Source: MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
INCORPORATING SHEEP INTO FARMING SYSTEMS: ANIMAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE, AGRONOMIC, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND ECOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0178248
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2012
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
BOZEMAN,MT 59717
Performing Department
Animal & Range Sciences
Non Technical Summary
The USDA-NIFA (2011) defines sustainable agriculture as: integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long-term: Satisfy human food and fiber needs. Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends. Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls. Sustain the economic viability of farm operations. Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole. However, very little plant/animal integrated systems level research has been done that addresses all of the factors outlined in the USDA definition of sustainable agriculture. In addition, organic certified vegetable, row crop, and animal production enterprises and research have not fully taken advantage of the potential benefits of plant/animal integration and suffer from issues ranging from animal health and finishing (particularly internal parasite control), and alternatives to confinement finishing) to residue and cover crop management, and soil health issues related to extensive tillage commonly used in organic farming programs. The goals of the proposed research and associated sections of this document are best presented by research area of emphasis and are: I) Reduce tillage intensity in organic crop systems using sheep grazing to terminate cover crops and control weeds; II) Document best management practices that reduce the use of anthelmintic and/or promote strategic, effective use of anthelmintics, and III) Develop low cost alternatives to confinement lamb finishing, as well as systems that provide year-around quality lamb that profit from integrated production systems.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2050199106050%
3073610106050%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems; 307 - Animal Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
3610 - Sheep, live animal; 0199 - Soil and land, general;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
Goal: The profitable and environmentally sustainable re-integration of livestock into diversified organic small grain, pulse, and oilseed production in dryland farming systems. Objectives: 1. Appraise the effects of targeted sheep grazing versus mechanical tillage in transitional organic cropping systems on: 1.1. C and N sequestration, C and N cycling, N leaching, soil quality, and productivity, 1.2.Greenhouse gas emissions, 1.3. Protection of soil from erosion based on NRCS evaluation criteria. 2. Compare crop yield, quality, cover crop production, and weed agronomic challenges between targeted sheep grazing reduced-till and tillage-based organic cropping systems. 3. Assess targeted sheep grazing as an approach to terminating a clover cover crop in a certified organic commercial vegetable production farm. 4. Develop enterprise budgets to assess economic trade-offs and impacts of transitioning into an integrated sheep and organic crop production in semiarid environments. 5. Explore producers' acceptance and implementation of targeted sheep grazing through partnerships between crop and livestock producers using quantitative surveys and focus group processes. 6. Evaluate effectiveness of research. Goal: Document best management practices that reduce the use of anthelmintic and/or promote strategic, effective use, of anthelmintics. Objectives: 1.Collect ewe fecal samples at four critical times in the production cycle (lambing, spring grazing, breeding, and winter feeding/grazing), and identify and quantify parasite populations in diverse Montana sheep operations. Document feeding, grazing, and parasite management programs on these operations to determine existing parasite problems and best management practices. 2. Evaluate the effects of shed vs range lambing on lamb parasite populations at weaning, after overwintering on crop residues, and after either confinement finishing or finishing on a sweet clover cover crop. Goal: Develop low cost alternatives to confinement lamb finishing and systems that provide year-around quality lamb and profit from integrated production systems. Objective: Investigate finishing performance and carcass characteristics of shed and range born lambs finished in confinement and fed a 80% barley diet or grazed on a sweet clover cover crop. The expected output from this project is a logical and profitable incorporation of sheep into farming systems to terminate cover crops, control weeds, and potential enhance soil quality while reducing GHG emissions. We also expect that cover crops will be an inexpensive feed resource for finishing lambs "out of season" with this alternative system providing management rather than drug control for internal parasites that commonly affect lambs in confinement.
Project Methods
The proposed research will be conducted at the MSU Fort Ellis Experiment Station. This site consists of 45, 0.2-ha plots. The experimental design has three replications every year for each treatment combination with management system (organic tillage, organic graze minimum-till, and chemical no-till) as the main plot variable (fixed effect), cropping sequence as a split-plot variable (fixed effect), year as a repeated measure variable, and replication and replication by management system as random effects. All management practices are conducted using farm-scale equipment belonging to the MSU research farms. However, plot borders are maintained by hand-hoeing and tillage. Crop Rotation and Plot Management: Starting in 2012, we will establish a replicated 5-year crop rotation (Yr1 -flax under-sown to sweet clover, Yr2 - sweet clover cover crop, Yr3 - winter wheat. Yr4 - lentil, and Yr5 - spring wheat), with each crop phase present every year. In the mechanical and chemical treatments, post-harvest flax, wheat, and lentil residue will be spread over the field in conjunction with harvest. In the grazed treatment, residues will be subjected to an intensity of grazing that removes enough of the residue to allow planting, but leaves sufficient residue to maintain the appropriate amount of residue cover to conform to USDA-NRCS soil cover regulations for erosion prevention and Farm Program participation. Organic Mechanical Tillage System: Tillage will be used for weed control, seedbed preparation, and to incorporate cover crops and crop residues in this system. Organic Grazed Minimum-Till System: Targeted sheep grazing will be used for weed control, seedbed preparation, and for incorporating crop residue and fecal matter from grazed cover crops into the soil. Seeding will be done with a no-till seeder. The duration and intensity of grazing will be based on weed biomass and specific goals for each crop rotation. Each fall after harvest, we will graze residue to an appropriate level to maintain ground cover but with sufficient removal to allow no-till seeding of the following crop. Chemical No-Tillage System: Herbicides will be used for weed control during non-crop periods, at pre- and post-plant weed control, and to terminate cover crops after the plots have been rolled with a crimper-roller. Seeding will be done with a low-disturbance no-till seeder, banding dry N fertilizer mid-row.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Our targeted audience included farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, and extension agents with interest in dryland sustainable organic agriculture. We also targeted undergraduate and graduate students, interested in sustainable agriculture, animal production, and organic cropping systems. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Several undergraduate students, graduate students, research technicians and post-doctoral associates collaborated in this project: •Undergraduate students: Ali Thornton, Sam Leuthold, Andrew Thorson, and Kyla Crisp •Master-level students: Molly Butler, Tessa Scott, Jasmine Westbrook •Graduated Master level students: Sean McKenzie, Stephen Johnson •PhD-level Students: Ranabhat Nar and Subodh Adhikari •Research technicians: Devon Ragen and Jeff Holmes •Post-doctoral associate: Judit Barroso, Erik Lehnhoff, and Timothy Seipel. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We are continuing the process of finishing peer reviewed journal publications. These will be the foundation for continued outreach and extension education. Results have been presented at numerous outreach - extension presentations reaching well over 1000 people. In addition to examples given below directly related to our project team, results from this project have also been incorporated into extension programs of faculty not directly related to this project. Among the communities of interest to whom we disseminated our results are 1) Montana Organic Association, 2) National Association of County Agricultural Agents,3) Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Association, and 4) Montana Wool Growers to name just a few. Below are specific examples Ragen, D. L. 2015. Integrating Sheep into Organic Farming.Montana Organic Association Farm Tour.Stanford, MT. Invited Speaker. Presentation. Ragen, D. L. 2015. Feedlot on Fields.Montana State University Sheep Advisory Committee Meeting. Bozeman, MT. Invited Speaker. Presentation. Ragen, D. L. 2015. Ruminating on Organic Cropping Systems: Early Lessons from the Fort Ellis Integrated Crops-Livestock Project.Montana Organic Association Annual Conference. Bozeman, MT. Invited Speaker. Presentation. Ragen, D. L. 2015. Feedlot on Fields.North Central Montana Sheep Seminar. Conrad, MT. Invited Speaker. Presentation. Ragen, D. L. 2016. eOrganic Webinar. Targeted Sheep Grazing in Organic Dryland Systems.Invited Speaker.Presentation. Ragen, D. L. 2017. Livestock Operations: Using sheep to terminate cover crops and manage weeds. Montana Organic Association Fort Ellis Field Day. Bozeman, MT. Invited Speaker. Presentation. Ragen, D. L. 2018. Incorporating Livestock into Farming Systems.Clemson University tour of Fort Ellis Research Station. Bozeman, MT. Invited Speaker. Presentation. Ragen, D. L. 2018. Incorporating Livestock into Farming Systems.Western Grazing Systems ForageExtension Tour. Bozeman, MT. Invited Speaker. Presentation. Sainju, U.M., Barsotti, J.L., Lenssen, A.W., Hatfield, P.G. 2016. Particulate and active soil nitrogen fractions in response to sheep grazing in dryland cropping systems. 