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2006–2012 Expanding Boundaries A REPORT OF THE E (KIKA) de la GARZA AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR GOAT RESEARCH, LANGSTON UNIVERSITY

C ON T E N T S Mission

Director’s Message

History of the Institute

Research Farm

Personnel

Central Laboratory

Student Involvement

Research Overview

Research Grants

Extension Overview

Extension Grants

International Overview

International Grants

Publications

A DM I N I ST R AT OR S Kent J. Smith, Jr., Ph.D., President, Langston University Marvin Burns, Ph.D., Dean, School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences Vernon Jones, Ph.D., Associate Dean, School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences Tilahun Sahlu, Ph.D., Director, E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research

C ON TACT I N F OR M AT ION E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research E.L. Holloway Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Center Langston University Langston, OK 73050 405-466-3836 http://www2.luresext.edu

2006–2012, Expanding Boundaries, A report of the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University is produced by the Office of the Director, E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research. Design / PennieWorks Studio

Photography / Phil Shockley Photography

Copyright© 2012. For details about research work highlighted in this report or reproduction permission, contact the Director. The information released herein does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the research sponsors. The use of trade names implies no endorsement by Langston University. Langston University, in compliance with the Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. This publication, issued by Langston University as authorized by the Office of the Director, E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research, was printed by University Printing Services at a cost of $9,900, 1,800 copies, June, 2012.

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Welcome

elcome to the report of activities of the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research, the United Statesâ€™ premier institution for goat research, extension, and international activities. In the last six years, our boundaries have expanded even as we have strengthened our core foundation programs. Within the pages of this report, you will find a synopsis of our major accomplishments. Institute scientists and extension specialists lead the way in publishing pertinent research findings, developing user-friendly

technology for information dissemination to producers, and implementing developmentcentered assistance programs internationally. If you are not familiar with our exciting and forward-looking research programs, producer-centered extension and outreach activities, and dynamic international activities, you soon will be. Our passion is enhancing goat productivity and improving the lives of goat producers worldwide. We hope that this report will ignite some of those same passions in you.

L A NG ST ON U N I V ER SI T Yâ€ƒâ€ƒ E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H

MIS SION

HE MISSION OF THE E (KIK A) DE L A GAR ZA AMERIC AN INSTITUTE FOR GOAT RESE ARCH is to develop and transfer enhanced goat production system technologies, with impacts at local, state, regional, national, and international levels. The Institute strives to fulfill this mission through excellence in a results-driven, highly productive research program; an effective, client-oriented extension approach; and dynamic international activities that stress development and human capacity building. Cutting-edge research focuses on providing new information relevant and usable by producers and researchers alike. Enhancing information exchange and producer skill levels through hands-on workshops, field days, and web-based information and interactive components is the goal of the extension program. Care for goat producers worldwide is engendered through international activities that encompass research, human capacity building, and village development. These programs, along with knowledgeable and caring personnel and a dedication to the improvement of the lives of goat producers around the world, have made the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research a recognized leader in the arena of goat production technologies. PRE PARI NG a young Boer goat for heart rate monitoring in a feed efficiency study

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E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H L A NG ST ON U N I V E R S I T Y

Director’s Message

s of 2012, the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research, previously known as the E (Kika) de la Garza Institute for Goat Research, and originally christened as the American Institute for

Goat Research, is more than 25 years old.

industry evolved over the past two and During this short time, U.S. goat proone-half decades, so has the Institute. The duction evolved from primarily a backyard demand for goat meat in the U.S. continues hobby into a full-fledged industry encomto rise, even to the point of exceeding the passing meat, dairy, and fiber production. supply. The concomitant increase in price Along the way, the fledgling industry faced for goat meat may seem desirable to some; many challenges and periods of uncertainty, however, this could lead to but throughout exhibited excessive sale of does and steady, significant progress SI NCE T H E I NST IT U T E WAS a lower national inventory. and growth. Over the years, FORMED, GOAT PRODUCTION To achieve a strong the E (Kika) de la Garza I N T H E U. S . H A S E VO LV E D research program, Institute American Institute for Goat F R OM P R I M A R I LY A B AC Kfaculty aggressively Research has expanded YA R D HOB BY I N T O A F U L L seek extramural support the boundaries of research FLEDGED INDUSTRY. that provides funds for and extension striving to equipment, supplies, and provide producers with personnel to conduct research. The most essential, relevant information vital to the important grant program for the Institute in growth and viability of the industry. the last six years has been the USDA 1890 The Institute’s research, extension, and Institution Capacity Building Grant Program. international programs have had tremenFunding received through this and other prodous achievements during the past six years. grams has greatly enhanced our present and The Institute conducts research and extenfuture research and extension capabilities. sion activities in a wide array of areas and Recently in 2009, the Institute established includes all major types of goats raised in the first small ruminant skin and hide pilot the U.S., i.e., meat, milk, DR . TI L AH U N SAHLU is Director of the E processing plant at a university in the U.S., and(or) fiber. As the goat (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research.

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DIRECTOR’S ME S SAGE

demonstrating a firm commitment to the wide range of technologies of interest to our clientele. This facility is a complement to our Animal Fiber Laboratory used to characterize quality of mohair and cashmere fiber as well as our dairy processing laboratory and creamery. Furthermore, efforts are continuing to establish a small ruminant meat laboratory and processing unit. Our superb extension program serves as the link between our clients and the Institute in disseminating information and in learning of producer concerns. One constant of our T H E INSTIT U T E M AINTAINS extension program during A BA L ANCE D AN D INTE R the last 25 years has been C ON N E C T E D P R O G R A M OF our annual Goat Field Day, RE SEARCH, EXTENSION, AND held the last Saturday in INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIE S. April, to which the reader is cordially invited. Other important extension activities include workshops, our annual Meat Goat Buck Performance Test, and our quarterly Goat Newsletter. In addition to traditional extension methods, the Institute now places a strong emphasis on disseminating information through its website, www2.luresext.edu, which I hope you will visit. Our Meat Goat Production Handbook has been a major success story. The first edition completely sold out. Presently, we

GRANT AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS

800 700 600 500 400

ARTICLES AND ABSTRACTS PUBLISHED

30 25 20 15 10 5 0

2007

Articles

2009

2010

2011

Abstracts

•

new and improved facilities

•

acquisition of the latest research equipment

•

productivity as measured by extramural funding

200

• manuscripts

100

2008

are making final preparations to publish a comprehensive second edition, with production information targeted at all regions of the U.S. Moreover, because of the increasing number of Spanish-speaking individuals raising goats, educational materials will be developed in Spanish. Lastly, the meat goat production web-based certification program reaches not only domestic producers, but also many international producers. During the past six years, the Institute has expanded its international vision conducting activities ranging from training of visiting scientists to international research to agricultural development projects. The Institute is proud of its contribution to the development of scientific expertise in other countries and of its projects that directly assist poor farmers in many regions of the world. During the last six years we proudly point to a long list of great achievements:

300

published in peer-reviewed

journals

0 2006

2007

Research

2006

2008

2009

Extension

2010

2011

International

•

and most of all high impact research, extension, and international activities.

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These activities focus the Institute’s ability to serve its clientele. This report highlights the progress and contributions made by the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research to the industry in the last six years. Building new and improved facilities, equipping laboratories with modern analytical instruments, disseminating research results to the scientific community and producers, and successful implementation of high impact research, extension, and international programs are evidence of the hard work done by Institute scientists and staff, of whom I am very proud.

As you peruse this report I’m certain you will be as pleased with the steady progress made at the Institute in the last six years as I am. I also hope that you will be as confident as I am that the Institute is ready to respond to whatever future challenges await and that the achievements of the coming years will be equally impressive.

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E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H L A NG ST ON U N I V E R S I T Y

History of the Institute

he E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research, previously known as the American Institute for Goat Research and more recently as the E (Kika) de la Garza Institute for Goat Research,

was founded at Langston University in 1984 to generate and disseminate technical information on goats, advance the knowledge of goat production, and enhance the utilization of goat products.

The first facilities of the Institute were built in 1985–86 and included many of the buildings at the Main Farm today, such as the lactation and maternity barns, arena, feed mill, and milking parlor. In 1987–88, storage, THE INSTITUTE BEGAN WITH machinery, dairy proA SMALL NUMBER OF ALPINE cessing, metabolism, AND ANGORA GOATS BUT HAS and surgery facilities EXPANDED TO ADDRESS BOER were added. A N D S PA N I S H G OAT S F O R During the early period MEAT PRODUCTION AS WELL of the Institute’s history, AS THE CASHMERE INDUSTRY the foundation animals WITH SPANISH GOATS. were acquired, with 70 Alpine kids arriving in 1985 and 60 Angora goats in 1986. These goats were N E W OFFICE , research laboratory, and

DR . FR ANK PINK E RTON with Alpine goats in early days of

the Institute

used in the initial research conducted at the Institute in support of dairy goat and mohair industries. Spanish goats for cashmere research were added in 1990, and in 1991 a small number of Tennessee Stiff Leg goats were introduced. As the Institute grew in stature and reputation, and as research supporting the meat goat industry increased, facilities and animals expanded

classroom facility

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HISTORY

ARE NA at present

further. In 1995, a group of Boer goat bucks was obtained for use in crossbreeding. In addition to grading up with Boer in the late 1990’s, 20 full-blood Boer doelings from Texas were procured in 1999 and 2000. The Institute now hosts a herd of purebred and high percentage Boer goats whose genetics have been improved through the purchase and use of some of the ENHANCEMENT OF FARM AND top-producing Boer bucks LABORATORY FACILITIES HAS at the annual Meat Goat O C C U R R E D C O N T I N UA L LY Buck Performance Test. THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. In support of the dairy goat industry, the Institute has made improvements at the Main Farm. In 1992, a creamery was established that allows research of goat dairy products. In 1995, a Dairy Herd Improvement Laboratory was established and received certification. In 1998, a modern 10-stanchion computerized milking parlor was installed, which was recently upgraded in early 2011. Other recent improvements include establishing permanent, irrigated pastures for grazing dairy does as well as developing the West Pasture area for increased grazing research. In addition, in 1999 a grant funded an indirect respiration calorimetry system installed in 2000 at the North Barn. Built in 1995, the South Barn provides an excellent venue for more detailed research into meat goat production. The South Barn is also the site of the annual Buck Performance

ARE NA before the goat program

Test. The event began as the Angora Buck Performance Test in 1994 and transitioned to the Meat Goat Buck Performance Test in 1997. Further refinements made to the South Barn complex over the years include: • installing

a Calan gate feeding system

in 1998 • in

2001, investing in permanent fencing to increase the capacity to conduct controlled grazing experiments

• employing

an automated feeding system for groups of goats in 2002

• drilling

a well at the South Farm for irrigation in 2003

• installing

a large tissue grinder for body composition research in 2004

• establishing

a pilot goat leather tannery

in 2009 •

a gradual expansion and improvement of pastures.

The laboratory facilities of the Institute also have grown over the years. The expansion of research along with accompanying increases in the amount and sources of extramural support have

E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H L A NG ST ON U N I V ER SI T Y

facilitated enhancements of laboratory facilities through the purchase of equipment and upgrading of current instruments. Concurrent with increased research has been a rise in the number of publications from Institute scientists. One of the most notable events of the last six years has been moving both laboratory and office facilities to the new Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Center, which in 2010 was officially named the E. L. Holloway Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Center in honor of former Langston T H E CORN E RSTON E OF T H E University President Dr. E XT E N SION P RO GR A M H A S Ernest L. Holloway’s comA LWAYS BE E N T H E A N N UA L mitment to agriculture. GOAT FIELD DAY, BUT INFOR The Institute has also MATION DIS SEMINATION VIA broadened methods of THE INTERNET HAS BEEN disseminating information INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT. through its extension program. National symposia were held in 1991, 1992, and 1993 on meat, dairy, and fiberproducing goats, respectively, each with published proceedings. The Institute’s Goat Field Day has continued to be an annual event with proceedings published and distributed. In the mid-1990’s, the Institute established a presence on the Internet with

a website (http://www2.luresext.edu). The website provides access to new technology packages, such as Goat Field Day proceedings and the online meat goat certification program. International activities of the Institute have also continued to grow, with an increase in the number and scope. Since 1998, the Institute has received funds for 25 international grants involving Armenia and countries in Africa and the Middle East. International projects have expanded from a research-only orientation, and now include training and agricultural development components and considerations. The Institute’s rich history of growth and achievements in research, extension, and international activities is a testimonial to the hard-work and dedication of its personnel. The Institute’s future undoubtedly will see continued success in all three areas as it continues to provide leadership and support to goat industries and producers both here and abroad. NORTH BARN before the goat program

NORTH BARN at present

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Research Farm

he Research Farm of the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research provides the livestock, facilities, and support personnel that are used in research and extension activities.

The Farm currently has approximately 320 fenced acres of land, most of which is used for grazing or harvested forage production. Physically, the Farm can be divided into four components. The 120-acre Main Farm is located on the west side of the Langston University campus and is home to the Alpine dairy herd. The 160-acre South Farm, located 3/4 of a mile south of campus, houses most of the Spanish, Boer, Boer crossbred, and Angora goats. The North Farm area consists of about 30 acres and is situated just north of the Main Farm. The West Pasture area encompasses roughly 30 acres T H E R E SE A RC H FA R M C ONused primarily for grazing S I S T S O F PA S T U R E A N D studies. CONFINEMENT RESEARCH SETWhile the Institute’s TINGS TO REFLECT REGIONAL goats are largely raised FARM CONDITIONS. on pasture, there are numerous research trials that employ the excellent pen facilities of the Research Farm. There are individual Calan gate feeders at both the Main and South Farms and an automated feeding system at the South Farm that

COMPUTE RIZE D feed mixing system at the Main Farm

allows housing in groups while still gathering needed individual intake data. The pen facilities at the Main Farm are used mostly for lactation studies, and those at the South Farm for the annual Meat Goat Buck Performance test and for meat goat research at other times. There are also metabolism crate facilities for nutrition/physiology research at the North Farm area. Many pastures at the Main Farm, South Farm, and West Pasture area have been cross-fenced

YOU NG Alpine doelings consuming hay

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RE SEARCH FARM

for flexibility when conducting grazing research. A creamery, for dairy goat milk research and technology transfer, is housed at the Main Farm. The Main Farm also includes feed processing facilities and an assisted reproductive technologies laboratory.

Livestock

he number of livestock fluctuates from year to year and within years depending on needs for research and extension activities. Generally, numbers vary from 800 to 1,600, being lowest before kidding and greater thereafter. Presently, there are sizable herds of Alpine, Spanish, Angora, and Boer goats. The Institute now hosts a herd of purebred and high percentage Boer goats, which has been genetically improved by the use of some of the top-producing bucks at the annual Meat Goat Buck Performance Test and by using artificial insemination with top sires commercially available.

There is a small herd of Tennessee Stiff Leg goats as well. Lastly, Great Pyrenees and Anatolian guard dogs protect the goats from predators. Most Institute goats are bred naturally on pasture although greater emphasis on assisted reproductive techniques, such as artificial insemination, has particularly enhanced the dairy herd and, more recently, our other meat and fiber breeds. While most of the Farmâ€™s does follow their natural fall breeding cycle, the Research Farm has a yearly program of outof-season breeding to provide animals for birthing centers at State Fairs in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

Facility Enhancements

s the Goat Institute has grown during the recent six years, the Research Farm has incorporated a number of important facility enhancements that have increased the research and extension capabilities.

NE W milking parlor at the Main Farm

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MAIN FARM

The 1998 10-goat parallel dairy goat milking parlor was replaced by an ICAR approved system similar to the previous 10-goat parallel milking parlor with updated technology. As before, the parlor capacity matched the attached Lactation Barn which has 8 pens, each fitted with 10 Calan gate feeders. This allows for an entire pen to be milked at once, decreasing labor required for milking and increasing efficiency of data collection. When entering the milking parlor, each animal passes through a “reading bay” where inforRECENT FACILITY ENHANCE mation contained in the M E N TS AT T H E M AI N FA RM animal’s radio frequency I NC LU D E A N E W M I L K I NG identification chip is PARLOR, UPGRADING OF THE transmitted to the comF E E D M I L L A N D PA S T U R E puterized milk recording FENCING, AND AN AS SISTED system. This system not R E PRODUCT ION T E CH NOL O only automatically records GIE S LABORATORY. milk production, but many other parameters important in commercial and research settings such as milking flow rate, time to milk each animal, and stall number. Several improvements on the new software allow for additional animal management information to be digitized. The milking system is equipped with a sampling system for monitoring of milk composition by Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) standards and equipment. Fences have been installed and pastures constructed near the Lactation Barn and Milking Parlor. Five new 12' X 42' (14' high) resting shelters manufactured of structural steel tubing with white UV-resistant polyethylene cover provide ample shaded areas for goat comfort during high temperature days. Dairy pastures continue to be seeded with a variety of forages for forage-based dairy goat production systems research, in addition to studies conducted in the barn. In the last few years, there has been a continual upgrading of the animal movement facilities near the Lactation Barn. Now it is quite convenient for animals to go to and from the Lactation Barn area from all other dairy pastures.

Our 15-year old feed mill has been replaced with an updated, customized technology feed processing center. The center’s computerized ration building program allows for accurate delivery, weighing, and mixing of up to six bulk ingredients (mostly concentrates and protein supplements such as corn, oats, wheat middlings, and soybean meal) stored in upright metal silos and 14 micro-ingredients such as minerals and vitamins. Connected to our new machinery, we have a large 250-kg feed mixer with

PROPE R FE E DING is essential for optimum dairy goat

production.

a ribbon elevator for chopped roughage addition and a pre-weighed liquid molasses delivery system. The overall new setup has improved the capability for creating ‘total mixed rations’ and decreased time devoted to feed mixing. In 2005, the DHI laboratory facility, previously housed on the Main Farm, moved to the new E.L. Holloway Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Center on campus. Coincident with the move, the DHI laboratory upgraded the milk analysis equipment to a Foss CombiFoss® system, which includes a MilkoScan® 4000 for fat, protein, lactose, total solids, and solids nonfat analysis using Fourier transform infrared full spectrum analysis and a Fossomatic® 5000 for somatic cell analysis using flow cytometry.

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RE SEARCH FARM

This opened up space on the Main Farm for establishing an assisted reproductive technologies laboratory. This laboratory is outfitted with a biosecurity hood, two goat embryo incubators, pH meter, autoclave, semen/colostrum densitometer, two bioscopes, a microscope with photographic recording capabilities, water bath, needle vacuum aspirator, three table-top centrifuges, refrigerator, programmed cryogenic system, three nitrogen tanks, electro-ejaculator for the collection of buck

MI LK I NG in the new parlor at the Main Farm

semen, three portable ultrasound machines, vaginal secretion impedance measuring probe, and complete laparoscopic equipment. All these items and associated tools and consumables provide trained farm personnel with the capacity to perform: estrus/ovulation synchronization, out-ofseason-breeding, semen collection and evaluation, determining optimum breeding time, artificial insemination (transcervical and laparoscopic), embryo THE MOST NOTABLE RECENT collection and evaluation, CHANGE AT THE SOUTH FARM embryo transfer, ovarian IS THE NEW PILOT TANNERY oocyte pickup and evaluT O P R O C E S S G OAT H I D E S ation, embryo culturing, FOR VALUE -ADDED LEATHER hormone (progesterone RE SEARCH AN D EXTE NSION and LH) evaluation using ACTIVITIE S. ELISA kits, ultrasound A and B mode imaging (trans– rectal and transabdominal), and embryo freezing capabilities.

CREAMERY

Ever since the state of the art pilot dairy goat creamery was established at the Institute in 1992, it has been fully utilized to assist goat producers and processors in the U.S. to add value to goat milk and to create more varieties of goat milk products for American consumers. In the last six years, much equipment in the creamery has been replaced or upgraded to enhance its capacity of liquid milk, ice cream, yogurt, cheese, smoothies, soap production, and training. A new steam boiler of high capacity was installed to provide a heating source and improve efficiency of dairy product processing in the pilot creamery. A smallscale milk pasteurizer was recently added to complement the large-capacity pasteurizer. The small-scale pasteurizer is equipped with recording charts and thermostats that comply with federal and state regulations. The unit is used primarily for low volume goat milk and ice cream pasteurization, making it extremely useful for research projects and extension demonstrations. A major function of the creamery has been research on goat milk and milk products. Experiments have mainly dealt with goat milk quality, microbiology, and cheese sensory and texture profiles. Factors affecting milk production, composition, and somatic cell counts and cheese quality, yield, and shelf-life have been investigated. Research findings have been disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, presentations to scientific conferences, goat shows, and county fairs.

