Info: Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 or sschoen@umd.edu
June 18 - Maryland-Delaware Wool Pool
Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD
Info: Dr. Rich Barczewski at (302) 857-6410 or rbarczew@desu.edu
September 25-27 - Katahdin Hair Sheep International Annual
Gathering
Sheraton Four Points Hotel and Washington Co. Agricultural Education
Center
Info: Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu
or http://www.khsi.org
October 4 - Performance-Tested Buck and Invitational Doe
Sale & Goat Field Day
Washington Co. Agricultural Education Ctr., Boonsboro, MD
Field Day held at the W MD Research & Education Center
Info: Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu
Calendar of Events at SheepGoatMarketing.info
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Table of Contents
 Wild
& Woolly (formerly The Maryland Sheep & Goat Producer)
is published bi-monthly by University of Maryland Cooperative
Extension. It is written and edited by Susan Schoenian, Sheep
and Goat Specialist, at the Western Maryland Research & Education
Center. To receive the newsletter, contact the Western Maryland
Research & Education Center: 18330 Keedysville Road, Keedysville,
MD 21756, (301) 432-2767 ext. 343 or 301, fax (301) 432-4089;
or e-mail: sschoen@umd.edu
or Cindy Mason, administrative assistant, at cmason@umd.edu.
The cost of receiving the newsletter by mail is $10 per year payable
to the University of Maryland. The newsletter is free when accessed
via the Internet.
You can be added to a list to receive an e-mail
message when a new newsletter has been posted to the web at www.sheepandgoat.com/news/index.html.
Comments and suggestions regarding the newsletter are always welcome.
References to commercial products or trade names are made with
the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement
by Maryland Cooperative Extension is implied.
Articles may be reprinted with permission of
the author(s). More information on sheep and goats can be accessed
at http://mdsheepgoat.blogspot.com
and http://www.sheepgoatmarketing.info.
Article submissions are encouraged. Articles may be reprinted
with permission of author.
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