5th International Conference on Agriculture and Horticulture, June 27-29, 2016. Cape Town, South Africa. Sainju, U.M., J.L. Barsotti, A.W. Lenssen, Z.J. Miller, and P.G. Hatfield. 2015. Sheep grazing influence soil microbial and particulate organic carbon in dryland cropping systems. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting, November 14-18, 2015. Minneapolis, MN. Sainju, U.M., J.L. Barsotti, A.W. Lenssen, P.G. Hatfield, and C. Montagne. 2012. Sheep grazing impact on soil carbon and nitrogen under dryland cropping systems in western Montana. Western Society of Soil Science Meeting, June 25-28, 2012. Davis, CA. Sainju, U.M., J.L. Barsotti, A.W. Lenssen, P.G. Hatfield, and C. Montagne. 2012. Soil greenhouse gas emissions affected by sheep grazing under dryland cropping systems. BIT's 2nd Annual World Congress of Agricultural Biotechnology, September 20-23, 2012, Dalian, China. Barsotti, J.L., U. M. Sainju, A.W. Lenssen, H. Goosey, P.G. Hatfield, and C. Montagne. 2011. Sheep Grazing Effect on Greenhouse Gas Emissions under Dryland Cropping System. ASA and SSSA International Annual Meeting, October 16-19, 2011, San Antonio, TX. Sainju, U.M. , A.W. Lenssen, H.B. Goosey, E. Snyder, and P.G. Hatfield. 2011. Sheep grazing effect on dryland soil carbon and nitrogen in the wheat-fallow system. Western Nutrient Management Conference, March 3-4, 2011, Reno, Nevada. Sainju, U.M., A.W. Lenssen, P. Hatfield, H. Goosey, and E. Snyder. 2010. Sheep grazing effect on dryland soil properties and wheat yield in the wheat-fallow system. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting. Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2009. Long Beach, CA, pp. 144. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In addition to the accomplishments listed below, our team continues to evaluate the data and work towards further publications. We have successfully completed the study, and were able to reduce tillage via grazing, including a continuous 36-month period out of a 5-yr crop rotation cycle, but not without somecrop yield loss. Economics are extremely context-specific and will make no attempt along those lines since it must be argued that we were not looking at any sort of optimized system (therefore economic analysis is premature) We learned firsthand the challenge of perennial weeds which has led to the next successful grant. Goal: The profitable and environmentally sustainable re-integration of livestock into diversified organic small grain, pulse, and oilseed production in dryland farming systems. Objectives: 1. Appraise the effects of targeted sheep grazing versus mechanical tillage in transitional organic cropping systems on: 1.1. C and N sequestration, C and N cycling, N leaching, soil quality, and productivity, Soil total C at the 0-120 cm depth was greater for sheep grazing with organic farming (GO) than minimum till with recommended N fertilizer (MT) and conventional till with organic farming (TO), but soil total N was greater for TO than GO and MT. Soil total C at 15-30 cm and soil total N at 30-60 cm were greater for clover cover crop following safflower/clover intercrop (C-SC). Soil total C at 60-90 cm was greater for winter wheat following cover crop (W-SC) than other cropping sequences. Soil NH4-N content at 0-120 cm was greater for MT than GO and MO, but varied for cropping sequences at various depths. Soil NO3-N content at 0-120 cm was also greater for MT than GO and greater for C-SC and lentil after winter wheat (L-W) than other crop rotations. Cumulative CO2 flux during the crop growing season was greater for GO, but cumulative N2O flux was greater for MT than GO and TO. Both CO2 and N2O fluxes varied with cropping sequences in various years. Cumulative CH4 flux was small and varied with treatments in various years. 1.2.Greenhouse gas emissions, Greenhouse gas emissions: Greenhouse gases (CO2, N2O, and CH4) emissions were measured during the crop growing season at Fort Ellis using static chambers on sheep-grazed organic and chemical minimum till plots under winter wheat following clover and lentil crops and under lentil following winter wheat. Total annual CO2 flux was greater with sheep grazing on winter wheat and total annual N2O flux was greater with sheep grazing and minimum till under lentil than other treatments. There was minimal effect of treatments on CH4 flux. 1.3. Protection of soil from erosion based on NRCS evaluation criteria. All treatments resulted in sufficient cover to protect soils from erosion. 2. Compare crop yield, quality, cover crop production, and weed agronomic challenges between targeted sheep grazing reduced-till and tillage-based organic cropping systems. Compare crop yield and quality between targeted sheep grazed systems and tillage-based systems. Wheat yield averaged 2450 kg ha-1 in conventional-till plots in yr1, 3820 kg ha-1 in yr2, 4650 kg ha-1 in yr3, and 4150 kg ha-1 in yr4. Wheat yield was 58% lower under no-till yr1, 45% in yr2, 87% in yr3, and 90% in yr4 (P < 0.05). While no difference was detected in pea yield under conventional-till vs. no-till in yr1, pea yield was 67% lower under no-till in yr2, 36% in yr3, and 90% in yr4. During those four years, pea yield averaged 850 kg ha-1 under conventional-till in yr1, 1785 kg ha-1 in yr2, 2235 kg ha-1 in yr3, and 3940 kg ha-1 in yr4. Weed species richness or Simpson's diversity did not differ between grazed and tilled plots. Medicago sativa grew as one of the most abundant weeds in this field both treatments. Nonetheless, there were no differences between grazed and tilled treatments in terms of M. sativa biomass in yr3 after termination treatments. Also, method of cover crop termination did not alter weed communities in the crop phase. 3. Assess targeted sheep grazing as an approach to terminating a clover cover crop in a certified organic commercial vegetable production farm. Because of minor logistical issues this project was just recently completed. Analysis and publications are forthcoming. 4. Develop enterprise budgets to assess economic trade-offs and impacts of transitioning into an integrated sheep and organic crop production in semiarid environments. Develop enterprise budgets of integrating organic sheep and crop production in semiarid environments. A preliminary analysis suggests that growers that terminate their cover crops through strategic grazing could expect approximately $27 to $44 ha-1 under a grazing lease. 5. Explore producers' acceptance and implementation of targeted sheep grazing through partnerships between crop and livestock producers using quantitative surveys and focus group processes. We used the diffusion of innovations theory (Rogers, 2003) to understand the perceived challenges and opportunities of key producer groups related to acceptance and implementation of new production strategies. Results show that there is a marked difference between traditional producers and those actively involved in organic production; for example, 68% of organic producers (n=56) agree or strongly agree that they are interested in integrating the use of sheep to control pests in their grain, pulse, and/or oilseed crops compared to only 26% (n=38) of traditional producers. Another significant difference between the two groups involves access to water; 66% of organic producers (n=56) agree or strongly agree that access to water is a major factor in determining whether to use sheep compared with 44% (n=25) of traditional producers. Focus group activities and open-ended survey responses with traditional producers and those actively involved in organic production show that the major areas of concern include, 1. the use, cost and maintenance of fencing to control sheep, 2. access to animals with regard to handling, water and transport, and 3. food security issues associated with fecal contamination related to the production, processing, and distribution of food crops. Goal: Document best management practices that reduce the use of anthelmintic and/or promote strategic, effective use, of anthelmintics. Objectives: 1.. Document feeding, grazing, and parasite management programs on these operations to determine existing parasite problems and best management practices. Ending trichostrongyle egg counts did not differ for lambs fed in confinement an alfalfa based diet and a high energy barley based diet. However lambs fed alfalfa in confinement had a greater egg count that lambs than lambs finished on cover crops.. Nematodirus spp. egg counts did not differ among treatments. 2. Evaluate the effects of shed vs range lambing on lamb parasite populations at weaning, after overwintering on crop residues, and after either confinement finishing or finishing on a sweet clover cover crop. No differences were detected Goal: Develop low cost alternatives to confinement lamb finishing and systems that provide year-around quality lamb and profit from integrated production systems. We compared lamb growth and carcass characteristics under four management systems: 1) high energy - 60% barley, 2) moderate energy - 70% alfalfa, 3) continuous graze, and 4) rotational graze of cover crops. Results indicated that while body weight and rib eye area did not differ between barley and alfalfa diets, it was significantly lower in both grazing treatments Objective: Investigate finishing performance and carcass characteristics of shed and range born lambs finished in confinement and fed a 80% barley diet or grazed on a sweet clover cover crop. No differences were detected