A NE W farm implement being used for feeding hay

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COLLEC TION of excreta at the South Barn on a feed intake and digestion study (visiting Iraqi graduate student Ahmed Mohammed on right)

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RE SEARCH FARM

Other improvements at the farm include new flooring for the reproductive lab, main office and bathrooms, floor metal grills in maternity and nursery, and new flush tanks for the dairy barn. SOUTH FARM

The South Barn was originally constructed in 1995 with 12 indoor pens, each with 150 square feet inside and 160 square feet of outside area. Six of these pens were used in the first few years for an Angora Buck Performance Test that, in 1997, became a Meat Goat A N U M BE R OF N E W PI E CE S Performance Test. In 1999, OF FARM M ACHIN E RY H AVE these six pens were fitted BEEN ADDED TO SUPPORT THE with 53 Calan gate feeders, PRODUCTION OF GOATS USED so that individual feed I N R E SE A RC H , E XT E N SION, intake could be measured AND TEACHING ACTIVITIE S. on buck performance tests. The other six pens were used for research and normal management practices of the Farm. However, in 2002 an automated feeding system for groups of goats was installed in four of these six pens. After

machine, dry shaver, and a staking machine. There is a 250-square foot, environmentally controlled meeting room for extension and teaching activities, such as associated with the buck tests and the annual Goat Field Day. In 2001, as a part of the annual Goat Field Day, a Fencing Garden was constructed in which many different types of possible fencing systems used for goats are displayed. Initially, the South Farm contained a small number of very large pastures. Currently it hosts many small-sized pastures for grazing experiments. There are 16 one-acre pastures with various cool season grass pastures and a number of other small pastures with warm season forages. Besides increasing grazing research capacity, this has facilitated animal management by allowing grouping of animals in accordance with their production stage and nutritional requirements. To further enhance capacity for forage research and production, a well was drilled for irrigation in 2002. All animal containment fencing was replaced with new designed fence that considers goat anatomy and prevents animals from getting caught in the fence and injuring themselves. Additionally, a sheltered working facility is under construction in the South Farm area in order to provide a more convenient manner of handling animals. NORTH BARN

TR ANSPORTI NG goats for a vegetation management demonstration

appropriate experimentation, some or all of these pens are now being used in the Meat Goat Buck Performance Test as well as for research at other times. The South Farm still houses a large tissue grinder that was installed in 2004 for body composition research and recently has been outfitted with a pilot tannery to process goat hides for leather research. The tannery equipment includes a tanning drum, fleshing

The North Barn has undergone many small improvements over the years in animal pens, watering systems, and animal management areas. Recently, major renovations in room design and structure have taken place to accommodate a state-of-the-art, four-animal indirect, open-circuit respiration calorimetry system used in energy expenditure studies. Barn waste management and feed storage systems have also been upgraded along with outside landscaping to beautify the area. MACHINERY

In addition to the existing farm machinery, there have been a number of additions/ replacements necessary for research and

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Personnel

esearch Farm personnel both care for livestock and serve as support personnel for research conducted by Institute scientists. The number of permanent employees of the Research Farm has varied over the years, with a Manager, Assistant Manager, Supervisor, and 6-8 support animal technicians. Farm personnel are strategically trained to better accomplish routine and new research-related job assignments. In addition, students are an important part of the Farm personnel, working part-time to both support their schooling and gain valuable experience in small ruminant production. Typically, the Research Farm employs six to eight students at any given time depending on research needs.

Animal Welfare

E CHE E SE preparation at the pilot creamery

extension functions of the Institute. • Two

new John Deere multi-utility (585-E and 5083) tractors with front end loaders

• John

Deere 468-Hay baler (1200–1400 lb round netted bales)

• Two • Z445

working off-road vehicles, Mower

• One-ton

Ford Super duty F-350 DRW farm truck • Manure

HIGH QUALITY ANIMAL CARE A N D BIO SE CU RI T Y R E M A I N E SSENTIAL PRIORITIE S.

• Large

spreader (6–8 cubic yard capacity)

• High

capacity ecologically friendly incinerator to dispose of biological products

trailer-type metal container for storage of farm goods

xisting animal care and animal wellbeing Research Farm policies have been re-emphasized to reflect contemporary concerns and compliance with legislation on the humane treatment of animals. Trained personnel oversee the enforcement of policies designed to ensure animal welfare. All research projects performed at the Research Farm undergo prior scrutiny and approval by an Animal Care Committee. Under the guidance and leadership of a licensed veterinarian, herd health programs are in place to ensure animal health and control of potential zoonotic diseases.

Biosecurity

n recent years, the threat of foreign animal diseases entering the U.S. and impacting the U.S. livestock industry has increased. Due to these threats, and to safeguard the Institute’s animals, in 2001 Langston University formed an Internal Biosecurity Committee. As a result of committee recommendations, Langston University adopted and implemented biosecurity measures suggested by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

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Personnel

Research Scientists and Extension Specialists Dr. Lionel J. Dawson • D.V.M.

from Madras Veterinary College; M.S. from Iowa State University

• 1998–present • Animal

health management and reproduction

• Dr.

Dawson is a veterinarian with Oklahoma State University. In July of 1998, Dr. Dawson’s participation in research and extension activities of the Institute became official, through contracting of his time. Dr. Dawson is responsible for general herd health management and he participates in both research and extension activities.

Dr. Terry A. Gipson • Ph.D.

from the University of Illinois

• 1998–present • Animal

breeding and genetics

• From

SM ALL group meetings are important for all activities at the Institute.

L A NG ST ON U N I V E R S I T Y

1991 through 1993, Dr. Gipson was a Postdoctoral Research Associate with the Institute. Dr. Gipson’s activities during this time were primarily in breeding for year-round cashmere production. In 1998, Dr. Gipson joined the Institute as an Associate Research Professor with a split extension-research

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PE RSONN E L

appointment. Currently, Dr. Gipson is the Goat Extension Leader and coordinates the goat component of the outreach program. Some of Dr. Gipson’s responsibilities include coordination of the annual Goat Field Day, editing of the Goat Newsletter, organization of producer workshops, and supervising the meat goat buck performance test. Some of his recent research has concerned extended lactations in dairy goats and selection for residual feed intake in Boer goats. Dr. Arthur L. Goetsch • Ph.D.

from New Mexico State University

• 1998–present • Ruminant • Dr.

nutrition

Goetsch joined the Institute in 1998 as a Research Scientist and was later appointed Research Leader. Dr. Goetsch’s research has been in a variety of areas related to the profitability of goat production. This research has addressed various feeding management practices for all types of goats in the U.S. in various stages of production, including Alpine, Angora, Boer, and Spanish genotypes and goats while suckling, growing, in late gestation, and lactating. Particular emphasis has been given to factors affecting efficiency of nutrient utilization. Dr. Goetsch has contributed to the training of numerous graduate students and many visiting foreign scientists, and he has been involved in considerable collaborative international research. Moreover, Dr. Goetsch has been an Associate Editor for

the journal Small Ruminant Research since 2006. Dr. Steven P. Hart • Ph.D.

from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• 1991–present • Animal

management and nutrition

• In

1991, Dr. Hart joined the Institute as an Assistant Research Professor. From 1995 to 1997 Dr. Hart served as Interim Director for the Institute. Dr. Hart’s current appointment is for both research and extension. Dr. Hart has conducted research with grazing-based dairy production systems, control of internal parasites in goats, and vegetation management with goats. Dr. Hart was very involved in the Mohair Producers of Oklahoma organization and has served as Director of the Oklahoma Meat Goat Association.

Dr. Roger C. Merkel • Ph.D.

from North Carolina State University

• 2000–present • Animal

management and nutrition and use of livestock in developing countries

• Dr.

Merkel joined the Institute in 1997 as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Dr. Merkel’s principal project involved browse utilization by goats. In 2000, Dr. Merkel became an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2009. Dr. Merkel’s duties entail both research and extension. A current research project evaluates effects of nutrition on goat leather characteristics.

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DR . RYSZ ARD PUCHAL A in the microbiology

laboratory

Dr. Merkel also coordinates or leads many of the international activities of the Institute. Dr. Ryszard Puchala • Ph.D.

from Warsaw Agricultural University, Poland

• 1995–present • Ruminant

nutrition and physiology

• Dr.

Puchala was on sabbatical with the Institute in 19921995, working in the area of amino acid requirements for fiber growth. In 1995, Dr. Puchala was appointed as an Assistant Research Professor. Dr. Puchala has performed research in the areas of hormonal and nutritional regulation of fiber growth. He has been the lead person in use of the respiration calorimetry system to determine energy requirements and characterize energy metabolism of goats as well as for other equipment systems used for evaluating goat behavior.

for two years Dr. Zeng worked as a Food Scientist/Research and Development Manager for Galaxy Nutritional Foods in Orlando, Florida. In 2001 Dr. Zeng rejoined the Institute as an Associate Professor/ Dairy Product Specialist, with both research and extension duties. In 2009, Dr. Zeng became Department Head for the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, but continues participating in activities of the Institute.

Dr. Tilahun Sahlu • Ph.D.

from South Dakota State University

• 1986–present • Ruminant

nutrition

• Dr.

Sahlu was appointed Assistant Professor at the Institute in 1986, and in 1991 was promoted to Associate Professor and appointed Research Leader. He was promoted to Professor in 1994, and in 1998 became Director. Dr. Sahlu has placed a strong emphasis on research/extension activities in developing areas of the world to improve livestock productivity for enhanced food security. Dr. Sahlu has directed numerous collaborative projects with international institutions. He served for more than five years as an Associate Editor for the journal Small Ruminant Research.

Dr. Zaisen Wang • Ph.D.

from University of Western Australia

Graduate Students, Postdoctoral Research Associates, Visiting Trainees, and Scientists on Sabbatical

• Native

of Ethiopia

• Postdoctoral

• Ph.D.

• Ruminal

• Food • Dr.

2001–present

technology

Zeng worked as a Dairy Extension Specialist/Food Technologist at the Institute from 1992 to 1999. Thereafter,

Research

Associate • Grazing

behavior of tethered

goats Mr. Sean Chen • 2005–2007 • Native

of China

•

Sabbatical

•

Shelf-life of goat milk products

• 2005–2007 • Native

Dr. Thomas Ngwa

•

of Cameroon

Sabbatical

• Body

composition of goats

Dr. Mario Villaquiran • 2002–2006 • Native •

of Colombia

Sabbatical

• Goat

production system simulation model

•

of Ethiopia

Sabbatical

• Use

Research

Associate • Physiology

of goats in extended lactations

• 2006–2008 • Native

of low-quality diets by goats

of Ethiopia

• Postdoctoral

Research

Associate • Grazing

activity of goats

Dr. Ahmed Askar • 2006–2008 • Native

of Egypt

• Postdoctoral

Research

Associate • Grazing

activity of goats

Dr. Ignacio Tovar-Luna • 2007–2009 • Native •

of Mexico

Sabbatical

• Grazing

activity and energy requirements of goats

• 2006–2008 • Native

of Brazil

• Postdoctoral

methane emission

Dr. Asefa Asmare

from Clemson University

• 1992–1999;

Research

Associate

• Native

Dr. Steve Zeng

of India

• Postdoctoral

Dr. Adnan Beker

• 2005–2008

• Ruminant

June of 2004, Dr. Wang joined the Institute as an Assistant Research Professor, working in the area of internal parasitism in goats, particularly in regards to the role of and means of modification of immunity.

• Native

Dr. Getachew Animut

• 2004–2006

• In

• 2004–2006

Dr. Maristela Rovai

• 2004–present

nutrition and human cancer research

Dr. Amlan Patra

Dr. Lynn Wang • 2007–2008 • Native •

of China

Sabbatical

• Effects

of mastitis on goat milk and cheese quality

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•

Mr. Li Zhang

• Internal

• 2008 • Native

of China

• Trainee • Goat

cheese manufacturing and DHI lab operation

Ms. Rulan Shangguan • 2008–2010 • Native

of China

• Graduate

student

• Effects

of mastitis on goat milk and cheese quality

Dr. Wenping Hu of China

• Postdoctoral

Research

Associate • Residual

feed intake in Boer

goats Dr. Yoko Tsukahara • 2009;

2011–2013

• Native

of Japan

• Trainee,

Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Goat

research and production and their importance in development projects; Fencing needs and feeding behavior of goats

Dr. Ahmed Helal • 2009 • Native •

• Energy

requirements of goats

Dr. Abdelhafid Keli • 2010

•

of Morocco

Sabbatical

• Production

and grazing behavior of lactating Alpine goats

Dr. Rongzhen Zhong • 2010–2012 • Native

Dr. Liping Wu • 2010–2011 • Native

of China

• Postdoctoral

of China

Research

Associate • Effect

of sub-clinical mastitis on cheese yield and quality

Ms. Amanda Manley • 2010–2012 • Graduate

student

of U.S.A.

• Residual

feed intake in Boer

goats Dr. Taher Abdulateef Shugaa • 2011 • Native •

of Iraq

Short-term graduate student advisement visit

Mr. Abdullah Nouaman • 2011 • Native

of Iraq

• Visiting

graduate student

• Use

of ginger as a dietary supplement for goats

Mr. Ahmed Mohammed • 2011 • Native

of Iraq

• Visiting

of Egypt

Sabbatical

• Native

parasitism and immunity in goats

• Native

• 2009–2010 • Native

Sabbatical

graduate student

• Rumen

degraded and undegraded protein levels in goat diets

Research Farm Personnel Blaise Tohou Bah (Technician): 1997–present Glenn Detweiler (Research Farm Manager): 1991–1996; (Technician): 1997–2012 Jerry Hayes (Technician, Acting Farm Manager, Assistant Farm Manager): 1990–present Dr. Erick Loetz (Farm Manager, Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University): 2001–present Italo Portugal (Supervisor): 2007–present Billy Snelling (Technician): 1997–2012 Henry Stevenson, Sr. (Technician): 1990–present Henry Stevenson, Jr. (Technician): 1990–present Leslie Taylor (Animal Technician): 1998–2011 Filemon Vasquez (Animal Technician): 2007–present

Other Personnel Denise Loveless (Executive Secretary): 1981–present Eva Vasquez (Technician): 1998–present

Central Laboratory Personnel Susan Stacy (Technician): 2003–2006 Kesete Tesfai (Laboratory Coordinator): 1990–present Cleovis Watson III (Technician): 1997–present

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E VALUATI NG the accuracy of GPS collars that are routinely used in our grazing energetic and behavior studies.

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Central Laboratory

he Laboratory of the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research fulfills an important role in the overall research program. The centralized laboratory receives samples from Institute staff and

visiting scholars and has the responsibility of returning to researchers accurate results from many different types of assays. Performing this function requires a variety of laboratory equipment, well-ordered and organized laboratory facilities and procedures, and, most importantly, dedicated personnel.

Throughout the past six years and before, the Institute’s laboratory has diligently kept pace with scientific advancements and the growth and complexity of the Institute’s research program.

Instruments

any of the changes in laboratory facilities and instruments that have occurred in the laboratory over the past six years have been driven by the increasingly focused research conducted by Institute staff. Examples of this are an Agilent 1200 Series HPLC for primary use in amino acid analysis and an Ankom XT15 extraction system L ABOR ATORY Coordinator Kesete Tesfai

for determination of total fat, both added in 2008. Refinements in analytical procedures and improvements in technical equipment have also necessitated changes in instruments. Examples include the Optical Fiber Density Analyzer, installed in 1996, to replace the Fiber Diameter Analyzer, which greatly decreased labor and cost and increased speed of the measure; an Ankom in vitro rumen incubation system and a filter bag system for neutral and acid detergent fiber assays, introduced in 1998 to replace the previous individual refluxing and filtering system, and a recently purchased inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for mineral analyses that replaced

using a fat extraction system

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CENTRAL L ABORATORY

an old directly coupled plasma emission spectrophotometer. Another cause for change in the Institute’s laboratory equipment is the increased number of samples submitted for analysis. As the Institute has grown and its research focus expanded, the number of research trials, and therefore the number of collected samples, has risen. In order to efficiently complete analyses of a larger number of samples, larger sized equipment, instrument enhancements as well as increased automation was required. In 1998, a gas chromatoI NSTIT U T E R E SE A RCH CONgraph with an automated T I N U E S T O G E N E R AT E A sampler was introduced to LARGE NUMBER OF SAMPLE S facilitate analyses of longFOR A WIDE ARRAY OF ASSAYS, chain fatty acids and blood N E C E S S I TAT I N G M A I N T E volatile fatty acids, while at NA NCE OF U P-TO -DAT E A N D the same time determining AU T O M AT E D A NA LY T I C A L concentrations of volatile INSTRUMENTATION. fatty acids in ruminal fluid. Another gas chromatograph was added in 2002. The incorporation in 1999 of a video monitor with the microscope in the fiber/ histology unit used for follicle assays has increased speed of measuring fiber follicle activity as well as decreasing user fatigue. To decrease labor required for operation of the Technicon autoanalyzer system, an automated sampler was procured in 2000. In 2001, a larger muffle furnace with a timer was installed and a microplate reader system became a part of the lab to decrease chemical and labor costs. To more effectively determine mineral concentrations, in 2003 an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer replaced the old atomic absorption unit. A high-capacity digestion block was introduced in 2004 for greater throughput in the analysis of nitrogen. A whole blood glucose/lactate analyzer, a four-channel autoanalyzer system with an autosampler, two centrifuges, and bomb calorimeter were obtained in 2005. Other pieces of equipment acquired in conjunction with the move to the new building include: •

a stainless steel refrigerator

• water

purification system

•

perchloric acid hood

• deionized •

water system

acid neutralization system

• humidifier

for animal fiber analyses

• CFX96

BioRad real-time quantitative PCR detection system

• Thermo

Scientific NanoDrop 2000 UV/ Vis spectrophotometer for nucleic acid and protein quantification

• Experion

automated Electrophoresis Station with printer and vertex station for protein and RNA electrophoresis

• Molecular

Imager® Gel DocTM XR + System with Image LabTM Software (which includes Gel Imaging system, darkroom, UV transilluminator, epiwhite illumination, camera, and Image Lab software)

• Transilluminator

UV/white light, miniplate spinner model MPS-1000

• Microcentrifuge-16K

with adapter

• mini-centrifuge • CO

incubator

• tissue • Parr

homogenizer

6300 calorimeter.

The modern laboratory equipment found today at the Institute is much more computerized, automated, and complex than that of a decade ago. These instruments have aided the laboratory in reducing turnaround time for sample analysis and in enhancing data accuracy.

Assays

he varied research conducted at the Institute means that the laboratory receives samples of many different types, i.e., feedstuffs, forage, digesta, tissues (typically meat), blood, animal fiber, fecal material, urine, skin biopsies, and milk. Furthermore, current research trials often call for analyses outside of routine laboratory procedures. For example, while most assays for feedstuffs, digesta, feces, etc., are basic analyses such as dry matter, ash, nitrogen, energy, fiber and so on, increasingly, specialized assays such as purification and determination of condensed tannin content,

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AUTOM ATE D equipment in the Central Laboratory allows high sample throughput.

estimation of bacterial flows through purine determination, individual amino acid concentrations, mineral analyses, or determination of indigestible feed components are conducted. Tissue samples, in addition to some common analyses, are routinely analyzed for total lipids and fatty acid content. Ruminal fluid is sampled in many experiments and concentrations of ammonia, volatile fatty acids, and purines can provide indicators of diet digestibility and quality. Blood samples

are analyzed by a wide range of assays from urea, glucose, and fatty acids to hormone and amino acid levels to hemoglobin concentrations and oxygen saturation. Fiber yield, diameter, and length are frequently assayed from mohair produced by Angora goats and cashmere from Spanish goats. Hair follicle activity determined from skin biopsies provides data on seasonal fiber growth patterns. The stable isotope of carbon has been used in many experiments to measure energy use

L A NG ST ON U N I V ER SI T Yâ€ƒâ€ƒ E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H

CENTRAL L ABORATORY

in activity via the carbon dioxide entry rate technique. Finally, in the Institute’s mastitis detection and research program, microbiological assays are conducted on aseptic milk samples.

Personnel

permanent laboratory staff, undergraduate students, typically two to four, work in the lab part-time. Also, visiting scholars, graduate students, and research faculty participate in laboratory analyses. With the appreciable amount of research and laboratory assays conducted, as well as the large number of people working in the lab, protocols developed for specific experiments and a ‘Laboratory Request Form’ are important tools for maintaining organization and achieving accurate and fast results.

killed, trained personnel are required to perform the range of assays conducted in the laboratory and to run and maintain the instruments. Besides the routine work in the laboratory, its personnel sometimes become closely involved in particular experiments IN A DDITION TO FU L L -TIM E when possessing unique PERSONNEL, VISITING SCHOL needed skills. Moreover, A RS, GR A DUAT E ST U DE N TS, periodically laboratory R E S E A R C H FAC U LT Y, A N D personnel receive training, PA RT-T I M E U N D E R G R A DU either at the Institute or AT E S T U D E N T W O R K E R S elsewhere, in operation of PARTICIPATE IN LABORATORY specific pieces of equipANALYSE S. ment or in conduct of new assays. During the past six years, two permanent laboratory staff have worked in and overseen the laboratory. In addition to the

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Student Involvement

he proud tradition of the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research involving undergraduate and

graduate students in every phase of

research and extension programs continues and even expanded in the last six years.

Many undergraduate students have been employed as interns and (or) part-time workers at the research farm, central laboratory, dairy foods laboratory, and pilot creamery. These students exclusively majored in agricultural and animal sciences, agribusiness, biology, and (or) biotechnology. Students also assisted research scientists in sample and data collection and analyses with great interest and enthusiasm. They actively participated in extension activities conducted by extension specialists. Laboratory safety, good laboratory practices (GLP), good manufacturing practices (GMP), and other safety and quality procedures have always been top priorities in the work environments.

WORK ING with modern laboratory equipment prepares students for

graduate school and career pathways.

L A NG ST ON U N I V ER SI T Yâ€ƒâ€ƒ E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H

STU DENT INVOLVEMENT

Advanced technologies and sophisticated methodologies in animal research and laboratory analyses have been applied by the students under guidance of research scientists. Some students were even assigned to independently conduct portions of research projects. Laboratory and research techniques learned benefit students when pursuing advanced degrees in animal sciences and other agriculture-related fields. The work experiences in actual research and extension projects have not only enhanced knowledge in animal husbandry but also increased S T U D E N T S PA RT I C I PAT E interest in the animal I N T H E W I D E A R R AY O F industry. ACTIVITIE S FOR EDUCATION, The involvement of STRENGTH ENING TH EIR students in research and INTERE ST IN AGRICU LTU RE , extension also represents AN D AS A MEANS OF FINANa means of financial aid for CIAL AID. education as they prepare for future careers in animal and agricultural industries. In addition, research involving

PH . D. STUDE NT SE AN CHE N examining goat cheese

texture profiles

M.S. and Ph.D. students and post-doctoral research associates was a focus of the Institute. One Ph.D. student and another M.S. student successfully completed their research in the Institute and graduated in collaboration with China Agricultural University and Oklahoma State University, respectively. During the last six years, 12 post-doctoral research associates from around the world were assigned major

STU DE NT TR AI N E E Yoko Tsukahara learning goat milk soap-making in 2009

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M . S. STU DE NT Amanda Manley using Calan gates in a feed efficiency study at the South Farm

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health care of goats. The relationship with the veterinary school expanded in 1998 when Langston University began providing partial salary support for Dr. Dawson for veterinary care, participation in extension and research activities, and training of future veterinarians. Since 1998, the veterinary school has included training in small ruminant health care in its curriculum. Training activities at the farm for firstyear students include handling, examination, injections, sedation, and castration. Secondyear students can take an elective course in M . S. STUDE NT RU L AN SHANGGUAN receives congratulations from the advisory small ruminant medicine taught by Dr. Tom committee after a successful thesis defense Thedford, which is completed by nearly 50% of the students. Third-year students with interest in goats are exposed to procedures responsibilities in research projects, comsuch as foot trimming, venipuncture, and pleted many experiments, and had their ultrasonography. In the senior year, on a findings published in peer-reviewed journals, weekly basis, students while receiving training in are provided with clinical research. THE STRONG RE LATIONSHIP training in management BETWEEN THE OSU COLLEGE and diagnosis and treatOklahoma OF V ET E RI NA RY M E DICI N E Veterinary School ment of diseases. As a AND THE INSTITUTE CONTINCollaboration result of this collaboration, UES TO BE OF GREAT BENEFIT there has been a significant t can be challenging for TO EACH, AS WELL AS TO GOAT increase in the number of goat producers to locate PRODUCERS IN THE REGION. veterinarians graduated a veterinarian who has in the last 15 years with experience working with experience in goat health care and who are goats. Since 1984 the Institute has collabowilling to help goat producers and FFA and rated with the Boren Veterinary Teaching 4H groups. Hospital in the Center of Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSU) to remedy that situation. Dr. Lionel Dawson of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine brings first through fourth year veterinary students to the Institute for training in management and

L ANGSTON U N IVE R SIT Y students gain animal

husbandry skills at the Institute’s research farm .

UNDE RGR ADUATE STUDE NT ME RIC A XIONG working as an intern in the Dairy Herd Improvement Laboratory for goats

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Research Overview

he last six years of research activities of the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research have been considerable and are the product of many factors. The most important is the people involved. Even with

many personnel changes, there has been continual excellence demonstrated by a dedicated team of individuals. Productive Personnel

listed. These Visiting Scholars have made a large contribution to the high-quality he number of permanent Institute research that has been realized and hopefaculty involved in research is not large fully will also be achieved in the future. in comparison with animal science departThough efforts of permanent faculty ments in many other Land Grant universities. and Visiting Scholars are integral, it is Hence, to achieve a strong research program, important to recognize the equally essenresearch faculty of the Institute aggressively tial contributions of other research perseek extramural support to provide funds sonnel of the Institute, notably those of for research equipment and supplies, and the Research Farm and importantly support for A V I TA L PA RT O F T H E Central Laboratory. Only graduate students (with RE SEARCH P RO GR A M I S with the hard work of these programs in collaboration IN VOLV E M E NT OF VISITING dedicated people can a with the Animal Science SCHOLARS FROM OTHER highly productive research Department of Oklahoma COUNTRIE S, WHICH IN MANY program be realized. Farm State University), postdocCA S E S L E A D S T O F U T U R E and laboratory personnel toral research associates, INTERNATIONAL COLLABORAwork closely with the and established scientists TIVE PROJECTS. researchers. In fact, for the on sabbaticals, who all purpose of proper training are often termed “Visiting of Visiting Scholars and most appropriate Scholars.” In an earlier section of this report, research conduct, as well as because of names and countries of TISSU E SA MPLE processing on a periodic high labor demands, researchers origin of Visiting Scholars collaborative nutrition research project in participate in many laboratory and farm over the last 6 years are Ethiopia

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RE SEARCH OVE RVIEW

activities. Relatedly, with so many people involved in specific experiments, often from different parts of the world with various previous experiences and training in research, procedures to maintain organization such as detailed research protocols are employed.

Goats for Research and Extension

he Institute currently has herds of Alpine, Angora, Spanish, and Boer goats, along with a small number of Tennessee Stiff Leg. Sometimes we are asked why other breeds are not used. In part it is due to PU RSU ING AN D PROCU RING the considerable resources E X T R A M U R A L S U P P O RT required for maintaining TH ROUGH COMPETITIVE adequate numbers of the GRANT PROGRAMS, NOTABLY different types of goats necT H E U S D A 18 9 0 I N S T I T U essary for planned experiT IO N CA PAC I T Y B U I L DI NG ments. Great care is taken G R A N T P R O G R A M , H AV E to have enough animals BE E N A N D A RE NOW OF for the large number and PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO wide array of experiments THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF THE conducted, but yet not to RE SEARCH PROGRAM. expend limited resources on animals not being used in research. Another consideration is the types of animals within the different breeds or breed types. The intent is to have animals typical of those raised by our clientele so that research findings are relevant and of value to the majority of farms, rather than to have the most elite herds.

Projects with Purpose

s noted before, a unique aspect of the Institute’s research program is that a large proportion is made possible by grants, many of which are through various USDA programs. Hence, although the broad or general direction of the research program is known, specific topics of investigation in 2- to 4-year periods partially depend on the faculty’s ability to obtain grant funds for novel and unique ideas. Researchers are strongly encouraged to seek extramural support funds, but there is care taken to ensure that proposed activities fit with the general direction of the program.

In the subsequent section, research projects are listed. Although dissemination of information generated from all of these projects occurs, some entail strong extension components, examples being “Enhanced goat production systems for the southern United States,” “International collaboration in goat research and production web-based decision support aids,” and “Boer goat selection for residual feed intake.” Likewise, there are projects listed in our international section that entail significant research components. The first listed research project is of the USDA CSREES type. Through such projects the Institute receives “hard” federal funds, most used for personnel and infrastructure support. Other projects can be viewed as providing “soft” funds for specific projects. These projects arise from submission of proposals to competitive grant programs. Reviewers or review panels deemed the topics and research activities proposed to be of high merit, with resultant information of considerable potential value. Many extramurally funded projects have been in the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grant Program. This program has been immensely important to the Institute for enhancing research capacity in the past six years. In addition to this key grant program, proposals are submitted to others with purposes matching objectives of specific studies we would like to conduct. The great majority of research conducted at the Institute is collaborative. Many 1890 Institution Capacity Building projects entail involvement of at least one USDA Agricultural Research Service location. Likewise, some projects have cooperators at other 1890 institutions as well as 1862 Land Grant universities. Such collaboration benefits all institutions and researchers involved by expanding the scope of measurements to increase the depth and breadth of knowledge gained. In addition to other institutions collaborating in Institute projects, our researchers participate in many projects of other organizations with similar benefits.

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Critical Investigations with Cutting Edge Methodologies

here have been numerous different research methodologies employed and experiments conducted in the last six years. State-of-the-art techniques are adopted or developed whenever they hold promise to yield information needed for particular topics.

PERFORMANCE STU DIE S

Experiments categorized as “Performance” in nature usually measure live weight gain or milk B E C AU S E O F T H E S O C I A L production, although, often NAT U R E O F G OAT S , S O M E measures designed to FACILITIES ALLOW DETERMINhelp explain the presence ING INDIVIDUAL FEED INTAKE or absence of treatment WHEN HOUSED IN GROUPS. responses are included. Performance experiments are necessary to determine if treatment results occur under typical field conditions and have PARTICI PATION OF VISITING SCHOL AR S in the Institute’s research program often leads to future collaboration with the scholar’s home institution.

been conducted in confinement and grazing settings. Confinement environments have been with individual housing, group feeding, or group housing with individual feeding through use of Calan gate feeders or an automated feeding system. Calan gates are situated at the Main Farm Lactation Barn and the South Barn Meat Goat Buck Performance Test area, allowing goats to reside in groups but facilitating collection of individual animal feed intake data. These facilities have been heavily used in production experiments over the years. The South Barn now includes automated feeding system units in four pens. This system has benefits compared with Calan gates of less labor and greater information concerning the feeding behavior of goats. Because most goats are raised on pasture, there has been considerable crossfencing in order to increase research on goats while grazing. Examples are 16 cool season grass pastures at the South Farm, 12 mixed vegetation paddocks at the West Pasture area, some with the tree legume

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mimosa, and a number of plots with different monocultures or mixed swards for nearly year-round rotational grazing of dairy goats at the Main Farm. In grazing trials vegetation conditions are thoroughly characterized, examples of which are herbage mass and chemical and botanical composition. In addition to assessing animal performance, many other measures are made to gain an understanding of factors responsible for differences in performance. DIGE STION STU DIE S THE AMOUNT OF FEED A GOAT

Feed intake is a key deterCONSUME S AND THE PROPORminant of animal perforTION DIGESTED CONTINUE TO mance and, thus, is meaBE IMPORTANT MEASURE S IN sured in most Performance MANY EXPERIMENTS. trials and in essentially all experiments termed as “Digestibility” in nature. Digestibility indicates the amount or concentration of a feed or feed constituent that enters the animal and is available for metabolism. ME AT GOAT DOE with equipment to study grazing behavior

Hence, it too has been quantified in a variety of ways. In vitro determinations are performed outside the animal, typically with the first step of incubating with ruminal fluid (i.e., fluid from the largest stomach compartment containing symbiotic microorganisms), allowing inexpensive and rapid assessment of digestibility of a large number of feedstuffs. In situ methods commonly employed at the Institute involve incubation in the digestive tract of goats of feedstuffs or diets in bags that allow normal actions of microbial and (or) animal enzymes. In some trials feces and (or) urine are collected to assess digestibility and (or) metabolizability (nutrients or energy actually metabolized) as truly occurs in the animal (i.e., in vivo). A number of Digestibility experiments have gone a step further, assessing where digestion occurs in the digestive tract, along with specific nutrients disappearing in the various segments of the gut. These trials require surgical fitting of cannulas in the rumen, duodenum (i.e., first part of the small

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intestine), and (or) ileum (i.e., last part of the small intestine) for sampling of digesta. All research protocols are reviewed and approved by the Langston University Animal Care Committee, with surgery conducted or supervised by a veterinarian. The Institute has facilities for common surgical preparations in small ruminant research.

cashmere, the Institute laboratory has state-of-the-art fiber and histology sections. Assays conducted in the fiber lab include length, diameter, and yield. In the histology lab, activity of fiber-producing follicles and other follicle characteristics are determined, which in many cases has answered questions not adequately addressed by measures only of the fiber lab.

METABOLISM STU DIE S

Meat goat production is the most rapidly growing livestock industry in the U.S., in part because of the increasing demand for goat meat. It follows then that some Institute experiments have focused on harvest or slaughter characteristics. Carcass measures include dressing percentage, fat thickness, loineye area, weights of different primal meat cuts, and concentrations of constituents such as fat and protein. Relatedly, on the project “Nutrient requirements of goats: composition of tissue loss and gain,” a large tissue grinder, presently situated in the South Barn, was obtained to assess body composition. Mass and composition THE RESPIRATION CALORIME of noncarcass tissues and TRY SYSTEM HAS FACILITATED organs have also received GOING BEYOND DIGESTIBILITY attention, since some are TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT very metabolically active OF ENERGY ACTUALLY USED and thereby have substanFOR ESSENTIAL AND PRODUCtial impact on efficiency of TIVE PURPOSE S. metabolism. In this regard, the gastrointestinal tract and liver account for about half of whole body heat production. Therefore, studies to determine how the metabolism of these tissues is affected by dietary and animal characteristics have been performed with catheters placed in vessels supplying or draining blood for these tissues to determine energy use by and nutrient flux across the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The project “The ability of goats to withstand harsh nutritional environments” included such measures. FIBER STU DIE S

For the numerous trials concerning animal fiber production, for both mohair and

ENERGY USE STU DIE S

Goats display unique herbaging behaviors that likely impact efficiency of energy use but that have not been well characterized. Hence, the Institute has been involved in cutting edge research concerning energy expenditure and efficiency of energy metabolism in typical production environments. In 1999, an equipment grant was received for a four-animal indirect, open-circuit respiration calorimetry system. This system was employed to quantify methane production in the project “Decreased methane emission by ruminants consuming condensed tannins.” In addition to direct study of energy metabolism, this equipment is being coupled with heart rate monitoring for use of heart rate to indirectly measure energy use by goats while herbaging in field grazing scenarios. Moreover, GPS collars and an activity monitor are being used to fully characterize grazing behaviors like grazing time and horizontal and vertical distances traveled. DAIRY GOAT PRODUCT STU DIE S

Although the Institute has been heavily involved in production and management research, there is a strong research effort on the use of goat milk and its products. A state-of-the-art dairy products laboratory exists for both research and extension activities. The consumer of goat milk deserves the highest quality and the longest shelf-life of products purchased. In addition to evaluation of milk composition, various types of cheese are frequently evaluated for texture profiles in addition to the above parameters. Studies on goat milk powder, condensed milk, and yogurt occur as well. Findings from these studies are disseminated to goat

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milk producers, researchers, regulatory personnel, as well as the general public. LABORATORY ASSAYS

In the majority of experiments to which these preceding paragraphs pertain, samples of feedstuffs, digesta, excreta, and (or) blood are collected and subjected to various laboratory analyses. The Institute has equipment and trained personnel for conducting numerous assays to fully describe chemical composition of feedstuffs, digesta, and excreta and metabolites and hormones in blood. These measures are integral in the quest to fully understand underlying physiological bases for observed production responses and to project future impacts with other experimental or field conditions. DATABASE STU DIE S AND SIMU LATION ACTIVITIE S

The Institute has been a leader in generating information of immediate or future utility to goat producers, extension personnel, and scientists all over the world. However, there has also been a thrust to C L O S E I N T E G R AT I O N O F compile this information RE SEARCH AN D EXTE NSION with findings of others ACTIVITIE S IS E SSENTIAL IN for study of topics that I DE N T I FY I NG MO ST I M POR cannot be well addressed TA N T A REAS OF RE SEA RCH by experimentation at any FOR PRODUCERS. one particular location. For example, in 2001-2006 the multi-disciplinary and -institutional project “Enhanced goat production systems for the southern United States” was conducted, in which a goat production simulation model was fitted for use as a decision support tool for goat production systems in the southern U.S. This model, and the webbased goat nutrient requirement calculation system, were focal points of the project “International collaboration in goat research and production web-based decision support aids.” In this project, these tools were translated into Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish and adapted for use in countries such as Jordan, China, France, and Mexico.

High Impact Topics

here has been a wide array of research areas addressed in the last six years, evidenced by the list of projects subsequent to this overview, and also in the publication section. All major types of goats produced in the U.S. are considered, i.e., ones raised for meat, milk, and(or) fiber, both cashmere and mohair. The increasing demand for goat meat and declining mohair industry in recent years have resulted in an expansion of research topics, but because the future is unknown, all goat industries will continue to receive attention. The Institute has and will in the future conduct research to increase levels and efficiencies of goat production, enhance utilization of goat products, and improve use of goats for specific purposes such as vegetation management. There is intent to increase economic returns to those raising goats or processing their products, as well as providing other benefits such as enhanced sustainability of livestock production systems. One of the factors influencing specific research topics is obviously the expertise and knowledge of permanent research faculty of the Institute. A major focal point is nutrition and feeding practices, although certainly the research program has not been limited to this area. Numerous physiology, reproduction, management, breeding, parasitology, milk and milk product quality, udder health or mastitis, and fiber quality studies have been performed, facilitated by broad fields of knowledge of the permanent faculty. In this regard, frequently grant proposals are submitted which, if approved, include funds to support a Visiting Scholar with unique expertise required for completion of the project. For research in the foreseeable future, it will continue to pertain to areas of importance to the various goat industries in the U.S. The closely linked and coordinated, complementary research and extension programs of the Institute allow identification of researchable areas of potential practical

DR . E RICK LOE T Z aids a student worker conducting an experiment in the reproductive technologies laboratory.

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importance to present and future goat producers and product users. Most research conducted at the Institute is applied in nature, which is felt most appropriate considering the needs and states of the various goat industries in the U.S. However, for most rapid long-term progress, underlying physiological mechanisms or processes must be thoroughly understood, rather than merely noting whether or not a production response to a particular treatment occurs. Therefore, our research by design in most cases entails many INCREASING RE SEARCH somewhat basic or fundaEMPH ASIS GIVEN TO INTE R mental measures. Another NA L PA R A SI T E S R E F L E CT S research consideration to TH E GROWING IMPORTANCE be mentioned is that some OF THIS CHALLENGE TO GOAT activities yield findings of PRODUCTION IN THE REGION. immediate potential use by clientele. On the other hand, other topics are quite complex and not presently well understood, requiring much study before

field application. If important enough, then a stepwise approach is taken to address such issues. INTERNAL PARASITISM

Increasing resistance of internal parasites to commercial anthelmintics poses a serious challenge to goat production in many areas of the U.S. and world. The Institute has been actively involved in research in this area. Some experiments have evaluated anthelmintic activity of substances such as garlic, sericea lespedeza, copper oxide wire particles, copper sulfate, and cayenne pepper, as well as various levels and combinations of commercial anthelmintics. Recently, the project “Effects of selected nutritional components on immunity to Haemonchus in goats” was initiated to address the physiological aspects of the issue. Moreover, an experiment with lactating Alpine does was conducted to test if only allowing pasture access when the leaf surface moisture level

DR . ROGE R ME RK E L in the pilot tannery facility at the South Barn

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(e.g., dew) was below a certain threshold would prevent or minimize ingestion of the infective larval stage of Haemonchus contortus. A number of field studies have been conducted with FAMACHA© to minimize development of parasite resistance. FENCING

Considerable benefits can be realized by co-grazing cattle and goats, such as greater total production per unit land area if dietary overlap is minimal, improved vegetation conditions for cattle grazing, and possibly decreased internal parasitism in goats. One of the factors preventing more cattle producers from co-grazing with goats is need for different types of fencing. Thus, the Institute is now involved in the project “Establishing a Langston University testing center for electric fence modifications of cattle barb wire fence for goat containment.” FEED EFFICIENCY

Feed represents a major cost in production of goats as well as other livestock species. Hence, R E S E A R C H F I N DI NG S A R E producers continually D I S S E M I NAT E D B O T H I N strive to improve efficiency SCIENTIFIC PEER-REVIEWED of feed utilization. However, JOURNALS AND PUBLICATIONS in beef cattle, it has been A N D V E N U E S TA R G E T I N G noted that selection for GOAT PRODUCERS AND ALLIED growth rate and the ratio INDUSTRIE S. of live weight gain to feed intake (or the converse) can result in increased mature size, which may not be desirable depending on production conditions. Hence, the project “Boer goat selection for residual feed intake” is underway. Selection for residual feed intake can improve efficiency of feed utilization without increasing mature size. The project also provides an example of linkages between research and extension at the Institute, with many of the activities conducted in concert with the annual Meat Goat Buck Performance Test. SKIN AND LEATHER

Although most attention in the product of meat goats is directed at the primary

product, meat, considerable potential exists for economic returns from skin. Therefore, the Institute is involved in a project entitled “Establishing a pilot tannery and capability for goat leather research at Langston University.” The project involves not only initiation of a pilot tannery, but also its use in research comparing skin quality of different meat goat breeds on various nutritional management treatments. MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS

The Institute has maintained a strong research program with goat milk and milk products. The project “Quality, safety, and shelf-life of dairy goat products in the U.S. market” was designed to investigate the quality, safety, and shelf-life of goat milk and dairy products on the market and to establish a database for uniform quality standards for the dairy goat industry. This project will provide much-needed information to the consumer, the regulator, and the goat milk producers and processors. Different liquid goat milks on the market in Oklahoma City and Washington, DC were analyzed for chemical composition, free fatty acids, amino acids, sensory quality, and microbiological quality. Also, the Institute has played a coordinating, facilitating role in the project “Enhanced safety and product quality from on-farm thermization/pasteurization of goat milk in the Middle East.” In this project, an inexpensive pasteurization unit suitable for use on small farms in the Middle East was developed and evaluated for future distribution and use in the region. The project “Evaluation and modeling extended lactations in dairy goats” has potential impact through providing a management strategy to deliver a product yearround via extended lactations. Although some dairy goat producers have adopted the management strategy of extended lactations, the basic biological mechanism of extended lactations in dairy goats is not understood. Because cattle and goats respond differently to extended lactations, cattle do not appear to provide an appropriate model for extended lactation of goats. Understanding

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the biological processes operating during extended lactation in goats will provide tools for better goat management and, by comparison with dairy cows, will increase our understanding of mammary gland biology. NUTRITION AND FEEDING

The Institute has maintained an active research program dealing with nutrition and feeding. The projects “Nutrient requirements of goats: composition of tissue loss and gain,” “Effects of acclimatization on energy R E S E A R C H F I N DI NG S A R E requirements of goats,” ONLY OF VALUE IF COMMUNIand “Effects of nutritional CATE D TO PEOPLE WHO CAN plane on the maintenance DERIVE VALUE FROM THEM. energy requirement of goats” should allow more accurate prediction of energy requirements as affected by the composition of tissue being gained or lost, temperature and humidity conditions, and previous level of feeding. The projects “Characterization of the energy requirement for activity by grazing ruminants,” “Energy expenditure for activity in free-ranging ruminants: a nutritional frontier,” and “The grazing activity energy cost of goats” each entailed experiments to gain a better understanding of various factors influencing the amount of energy goats expend during grazing.