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Barsotti, J.L., Sainju, U.M., Lenssen, A.W., Miller, Z.J., and Hatfield, P.G. Soil microbial and particulate organic carbon in response to sheep grazing in dryland cropping systems. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. Submitted
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Nix, E.E., D.L. Ragen, J.G.P. Bowman, R.W. Kott, M.K. Petersen, and P.G. Hatfield E.Glunk. 2016. Forage Intake and Wastage by Ewes in Pea/Hay Barley Swath Grazing and Bale Feeding Systems. Amer. J. Exp. Ag. 12 (3) 1-6
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Ragen, D. L., E. E. Nix, W. A. Whitehurst, T. M. Novell, R. B. Sager, E. S. Read, B. S. Hauptman, C. G. Hooley, and P. G. Hatfield. 2016. Effects of swath grazing pea-barley forage, bale-fed pea-barley forage, and straw stubble grazing on ewe body weight and number of lambs born. Amer. J. of Exp. Ag.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Miller, Z. J. F.D. Menalled, U.M. Sainju, A.W. Lenssen, and P. G. Hatfield. 2015. Integrated sheep grazing into cereal-based crop rotations: spring wheat yields and weed communities. Agron. J. 104-112:
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Sainju, U. M., J. L. Barsotti, A. W. Lenssen, and P. G. Hatfield. 2014. Particulate and active soil nitrogen fractions are reduced by sheep grazing in dryland cropping systems. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst. 99:7993.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Sainju, Upendra M.; Barsotti, Joy L.; Lenssen, Andrew W.; Miller, Zach J.; and Hatfield, Patrick G., "Sheep Grazing Influence Soil Microbial and Particulate Organic Carbon in Dryland Cropping Systems" (2015). Agronomy Conference Proceedings and Presentations. Paper 29. http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/agron_conf/29
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Barsotti, J.L., Sainju, U.M., Lenssen, A.W, Miller, Z.J. and Hatfield, P.G. 2016. Sheep grazing enhances coarse relative to microbial organic carbon in dryland cropping systems. Sustainable Agricultural Research. 5:1-14. doi: 10.5539/sar.v5n2p1.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Walker, Robert (Bo) M. 2017. Potential for and implications of cover cropping and grazing cover crops in wheat agroecosystems in Montana. M.Sc. Thesis, Montana State Univ., Bozeman. 150 pp. [https://scholarworks.montana.edu/xmlui/handle/1/14055]
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Miller, P.R., A. Bekkerman, P. Hatfield, F. Menalled, R. Walker, L. Ward, C. Zabinski, E.C. Glunk, and S. Tallman. Integrated crop livestock research in Montana: Challenges and challenges. [abstract] ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting, Oct 22-25, 20176, Tampa, FL (Invited)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Adhikari, S., L. A. Burkle, K.M. ONeill, D.K. Weaver, and F. Menalled. Accepted with minor modifications. Dryland organic farming increases floral resources and bee colony success in highly simplified agricultural landscapes. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and the Environment.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Adhikari, S and F. Menalled. 2018. Impacts of dryland farm management systems on weed and ground beetle (Carabidae) communities in the Northern Great Plains. Sustainability 2018, 10, 2146; doi:10.3390/su10072146
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Adhikari, S., T. Seipel,, F. Menalled, and D. Weaver. 2018. Farming system and wheat cultivar affect infestation of and parasitism on Cephus cinctus in the Northern Great Plains. Pest Management Science DOI 10.1002/ps.4925
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Orloff, N., J. Mangold, Z. Miller, and F. Menalled. 2018. A meta-analysis of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense L.) management in organic agricultural systems. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 254: 264-272.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Ishaq, S., S. Johnson, Z. Miller, E. Lehnhoff, S. Olivo, C. Yeoman, and F. Menalled. 2017. Impact of cropping systems, soil inoculum, and plant species identity on soil bacterial community structure. Microbial Ecology 73:417-434.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Johnson, S., Z. Miller, P. Miller, E. Lehnhoff, and F. Menalled. 2017. Cropping systems modify soil biota effects on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and competitive ability. Weed Research 57: 6-15.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Lehnhoff, E., Z. Miller, P. Miller, S. Johnson, T. Scott, P. Hatfield, and F. Menalled. 2017. Organic agriculture and the quest for the holy grail in water-limited ecosystems: Managing weeds and reducing tillage intensity. Agriculture 7, 33; doi:10.3390/agriculture7040033
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Barroso, J., Z. Miller, E. Lehnhoff, P. Hatfield, and F. Menalled. 2015. Impacts of cropping system and management practices on the assembly of weed communities. Weed Research 55:426-435.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nichols, A., M. Leuci, and P.R. Lachapelle. 2015. Creating CREDible Public Value Stories. Presented at National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) Conference, Little Rock, AR, May 16-19.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Barsotti, J.L., Sainju, U.M., Lenssen, A.W., Montagne, C., and Hatfield, P.G. 2013. Crop yields and soil organic matter responses to sheep grazing in US northern Great Plains. Soil and Tillage Research 134:133-141. doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2013.07.015.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lenssen, A.W., U.M. Sainju, and P.G. Hatfield. 2013. Integrating sheep grazing into wheat-fallow systems: Crop yield and soil properties. Field Crops Research 146:75-85. doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2013.03.010.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Barsotti, J.L., U.M. Sainju, A.W. Lenssen, C. Montagne, and P.G. Hatfield. 2013. Net greenhouse gas emissions affected by sheep grazing in dryland cropping systems. Soil Science Society of America Journal 77:1012-1025. Doi: 10.2136/sssaj2012.0386.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Sainju, U.M., P.G. Hatfiled, and D. Ragen. 2018. Weed management and cropping sequence impact on soil residual nitrogen. In T. Jensen, ed., Proc. Great Plains Soil Fertility Conference, March 6-7, 2018, Denver, CO, p. 86-91.


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Our targeted audience included farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, and extension agents with interest in dryland sustainable organic agriculture. We also targeted undergraduate and graduate students, and elementary and secondary rural schoolteachers interested in sustainable agriculture, animal production, and organic cropping systems Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Several undergraduate students, graduate students, research technicians and post-doctoral associates collaborated in this project: •Undergraduate students: Ali Thornton, Sam Leuthold, Andrew Thorson, and Kyla Crisp •Master-level students: Molly Butler, Tessa Scott, Jasmine Westbrook •Graduated Master level students: Sean McKenzie, Stephen Johnson •PhD-level Students: Ranabhat Nar and Subodh Adhikari •Research technicians: Devon Ragen and Jeff Holmes •Post-doctoral associate: Judit Barroso, Erik Lehnhoff, and Timothy Seipel. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We are beginning the process of developing peer reviewed journal publications. These will be the foundation for outreach and extension programs. In 2016, results of our study were presented at 5 outreach - extension presentations reaching approximately 200 participants Among the communities of interest to whom we disseminated our results are 1) Montana Organic Association, 2) National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and 3) Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Association We are beginning the process of developing peer reviewed journal publications. These will be the foundation for outreach and extension programs. In 2015, results of our study were presented at 7 outreach - extension presentations reaching approximately 359 participants (see above. Obj 7). Among the communities of interest to whom we disseminated our results are 1) Montana Organic Association, 2) National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and 3) Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Association What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will finalize our field studies. We plan to analyze the data and we will continue developing education and outreach opportunities on organic agriculture and re-integration of sheep grazing into dryland farming systems.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Effects of sheep grazing and mechanical tillage on soil: We collected soil cores from the organic till and grazed systems, separated into 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, and 30-60 cm depth segments and analyzed for inorganic N (NO3-N and NH4-N) and potential mineralizeable N (PMN). At the Dickinson site, soil NH4-N and PMN concentrations where not affected by management system. Soil inorganic NH4-N concentrations were considerably lower than the NO3-N concentrations. The PMN results revealed considerable variance across the five reps and within individual soil samples. At the Big Sandy site, soil NH4-N and PMN concentration were generally insensitive to management practices. Although, the grazed system produced slightly higher NH4-N concentrations than the tilled system within the 10-20 and 20-30 cm layers, the differences in concentration were not very large and did greatly impact the plant available N pools. At the Fort Ellis site, soil organic C and total N at 0-15 cm were greater with sheep grazing under winter wheat, but at 30-60 cm were greater with tillage under winter wheat than most other treatments.The NH4-N content at most depths varied among treatments and years, but NO3-N content at 0-120 cm was greater with tillage under crimson clover than other treatments.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Nix, E.E., D.L. Ragen, J.G.P. Bowman, R.W. Kott, M.K. Petersen, and P.G. Hatfield E.Glunk. 2016. Forage Intake and Wastage by Ewes in Pea/Hay Barley Swath Grazing and Bale Feeding Systems. Amer. J. Exp. Ag. 12 (3) 1-6
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Ragen, D. L., E. E. Nix, W. A. Whitehurst, T. M. Novell, R. B. Sager, E. S. Read, B. S. Hauptman, C. G. Hooley, and P. G. Hatfield. 2016. Effects of swath grazing pea-barley forage, bale-fed pea-barley forage, and straw stubble grazing on ewe body weight and number of lambs born. Amer. J. of Exp. Ag.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences are students, producers, and scientist in the fields of animal science, agroecology, and sustainable systems Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Numerous undergraduates have been involved in both the field and lab portions of this project. Two graduate students have been trained and are in the process of complete thier thesis How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through teaching and extension activities along with peer reviewed publications, invited presentations and producer organization meetings What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is longterm, ongoing research. Our team is consistantly in the process of developing new proposals to address this complex issue. To finish the objectives outlined in this five year program we will continue to publish our findings, train students, and present our results and the practices of our endevour to incorporate sheep into farming systems to the production and scientific communities.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Ourpartnership among teaching, research, and extension has published, disseminated, and incorporated into the class room material based upon our team approach to original research. Our mission is on-going with constant new projects and assessment and updating of all teaching programs