Priority Publications

nformation obtained through research has value only if transferred to people who can derive benefit from it. In the publication section, it should be apparent that a key mode of disseminating research findings of the Institute is in peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals. Journals felt most appropriate for the studies are chosen. It follows then that since goats are important in many countries throughout the world, the official journal of the International Goat Association, “Small Ruminant Research,” has been heavily relied upon. Presentations are made at scientific meetings, such as of the American Society of Animal Science, with accompanying abstracts. Also, our

research findings are transferred in numerous other ways, such as fact sheets, the Goat Newsletter, Proceedings of the Annual Goat Field Day, meetings of producer groups, farm visits, phone calls, emails, etc.

Significant Professional Service and Recognition

n addition to publication of research findings in journals and presentations at scientific meetings, Institute researchers participate in professional scientific activities. Notable examples are service as Associate Editor for the journal Small Ruminant Research. Researchers also serve as ad hoc reviewers for many research papers and service on journal Editorial Boards. We routinely provide reviews (national and international) and serve on national panels for grant programs considering funding of research proposals. Likewise, our scientists serve as members and chairs of committees organizing regional, national, and international scientific meetings. Recognition of these and other achievements of Institute researchers include awards such as the 5-member team (Drs. Tilahun Sahlu, Arthur L. Goetsch, Roger C. Merkel, Terry A. Gipson, and Steve Zeng) of the Institute receiving the USAID George Washington Carver Agricultural Excellence Award in 2006 and the 2011 American Feed Industry Award (AFIA) in Ruminant Nutrition (Arthur L. Goetsch). Other service by Dr. Goetsch include committees of the National Research Council (NRC) to revising small ruminant nutrient requirements, the state of Oregon for revising feed labeling requirements, and the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) for revising guidelines for the care and use of small ruminants in agricultural research, education, and extension activities. Additional recognition of the researchers has been achieved in the last six years through a number of invitations to prepare literature reviews for scientific journals and books, which can be viewed in the publication section.

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DR . TE RRY GIPSON working with GPS equipment for a grazing study

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Research Grants

CSREES (Evans-Allen)

• Accession

number 0223035

• 2010–2013

Enhanced Goat Production and Products in The South-Central U.S. • Project

number OKLX-SAHLU2

• Accession

• $300,000 • A .

L. Goetsch, T. A . Gipson, T. Sahlu, and J. Burke

• T.

Sahlu, A . L. Goetsch, R. C. Merkel, R. Puchala, S. P. Hart, T. A . Gipson, S. S. Zeng, and Z. Wang

Boer Goat Selection for Residual Feed Intake • Project

number OKLXGIPSON2008

• Accession

number 0215239

• 2008–2012

USDA 1890 Institution Research Capacity Building Grant Program Effects of Selected Nutritional Components on Immunity to Haemonchus in Goats • Project

number OKLXWANG10

• Accession

number 0223036

• $300,000 • T.

A . Gipson, C. L. Ferrell, A . L. Goetsch, R. Puchala, and T. Sahlu

Establishing a Pilot Tannery and Capability for Goat Leather Research at Langston University • Project

number OKLXMERKEL2008

• Accession

• 2008–2011

• $299,950

• $300,000

• Z.

• R.

Establishing a Langston University Testing Center for Electric Fence Modifications of Cattle Barb Wire Fence for Goat Containment • Project

number OKLXGOETSCH10

number OKLXSAHLU05

• Accession

number 0204827

C. Merkel, and C. K. Liu

Impact of Sub-Clinical Mastitis on Production and Quality of Goat Milk and Cheese • Project

number OKLXSTEVEZENG2007

• Accession

• $300,000 • T.

Sahlu, R. Puchala, A . L. Goetsch, T. A . Gipson, K. E. Turner, and B. Kouakou

The Ability of Goats to Withstand Harsh Nutritional Environments • Project

number OKLXGOETSCHA

• Accession

number 0204826

• 2005–2010 • $300,000 • A .

L. Goetsch, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, and H. C. Freetly

number 0215238

• 2010–2013

Wang, A . L. Goetsch, S. P. Hart, T. Sahlu, and G. Chen

• Project

• 2005–2010

number 0209285

• 2007–2012

Characterization of the Energy Requirement for Activity by Grazing Ruminants

Decreased Methane Emission by Ruminants Consuming Condensed Tannins • Project

number OKLXPUCHALA

• Accession

number 0200781

• 2004–2008 • $300,000 • R.

Puchala, A . L. Goetsch, C. R. Krehbiel, and V. H. Varel

number 0211559

• 2007-2011

RE SE ARCH sometimes requires innovative thinking, such as a spandex coat to protect sensitive heart rate recording equipment.

• $283,589 • S.

S. Zeng, M. Paape, and L. Spicer

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RE SEARCH GRANTS

Quality, Safety, and Shelf-Life of Dairy Goat Products in the U.S. Market • Project

number OKLXZENG

• Accession

number 0200780

• 2004–2008 • $285,196 • S.

Zeng, M. Perdue, and S. E. Gilliland

Evaluation and Modeling Extended Lactations in Dairy Goats • Project

number OKLXGIPSONT

• Accession

number 0200780

• Project

number OKLX2003-03779

• Accession

number 0197101

• 2004-2008

• 2003–2008

• $299,617

• $300,000

• T.

A . Gipson, A . Capuco, T. Sahlu, L. J. Dawson, and S. Ellis

HUM AN HE ART R ATE monitoring system used with goats in energy utilization studies

Nutrient Requirements of Goats: Composition of Tissue Loss and Gain

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Sahlu, A . L. Goetsch, C. L. Ferrell, and C. R. Krehbiel

USDA International Science and Education Competitive Grants Program International Collaboration in Goat Research and Production Web-Based Decision Support Aids • Grant

number 2005-51160-02281

• 2005–2008 • $99,959 • A .

• A .

L. Goetsch, H. El Shaer, T. A . Gipson, and A . Helal

Effects of Nutritional Plane on the Maintenance Energy Requirement of Goats • Project

number BIO12-001-016

• 2008–2011

Energy Expenditure for Activity in Free-Ranging Ruminants: A Nutritional Frontier • Reference

number US-3694-05 R

• 2005–2009 • $310,000 • A .

L. Goetsch, Y. Aharoni, A . Brosh, R. Puchala, T. A . Gipson, Z. Henkin, and E. Ungar

Enhanced Goat Production Systems for the Southern United States • Project

agreement number: 2011-52101-11430

• $60,000

• Proposal

• R.

• 2001–2006

Puchala, A . R. Askar, A . L. Goetsch, T. A . Gipson, and A . Helal

L. Goetsch, and T. A . Gipson

United States — Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund

USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems Grant Program

number: 2001-04350

• $400,000 • T.

United States–Israel Binational Agriculture Research and Development (BARD) Program — Multinational Agriculture Research and Development (MARD) Facilitating Grant Project

A . Gipson, A . L. Goetsch, S. P. Hart, L. J. Dawson, H. Blackburn, S. Wildeus, J. Tritschler, J. M. Luginbuhl, M. Poore, M. Fernandez, W. Getz, T. Terrill, M. C. Nelson, and K. Turner

Oklahoma State Regents Matching Support • 2006–2010

Enhanced Safety and Product Quality from On-Farm Thermization/ Pasteurization of Goat Milk in the Middle East • Project

number FG-9503-09

• 2010–2011 • $50,000 • T.

United States–Egypt Joint Science and Technology Fund Program Effects of Acclimatization on Energy Requirements of Goats • Project

number BIO9-017

Sahlu, A . L. Goetsch, S. Zeng, G. Leitner, N. Silanikove, Z. Abdeen, K. Azmi, M. Fanum, K. Ereifej, L. Alrousan, and K. Al-Qudah

USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program

• 2000–2008 • $58,500 • A .

L. Goetsch, and H. El Shaer

The Grazing Activity Energy Cost of Goats • Project

number BIO11-001-005

• 2007–2010 • $60,000

Tethering for Detailed Study of Grazing Ruminants • Project

number OKLXGOETSCH

• Accession

number 0198127

• 2004–2007 • $75,000 • A .

L. Goetsch, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, and C. R. Krehbiel

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Extension Overview

he second half of the noughties decade has been

one of refining and exploration for extension activities of the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research.

Our major ongoing extension activities have been refined, including the annual Goat Field Day, Langston Goat Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) Program, annual meat buck performance test, and various goat workshops on artificial insemination, cheese-making, soap-making, and internal parasite control. The Institute also has published a quarterly newsletter and maintained its website. Extension activities have expanded to include development and printing EXT E NSION IS T H E BRI D GE of the Meat Goat Production BETWEEN RE SEARCH ACTIVIHandbook, development TIE S AN D G OAT PRODUCERS of an online certificaAND ALLIED INDUSTRIE S tion program for meat goat producers, collaboration in the USDA eXtension initiative, and workshops on hide tanning and mortality composting. In addition, extension specialists have answered innumerable producer requests for goat production and product information via the telephone, letters, and e-mail, and have given numerous presentations at state, regional, national, and international goat E X TE NSION AC TIVITIE S include conferences for potential, novice, conducting group education as well and veteran goat producers.

Goat Field Day

he goal of the annual Goat Field Day is to inform and educate potential, novice, and veteran goat producers on goat management practices. Each year, the Goat Field Day is organized around a theme with speakers invited to present on that theme in the morning plenary session. Themes for the Goat Field Days have been:

PARTICIPATION

600 500 400 300 200 100 0

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Number of participants at recent Annual Goat Field Days

as working with individuals.

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• 20 0 6 :

Organic goat production

production budgets, goat production record keeping, inbreeding in dairy goats, injection sites and drug availability, international • 20 0 8 : Innovative and traditional goat goat activities, Oklahoma milk regulations, marketing pedigree analysis, nutrient requirement web • 20 0 9 : Breeding for the future in the calculators, nutrition for meat goat production, predator control measures, scrapie condairy and meat goat industries with a trol information, simulation goat production subtheme of Globalization/internationalmodeling, soap-making, sustainable parasite ization of goat production control, tanning goat hides, types of fencing • 201 0 : Bridging the future and the past for goats, mortality composting, and USDA • 201 1 : Healthy goats, healthy herds government programs. • 201 2 : State of the goat In addition to the industry morning plenary session T H O U G H J U S T A O N E - DAY and afternoon small group Attendance at the Goat ACTIVITY, THE ANNUAL GOAT sessions, activities were Field Day has fluctuated, F I E L D DAY C ON T I N U E S T O held for the youth of all with the highest attenH AV E GREAT I M PACT, BOT H ages. A full day of actividance in 2006. Since then THROUGH KNOWLEDGE GAINED ties for youth ages 5-12 attendance has stabilized AT THE EVENT AND INTRODUCincluded goat education, at around 300 participants. ING PRODUCERS TO AVAILABLE pony and horseback riding, In addition to the morning INFORMATION RE SOURCE S. fishing, face-painting, pot plenary session, invited your own plant, and many other activities. speakers lead small-group training sessions Other youth and interested adults were in the afternoon. Institute scientists and able to participate in a full-day clipping, fitting, and showing workshop conducted by the Oklahoma Meat Goat Association. Participants had the opportunity to have hands-on practice of clipping and fitting a goat and then showing it before a judge in the show ring. Herd health — old, new, and emerging issues

• 20 0 7:

Goat DHI Laboratory

T THE AF TE RNOON of the Annual Goat Field day consists of a variety of educational

sessions from which to choose.

staff members also lead small group training sessions, which over the years have included basic goat husbandry, body condition scoring for improved management, cheesemaking, dairy products overview, dewormer resistance, DHI overview and tester training, forage-based dairy goat management, goat production and quality assurance, goat

he Langston Goat Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) Program operates under the umbrella of the Texas DHIA. In February 1998, the Langston DHI program became the first DHI program to introduce forms and reports in goat terminology to dairy goat producers in the United States. The Langston DHI program has been popular with dairy goat producers and has grown since its establishment in 1996. Langston University is one of the smallest certified DHIA laboratories but it recorded the largest increase in herds and numbers of the six certified DHIA processing centers that process goat records over the last few years. Langston University continues to serve the very small-scale dairy goat producer. The

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average herd size on test with Langston Artificial Insemination Workshops University is 10 animals. This is significantly smaller than the herd size average for the n 1996, Langston University instituted an five other processing centers. In 2005, the annual practical workshop for instrucLangston DHI Program upgraded facilities tion in artificial insemination in goats. with the move into a larger laboratory and Producers are instructed in the anatomy installation of equipment for the combined and physiology of the female goat, estrus analysis of milk component and somatic cell detection, and handling and storage of count. For those interested in becoming a semen. Producers participate in a hands-on Langston goat DHI tester, training is availinsemination exercise. An understanding able either in a formal classroom setting of the anatomy and physiology enables or through a 35-minute DVD or video tape. the producer to devise seasonal breeding Every tester is required plans and to troubleshoot to attend the DHI training problem breeders. An T H E DH I L A BOR ATORY A N D session or view the tape understanding of estrus A L LIE D TRAINING, AS W E L L and take a test. Upon comdetection enables the A S A RT I F IC I A L I N S E M I NApletion of the DHI training, producer to effectively TION WORKSHOPS, ARE VERY the milk tester can start time inseminations for IMPORTANT TO DAIRY G OAT performing monthly herd favorable conditions for PRODUCERS. tests. conception and efficiently utilize semen. An understanding of semen handling and storage enables the producer Goat Newsletter to safeguard semen supplies, which can be he Goat Extension program continues scarce and costly. The experience of actuto publish a free quarterly newsletter, ally inseminating a female goat enables the which highlights research, extension, and producer to practice the knowledge that international activities of the Institute. We they have gained. The acquisition of these currently have over 2,500 subscribers. The inseminating skills allows producers the use Goat Newsletter is mailed to every state in of genetically superior sires in their herds to the nation and 10 other countries. which they normally would not have access. It also allows producers to save money by conducting the inseminations themselves instead of hiring an inseminator. WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS In 2006, an artificial insemination 60 workshop was established in Antlers, OK to allow producers in southeastern Oklahoma 50 and northern Texas to easily attend a workshop. That year and in 2007, workshops 40 were held in September at the Langston University campus, in October at the county 30 fairgrounds in Tahlequah, and at the county fairgrounds in Antlers. Due to declining 20 enrollments and the retirement of the local Langston University Outreach specialist, the 10 workshop in Tahlequah was discontinued in 2008.

2006

2007

Langston

2008

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Tahlequah

2010

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Antlers

Number of participants at recent artificial insemination workshops

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GOAT DAIRY products are popular with producers and consumers.

THE PRE STIGE OF THE DAIRY GOAT PRODUCT PROGRAM IS

Dairy Products

The pilot creamery has been used for goat extenI N V I TAT IONS R E CE I V E D BY sion activities to reach OU R DAIRY GOAT PRODUCTS resource-limited goat TECHNOLOGIST. producers and disseminate information to our clientele. During the last six years, a production line has consisted of fluid milk, yogurt, ice cream, smoothies of different flavors, and EXEMPLIFIED BY NUMEROUS

a variety of cheeses. Soap-making with goat milk and goat tallow has been a big hit among goat producers. It is an excellent way to help utilize surplus milk and create an avenue to enhance income for producers. Each year, there were two to three dairy processing and soap-making workshops conducted in the creamery as well as offcampus. The principles of dairy processing, regulatory guidelines of sanitation, and quality standards of dairy products such as

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cheeses, ice cream, yogurt, and liquid milk were demonstrated. Most attendees of basic cheese-making workshops were beginners. Advanced classes were offered to individuals planning to learn more and desiring to enter commercial cheese production. Numerous tours of the creamery have been provided to goat producers, school students, and the general public. On average, three to four tours each month have occurred, with the summer being the busiest time when schools are not in session, goats are lactating, and the dairy processing is in a full swing. C O N S I D E R A B L E U S AG E O F Also, dairy goat products T H E I NST I T U T E ’ S W E B SI T E have been taken to elemenHAS LED TO CLOSE ACTIVITY tary, middle, and high MON I TORI NG AS A N A I D I N schools in Oklahoma and to ASSESSING PROGRAM IMPACT. goat-related events in and out of the state. It has been documented that approximately 2,000 clientele have benefited from the pilot creamery and programs associated with it. In the last six years, Dr. Steve Zeng, our dairy product specialist, was invited to the prestigious world, American, and U.S. Cheese Championship Contests each year as an expert judge. During the championships, Dr. Zeng, along with a handful of industrial and academic cheese experts, judged thousands of top cow and goat cheeses from the U.S. and around the world. It has been an honor for Langston University that Dr. Zeng was the only expert judge ever representing an 1890 Land Grant University and the U.S. dairy goat industry.

Controlling Internal Parasites Workshops

oat parasite workshops have been held around the state at numerous locations over the years. County agents have sponsored the workshops for local goat producers. The purpose of the parasite workshops is to train producers how to use the most recent, science-based information to control internal parasites in their goats and sheep. Producers are trained on the biology of internal parasites (mainly the Barberpole worm) so they can understand

how to use grazing management to reduce parasite problems. In addition, producers are trained on the characteristics of available dewormers and proper doses and withdrawal times. Coping with problems of dewormer resistance is also addressed. The technique of FAMACHA©, which is a tool to determine when an animal needs to be dewormed by comparing the eye mucous membrane color to a chart, is taught using both classroom instruction and hands on evaluation. Producers are also taught to do fecal egg counts with a microscope.

Internet Website (http://www2.luresext.edu)

he Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension program of Langston University continued to maintain and update its internet website. Capabilities of the website include a document library with the complete proceedings of the annual Goat Field Day and the quarterly newsletter for the past thirteen years. Both the proceedings and newsletters are available in portable document format (PDF), which allows for the viewing and printing of documents across platforms and printers without loss of formatting. Information, recent abstracts, and scientific articles of completed and current research activities in dairy, fiber, and meat production are available for online viewing and reading. Visitors are able to take a virtual tour of the research farm and laboratories, complete with digital photos and narrative. Visitors can register for our annual Goat Field Day and subscribe to our free quarterly newsletter online. Contact information for faculty and staff is also available. In 2010, a tracking code for Google Analytics was embedded in each page of the website (http://www2.luresext.edu/goats). Overall, there were 62,850 visits (75% new visits) and 230,473 page views, resulting in 3.67 pages per view. The unique number of visitors was 47,229. The bounce rate was 59.5%. Visitors spent an average of 3 minutes and 26 seconds on the site on each visit. Search engines accounted for 52% of the

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visits; referred by other websites at 29%; and direct (bookmarked) traffic at 19%. Of the search engines, Google predominated at 34%; Yahoo at 11%; and Bing at 5%. Primary keywords for the search were “langston university” or “langston university goats,” which are 5% of the searches. Browser preference was Internet Explorer at 62%; Firefox at 26%; Chrome at 6%; and other browsers at 6%. The online certification program accounted for 46% and the nutrient calculators accounted for 21% of the page views; otherwise, there was a fairly even distribution of page views across the website. In 2010, there was 5,744 downloads, with the PDF version of the newsletters accounting for 9% of the downloads.

Nutrient Requirements of Goats

he popular web-based goat nutrient requirement calculation system was updated and refined. There are calculations for requirements of metabolizable energy (ME) and metabolizable protein (MP) for suckling, growing, mature, lactating, gestating, and Angora goats. In 2005, a complete mixed ration balancer was added to the nutrient calculator website. Users select from a variety of feed ingredients in a feed library or can add a new feed ingredient. The user can enter the percentages and cost of each feed ingredient in the ration and can change nutrient composition of an ingredient. The complete mixed ration balancer will evaluate the ration and determine if it’s adequate for the ME and MP requirements of a given class of goat. An added benefit is that the complete mixed ration balancer will conduct a least-cost analysis of the choice of feed ingredients to yield a A “PRODUCE R” V E RSION OF ration that satisfies ME and T H E W E B -BASE D N U T RI E N T MP requirements of a given CA LCU L ATION SYST E M WAS class of goat. Producers, DEVELOPED FROM THE ORIGIcounty extension agents, NA L “ T E CH N ICA L” V E RSION extension specialists, FOR E A SI E R U S AGE BY U. S. and scientists are able to PRODUCERS. determine precise nutrient requirements for every conceivable production scenario and thus will be able to optimize nutrition to meet

production goals. These determinations can be made in real time without the use of cumbersome printed tables or complicated equations. The complete mixed ration balancer and affiliated least-cost ration balancer allows users to custom mix a ration that meets ME and MP requirements while minimizing costs. In 2006, the original web-based goat nutrient requirement calculation system was renamed as the Technical Version Calculator and another interface was developed that included pull-down menus, units in the U.S. customary system such as pounds and inches, all input pages consolidated into one web page, and christened the Producer Version Calculator. In 2008, the Technical Version Calculator was successfully translated into Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish and those calculators were loaded onto the Langston University website to serve as a mirror site for the respective collaborator sites. The entire web-based goat nutrient requirement calculation system can be found at http://www2.luresext.edu/goats/ research/nutr_calc.htm.

eXtension.org

n 2008, Langston University helped form a Goat Community of Practice (CoP) for eXtension (pronounced e-extension) with other goat extension specialists and researchers. eXtension is an Internet-based educational partnership of the seventy-four 1862 and 1890 institutions of the land-grant university system that help people improve their lives by providing access to objective, research-based information and learning opportunities. In 1994, the USDA debated cooperative extension’s survival in a new customer-driven marketplace. In 2001, a decision was made to transform the way cooperative extension delivers its mission and message through technology (eXtension). In 2004, the cooperative extension system adopted an assessment to provide project start-up funds and in 2007, launched the full system at http://www.extension.org.

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eXtension was created to provide yearround access to information to help people make life-improving decisions; educational products and programs at any time, from any place, in any format on any Internetready device; complementary resources to the community-based cooperative extension system; increased visibility to cooperative extension by reaching new audiences and expanding partnership opportunities; collaborative development of Internet-based educational materials with minimal duplication; and sustained connections between CoP and S UC C E S S E S O F T H E “ W E B Communities of Interest BASE D T R A I N I NG A N D CE R (CoI). A CoP is a group of T I FICAT ION P RO GR A M FOR specialists and others who MEAT GOAT PRODUCTION” AND are knowledgeable in the THE “MEAT GOAT PRODUCTION subject area, in this case H AN DBOOK” H AVE LE D TO A goats. The Goat CoP’s NUMBER OF CLOSELY RELATED membership includes SU BSEQUENT PROJECTS. goat specialists at all the major universities, plus regional and county extension agents with goat knowledge. A CoI is a group of clientele, in this case goat producers or just anyone who wants to learn more about goats. The first year, the CoP met to develop materials for the website and in March of 2009, the goat extension site was launched. Generally, the CoP meets two to three times per year to update eXtension web content.

Web-based Training and Certification Program for Meat Goat Producers

eat goat production is one of the fastest growing sectors of the livestock industry in the U.S. New producers, as well as some established ones, have an expressed need for current, correct information on how to raise goats and produce safe, wholesome products in demand by the public. As the meat goat industry grows and evolves, a quality assurance (QA) program is essential. Such a QA program ensures the production of a wholesome product that satisfies consumers and increases profit for the meat goat industry.

Langston University was awarded funding by the Food Safety and Inspection Service of USDA to develop a training and certification program for meat goat producers. Langston University organized and led a consortium of 1890 universities and producer associations in this project. The consortium identified the subject topics most pertinent and pressing for the instructional modules. The consortium then identified experts on the selected subject topics and pursued these experts as module authors. These authors represent the most qualified persons in their field in academia as well as industry. Langston University formatted the 16 instructional modules into web pages with accompanying images and pre- and post-tests for those producers wishing to pursue certification. All modules are also available as PDFs for easy printing and the introductory module is available as a podchapter for downloading and listening on your favorite mp3 player. Even though this website (http://www2.luresext.edu/goats/ training/qa.html) was only unveiled in 2005, more than 2,000 producers have enrolled for certification and 233 have completed the lengthy certification process. These instructional materials will best serve meat goat producers in assisting them to produce a safe, wholesome, and healthy product for the American consumer. The funding source for this project was USDA/FSIS/OPHS project #FSIS-C-10-2004 entitled “Development of a Web-based Training and Certification Program for Meat Goat Producers.”

Meat Goat Production Handbook

oth the Meat Goat Production Handbook and the companion Webbased Training and Certification Program were funded through an USDA/FSIS grant. The 400-plus page Meat Goat Production Handbook is an answer to the paucity of information on meat goat production, especially the aspect of quality assurance, which will be a key production element as the meat goat industry grows and evolves. A quality assurance program ensures the production of a safe, healthy product that satisfies

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consumers and increases profit for the production industry. Conventional topics such as herd health, nutrition, herd management, and many others are covered comprehensively, yet remain clear and easy-to-read. Additional topics generally not covered in conventional handbooks are also included, with topics such as disaster preparedness, legal issues, and organic meat goat production addressed. Even though Langston University took the lead in this project, this handbook was not the product of one person or of a single university. T H E I NST I T U T E ’ S I N VOLV E Our collaborating MENT IN AN ANIMAL IDENTIproject institutions/orgaFICATION STU DY RE FL E CTS nizations included Alcorn THE INCREASING EMPH ASIS State University, American ON TRACEABILITY. Boer Goat Association, American Meat Goat Association, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University, Tennessee Goat Producers Association, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, United States Boer Goat Association, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, and Virginia State University. Handbook contributing institutions/organizations included Allen Veterinary Clinic, American Boer Goat Association, American Meat Goat Association, BIO-Genics, Ltd., Bountiful Farm, Cornell University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Langston University, Law Office of Wheeler and Mueller, Louisiana State University, Louisiana State University AgCenter, NCAT / ATTRA National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University, Texas A & M University, United States Boer Goat Association, and Virginia State University.

Extension Education Delivery Tools for Dairy Goat Producers: A W eb-based Certification Program and E-book

n 2011, the Institute received a grant from the USDA to develop a web-based certification program and production handbook in printed and e-book formats for dairy goat production. The grant objective is to establish a comprehensive, single source of production information for dairy goat producers to assist them increase productivity, improve dairy product safety, boost farm profits, and enhance farm sustainability, particularly for small scale dairy goat farms. This production information will be delivered to clientele via a web-based certification program, printed handbook, and e-book version.

E-bolus

n 2007, the University of Barcelona approached Langston University for collaboration in studying electronic ruminal boluses in goats. The European Economic

80 G E- BOLUS showing ceramic coating and

transponder

Community (EEC) has legislated a comprehensive community-wide animal identification system. A reliable and lifetime identification of livestock is at the heart of a national system. Visual and electronic devices for animal identification and registration have both advantages and disadvantages. The International Committee for Animal Recording has adopted a minimum retention rate of 98% for animal identification devices. This value is rarely reached when using conventional plastic ear tags in cattle, sheep, and goats. Therefore, the EEC has moved away from relying upon

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conventional eartags for animal identification. From the mid-90’s, different European projects have evaluated the feasibility of animal electronic identification (e-ID). They have evaluated different forms of passive radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, namely injectable transponders, electronic ear tags, and electronic ruminal boluses. From the results of those investigations, European Regulation 21/2004 was approved, which lays down the official use of ruminal boluses as the official electronic identification device in sheep and goats. Electronic ruminal boluses consist of two parts: a high density capsule (mainly made of ceramic) free of electromagnetic interferences and resistant to the reticulorumen environment and a passive transponder located inside the capsule working at low frequency (134.2 kHz). Based upon Spanish studies, ruminal boluses have proved to be a reliable and tamper-proof identification system for ruminants from birth to slaughter. Boluses are orally applied in an easy T H E VA R I E T Y O F E X T E N and safe manner. Moreover, SION ACTIVITIE S AN D WIDE boluses are safely recovARRAY OF TARGET CLIENTELE ered at slaughter, preARE WELL EXEMPLIFIED venting food chain contamiI N B I RT H I NG C E N T E R S AT nation. No negative effects TH E OK L AHOM A AN D TU LSA have been described on STATE FAIRS. feed intake, digestibility, productive performance, or health status of animals, and no alteration of forestomach development and histological patterns have been reported. A model for predicting optimal retention of ruminal boluses in both sheep and cattle has been established. However, bolus retention in goats seems to be less efficient than in sheep or cattle. The USDA has proposed a National Animal Identification System (NAIS) to ensure the traceability of animals and animal products. Currently, NAIS is a voluntary program and only enrolls premises and not individual animals. However, NAIS may move beyond both of those limits.

In 2007 and in conjunction with the University of Barcelona, nearly 300 ruminal boluses of three different physical forms but each containing 32 mm HDX transponders were administered and the animals were tracked for a full year. Bolus features were: B1 (75 g, 68.2 × 21.0 mm, n = 100), B2 (82 g, 69.1 × 21.2 mm, n = 100), and B3 (20 g, 56.4 × 11.2 mm, n = 95). Distribution of boluses by breed and bolus type (B1, B2, B3) was: Alpine (25, 24, 25), Boer-cross (26, 24, 23), Angora (25, 26, 24), and Spanish (25, 25, 23). Goats were also identified with a standard flag-button plastic ear tag (4.6 g, 51 × 41 mm). Boluses were administered with a balling gun adapted to each bolus type. Time required for bolus administration was recorded as well as any incident observed. An ISO handheld reader was used to read the boluses. Retention rate (read/ applied × 100) of boluses and ear tags was recorded at day 1, 7, 30, 60, and 120. Ruminal pH was measured with a portable pH meter in random samples of 5 goats from each breed and feeding conditions after bolus administration and at week 1, 2, 3, and 4. Ruminal fluid was obtained at 2 hours after feeding by using an oro-ruminal probe. Time required for bolus administration varied according to bolus type (B1, 24 ± 2 s; B2, 27 ± 2 s; B3, 14 ± 2 s) and goat breed (Alpine, 34 ± 3 s; Boer-cross, 16 ± 1 s; Angora, 17 ± 2 s; Spanish, 19 ± 2 s). No health or behavior disturbances were observed. Ruminal pH differed according to breed and feeding conditions (lactating Alpine, 6.50 ± 0.07; yearling Alpine, 6.73 ± 0.08; Boer-cross, 6.62 ± 0.04; Angora, 6.34 ± 0.06; Spanish, 6.32 ± 0.08) but showed no influence on bolus retention. Only one goat regurgitated a B3 bolus when inverted on an operating table during laparoscopic surgery. At 120 days, bolus retention was greater than ear tag retention (99.7 vs. 97.6%). In conclusion, medium-term bolus retention was not affected by breed or feeding conditions and remained over the ICAR requirements for official livestock identification (> 98%).

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Oklahoma and Tulsa State Fairs

ost children are not raised on a farm and do not get to see the miracle of birth. Langston University has collaborated with the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association to bring the miracle of birth to the public. The Institute has provided pregnant females for the birthing center at Tulsa State Fair for the last 9 years and for the last 3 years at the State Fair of Oklahoma. The births are videotaped and replayed on a monitor so that they can be seen at any time. The TWO NEW EXTENSION ACTIVIdoes are the highlight of TIE S TARGETING A SPECIFIC the centers every year as I N F O R M AT I O N N E E D A N D the children laugh at the A S P E C I A L I N T E R E ST A R E kids jumping on their does MORTALITY COMPOSTING AND and playing. In addition GOAT HIDE TANNING. and since 2002, Langston University has provided personnel to be the superintendent of the meat goat show at the Oklahoma State Fair.

Mortality Composting

n 2009, Langston University and Oklahoma State University received an extension grant for a mortality composting demonstration project. All livestock producers encounter mortality. Goat and sheep operations may experience annual mortality losses of approximately 10% of young before weaning and 5% of adult breeding animals. Finding appropriate disposal methods can be challenging. The State of Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry lists five acceptable options for animal carcass disposal: 1) rendering, 2) burial, 3) incineration, 4) landfills, and 5) composting. Composting is an inexpensive, environmentally friendly method of disposing of animal mortality that is commonly used in the poultry and swine industries. Several different styles of composting bins were constructed and a workshop was conducted for participants desiring mortality composting information. A fact sheet was also developed.

Meat Goat Buck Performance Test

eat goat production represents the most rapidly growing animal industry in the U.S. today, and is becoming a mainstream livestock enterprise. To further genetic progress through the identification of superior sires in the industry, Langston University and the Oklahoma Meat Goat Association established a meat goat performance test in 1997. From its inception until 2008, the test was open to purebred and crossbred bucks born between December 1 of the previous year and March 31 of the current year. In 2009 and at the request of breeders, the start date was moved one month and currently the test is open to purebred and crossbred bucks born between January 1 and April 30 of the current year. Prior to 2004, the capacity of the meat buck performance test was 53 because that was the number of Calan gate feeders that were installed in the testing facility. In 2004, a new automated feeding system, Feed Intake Recording Equipment (FIRE), was installed in the testing facility. With the combined FIRE system and Calan gate feeders, the Oklahoma Meat Goat Buck Performance Test now has a capacity of 100 bucks. The FIRE system is a completely automated electronic feeding system originally developed for swine but modified for goats by the Institute. Animals wear an electronic ear tag, which is read by an antenna in the feeder. Feed intake is automatically recorded every time a buck visits a FIRE NUMBER OF BUCKS ENROLLED

60 50 40 30 20 10 0

2006

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MORTALIT Y composting field day

feeder. For the Calan gate feeders, each buck wears a collar with an electronic “key” encased in hard plastic. The key unlocks the door to only one Calan gate feeder, thus enabling the buck to eat out of his individual feeder. Each morning, any feed that remains in the Calan gate feeder is removed and weighed and fresh feed is weighed and placed into the Calan gate feeder. The difference in weight between the fresh feed placed in the Calan gate feeder one morning and the remaining feed the next morning is the amount consumed. Because only one goat is capable of opening an individual Calan gate door, it is possible to calculate feed intake of individual bucks. In 2006 and 2009, one-half of the bucks were in the FIRE system and half were in the Calan gate feeders. For producers who enrolled more than one buck in the Buck Performance Test, the test supervisor randomly assigned half of their bucks to the FIRE system and half to the Calan gate feeders. In 2007, 2008, and 2010, the

number of bucks enrolled was insufficient to warrant the use of the more labor-intensive Calan gate feeders; thus, only the FIRE feeders were employed. Because the FIRE system has not previously been used with goats, Langston University determined the appropriate stocking density per FIRE feeder. As many as 10 young goats can share a FIRE feeder without adverse effects. Langston University also compared the FIRE system with the Calan gate feeders. We found no differences in average daily gain or feed intake of growing goats on the FIRE system and the well-established Calan gate feeders. In early 2000, the Oklahoma Meat Goat Buck Performance Test was designated by the American Boer Goat Association Board of Directors as an ABGA Approved Performance Test. In 2003, the Oklahoma Meat Goat Buck Performance Test was sanctioned by the International Boer Goat Association, Inc.

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Hide Tanning Workshop

n 2007, the Goat Extension Program expanded its selection of producer workshops by instituting a “Tanning Goat Hides Workshop.” The focus of the workshop is tanning hair-on hides for the hobbyist tanner, but the process of dehairing hides for leather or buckskin making is also discussed. Producers learn about skin structure, proper skinning methods, hide handling and preservation, and tanning chemicals and procedures. Hands-on sessions give attendees

Tanning Goat Hides Workshops have been given to adult and youth groups, shortor long-term visitors to the Institute, and Langston University students. In 2009, a visiting graduate student from Japan was instructed in the art of tanning hides. In 2010, a “wet lab” on tanning goat hides was given for veterinary students from Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences and a workshop was given to a group of soldiers of the Oklahoma Army National Guard prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. Further, tanning goat hides was presented as an afternoon teaching session at the Annual Goat Field Day in 2007 and 2009.

Renewable Resources Extension Act

OK L AHOM A NATIONAL GUARD members learn how to unhair a goat skin for

leather products.

the opportunity to work with goat hides in different stages of the tanning process, putting their newly-gained knowledge into practice and learning new skills. In those sessions, participants flesh, pickle, and neutralize, apply different types of tanning chemicals, and soften goat skins prepared for the workshop.

n 2007, Langston University and the Kiamichi Forestry Research Station of Oklahoma State University, located in Idabel, OK, established a Renewable Resources Extension Act funded project entitled “Rehabilitation of Under-Utilized Forest Land by Goats for Economic Benefits.” This project established a forestry and goat demonstration site in an overgrown pine forest. In 2008, 25 young goats were placed on the demonstration site for 12 weeks. During the first week, the goats were fitted with GPS collars that recorded a fix every five minutes. Goats spent 62% of their time within 35 feet of the fence, which was a cleared area, and 38% of their time within the interior of the site. Based upon GPS attributes, goats were more active in foraging within the interior and rested more in the fence buffer. In 2009, 15 Spanish wethers were placed on the demonstration site for 28 weeks. The goats spent 55% of their time within 35 feet of the fence, which was a cleared area, and 45% of their time within the interior of the site. These are significantly different times than in the preceding year with 62 and 38%, respectively. Based upon GPS attributes, goats actively foraged 39% and rested 61% of the time in 2009, which contrasted with 2008 values of 65 and 35%, respectively. These

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behavioral differences may be attributable to the breed differences or to the change in vegetation from year 1 to 2 of the study. However, the results of the goats upon undesirable plant species was unmistakable, regardless of breed. In 2010, 12 Alpine females were placed on the demonstration site for 21 weeks. During the first week, the Alpine females spent nearly all of their time around the holding area and did not explore the paddock extensively. Also in 2010, the first year of a forestry, goat, and cattle demonstration was conducted at the Lindley Farm of the Kiamichi Forestry Research Station of Oklahoma State University. The site was divided into four paddocks: goats only (35 acres), cattle only (21 acres), goats and cattle co-grazing (39 acres), and control (6 acres). The goatand-cattle paddock was stocked with 12 cows and 36 goats, the goat-only paddock was stocked with 36 goats, and the cattleonly paddock was stocked with 10 cows. This stocking rate was approximately one animal USE OF GPS COLLARS TO unit per two acres with one DEPICT SPATIAL MOVEMENT cow or six goats equaling O F G O AT S I N PA S T U R E S one animal unit. H AS BE E N A DDE D TO S OM E Eleven Spanish goats V E GETATION M A NAGE M E N T in the goat-and-cattle padDEMONSTRATIONS. dock and 10 goats in the goat-only paddock were fitted with GPS collars which recorded a fix every 5 minutes for the first 2 weeks. Goats assigned to the goat-and-cattle paddock routinely broke through the electric fence and spent considerable time in the goat-onlypaddock. Even when goats were reassigned and retained within their paddocks, the goats in the goat-and-cattle paddock spent the vast majority of their time near the fence in the southwest wedge of their paddock. A point-in-polygon analysis using a 35 × 35 ft grid was conducted for each paddock, with 87% (1,376 of 1,584) of the grids remaining unexplored in the goat-and-cattle paddock and 8% (119 grids) only had a single digit number of fixes. This compared to 35% (522 of 1,473) of the grids unexplored in the

goat-only paddock and 29% (430 grids) with only a single digit number of fixes. The favored locations for goats in each paddock were near the water source in the eastern intersection of the two paddocks and along the central fence line that divided the two paddocks. Goats in the goat-only paddock also had a favorite central location shaded by trees. The presence of cattle may have had a double detrimental effect upon the goats. Firstly, the goats had never been exposed to cattle before, which may have been a reason why goats initially fled the goat-and-cattle paddock. Secondly, the presence of cattle could have physically inhibited the goats from fully exploring their paddock.

Goats and Cattle Co-grazing

Goats Only

ANIM AL locations in a recent vegetation management demonstration

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Extension Grants

Extension Education Delivery Tools for Dairy Goat Producers: A Webbased Certification Program and E-book • 2011–2014 • Langston

University; Fort Valley State University; University of Wisconsin - Madison

• USDA

1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program

• Funding

amount $350,000

Enhancing Capabilities of Socially Disadvantaged and Underserved Farmers via Low Literacy Materials in English and Spanish • 2010–2013 • Langston

University; Kentucky State University; University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

• USDA

1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program

• Funding

amount $282,000

Training Farmer Educators on Goat Mortality and Butcher Waste Composting, A Regional Approach • 2010–2013 • Collaborators

Langston University; Florida A&M University; Virginia State University

DR . ROGE R ME RK E L checking temperature in a mortality composting

demonstration

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EXTENSION GRANTS

GROUP of Spanish goats after an Oklahoma • USDA

1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program

• Funding

amount $279,614

• USDA

Renewable Resources Extension Act Program

• Funding

amount $13,500

snow • USDA

Renewable Resources Extension Act Program

• Funding

Rehabilitation of Under-Utilized Forest Land by Goats for Economic Benefits • 2010

• 2009

• Langston

University; Kiamichi Forestry Research Station (Oklahoma State University)

Rehabilitation of Under-Utilized Forest Land by Goats for Economic Benefits University; Kiamichi Forestry Research Station (Oklahoma State University)

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amount $11,000

Mortality Composting of Smallstock and Compost Use Workshop and Demonstration for Agriculture and 4-H County Educators • 2008–2009

• Langston

University; Oklahoma State University

• USDA

Model State Enhancement Grant, Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program

• Funding

amount $10,000

Rehabilitation of Under-Utilized Forest Land by Goats for Economic Benefits • 2008 • Langston

University; Kiamichi Forestry Research Station (Oklahoma State University)

• USDA

Renewable Resources Extension Act Program

• Funding

Development of a Meat Goat Industry Handbook • 2006 • Langston

University; Alcorn State University; Florida A & M University; Fort Valley State University; Kentucky State University; North Carolina A&T University; Prairie View A & M University; Southern University; Tennessee State University; Tuskegee University; University of Arkansas Pine Bluff; Virginia State University

• USDA

Food Safety and Inspection Service

• Funding

amount $100,000

amount $11,000

Rehabilitation of Under-Utilized Forest Land by Goats for Economic Benefits • 2007 • Langston

University; Kiamichi Forestry Research Station (Oklahoma State University)

• USDA

Renewable Resources Extension Act Program

• Funding

amount $11,137

Rehabilitation of Under-Utilized Forest Land by Goats for Economic Benefits • 2006 • Langston

University; Kiamichi Forestry Research Station (Oklahoma State University)

• USDA

Renewable Resources Extension Act Program

• Funding

amount $11,137

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International Overview

oats and goat products are part of the livelihood of a majority of the world’s population and are an important resource for poor farmers in many countries of the world. Part of the mission of the E (Kika) de la Garza

American Institute for Goat Research is to effect positive change in goat production throughout the world.