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ragen, D. L., E. E. Nix, R. L. Endecott, P. G. Hatfield, M. K. Petersen, and J.G.P. Bowman. 2015. Individual mineral supplement intake by ewes swath grazing or confinement fed pea barley forage. Animal and Feed Science and Technology 107-111. Miller, Z. J. F.D. Menalled, U.M. Sainju, A.W. Lenssen, and P. G. Hatfield. 2015. Integrated sheep grazing into cereal-based crop rotations: spring wheat yields and weed communities. Agron. J. 104-112:
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ragen, D. L., E. E. Nix, W. A. Whitehurst, T. M. Novell, R. B. Sager, E. S. Read, B. S. Hauptman, C. G. Hooley, and P. G. Hatfield. Effects of swath grazing pea-barley forage, bale-fed pea-barley forage, and straw stubble grazing on ewe body weight and number of lambs born. Nix, E.E., D.L. Ragen, J.G.P. Bowman, R.W. Kott, M.K. Petersen, and P.G. Hatfield. Submitted. Effect of swath grazing on forage intake and wastage by ewes. Barsotti, J.L., Sainju, U.M., Lenssen, A.W., Miller, Z.J., and Hatfield, P.G. Soil microbial and particulate organic carbon in response to sheep grazing in dryland cropping systems. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. Submitted 10/13/2015.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences are students, producers, and scientist in the fields of animal science, agroecology, and sustainable systems Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The past two summers we have employeed students, giving them the opportunity to participate in the field aspect of our research program. In addition, we also hosted a student from Argentina who participated in the field and lab portions of the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We have disseminated our results through invited presentations, extension and teaching programs, peer reviewed publications and presentations and papers at scientific and producer meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The summer of 2015 will be our 3rd field season.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We have finished the first two years of field work. Students have begun to present preliminary results at professional and producer type meetings. Our extension and teaching goals are being achieved.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2015 Citation: Miller, Z. J. F.D. Menalled, U.M. Sainju, A.W. Lenssen, and P. G. Hatfield. 2015. Integrated sheep grazing into cereal based crop rotations: spring wheat yields and weed communities. Agron. J.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Sainju, U. M., J. L. Barsotti, A. W. Lenssen, and P. G. Hatfield. 2014. Particulate and active soil nitrogen fractions are reduced by sheep grazing in dryland cropping systems. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst. 99:7993.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ragen, D. L., R. R. Redden, A. N. Hafla, B. M. Nichols, J. L. Nichols, J. I. Keithly, T. J. McDonald, J. Uhrig, L. A. Cook, A. L. Kellom, and P. G. Hatfield. 2013. Technical Note: Effects of supplementation of expired human foodstuffs on intake and digestion of wethers fed a base diet of grass hay and alfalfa pellets. Sheep & Goat Res. J. 28: 1- 5.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Barsotti, J., L., U. M. Sainju, A. W. Lenssen, C. Montagne, and P. G. Hatfield. 2013. Crop yields and soil organic matter responses to sheep grazing in the U.S. Northern Great Plains. Soil & Till. Res. 134: 133-141.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lenssen, A. W., U. M. Sainju, and P.G. Hatfield. 2013. Integrating sheep grazing into wheat-fallow systems: Crop yield and soil properties. Field Crop Res. 146: 75-85.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Barsotti, J.L., U.M. Sainju, A.W. Lenssen, C. Montagne, and P.G. Hatfield. 2013. Net greenhouse gas emissions affected by sheep grazing in dryland cropping systems. Soil Sci. Soc. of Am. J.77:1012-1025 (70).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Goosey, H. P., J. P. Hatfield, M. G. Rolston, G. D. Johnson, and P. G. Hatfield. 2013. Hymenoptera parasitoid response to sheep grazing tillage, and herbicides in wheat-fallow rotations. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Swartz, J. D., M. Lachman, K. Westveer, T. ONeill, T. Geary, R. W. Kott, J.G. Beradinelli, P. G. Hatfield, J. M. Thomson, A. Roberts, and C.J. Yeoman. 2014. Characterization of the vaginal microbiota of ewes and cows reveals a unique microbiota with low levels of lactobacilli and near-neutral pH. Frontiers in Vet Sci. 1: 1-10.


Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences are students, producers, and scientist in the fields of animal science, agroecology, and sustainable systems Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students involved in field and lab aspects of our research program How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The project is focused arround a 5 year cropping system. We indent to continue field work, lab analysis, data summary and papers and presentations when appropriate

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We have successfully finished our first field season. Cropping system, livestock integration, and graduate student research are on track

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ragen, D. L., R. R. Redden, A. N. Hafla, B. M. Nichols, J. L. Nichols, J. I. Keithly,T. J. McDonald, J. Uhrig, L. A. Cook, A. L. Kellom, and P. G. Hatfield. 2013. Technical Note: Effects of supplementation of expired human foodstuffs on intake and digestion of wethers fed a base diet of grass hay and alfalfa pellets. Sheep & Goat Res. J. 28: 1- 5. Barsotti, J., L., U. M. Sainju, A. W. Lenssen, C. Montagne, and P. G. Hatfield. 2013. Crop yields and soil organic matter responses to sheep grazing in the U.S. Northern Great Plains. Soil & Till. Res. 134: 133-141 Lenssen, A. W., U. M. Sainju, and P.G. Hatfield. 2013. Integrating sheep grazing into wheat-fallow systems: Crop yield and soil properties. Field Crop Res. 146: 75-85. Barsotti, J.L., U.M. Sainju, A.W. Lenssen, C. Montagne, and P.G. Hatfield. 2013. Net greenhouse gas emissions affected by sheep grazing in dryland cropping systems. Soil Sci. Soc. of Am. J.77:1012-1025. (70) Goosey, H. P., J. P. Hatfield, M. G. Rolston, G. D. Johnson, and P. G. Hatfield. 2013. Hymenoptera parasitoid response to sheep grazing tillage, and herbicides in wheat-fallow rotations. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society.


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Nothing to report. Our first field season will be this coming summer May to September 2013 PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Nothing to report. Our first field season will be this coming summer May to September 2013

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: All objectives of this project have been met. All data has been analyzed, published, and presented at professional, regional, and industry meetings. A product developed within this project is the MSU sheep ration program. The Sheep Ration Program is designed to help producers meet the nutritional needs of their sheep with available forages and feeds. People from anywhere in the world can use this FREE online program to: View sheep nutritional requirements, View the standard nutrient content of more than 300 feeds, Enter and save custom feed values based on laboratory results, Balance and save rations for sheep at various lifecycle stages, Find answers to frequently asked nutritional questions, Balance feedlot rations, Determine quantities of feed for a flock, and Determine supplement needs for ewes grazing winter range. The MSU sheep ration program stores your feed specifications and rations on the MSU server. When you log on with your email and pin number your information is immediately available to you and no one else. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: The information generated from this project is of value to the american sheep industry. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Over the past 5 years we have investigated the impact of late gestation supplementation to ewes and its impact on neonatal lamb thermogenesis, survival, and production. Studies include algae derived doccsahexaenoic acid, (Keithly et al., 2012,) by-pass protein, zinc, and chlortetracycline (Redden et al., 2010), vitamin E (Dafoe et al., 2008; Redden et al., 2010) and safflower (Dafoe et al., 2008). None of these higher priced supplements resulted in better indices of thermogenesis, lamb survival, or production. We conclude that rations balanced for adequate crude protein and energy using least cost ration formulation and traditional feeds is the best strategy for cost effective lamb production.

Publications

  • Keithly, J. I., R. W. Kott, J. G. Berardinelli, S. Moreaux, and P. G. Hatfield. 2011. Thermogenesis, blood metabolites and hormones, and growth of lambs born to ewes supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid. J. Anim. Sci. 89, 4305 to 4313.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results of the study are shared with producers, students, and agricultural organizations. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is the US Sheep industry and students of sheep husbandry PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Bottom line - there is not one specific nutrient or product that enhances lamb survival over sound nutritional management of the ewe during gestation with common feedstuffs. The benefit to the industry is that low cost common feeds are a beneficial as high cost commercial products

Publications

  • Keithly, J. I., R. W. Kott, J. G. Berardinelli, S. Moreaux, and P. G. Hatfield. 2011. Thermogenesis, blood metabolites and hormones, and growth of lambs born to ewes supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid. J. Anim. Sci.
  • Kott, R. W., L. M. M. Surber, A. V. Grove, P. G. Hatfield, J.A. Boles, C. R Flynn and J. W. Bergman. 2010. Feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and muscle CLA concentration of lambs fed diets supplemented with safflower seeds and vitamin E. Sheep and Goat Res. J. 25: 16-22.
  • Redden, R. R., R. W. Kott, J. A. Boles, A. W. Layton, and P. G. Hatfield. 2010. Effects of late gestation supplementation of rumen undegradable protein, vitamin E, zinc, and chlortetracycline to ewes on indices of immune transfer and productivity. J. Anim Sci. 88: 1125-1134.
  • Redden, R. R., R. W. Kott, L.M.M. Surber, J. A. Boles, A. W. Layton, and P. G. Hatfield. 2010. Post-weaning Management of Lambs Alters Subsequent Feedlot Performance and Tissue Deposition. . Sheep and Goat Res. J. 24: 26-31