Objectives

opportunities to not only increase knowledge of foreign production systems and o fulfill this aspect, the Institute has constraints, but also to positively impact developed and maintains strong ties agricultural development in foreign counwith research and academic institutions tries and help alleviate poverty and hunger. around the world. In addition to collabGeneral objectives of the orative work with foreign Institute’s international institutions, the Institute IMPACT OF INTE RNATIONA L program are: has hosted visiting scienACTIVITIES WAS RECOGNIZED tists from over 20 foreign 1) Increase our knowledge BY RECEIPT OF TH E 20 06 countries to conduct of goat production systems GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER research activities. worldwide and current AGRICU LT U RE EXCE L L E NCE Training foreign livestock constraints to increased AWARD OF USAID. workers and scientists as production; well as U.S.-based persons 2) Build human capacity through training who will travel and work overseas are other foreign scientists and agricultural ways in which the Institute is active in the workers in goat production, thereby international arena. allowing them to more effectively carry International research and training, out their missions of teaching, research, hosting foreign scientists, and training those and extension; who will teach others are internationallyfocused activities that J E RRY HAY E S in Ethiopia conducting give the Institute unique artificial insemination in a small ruminant

development project of the Institute

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3) Increase the involvement of Langston University and the Institute in agricultural development to positively impact human welfare; and 4) Enhance the Institute’s knowledge of development and development issues. As recognition of the impact that the Institute has had on international development, five Langston University scientists, Drs. Terry Gipson, Arthur Goetsch, Roger Merkel, Tilahun Sahlu, and Steve Zeng, were jointly awarded the 2006 George Washington Carver Agricultural Excellence Award of USAID for their efforts in international agriculture.

International Research

hile most international projects conducted by the Institute have aspects of research, training, and extension, some are more research oriented. These grants are typified by a number of projects with countries in the Middle East.

RE SEARCH GRANTS WITH MIDDLE EASTERN INSTITUTIONS

For over a decade, the Institute has collaborated with research institutions in the Middle East. This collaboration began in 2000 with the grant “Multinational Approaches to Enhance Goat Production in the Middle East” supported by the Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) program of USAID. That grant program was completed in the fall of 2008 and entailed DR . E RICK LOE T Z in Ethiopia for an artificial insemination activity at one of the improved genotype sites of a small ruminant development project of the Institute

collaborative research, training, and extension activities among Langston University; Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt; Agricultural Research Organization and Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel; Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem, Palestine; and the Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. The objective was to revitalize and develop the Middle East goat industry via research and technology transfer to increase income and improve the standard of living. Specific goals of the grant were the characterization of current goat production systems, development of new technologies for production of milk products, and the transfer of appropriate technologies to Middle Eastern households. The research conducted and knowledge transferred to goat farmers and users of goat milk products in the Middle East offer great potential to improve food security and economic conditions of people of the region. The Institute has worked diligently to continue activities with the Desert Research Center of Egypt and was awarded three grants from the U.S.-Egypt Joint Science and Technology Fund for further collaborative research. In 2005, the Institute and the Desert Research Center embarked on a research project to ascertain the “Effects of Acclimatization on Energy Requirements of Goats.” That project was completed in June of 2008. The second of these three grants, “The Grazing Activity Energy Cost of Goats,” began in 2007 and ran through 2010. In 2008, the Institute and the Desert Research Center initiated a project entitled “Effects of Nutritional Plane on the Maintenance Energy Requirement of Goats,” which ended in 2011. Research collaboration also continued with institutes in Israel through an United States–Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development (BARD) grant in 2005 that entailed a project with the Newe Ya’ar Research Center of the Agricultural Research Organization in Israel entitled “Energy Expenditure for Activity in Free-Ranging Ruminants: A Nutritional

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DR S. ARTHU R GOE TSCH (left) and Terry Gipson (right) sit with Dr. Hassan El-Shaer at the Desert Research Center in Egypt before presenting seminars on collaborative research activities.

Frontier.” In 2010, the Institute was awarded a grant for a project entitled “Enhanced Safety and Product Quality from On-Farm Thermization/Pasteurization of Goat Milk in the Middle East” by the United States– Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund THE INSTITUTE HAS COL as a Facilitating Grant in LABORATED WITH A HOST OF the MARD (Multinational M I DDL E E A ST E R N I NST I T U- Agricultural Research TIONS IN EXTENSION, DEVEL and Development) proO P M E N T, A N D R E S E A R C H gram. Collaborators in PROJECTS. this project were Langston University; Kimron Veterinary Institute and Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel; Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem, Palestine; and the Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. Objectives of this project were to develop specifications of an inexpensive thermization/pasteurization equipment system suitable for use on small goat farms in the Middle East, conduct preliminary evaluations of the prototype for possible refinement, and determine procedures for an associated MERC grant preproposal that was developed.

JORDAN, CHINA, MEXICO, RWANDA, AND IVORY COAST

Another grant involving a Middle Eastern university included institutions in three other regions of the world. In 2005, the Institute was awarded funding from the USDA International Science and Education Competitive Grants Program for “International Collaboration in Goat Research and Production Web-based Support Aids.” In this grant, the Institute partnered with the Jordan University of Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University in China, National University of Rwanda, Centre National Recherche Agronomique in Côte d’Ivoire, and the University of Chapingo in Mexico. This grant expanded the use of the interactive, web-based nutrient calculator for goats and the goat production simulation program developed by Institute scientists through translation into Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish. Having the web-based nutrient calculator in these languages will increase the number of producers and scientists worldwide who will be able to utilize the unique features of the calculator and enhance its usefulness. The foreign language versions of the nutrient calculator can be accessed from the Institute’s website.

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INTE RNATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Consortium was awarded a planning grant and held meetings in Ethiopia and Kenya to gather information and develop the strategic plan that was submitted in November, 2009. While long-term funding was not awarded, all institutions involved continue to seek funding for future collaborative activities.

International Collaboration in Goat Research and Production in China

FARME R watching his sheep consume different

supplemental feedstuffs on an on-farm demonstration activity in an Ethiopian sheep and goat development project of the Institute

Education and Training

n 2009, the Institute entered into a partnership with Oklahoma State University, three universities in Ethiopia (Haramaya, Hawassa, and Mekelle), two universities in Kenya (Kenyatta and Moi), the International Livestock Research Institute, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center THE PROJECT TO TRANS to form the Consortium of L AT E W E B -BASE D DE CISION African and United States S U P P O RT T O O L S O F T H E Educators (CAUSE). The INSTITUTE INTO DIFFERENT objective of the grant was L A NGUAG E S P R OV I DE S A N to establish relationships EXAMPLE OF THE THREE -WAY among U.S. and African C OU P L I N G O F R E S E A R C H , institutes of higher eduE XT E NSION, A N D I N T E R NAcation and to develop a TIONAL ACTIVITIE S. strategic plan to address critical societal issues by increasing human and institutional capacity of higher education in East Africa in teaching, research, and outreach. The goals of the partnership were to: 1) Enhance academic programs through regional collaboration; 2) Develop research-based solutions to address food and nutritional security in East Africa; 3) Transfer knowledge and skills to enhance community development; and 4) Provide research based information to stakeholders and policy makers.

n 2006, Dr. Steve Zeng of the Institute was invited to China as an Adjunct/ Visiting Professor at Harbin Institute of Technology in Heilongjiang Province. Dr. Zeng and three cheese experts from France conducted a week-long cheese manufacturing workshop for dairy technologists, industrial leaders, and university professors. Mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, processed cheese, and hard and semi-hard cheeses from both goat and cow milk were demonstrated and evaluated. In addition, dairy manufacturing classes were given to graduate students at the university. In 2007, Dr. Zeng returned to China, accompanied by Drs. Marvin Burns, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, and Tilahun Sahlu, Director of the American Institute for Goat Research. The team traveled to China Agricultural University in Beijing; Northwest A&F University in Yangling, Shaanxi province; and Zhejiang University, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Dr. Zeng held cheesemaking workshops and conducted dairy and cheese sensory panel evaluations at the universities. Discussions on future collaborative work were held with university administrations and a Memorandum of Understanding for research and academic collaboration was signed with China Agricultural University. IRAQ

From 2003 to 2006, the Institute collaborated in a University of Oklahoma-led project with Oklahoma State University, Cameron University, and five Iraqi

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universities (Salahaddin University, Basrah University, Al-Anbar University, University of Technology, and Babylon University). The grant, “Al-Sharaka Program for Higher Education in Iraq,” supported USAID activities to upgrade and revitalize the higher education system in Iraq. The role of the Institute and Langston University was to provide training in small ruminant production to Iraqi scientists and establish a ruminant nutrition laboratory at Salahaddin University. To accomplish the former goal, a three-week INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIE S training session was held in ENCOMPASS NOT ONLY MULTICairo, Egypt, in September, Y E A R PRO J E CTS, BU T A LSO 2004. This training, T R A I N I NG OF I N DI V I DUA LS “Updating and Enhancing AN D SMALL GROU PS AT THE the Skills of Iraqi Scientists INSTITUTE AS WELL AS SHORTin Small Ruminant T E RM T E CH N ICA L FORE IGN Production,” provided VISITS OF INSTITUTE FACULTY. information on computer

technology, herd health and reproduction, statistical analysis, nutrition, and manuscript preparation to seven Iraqi scientists. To accomplish the establishment of a ruminant nutrition laboratory, analytical equipment and associated chemicals and supplies were purchased for Salahaddin University. Textbooks on various topics in animal science as well as laboratory procedure manuals were purchased. The equipment, supplies, and books were sent to Salahaddin University in the summer of 2005.

Short-term Training of Graduate Students and Development Workers

n January and February, 2009, the Institute hosted a graduate student from Kyoto University in Japan for a 4-week training course in goat production, farm management, and the research programs

TR AINING of a foreign visitor in hoof trimming

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SOUTH AFRIC AN Boer goats were imported into Ethiopia for crossbreeding with local animals.

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DR . TE RRY GIPSON in Mali on a Farmer-to-Farmer visit for training in artificial insemination

conducted by the Institute. Funds for the training were awarded to the student through a scholarship from the Japan Livestock Technology Association, located in Tokyo. The Institute has also provided training programs to persons or groups going overseas who IN ADDITION TO THE MIDDLE wanted specific training on E A ST, T H E I N ST I T U T E H A S aspects of goat production WO R K E D E X T E N S I V E LY I N or goat products. These AFRICA FOR MANY YEARS. trainings have ranged from one-day workshops on cheese-making or tanning hides to weeklong programs on goat production and management.

Institute Personnel Providing Technical Assistance Abroad

nstitute scientists also traveled abroad to conduct technical training activities and workshops. Dr. Terry Gipson, the Institute’s Extension Leader, traveled to Mali in 2009 and 2010 as part of the Farmerto-Farmer Program to conduct training in goat artificial insemination. Dr. Steve Zeng, Dairy Products Specialist, was an invited speaker at cheese symposiums in Argentina in 2006 and again in 2008 when he conducted cheese-making workshops at the Symposium and Training Workshops on Goat Milk and Cheese Fabrication, National

University of Lujan, Buenos Aires. In 2007, Dr. Zeng was invited to be a panelist and cheese judge at the international Cheese Celebration in Turin, Italy and an invited speaker at the Buffalo Milk Cheese School held at the Guangxi Buffalo Institute, Nanning, Guangxi, China in 2008. Dr. Zeng also assisted USAID and the University of Kentucky through holding two cheesemaking schools in the Republic of Georgia in 2009.

Agricultural Development LIBERIA

In 2006, the United States Agency for International Development Mission in Liberia invited Institute scientists to travel to Liberia to assess the small ruminant industry in the country. Liberia is recovering from over 15 years of civil strife that decimated traditional society and killed over 250,000 people. The Liberian small ruminant population has been reduced by up to 80% of pre-war numbers. In addition to the loss of stock, the loss of human life and the large number of people who fled Liberia have reduced the animal husbandry knowledge in the country. Institute scientists met with numerous government officials, attended a village meeting and spoke to a group of villagers, and visited several Liberian

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universities to gather information for the assessment. ETHIOPIAN SHEEP AND GOAT PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

In 2005, the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research of Langston University and Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX were awarded a $5.5 million grant from the USAID Mission in Ethiopia for a 5-year project entitled “Ethiopia Sheep and Goat EX PE RI E NCE OF T H E I NSTIProductivity Improvement TUTE WITH IMPROVED GENO Program (ESGPIP).” The TYPES WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN project was extended for E STABLISHING CROSSBREED 1 year into 2011 with an ING PROGRAMS IN ETHIOPIA additional $750,000 of W I T H B O E R G O AT S A N D funding. The role of the DORPER SHEEP. Institute was in initial project design, preparation of annual work plans, implementation management, and providing technical expertise

and direction. The project entailed collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Government of Ethiopia. The overall goal of the program was to conduct research and extension activities in the areas of production and marketing that would result in a sustainable increase in small ruminant productivity in Ethiopia to improve food and economic securities. The project worked in six regions of Ethiopia (Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Southern States, Afar, and Somali) and addressed a number of factors including human and institutional capacity building, research and technology transfer, and introduction of improved animal genetics. The four major components of the project were Genotype, Production, Training, and Animal Health. The Genotype component focused on introducing improved genotypes, i.e., Dorper sheep and Boer goats, establishing nucleus and crossbreeding stations, and distributing animals to producers.

DE VE LOPME NT projects in Ethiopia targeted enhancing village productivity.

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The Animal Health component searched for means of enhancing productivity through improved health practices. The Production component entailed on-farm research and demonstration of useful feeding and nutrition practices. Finally, the Training component was designed to improve information delivery services and create technical training content to enhance the effectiveness of extension agents who work directly with farmers and pastoralists in small ruminant production. In 2007, the Genotype component worked with Ethiopian officials to import Boer goats and Dorper sheep from South Africa. The broadest genetic base possible was selected from the top stud producers in South Africa as represented in the table below. BREED

PROVINCE

Boer

Eastern Cape

Boer

Northern Cape

Dorper

Free State

Dorper

Northern Cape

204

243

studs and transported to Nucleus Breeding Sites established at the Warer Agricultural Research Center and Somali Agricultural Research Institute in Fafen in central and eastern regions of Ethiopia, respectively. In addition to the four Nucleus Breeding Sites, initially 10 Breeding, Evaluation, and Distribution (BED) sites were established across Ethiopia with the express intent of propagating and disseminating crossbred animals. Later in accordance with an increased interest in the improved

STUDS MALES FEMALES TOTAL

Total

These animals formed the backbone of purebred and crossbred breeding programs designed to utilize the fast growth rate and larger carcass of these animals with the native adaptability and toughness of local breeds. The resulting crossbreds will have the frame size and carcass characteristics desired by the meat export market. The ESGPIP built a quarantine facility for incoming animals and the nucleus and crossbreeding facilities needed to carry out project activities. Following the quarantine period, the Boer goats were divided equally across studs and transported to Nucleus Breeding Sites established at the Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center and Hawassa University in central and southern regions of Ethiopia, respectively. USE OF E NSE T LE AVE S as a pit liner for urea The Dorper sheep were treatment of straw in a demonstration activity divided equally across of an Ethiopian small ruminant development

DR . LIONE L DAWSON (left) collecting tissue samples in a nutritional study of an Ethiopian small ruminant development project of the Institute.

genotypes, a number of Satellite Nucleus Breeding and BED sites were added. In 2008 and 2010, Boer goat semen was purchased in South Africa, imported into Ethiopia, and used in artificial insemination projects to broaden the genetic base of the purebred Boer goat nucleus herds. Purebred Boer goats and Dorper sheep have been mated to indigenous breeds with the resulting crossbred progeny distributed to private farmers. The Animal Health component combated the problem of external parasites downgrading the quality of Ethiopian sheep and goat skins for the important leather industry by training villagers to be providers of dipping and spraying services to control these pests. Studies on lamb and kid mortality aimed to find most common causes of mortality of young animals and design means to ameliorate this problem. Another

project of the Institute

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important activity was training staff of Nucleus Breeding and BED sites, as well as veterinary care officers in areas of improved genotype distribution, in animal health care management. For the Production component, as was also true for all other areas, activities occurred in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, regional research and extension entities, and universities and colleges. Furthermore, there were efforts to involve extension agents who work directly with farmers and pastoTH E GENERAL APPROACH E S ralists and received the I N ON-FA R M R E S E A RC H I N small ruminant production E T H IOP I A W E R E WOR K I NG training. W I T H FA R M E R R E S E A R C H The great majority of G R OU P S A N D I N DI V I DUA L ESGPIP research was onHOUSEHOLDS. farm, which was the desire of the donor, USAID-Ethiopia. Ethiopian extension personnel were integral in conducting on-farm research activities and field days. Moreover, frequently nearby farmers not directly involved in the research and

FACU LT Y OF THE I NSTITUTE at the 2010 International Conference on Goats in

Brazil

demonstration activities were observed to adopt the new technologies without ESGPIP assistance. The two general approaches in onfarm research were formation of Farmer Research Groups (FRG) and work with households on an individual basis. The most appropriate method depends on the

particular setting, and each has advantages and disadvantages. A study with the former method might entail three to five FRG, each with perhaps ten households. Households contribute a number of animals equal to the treatments, commonly three or four. Then, all animals of a FRG are housed during the evening in different pens of a barn situated at a household of the FRG to receive the different feeding treatments. Conversely, with the individual farmer approach, a number of villages also participate, but with animals located at individual households and usually subjected to one of the treatments. Many different topics were studied in on-farm research. One area addressed in demonstrations and field days was ammoniation of crop residues via treatment with urea. Previously, ammoniated crop residues were used with cattle but not extensively with small ruminants. This technology has been readily adopted in all areas where introduced. In fact, a number of other non-governmental organizations (NGO) have followed the ESGPIP lead and copied its methods in other areas. Byproduct feedstuffs studied include leftover khat and poultry litter, and experiments have been conducted with urea-molasses multi-nutrient blocks, various supplements such as cactus, noug cake, sweet potato vines, and wheat bran, and trace mineral supplementation. Institute and Ethiopian scientists researched anecdotal reports that carcasses of sheep and goats from highland areas darkened more quickly than carcasses of animals from lowland areas. Further, attention was given to comparisons of performance and carcass and skin characteristics of crossbreds of Dorper sheep and Boer goats with local breeds. Field days not directly associated with on-farm research also were conducted. Typically, a number of technologies were demonstrated, such as ammoniation, making and use of urea-molasses blocks, and use of improved forages. There was a major effort to aid in the distribution of seeds and seedlings of improved forages, in coordination with similar activities at sites of introduction of improved genotypes. And,

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village farmers. These bulletins are very popular and were translated into several different regional languages of Ethiopia to broaden their use. In 2008, the ESGPIP and Institute staff established a project website, www.ESGPIP.org, that contains the technical bulletins, handbook, and other materials and reports produced by the ESGPIP. Finally, all project components worked together to enhance the ability of Ethiopian institutions and personnel to effect sustainable, positive change in small ruminant production. DR . Z AISE N WANG with a poster at the 2010 International Conference on Goats in Brazil

as women typically are responsible for care of sheep and goats in Ethiopia, the formation of women groups for sheep and goat production has been promoted and technical assistance was provided. The Training component of the project aimed to enhance the knowledge and ability of village development agents to assist farmers in raising small ruminants via direct THE TRAINING COMPO training in sheep and goat NENT OF THE ETHIOPIA production and managePRO J E CT FO CUSE D ON E DUment. In the latter years CATION OF VI L L AGE DEV E L of the ESGPIP, training OPMENT AGENTS WHO WORK emphasis was given to DIRECTLY WITH FARMERS AND farmers and pastoralists PASTORALISTS. in management and marketing of crossbreds of the improved genotypes. In support of these activities, the Sheep and Goat Production Handbook for Ethiopia was published in 2008. This text, written by Ethiopian scientists, is the first of its kind in Ethiopia and has over 400 pages of information that can be used by development agents. The depth of information in the book also allows its use as a classroom text by university faculty. In addition, technical bulletins of certain aspects of sheep and goat production were produced and distributed to development agents and institutions throughout the country. The technical bulletins were designed to contain material that a development agent could use directly in training

CHILD EDUCATION GRANT

In 2006, the Institute was awarded a grant to work with Hawassa University on increasing the attendance of children in schools and reducing dropout rates, particularly in rural Ethiopia. Poverty and the need for children to work to support their families and assist in farming activities are main factors that prevent children from obtaining an education. This is particularly true for young girls. This grant worked with two schools to conduct surveys to determine the cause of low attendance and high dropout. Facilities at these schools were upgraded and interventions developed as a model that other Ethiopian schools could use to increase the rate of child education.

The End Result

he E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research is proud of its international activities and their impact on strengthening human and institutional capacity of foreign institutions, providing important and relevant research results on local issues, and in the assistance provided to small farmers, and particularly women, in enhancing family nutrition and income generation. These are unique activities that support the mission and goals of the Institute.

L A NG ST ON U N I V ER SI T Y E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H

E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H L A NG ST ON U N I V E R S I T Y

International Grants

Enhanced Safety and Product Quality from On-Farm Thermization/ Pasteurization of Goat Milk in the Middle East • 2010–2011 • Langston

University; Kimron Veterinary Institute and Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel; Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem, Palestine; Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

• United

States–Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund

• Funding

amount $50,000

Increasing the Capacity of Higher Education in East Africa through the creation of a Consortium of African and United States Educators (CAUSE) • 2009 • Langston

University; Oklahoma State University; Haramaya University, Hawassa University, and Mekelle University in Ethiopia; Kenyatta University and Moi University in Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research System

DE VE LOPING human capacity is an important aspect of international

activities.

L A NG ST ON U N I V ER SI T Y E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H

INTE RNATIONAL GRANTS

• Higher

Education for Development, USAID

• Funding

amount $50,000

Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program • 2005–2011 • Langston

Effects of Nutritional Plane on the Maintenance Energy Requirement of Goats

University, Prairie View A & M University, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Government of Ethiopia

• 2008–2011

• USAID

• Langston

• Funding

University; Desert Research Center, Egypt

• U.S.–Egypt

Joint Science and Technology Fund

• Funding

amount $60,000

Ethiopia amount $6,250,000

International Collaboration in Goat Research and Production Web-Based Decision Support Aids • 2005–2008

The Grazing Activity Energy Cost of Goats • 2007–2010 • Langston

University; Desert Research Center, Egypt

• U.S.–Egypt

Joint Science and Technology Fund

• Funding

amount $60,000

University; Jordan University of Science and Technology; Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, China; National University of Rwanda; Centre National Recherche Agronomique, Côte d’Ivoire; University of Chapingo, Mexico

• USDA

International Science and Education Competitive Grants Program amount $99,959

Energy Expenditure for Activity in Free-Ranging Ruminants: A Nutritional Frontier • 2005-2008 • Langston

University; Newe Ya’ar Research Center of the Agricultural Research Organization, Israel

• United

of goats in Ethiopia.

Sustainable Interventions to Increase Child Education in Ethiopia: Models for Poverty Reduction and Overcoming Child Labor Constraints • 2006–2007 • Langston

University; Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia

• United

Negro College Fund Special Programs

• Funding

amount $25,000

• 2003–2006 • Langston

University, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Cameron University, Lawton, OK; Al Anbar University, Ramadi City, Iraq; Babylon University, Hilla City, Iraq; Basrah University, Basrah, Iraq; Salahaddin University, Erbil, Iraq; University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq

• USAID • Funding

amount $4,988,569

• Langston

• Funding

WOM AN and children are the main caretakers

Al-Sharaka, The Partnership. Revitalizing the Higher Education System in Iraq

States–Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund

• Funding

amount $310,000

Effects of Acclimatization on Energy Requirements of Goats • 2005–2007 • Langston

University; Desert Research Center, Egypt

• U.S.–Egypt

Joint Science and Technology Fund

• Funding

amount $58,500

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Multinational Approaches to Enhance Goat Production in the Middle East • 2000–2008 • Langston

University; Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt; Agricultural Research Organization and Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel; Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem, Palestine; Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

• USAID/Middle

East Regional Cooperation Program

• Funding

amount $1,199,725

L A NG ST ON U N I V E R S I T Y E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H

E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H L A NG ST ON U N I V E R S I T Y

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles 2 012 Asmare, A., R. Puchala, K. Tesfai, G. Detweiler , L. Dawson, A. Askar, Z. Wang, and A. Goetsch. 2012. Effects of small ruminant type and level of intake on metabolism. Small Ruminant Research 102:186–190. Goetsch, A. L., G. D. Detweiler, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, and T. A. Gipson. 2012. Conditions to test electric fence additions to cattle barb wire fence for goat containment. Journal of Applied Animal Research 40:43–55. Hu, W., T. A. Gipson, S. P. Hart, L. J. Dawson, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2012. Optimum duration of performance testing for growth, feed intake, and feed efficiency in growing Boer bucks. Small Ruminant Research 104:114–121. Mohammed, S., M. Urge, G. Animut, K. Awigechew, G. Abebe, and A. L. Goetsch. 2012. Effects of level of concentrate supplementation on growth performance of Arsi-Bale and Boer x Arsi-Bale male goats consuming low-quality hay. Tropical Animal Health and Production DOI:10.1007/s11250–01100056-2. Puchala, R., G. Animut, A. K. Patra, G. D. Detweiler, J. E. Wells, V. H. Varel, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2012. Methane emissions by goats ANGOR A goats of the Institute before

harvesting of mohair

consuming condensed tannincontaining forage at different frequencies. Animal and Feed Science Technology 175:76–84.

Goetsch, A. L., S. Zeng, and T. A. Gipson. 2011. Factors affecting goat milk production and quality. Small Ruminant Research 101:55–63.

Puchala, R., G. Animut, A. K. Patra, G. D. Detweiler, J. E. Wells, V. H. Varel, T. Sahlu and A. L. Goetsch. 2012. Effects of different sources of forage in fresh and hay forms on ruminal methane emission by meat goats. Journal of Animal Science (In press).

Helal, A., R. Puchala, G. D. Detweiler, T. A. Gipson, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2011. Effects of restricted feed intake on energy expenditure by different goat breeds. Journal of Animal Science 89:4175–4187.

Wallie, M., Y. Mekasha, M. Urge, G. Abebe, and A. L. Goetsch. 2012. Effects of form of leftover khat (Catha edulis) on feed intake, digestion, and growth performance of Hararghe Highland goats. Small Ruminant Research 102:1–6.

2 011 Asmare, A., R. Puchala, K. Tesfai, G. Detweiler, L. Dawson, A. Askar, Z. Wang, and A. Goetsch. 2011. Effects of small ruminant type and restricted protein intake on metabolism. Small Ruminant Research 98:111–114. Goetsch, A. L., G. D. Detweiler, and T. Sahlu. 2011. Feed intake and performance by yearling meat goat doelings consuming deep-stacked or ensiled broiler litter. Professional Animal Scientist 27:553–560. Goetsch, A. L., R. C. Merkel, and T. A. Gipson. 2011. Factors affecting goat meat production and quality. Small Ruminant Research 101:173–181.

Merkel, R., and T. Gipson. 2011. Change in behavior of goat producers after on-line training in health practices. Small Ruminant Research 98:31–34. Puchala, R., A. K. Patra, G. Animut, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2011. Effects of feed restriction and realimentation on mohair fiber growth and tissue gain by growing Angora goats. Livestock Science 138:180– 186. Tovar-Luna, I., R. Puchala, T. A. Gipson, G. D. Detweiler, L. J. Dawson, T. Sahlu, A. Keli, and A. L. Goetsch. 2011. Effects of night-locking and stage of production on forage intake, digestion, behavior, and energy utilization by meat goat does grazing grass/legume pasture. Livestock Science 140:225-245. Tovar-Luna, I., R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, H. C. Freetly, and A. L. Goetsch. 2011. Effects of level of feeding on energy utilization by Angora goats. Journal of Animal Science 89:142–149. Wang, F., X. Y. Zhand, J. Luo, H. Y. Guo, S. S. Zeng, and F. Z. Ren. 2011. Effect of proteolysis and calcium

L A NG ST ON U N I V ER SI T Y E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H

PU BLICATIONS

equilibrium of natural cheddar cheese during ripening and the resultant processed cheese on functional properties. Journal of Food Science 76:E248–253. Zhang, X. Y., H. Y. Guo, L. Zhao, W. F. Sun, S. S. Zeng, X. M. Lu, X. Cao, and F. Z. Ren. 2011. Sensory profile and Beijing youth preference of seven cheese varieties. Food Quality and Preference 22:101–1009.

2 010 Abebe, G., G. Kannan, and A. L. Goetsch. 2010. Effects of small ruminant species and origin in Ethiopia (Highland vs Lowland areas) and lengths of rest and feeding on harvest measures. African Journal of Agricultural Research 5:834–847. Beker, A., T. A. Gipson, R. Puchala, A. R. Askar, K. Tesfai, G. D. Detweiler, A. Asmare, and A. L. Goetsch. 2010. Energy expenditure and activity of different types of small ruminants grazing varying pastures in the summer. Journal of Applied Animal Research 37:1–14. Chen, S. X., J. Z. Wang, J. S. Van Kessel, F. Z. Ren, and S. S. Zeng. 2010. Effect of somatic cell count in goat milk on yield, sensory quality and fatty acid profile of semi-hard cheese. Journal of Dairy Science 93:1345– 1354. Goetsch, A. L., T. A. Gipson, A. R. Askar, and R. Puchala. 2010. Feeding behavior of goats. Journal of Animal Science 88:361–374. Merera, C., G. Abebe, A. Sebsibe, and A. L. Goetsch. 2010. Effects and interactions of origin of sheep in Ethiopia (Highland vs Lowland areas), feeding, and lengths of rest and feeding on harvest measures. Journal of Applied Animal Research 37:33–42. Tovar-Luna, I., R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, H. C. Freetly, and A. L. Goetsch. 2010. Effects of stage of lactation and dietary concentrate level on energy utilization by Alpine dairy goats.

Journal of Dairy Science 93:4818– 4828.

producers. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems 11:145–149.

Tovar-Luna, I., R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, H. C. Freetly, and A. L. Goetsch. 2010. Effects of stage of lactation and level of feed intake on energy utilization by Alpine dairy goats. Journal of Dairy Science 93:4829–4837.

Ngwa, A. T., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, G. D. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, Z. Wang, K. Tesfai, T. Sahlu, C. L. Ferrell, and A. L. Goetsch. 2009. Effects of diet and breed on growth and body composition of crossbred Boer and Spanish wether goats. Journal of Animal Science 87:2913–2923.

2009 Beker, A., T. A. Gipson, R. Puchala, A. R. Askar, K. Tesfai, G. D. Detweiler, A. Asmare, and A. L. Goetsch. 2009. Effects of stocking rate, breed, and stage of production on energy expenditure and activity of meat goat does on pasture. Journal of Applied Animal Research 36:159–174. Chen, S. X., M. Rovai, A. L. Lock, D. E. Bauman, T. Gipson, F. Z. Ren, and S. S. Zeng. 2009. Effects of milk fat depression induced by a dietary supplement containing trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid on properties of semi-hard goat cheese. Journal of Dairy Science 92:2534– 2538. Goetsch, A. L., and G. Abebe. 2009. Considerations for on-farm research and demonstration of useful feeding/ nutrition practices for small ruminants in Ethiopia. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems 11:151–155. Helal, A., K. M. Youssef, H. M. ElShaer, T. A. Gipson, A. L. Goetsch, and A. R. Askar. 2009. Effects of acclimatization on energy expenditure by Shami and Balady goats. Small Ruminant Research 127:67–75. Lachica, M., A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2009. Effect of cold exposure on natural abundance of 13C and heat production in Spanish goats by the CO2 entry rate technique. In: I. Ortigues-Marty (Editor) Energy and Protein Metabolism and Nutrition. Pages 227–228. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Merkel, R. C., T. A. Gipson, and T. Sahlu. 2009. Gender differences in an on-line certification program for goat

E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H L A NG ST ON U N I V ER SI T Y

Ngwa, A. T., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, G. D. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, Z. Wang, K. Tesfai, T. Sahlu, C. L. Ferrell, and A. L. Goetsch. 2009. Effects of stage of lactation and dietary concentrate level on body composition of Alpine dairy goats. Journal of Dairy Science 92:3374– 3385. Patra, A. K., R. Puchala, G. Animut, T. A. Gipson, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2009. Effects of acclimatization on energy expenditure by meat goats. Small Ruminant Research 81:42–54. Puchala, R., I. Tovar-Luna, T. Sahlu, H. C. Freetly, and A. L. Goetsch. 2009. The relationship between heart rate and energy expenditure in growing crossbred Boer and Spanish wethers. Journal of Animal Science 87:1714– 1721. Sahlu, T., L. J. Dawson, T. A. Gipson, S. P. Hart, R. C. Merkel, R. Puchala, Z. Wang, S. Zeng, and A. L. Goetsch. 2009. Impact of animal science research on U.S. goat production and predictions for the future. Journal of Animal Science 87:400–418. Yiakoulaki, M. D., A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2009. Grazing management systems: Creep grazing for suckling goat kids. In: G. G. Papachristou, Z. M. Parissi, H. Ben Salem, and P. Morand-Fehr (Editors) Nutritional and Foraging Ecology of Sheep and Goats. Options Méditerranéennes Series A: Mediterranean Seminars 2009 — Number 85:387–392.

2008

2007

Animut, G., and A. L. Goetsch. 2008. Co-grazing of sheep and goats: Benefits and constraints. Small Ruminant Research 77:127–145.

Animut, G., A. L. Goetsch, G. E. Aiken, R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, C. R. Krehbiel, R. C. Merkel, T. Sahlu, and L. J. Dawson. 2007. Effects of pasture inclusion of mimosa on growth by sheep and goats co-grazing grass/forb pastures. Journal of Applied Animal Research 31:1–10.

Animut, G., R. Puchala, A. K. Patra, T. Sahlu, V. H. Varel, J. Wells, and A. L. Goetsch. 2008. Methane emission by goats consuming diets with different levels of condensed tannins in lespedeza. Animal Feed Science and Technology 144:212–227. Animut, G., R. Puchala, A. K. Patra, T. Sahlu, V. H. Varel, J. Wells, and A. L. Goetsch. 2008. Methane emission by goats consuming different sources of condensed tannins. Animal Feed Science and Technology 144:228– 241. Guru, M., G. Abebe, A. L. Goetsch, F. Hundessa, A. Ebro, and B. Shelima. 2008. On-farm performance of Arsi-Bale goats receiving different concentrate supplements. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 20. Article Number 201. www. lrrd.org/lrrd20/12/guru20201.htm. Patra, A. K., R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, L. J. Dawson, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2008. Tethering meat goats grazing forage of high nutritive value and low to moderate mass. AsianAustralian Journal of Animal Science 21:1252–1261. Patra, A. K., R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, L. J. Dawson, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2008. Effects of tethering on forage selection, intake, and digestibility, grazing behavior, and energy expenditure by Boer x Spanish goats grazing high quality forage. Journal of Animal Science 86:1245– 1253. Simela, L., and R. Merkel. 2008. The contribution of chevon from Africa to global meat production. Meat Science 80:101–109.

Asmare, A., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, T. A. Gipson, M. Villaquiran, I. TovarLuna, G. Animut, T. Ngwa, T. Sahlu, R. C. Merkel, and A. L. Goetsch. 2007. Factors influencing urea space estimates in goats. Small Ruminant Research 73:235–241. Gipson, T. A., A. L. Goetsch, G. Detweiler, and T. Sahlu. 2007. Effects of feeding method, diet nutritive value, and physical form and phenotype on feed intake, feeding behavior, and growth performance by meat goats. Small Ruminant Research 71:170–178. Goetsch, A. L., G. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, T. A. Gipson, T. Sahlu, and G. E. Aiken. 2007. Effects of fertilization, leguminous trees, and supplementation on performance of meat goat does and their kids grazing grass/forb pastures. Professional Animal Scientist 23:164–169. Jiang, J., S. Chen, F. Ren, Z. Luo, and S. S. Zeng. 2007. Yak milk casein as a functional ingredient: preparation and identification of Angiotensin1-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides. Journal of Dairy Research 74:18–25. Min, B. R., G. Tomita, and S. P. Hart. 2007. Effect of subclinical intramammary infection on somatic cell counts and chemical composition of goats’ milk. Journal of Dairy Research 74:204–210. Negesse, T., A. K. Patra, L. J. Dawson, A. Tolera, R. C. Merkel, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2007. Performance of Spanish and Boer x Spanish doelings consuming diets with different levels of broiler litter. Small Ruminant Research 69:187–197.

Ngwa, A. T., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, I. TovarLuna, T. Sahlu, C. L. Ferrell, and A. L. Goetsch. 2007. Effect of initial body condition of Boer x Spanish yearling wethers and level of nutrient intake on body composition. Small Ruminant Research 73:13–26. Ngwa, A. T., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, I. TovarLuna, T. Sahlu, C. L. Ferrell, and A. L. Goetsch. 2007. Urea space and body condition score to predict body composition of meat goats. Small Ruminant Research 73:27–36. Olson, D., D. L. Van Hekken, M. H. Tunick, K. A. Soryal, and S. S. Zeng. 2007. Effects of aging on functional properties of caprine milk made into Cheddar- and Colby-like cheeses. Small Ruminant Research 70:218–227. Puchala, R., I. Tovar-Luna, A. L. Goetsch, T. Sahlu, G. E. Carstens, and H. C. Freetly. 2007. The relationship between heart rate and energy expenditure in Alpine, Angora, Boer and Spanish goat wethers consuming different quality diets at level of intake near maintenance or fasting. Small Ruminant Research 70:183–193. Tovar-Luna, I., A. L. Goetsch, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, T., G. E. Carstens, H. C. Freetly, and Z. B. Johnson. 2007. Effects of moderate feed restriction on energy expenditure by 2-year-old crossbred Boer goats. Small Ruminant Research 72:25–32. Tovar-Luna, I., A. L. Goetsch, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, G. E. Carstens, H. C. Freetly, and Z. B. Johnson. 2007. Effects of diet quality on energy expenditure by 20-month old Alpine, Angora, Boer and Spanish wethers. Small Ruminant Research 72:18–24. Tovar-Luna, I., A. L. Goetsch, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, G. E. Carstens, H. C. Freetly, and Z. B. Johnson. 2007. Energy expenditure by growing crossbred Boer and Spanish wethers consuming different quality diets ad libitum and near maintenance and while fasting. Small Ruminant Research 67:20–27.

L A NG ST ON U N I V ER SI T Y E ( K I K A ) D E L A G A R Z A A M E R I C A N I N S T I T U T E F O R G O AT R E S E A R C H

PU BLICATIONS

Tovar-Luna, I., A. L. Goetsch, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, G. E. Carstens, H. C. Freetly, and Z. B. Johnson. 2007. Energy expenditure by crossbred Boer x Spanish does with litter size of one, two, or three. Small Ruminant Research 71:83–91. Van Hekken, D. L., M. H. Tunick, K. A. Soryal, and S. S. Zeng. 2007. Proteolytic and rheological properties of aging Cheddar-like caprine milk cheeses manufactured at different times during lactation. Journal of Food Science 72:115–120. Yiakoulaki, M. D., A. L. Goetsch, G. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, and T. Sahlu. 2007. Effects of stocking rate and creep grazing on performance by Spanish and Boer x Spanish does with crossbred Boer kids. Small Ruminant Research 71:234–242. Zeng, S. S., S. S. Chen, B. Bah, and K. Tesfai. 2007. Effect of extended storage on microbiological quality, somatic cell count and composition of raw goat milk on farm. Journal of Food Protection 70:1281–1285. Zeng, S. S., K. Soryal, B. Fekadu, T. Popham, and B. Bah. 2007. Yield predictive models for goat milk cheeses using compositional variables. Small Ruminant Research 69:180–186.

2006 Animut, G., A. L. Goetsch, G. E. Aiken, R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, C. R. Krehbiel, R. C. Merkel, T. Sahlu L. J. Dawson, Z. B. Johnson, and D. H. Kiesler. 2006. Performance by goats and sheep consuming a concentratebased diet subsequent to grazing of grass/forb pastures at different stocking rates. Small Ruminant Research 66:92–101. Asmare, A., R. Puchala, R. C. Merkel, T. Sahlu, T., and A. L. Goetsch. 2006. Change in energy expenditure by meat goats with varying levels of feed intake near maintenance and below. Journal of Applied Animal Research 29:81–89.

Berhan, T., R. Puchala, A. L. Goetsch, and R. C. Merkel. 2006. Effects of walking speed and forage consumption on energy expenditure and heart rate by Alpine does. Small Ruminant Research 63:119–124. Gipson, T. A., A. L. Goetsch, G. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, and T. Sahlu. 2006. Effects of the number of yearling Boer crossbred wethers per automated feeding system unit on feed intake, feeding behavior and growth performance. Small Ruminant Research 65:161–169. Legesse, G., G. Abebe, and A. L. Goetsch. 2006. Effects of feeding system on growth performance of Somali and Arsi-Bale goats. Journal of Applied Animal Research 30:5–12. Soto-Navarro, S. A., A. L. Goetsch, T. Sahlu, and R. Puchala. 2006. Effects of level and source of supplemental protein in a concentrate-based diet on sites of digestion and small intestinal amino acid disappearance in Boer x Spanish wether goats. Small Ruminant Research 65:85–100. Soto-Navarro, S. A., R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2006. Effects of dietary ratios of fish and blood meals and level of crude protein in a concentrate-based diet on sites of digestion, small intestinal amino acid disappearance and growth performance of meat goat wethers. Small Ruminant Research 64:255–267. Wuliji, T., A. Litherland, A. L. Goetsch, T. Sahlu, R. Puchala, L. J. Dawson, and T. Gipson. 2006. Evaluation of melatonin and bromocryptine administration in Spanish goats. III. Effects on hair follicle activity, density, primary and secondary follicle ratio and relationships between follicle characteristics. Small Ruminant Research 66:11–21.

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Book Chapters, Reviews, and Conference Proceedings Animut, G., and A. L. Goetsch. 2008. Co-grazing of sheep and goats: Benefits and constraints. Small Ruminant Research 77:127–145. Goetsch, A. L., and G. Abebe. 2009. Considerations for on-farm research and demonstration of useful feeding/ nutrition practices for small ruminants in Ethiopia. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems 11:151–155. Goetsch, A. L., T. A. Gipson, A. R. Askar, and R. Puchala. 2010. Feeding behavior of goats. Journal of Animal Science 88:361–374. Goetsch, A. L., and R. C. Merkel. 2009. Goat nutrition and feeding. In: R. Q. Kellems, and D. C. Church (Editors) Livestock Feeds and Feeding. Pages 426–455. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Goetsch, A. L., R. C. Merkel, and T. A. Gipson. 2011. Factors affecting goat meat production and quality. Small Ruminant Research 101: 173–181. Goetsch, A. L., S. Zeng, and T. A. Gipson. 2011. Factors affecting goat milk production and quality. Small Ruminant Research 101:55–63. Hart, S. P. 2011. Goat: Feeding management. In: Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences. Second edition. Pages 785–796. Elsevier Ltd., Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Hart, S. P., and C. Delaney. 2011. Goat: Replacement management. In: Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences. Second edition. Pages 825–833. Elsevier Ltd., Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Lachica, M., A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2007. Effect of cold exposure on natural abundance of 13C and heat production in Spanish goats by the CO2 entry rate technique. In: I. Ortigues-Marty (Editor) Energy and Protein Metabolism and Nutrition. Pages 227–228. Wageningen

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Academic Publishers, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Merkel, R. C., T. A. Gipson, and T. Sahlu. 2009. Gender differences in an on-line certification program for goat producers. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems 11:145–149. Sahlu, T., L. J. Dawson, T. A. Gipson, S. P. Hart, R. C. Merkel, R. Puchala, Z. Wang, S. Zeng, and A. L. Goetsch. 2009. Impact of animal science research on U.S. goat production and predictions for the future. Journal of Animal Science 87:400–418. Simela, L., and R. Merkel. 2008. The contribution of chevon from Africa to global meat production. Meat Science 80:101–109. Yiakoulaki, M. D., A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2009. Grazing management systems: Creep grazing for suckling goat kids. In: G. G. Papachristou, Z. M. Parissi, H. Ben Salem, and P. Morand-Fehr (Editors) Nutritional and Foraging Ecology of Sheep and Goats. Options Méditerranéennes Series A: Mediterranean Seminars 2009 — Number 85:387–392. Zeng, S. S., L. Zhang, G. R. Wiggans, J. Clay, R. Lacroix, J. Z. Wang, and T. Gipson. 2008. Current status of composition and somatic cell count in milk of goats enrolled in Dairy Herd Improvement Program in the United States. In: New Research on Livestock Science and Dairy Farming. Pages 129–144. Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Hauppauge, NY.