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results are being disseminated to communities of interest via peer reviewed publications, proceedings and presentations at professional meetings, and presentations to producer organizations. Finds are also being incorporated into undergraduate and graduate courses at Montana State University PARTICIPANTS: Lead scientists are faculty at Montana State University. Future research includes collaboration with the Bair Ranch foundation TARGET AUDIENCES: Ultimately the target audience is the US sheep industry and the scientific community. Our ultimate goal is the stratigic use of supplements to enhance lamb production via neonatal lamb thermogenisus PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Neonatal lamb mortality is a major source of lost income to the US sheep industry. A high percentage of these losses occur early in the lambs life, often related to energetic and/or immunocapacity. Our research has focused on nutritional strategies during late gestation that may impact fetal, and consequently neonate thermogenesis and immune function. Our most significant finding in 2008 relates to vitamin E and safflower seed supplementation. Safflower is high in protein and energy, in the form of poly unsaturated fatty acids. Based on lower body temperature at birth in lambs born to ewes supplemented with safflower seed without vitamin E supplementation, the greater change in BUN during the cold exposure for lambs born to ewes supplemented with safflower than grain, and the lower survival rate for safflower than grain lambs, it appears that safflower supplemented ewes without additional vitamin E gave birth to lambs with an apparent decreased energetic capacity. This may compromise the newborn lamb's ability to adapt to extreme environmental conditions.

Publications

  • Dafoe, J. M., R. W. Kott, B. F. Sowell, J. G. Berardinelli, K. C. Davis and P. G. Hatfield. 2008. Effects of supplemental safflower and vitamin E during late gestation on lamb growth, serum metabolites, and thermogenesis J Anim Sci 2008 86: 3194-3202
  • Redden, R.R., R. W. Kott, L.M.M. Surber, J. A. Boles, A. W. Layton, and P. G. Hatfield. 2008. Feedlot performance of lambs from different backgrounding systems. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 59: 95-98.
  • Redden, R. R., R. W. Kott, J. A. Boles, A. W. Layton, and P. G. Hatfield. 2008. Effects of Vit E, Zinc, By-pass protein, and Chlortetracycline to ewes of different age and body condition on lamb production and immune function. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 59: 336-338.
  • Redden, R. R., R. W. Kott, L.M.M. Surber, J. A. Boles, A. W. Layton, and P. G. Hatfield. 2008. Feedlot performance of lambs from different backgrounding systems. Montana State Univ. Rum. Nutr. Conf.


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The three overall objectives of this project are: 1)determine the effects of feeding a supplement composed of by-pass protein, high levels of supplemental zinc and vitamin E, and low levels of feed-grade antibiotics to at-risk-ewes during late gestation on subsequent lamb production, ewe health and body condition, colostrum composition, and ewe milk somatic cell count, 2) determine the effects of feeding a supplement composed of by-pass protein, high levels of supplemental zinc and vitamin E, and low levels of feed-grade antibiotics to normal ewes during late gestation on indices of lamb thermogenesis, survival and measures of immunocompetence and 3) determine the effects of feeding by-pass protein to rams and feedlot lambs on ribeye area and other carcass characteristics. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals involved include a PhD student Reid Redden and Dr Rodney Kott Extension. Parnter organization is the montana woolgrower assoiciation. We are collaborating with Dr. Bill Layton from the Montana State Veterinary Diagnostic lab TARGET AUDIENCES: Our Target audience is sheep producers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None

Impacts
All at-risk ewes from the flock of approximately 800 ewes managed at Montana State University's Red Bluff Research Ranch near Norris, Montana will be assigned randomly to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. At-risk ewes will be defined as animals not able to maintain adequate body condition. Treatments will be: 1) ewes carrying a single fetus and supplemented with PEZA 2) ewes carrying twin fetuses and supplemented with PEZA, 3) ewes carrying a single fetus and supplemented with IIC, and 4) ewes carrying twin fetuses and supplemented with IIC. Ewes will be assigned to treatment in such a way that the average age and breed composition of each treatment group is similar. On March 1, at-risk ewes will be identified and transferred from the range flock at Red Bluff to the Fort Ellis Sheep Facilities near Bozeman, Montana. Pregnant ewes will be housed in a 2400 m2 pen with ad libitum access to long stemmed alfalfa hay, water, and a trace mineral/salt mix. Immediately before lambing, ewes will be returned to the range flock at Red Bluff where they will be shed lambed and managed according to Red Bluff lambing protocol. Prior to the imposition of treatments and immediately after the termination of supplemental treatments, ewes will be weighed, bled, and body condition scored according to a 5 point scale with 1 being emaciated and 5 being obese. Ewe survival, body weight and body condition, and blood samples will also be collected or recorded at lambing, turnout, and weaning. During lambing, ewes will be observed 24 h/d. Immediately after parturition, a blood sample and a colostrum sample will be taken from each study animal. To address the third objective of our study, fifty Targhee ram lambs will be used in a 50-day feedlot finishing experiment to evaluate the effects of feeding high levels of UIP on ribeye area , rate of gain, feed efficiency, feed cost/kg of gain and carcass characteristics. Rams will be fed in outdoor pens (25 m2) with five rams in each pen and five pens per treatment (UIP vs DIP supplements). Rams will be fed twice daily at 0730 and 1600 an amount of feed sufficient to allow ad libitum consumption. Rams will be weighed at the beginning and end of the study when average lamb body weight is between 55 and 60 kg. Weights will be recorded after an overnight shrink without feed or water. Every two weeks during the course of the study ultrasound estimates of ribeye area will be conducted. Data collected will include ribeye area, weight gain and dry matter intake. Dry matter feed-to-gain ratios and feed cost/kg of gain will be calculated for each pen. Data will be analyzed as a completely random design. Pen will be the experimental unit for all variables except ribeye area.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Studies continue to be conducted and analyzed. A graduate student has finished and defended two years of research on lamb survival. Our most recent critical finding is that high levels of supplemental poly unsaturated fatty acids (safflower seed), when fed without supplemental vitamin E, may negatively impact lamb thermogenesis. We have recently recruited a Ph.D. student to continue work on lamb survival.