Abstracts 2 011 Asmare, A., R. Puchala, K. Tesfai, G. Detweiler, L. Dawson, A. Askar, Z. Wang, and A. Goetsch. 2011. Effects of small ruminant type and level of intake on metabolism. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 183. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA.

Clary, A. P., E. J. Chozu, S. Wildeus, and S. S. Zeng. 2011. Effect of rumen by-pass fat supplementation on milk composition of hair sheep ewes. Pages 133–134. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA. Gipson, T. A., R. C. Merkel, and T. Sahlu. 2011. Demographic factors of meat goat producers completing an online certification program. Journal of Animal Science 89(E-Supplement 2):402. Goetsch, A. L., G. D. Detweiler, B. Bah, T. Sahlu, and J. Hayes. 2011. Feed intake and performance by yearling Boer goat doelings consuming deep-stacked or ensiled broiler litter. Journal of Animal Science 89(E-Supplement 2):146. Hart, S., T. Gipson, R. Pirtle, and W. Cubbage. 2011. Comparison of FAMACHA© scores and need for deworming in hair sheep and meat goats grazed together or sheep grazed alone. Journal of Animal Science 89(E-Supplement 2):400. Helal, A., R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, T. Gipson, T. Sahlu, and A. Goetsch. 2011. Effects of restricted feed intake on energy expenditure by different goat breeds. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 191. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA. Hu, W., T. A. Gipson, S. P. Hart, L. J. Dawson, A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2011. Optimum duration of performance testing growing Boer bucks for growth rate, feed intake, and feed efficiency. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 183. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA. Merkel, R. C., and T. A. Gipson. 2011. Change in behavior of goat producers after on-line training in health practices. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 188. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA. Merkel, R. C., and T. A. Gipson. 2011. Variability among enumerators in assigning Body Condition Scores in

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meat goats. Journal of Animal Science 89(E-Supplement 2):403. Shangguan, R., L. Spicer, C. DeWitt, J. Z. Wang, and S. S. Zeng. 2011. Effect of subclinical mastitis and stage of lactation on somatic cell count, milk composition, and plasmin activity in goat milk. Journal of Animal Science 89(E-Supplement 2):397. Tovar-Luna, I., R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, T. Gipson, T. Sahlu, and A. Goetsch. 2011. Effects of level of feeding on energy utilization by Angora goats. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 192. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA. Tovar-Luna, I., R. Puchala, T. A. Gipson, G. D. Detweiler, L. J. Dawson, T. Sahlu, A. Keli, and A. L. Goetsch. 2011. Effects of night-locking on intake, digestion, behavior, and energy use by meat goat does grazing grass/legume pasture. Journal of Animal Science 89(E-Supplement 2):146. Wang, Z., A. Goetsch, G. Detweiler, S. Hart, and T. Sahlu. 2011. Effects of garlic supplementation on performance of grazing goats. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 194. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA. Yousuf, A., A. L. Goetsch, and A. M. Zajac. 2011. The effects of infection with Haemonchus contortus on clinical parameters and performance in sheep. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 86. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA. Zeng, S. S. 2011. Improving sustainability of dairy goat operations through research, extension, and international collaboration. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 161. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA. Zhong, R. Z., Z. Wang, A. L. Goetsch, S. Hart, and T. Sahlu. 2011. Comparison of nematode parasitesusceptibility and performance of Boer and Spanish goats supplemented

with garlic. Journal of Animal Science 89(E-Supplement 2):398.

Number 102-4. International Goat Association.

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Hu, W., T. A. Gipson, S. P. Hart, L. J. Dawson, A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2010. Optimum duration of performance testing growing Boer bucks for growth rate, feed intake, and feed efficiency. Journal of Animal Science 88(E-Supplement 2):455.

Asmare, A., R. Puchala, K. Tesfai, G. Detweiler, L. Dawson, A. Askar, Z. Wang, and A. Goetsch. 2010. Effects of small ruminant type and level of intake on metabolism. Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Goats. Number 102-2. International Goat Association. Asmare, A., R. Puchala, K. Tesfai, G. Detweiler, L. Dawson, A. Askar, Z. Wang, and A. Goetsch. 2010. Effects of small ruminant type and restricted protein intake on metabolism. Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Goats. Number 102-1. International Goat Association. Gipson, T. A., G. D. Detweiler, and A. L. Goetsch. 2010. Accuracy of calculated distances between consecutive fixes of GPS collars worn by goats. Journal of Animal Science 88(E-Supplement 2):458–459. Gipson, T., M. Rovai, A. V. Capuco, T. Sahlu, and L. Dawson. 2010. Effect of number and placement of cubic spline knots in the lactation curve of extended lactations. Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Goats. Number 98-1. International Goat Association. Goetsch, A. L., G. D. Detweiler, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, and T. A. Gipson. 2010. Conditions to test electric fence modifications of cattle barb wire fence for goat containment. Journal of Animal Science 88(E-Supplement 2):458. Hart, S. P., and L. J. Dawson. 2010. Using FAMACHA© and alternative dewormers to manage gastrointestinal nematodes in a dairy goat herd. Journal of Animal Science 88(E-Supplement 2):580. Helal, A., R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, T. Gipson, T. Sahlu, and A. Goetsch. 2010. Effects of restricted feed intake on energy expenditure by different goat breeds. Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Goats.

Puchala, R., A. Helal, A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2010. Effects of shearing on energy use by growing Angora goats. Journal of Animal Science 88(E-Supplement 2):454–455. Tovar-Luna, I., R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, T. Gipson, T. Sahlu, and A. Goetsch. 2010. Effects of level of feeding on energy utilization by Angora goats. Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Goats. Number 102-3. International Goat Association. Wang, J., R. Shangguan, S. Tan, L. Spicer, and S. Zeng. 2010. Sensory quality and microstructure of Colbylike cheese made of goat milk and soymilk. Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Goats. Number 158-1. International Goat Association. Wang, Z., A. Goetsch, G. Detweiler, S. Hart, and T. Sahlu. 2010. Effects of garlic supplementation on nematode parasite infection in grazing goats. Journal of Animal Science 88(E-Supplement 2):580–581. Wang, Z., A. Goetsch, G. Detweiler, S. Hart, and T. Sahlu. 2010. Effects of garlic supplementation on performance of grazing goats. Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Goats. Number 175-1. International Goat Association.

2009 Abebe, G., G. Kannan, and A. L. Goetsch. 2009. Effects of small ruminant species and origin in Ethiopia (Highland vs. Lowland areas) and lengths of rest and feeding on harvest measures. Journal of Animal Science 87(E-Supplement 2):479.

Goetsch, A. L., T. A. Gipson, and A. R. Askar. 2009. Behavior × nutrition, goats. Journal of Animal Science 87(E-Supplement 2):494. Ngwa, A. T., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, G. D. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, Z. Wang, K. Tesfai, T. Sahlu, C. L. Ferrell, and A. L. Goetsch. 2009. Body composition of growing meat and lactating dairy goats. Journal of Animal Science 87(E-Supplement 2):480–481. Patra, A. K., R. Puchala, G. Animut, T. A. Gipson, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2009. Effects of acclimatization on energy expenditure by meat goats. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 204. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA. Puchala, R., G. Animut, A. L. Goetsch, A. K. Patra, T. Sahlu, V. H. Varel, and J. Wells. 2009. Methane emission by goats consuming different sources of hay. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 204. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA. Puchala, R., G. Animut, A. L. Goetsch, T. Sahlu, V. H. Varel, and J. Wells. 2009. Methane emission by goats consuming condensed tannin-containing forage at different frequencies. Journal of Animal Science 87(E-Supplement 2):483. Tovar-Luna, I., A. L. Goetsch, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, and H. C. Freetly. 2009. Efficiency of energy utilization by lactating Alpine goats. Journal of Animal Science 87(E-Supplement 2):486. Wang, Z., A. L. Goetsch, S. P. Hart, and T. Sahlu. 2009. Garlic as an anthelmentic for goats. Journal of Animal Science 87 (E-Supplement 2):309. Wang, Z., S. P. Hart, A. L. Goetsch, R. C. Merkel, L. J. Dawson, and T. Sahlu. 2009. Effects of protein supplementation on Haemonchus contortus infection in goats. 16th Biennial Research Symposium. Page 203. Association of Research Directors, Inc. Atlanta, GA.

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2008 Chen, S. X., F. Z. Ren, B. Bah, and S. S. Zeng. 2008. Effects of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid dietary supplementation on quality and texture profile of semi-hard goat milk cheese. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Goats. Page 74. International Goat Association. Chen, S. S., L. Zhang, B. Bah, and S. S. Zeng. 2008. Effect of somatic cell count in goat milk on yield and sensory quality of semi-hard cheese. Journal of Animal Science 86(E-Supplement 2):93. Gipson, T. A., A. R. Askar, A. Beker, R. Puchala, A. Asmare, G. D. Detweiler, and A. L. Goetsch. 2008. Classification tree analysis of grazing behavior in goats. Journal of Animal Science 86(E-Supplement 2):93–94. Gipson, T. A., L. J. Dawson, S. P. Hart, and T. Sahlu. 2008. Effect of time of day, ambient temperature, and relative humidity on feeding behavior of growing meat goats. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Goats. Pages 186–187. International Goat Association. Goetsch, A. L., and G. Abebe. 2008. Considerations for on-farm research and demonstration of useful feeding/nutrition practices for small ruminants in Ethiopia. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Goats. Page 143. International Goat Association. Hart, S. P., J. F. S. Ferreira, and Z. Wang. 2008. Efficacy of wormwoods (Artimesia spp.) as an anthelmintic in goats. Journal of Animal Science 86 (E-Supplement 2):92. Merkel, R. C., T. A. Gipson, and T. Sahlu. 2008. Gender differences in an on-line certification program for goat producers. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Goats. Page 141. International Goat Association.

Merkel, R. C., T. A. Gipson, and T. Sahlu. 2008. Suitability of an on-line certification program for goat producers. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Goats. Page 140. International Goat Association. Patra, A. K., R. Puchala, G. Animut, T. A. Gipson, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2008. Effects of acclimatization on energy expenditure by meat goats. Journal of Animal Science 86(E-Supplement 2):96.

2007 Animut, G., R. Puchala, A. L. Goetsch, A. K. Patra, T. Sahlu, V. H. Varel, and J. Wells. 2007. Methane emission by goats consuming a condensed tannin-containing lespedeza, alfalfa, and sorghum-sudangrass. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 2):290–291. Animut, G., R. Puchala, A. L. Goetsch, A. K. Patra, T. Sahlu, V. H. Varel, and J. Wells. 2007. Methane emission by goats consuming different sources of condensed tannins. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 2):35.

Puchala, R., G. Animut, A. L. Goetsch, A. K. Patra, T. Sahlu, V. H. Varel, and J. Wells. 2008. Ruminal methane emissions by goats consuming dry hay of condensed tannincontaining lespedeza with or without polyethylene glycol, alfalfa, or sorghum-sudangrass. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Goats. Pages 98–99. International Goat Association.

Ngwa, A. T., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel G. Animut, T. Sahlu, C. L. Ferrell, and A. L. Goetsch. 2007. Effects of genotype and diet on growth and mass of organs and tissues of growing meat goats. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 2):36.

Sahlu, T., L. J. Dawson, T. A. Gipson, S. P. Hart, R. C. Merkel, R. Puchala, Z. Wang, S. Zeng, and A. L. Goetsch. 2008. Impact of animal science research on U.S. goat production and predictions for the future. Journal of Animal Science 86(E-Supplement 2):338.

Ngwa, A. T., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, T. Sahlu, C. L. Ferrell, and A. L. Goetsch. 2007. Effects of dietary concentrate level on tissue and organ mass of Alpine does at different stages of lactation. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 1):45.

Wang, Z., S. P. Hart, A. L. Goetsch, R. C. Merkel, L. J. Dawson, and T. Sahlu. 2008. Effects of protein supplementation on Haemonchus contortus infection in goats. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Goats. Page 268. International Goat Association.

Puchala, R., A. Patra, A. L. Goetsch, G. Animut, and T. Sahlu. 2007. Effects of feed restriction and subsequent realimentation on tissue and mohair fiber by growing Angora goats. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 1):502.

Wang, Z., E. Loetz, A. L. Goetsch, S. P. Hart, and T. Sahlu. 2008. The effect of garlic on Haemonchus contortus infection in goats. Journal of Animal Science 86(E-Supplement 2):92. Zeng, S., E. Garry, E. Vasquez, and B. Bah. 2008. Comparison of electronic versus direct microscopic somatic cell counting of goat milk. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Goats. Page 165. International Goat Association.

Animut, G., R. Puchala, A. L. Goetsch, A. K. Patra, T. Sahlu, V. H. Varel, and J. Wells. 2007. Methane emission by goats consuming a condensed tannin-containing lespedeza, alfalfa, and sorghum-sudangrass. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 1):290–291. Asmare, A., K. E. Washburn, T. Saliki, A. L. Goetsch, L. J. Dawson, R. C. Merkel, and T. Sahlu. 2007. Indirect contract: a possible dissemination route of Caprine arthritis encephalitis

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among goat kids. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 1):251–252.

composition of meat goats. Journal of Animal Science 84(Supplement 1):326.

Gipson, T. A., L. Dawson, and T. Sahlu. 2007. Short-term trends of performance test traits of young meat bucks in a central performance test. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 1):251–252.

Animut, G., R. Puchala, A. L. Goetsch, T. Sahlu, G. Detweiler, A. K. Patra, V. H. Varel, and J. Wells. 2006. Methane emission by goats consuming diets with different levels of condensed tannin-containing lespedeza and sorghum-sudangrass. Journal of Animal Science 84(Supplement 1):26.

Merkel, R. C., T. A. Gipson, S. P. Hart, and T. Sahlu. 2007. Participant demographics of a web-based certification program for meat goat producers. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 1):503. Hart, S. P., R. C. Merkel, T. A. Gipson, and T. Sahlu. 2007. Effectiveness of a web-based certification program for meat goat producers. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 1):328. Chen, S. S., J. S. Van Kesse, B. Bah, F. Z. Ren, and S. S. Zeng. 2007. Validation of Petrifilm plates for enumeration of total bacteria, psychotropic bacteria, and coliforms in goat milk. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 1):487. Hart, S. P., and T. A. Gipson. 2007. Fertility of bucks in the Langston buck performance test. Journal of Animal Science 85(Supplement 2):38.

2006 Patra, A. K., R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, L. J. Dawson, G. Animut, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2006. Tethering meat goats grazing forage of high nutritive value and low to moderate mass. Journal of Animal Science 84(Supplement 1):27. Patra, A. K., R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, L. J. Dawson, G. Animut, T. Sahlu, and A. L. Goetsch. 2006. Tethering meat goats grazing forage of high nutritive value and moderate to high mass. Journal of Animal Science 84(Supplement 1):27. Ngwa, A. T., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, I. TovarLuna, T. Sahlu, C. L. Ferrell, and A. L. Goetsch. 2006. Urea space and body condition score to predict body

Ngwa, A. T., L. J. Dawson, R. Puchala, G. Detweiler, R. C. Merkel, I. TovarLuna, T. Sahlu, C. L. Ferrell, and A. L. Goetsch. 2006. Effect of initial body condition of Boer x Spanish yearling wethers and level of nutrient intake on body composition. Journal of Animal Science 84(Supplement 1):325–326. Gipson, T. A., A. L. Goetsch, G. Detweiler, T. Sahlu. 2006. Effects of feeding method, diet nutritive value and physical form and genotype on feed intake, feeding behavior, and growth performance by meat goats. Journal of Animal Science 84(Supplement 1):26. Rovai, R., A. L. Lock, T. A. Gipson, A. L. Goetsch, and D. E. Bauman. 2006. Trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid reduces milk fat synthesis in lactating goats. Journal of Animal Science 84(Supplement 1):294. Chen, S., S. Zeng, M. Rivau, T. Gipson, D. Bauman, A. Lock, B. Bah, and A. Goetsch. 2006. Effects of CLA supplementation on texture profile of semi-hard goat cheese. Journal of Animal Science 84(Supplement 1):327. Tovar-Luna, I. A. L. Goetsch, R. Puchala, T. Sahlu, G. E. Carstens, H. C. Freetly, and Z. B. Johnson. 2006. Efficiency of energy use for pregnancy by crossbred Boer x Spanish does with different litter size. Journal of Animal Science 84(Supplement 1):26. Puchala, R., I. Tovar-Luna, A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2006. Relationship between energy expenditure and heart rate in pregnant Boer x Spanish does with

different litter size. Journal of Animal Science 84(Supplement 1):27.

Field Day Proceedings Papers 2 011 Hart, S. P. 2011. Meat goat nutrition. Proceedings of the 26th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 33–60. Langston University, Langston, OK. Detweiler, G. D., T. A. Gipson, R. C. Merkel, A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2011. Body condition scores in goats. Proceedings of the 26th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 90–96. Langston University, Langston, OK. Gipson, T. A. 2011. Goat cookery. Proceedings of the 26th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 99–101. Langston University, Langston, OK.

2 010 Dawson, L. J. 2010. Meat goat herd health procedures and prevention. Proceedings of the 25th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 39–61. Langston University, Langston, OK. Hayes, J. 2010. Basic goat husbandry. Proceedings of the 25th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 62–73. Langston University, Langston, OK. Hart, S. P. 2010. Meat goat nutrition. Proceedings of the 25th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 74–99. Langston University, Langston, OK. Hart, S. P. 2010. FAMACHA© for parasite control. Proceedings of the 25th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 100–105. Langston University, Langston, OK. Merkel, R. C., T. A. Gipson, J. Malone, and K. G. Desta. 2010. Small stock mortality composting. 2010. Proceedings of the 25th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 128–135. Langston University, Langston, OK.

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Vasquez, E. 2010. DHI training. Proceedings of the 25th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 136–141. Langston University, Langston, OK. Gipson, T. A. 2010. Goat cookery. Proceedings of the 25th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 154–158. Langston University, Langston, OK.

2009 Tovar-Luna, I. 2009. Goat production in Mexico — overview of the industry and its production practices. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 41–48. Langston University, Langston, OK. Dawson, L. J. 2009. Meat goat herd health procedures and prevention. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 56–78. Langston University, Langston, OK. Hart, S. P. 2009. Meat goat nutrition. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 85–110. Langston University, Langston, OK. Vasquez, E. 2009. DHI training. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 119–124. Langston University, Langston, OK. Merkel, R. C. 2009. Tanning goat hides. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 137–146. Langston University, Langston, OK.

2008 Dawson, L. J. 2008. Meat goat herd health procedures and prevention. Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 23–49. Langston University, Langston, OK. Hart, S. P. 2008. Meat goat nutrition. Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 58–83. Langston University, Langston, OK. Vasquez, E. 2008. DHI training. Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 90–121. Langston University, Langston, OK.

Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 127–133. Langston University, Langston, OK.

Field Day Proceedings and Handbook

2007

Proceedings of the 26th Annual Goat Field Day. 2011. Langston University, Langston, OK.

Dawson, L. J., J. Allen, and B. Olcott. 2007. Meat goat herd health procedures and prevention. Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 18–44. Langston University, Langston, OK. Olcott, B., and L. J. Dawson. 2007. Meat goat herd health common diseases. Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 45–75. Langston University, Langston, OK. Hart, S. P. 2007. Meat goat nutrition. Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 81–106. Langston University, Langston, OK. Merkel, R. C. 2007. Tanning goat hides. Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 107– 118. Langston University, Langston, OK. Villaquiran, M., T. A. Gipson, R. C. Merkel, A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2007. Body condition scores in goats. Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 125–131. Langston University, Langston, OK.

2006 Dawson, L. J. 2006. Basic goat husbandry. Proceedings of the 21st Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 13–18. Langston University, Langston, OK. Hart, S. P. 2006. Nutrition for production. Proceedings of the 21st Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 19–49. Langston University, Langston, OK. Loetz, E. 2006. Introduction to artificial insemination. Proceedings of the 21st Annual Goat Field Day. Pages 111–128. Langston University, Langston, OK.

Detweiler, G., T. A. Gipson, R. C. Merkel, A. L. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2008. Body condition scores in goats.

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Proceedings of the 25th Annual Goat Field Day. 2010. Langston University, Langston, OK. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Goat Field Day. 2009. Langston University, Langston, OK. Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Goat Field Day. 2008. Langston University, Langston, OK. Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Goat Field Day. 2007. Langston University, Langston, OK. Proceedings of the 21st Annual Goat Field Day. 2006. Langston University, Langston, OK. Meat Goat Production Handbook. 2007. Langston University, Langston, OK.