Impacts
A major factor reducing profitability in sheep operations is lamb mortality and the causes of neonatal mortality are similar regardless of geographic region. Hypothermia/starvation, stillbirth/dystocia, and pneumonia are the three top causes of death. The goal of this project is to economically improve lamb survival by enhancing fetal and neonatal energy status. This project addresses the impact of critical nutrients fed to the ewe during late gestation on lamb thermogenesis and then to evaluate the impact of these nutritional strategies on lamb growth, wool characteristics, and nutritional status of the animal.

Publications

  • Schauer, C.S., J. Held, J.A. Daniel, J.S. Caton, P.G. Hatfield, R. Stobart, and J.O. Hall. 2006. Lamb muscle selenium concentration plateaus following 56 days of selenium supplementation. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57:
  • Suber, L., Roeder, B., P. G. Hatfield, and R. W. Kott. 2006. Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of spring-born wethers finished on an 80
  • Hatfield, P.G. 2006. The Montana sheep ration program. Proc. 55th Annual Montana Livestock Forum and Nutrition Conference April 11-12, 2006 ● GranTree Inn, Bozeman. Track 5, CD proceedings
  • Dafoe, J.M., P. G. Hatfield, R. W. Kott, B. F. Sowell, J. G. Berardinelli, and K. C. Davis. 2006. Effects of supplemental safflower and vitamin e during late gestation on lamb growth, serum metabolites and thermogenesis. Proc. 55th Annual Montana Livestock Forum and Nutrition Conference April 11-12, 2006. GranTree Inn, Bozeman. Track 9, CD proceedings
  • Dafoe, J.M., P. G. Hatfield, R. W. Kott, B. F. Sowell, J. G. Berardinelli, and K. C. Davis. 2006. Effects of supplemental safflower and vitamin e during late gestation on lamb growth, serum metabolites and thermogenesis. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57:
  • Kelley, A.L., K.C. Davis, P.G. Hatfield, R.W. Kott, and J.M. Rumph. 2006. Genetic parameters for mature weight and lifetime litter weight weaned in Rambouillet and Targhee ewes. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 57:


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Studies continue to be conducted and analyzed. A graduate student is completing the final phase of the project. Completed and in progress research is listed in publication section of this document.

Impacts
A major factor reducing profitability in sheep operations is lamb mortality. Causes of neonatal mortality are similar regardless of geographic region. Hypothermia/starvation, stillbirth/dystocia, and pneumonia are the three top causes of death. Our project goal is to economically improve lamb survival by enhancing fetal and neonatal energy status. The primary objective of this project address the impact of critical nutrients fed to the ewe during late gestation on lamb thermogenesis. Secondary objectives will be to evaluate the impact of these nutritional strategies on lamb growth, wool characteristics, and nutritional status of the animal. To meet these objectives, ewes will be fed safflower seeds during late gestation to enhance not only ewe energetic status, but to potential impact fetal energy status. Cold tolerance in lambs from treated and control ewes will be measured by exposing lambs to a standard cold environment. Response variables include: 1) Changes in lamb body temperature during the control cold exposure, 2)Alpha -1- acid glycoprotein (AGP), an acute phase protein, that has been shown to increase in response to stress situations in animals, 3) Lamb blood samples will be evaluated for glucose, cholesterol, total protein , blood urea nitrogen, non-esterfied fatty acids, cortisol, T3 and T4 and 4)the impact of treatment on brown adipose tissue. Brown adipose tissue is the principal organ for the production of thermoregulatory heat by nonshivering thermogenesis in mammals

Publications

  • Boles, J. A., R. W. Kott, P. G. Hatfield, J.W. Berman, and C. R. Flynn. 2005. Supplemental safflower oil affects the fatty acid profile, including conjugated linoleic acid, of lamb. J. Anim. Sci. 83: 2175-2181
  • Kott, R. W., P. G. Hatfield, J. W. Bergman, C. R. Flynn, H. Van Wagoner, and J. A. Boles. 2003. Feedlot performance, carcass composition, and muscle and fat CLA concentrations of lambs fed diets supplemented with safflower seeds. Small Rum. Res.49:11.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Studies continue to be conducted and analyzed. A graduate student has begun the final phase of the project. Completed and in progress research is listed in publication section of this document.

Impacts
A major factor reducing profitability in sheep operations is lamb mortality. Causes of neonatal mortality are similar regardless of geographic region. Hypothermia/starvation, stillbirth/dystocia, and pneumonia are the three top causes of death. Our project goal is to economically improve lamb survival by enhancing fetal and neonatal energy status. The primary objective of this project address the impact of critical nutrients fed to the ewe during late gestation on lamb thermogenesis. Secondary objectives will be to evaluate the impact of these nutritional strategies on lamb growth, wool characteristics, and nutritional status of the animal. To meet these objectives, ewes will be fed safflower seeds during late gestation to enhance not only ewe energetic status, but to potential impact fetal energy status. Cold tolerance in lambs from treated and control ewes will be measured by exposing lambs to a standard cold environment. Response variables include: 1) Changes in lamb body temperature during the control cold exposure, 2)Alpha -1- acid glycoprotein (AGP), an acute phase protein, that has been shown to increase in response to stress situations in animals, 3) Lamb blood samples will be evaluated for glucose, cholesterol, total protein , blood urea nitrogen, non-esterfied fatty acids, cortisol, T3 and T4 and 4)the impact of treatment on brown adipose tissue. Brown adipose tissue is the principal organ for the production of thermoregulatory heat by nonshivering thermogenesis in mammals.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
A major factor reducing profitability in sheep operations is lamb mortality. Causes of neonatal mortality are similar regardless of geographic region. Hypothermia/starvation, stillbirth/dystocia, and pneumonia are the three top causes of death. Our project goal is to economically improve lamb survival by enhancing fetal and neonatal energy status. The primary objective of this project address the impact of critical nutrients fed to the ewe during late gestation on lamb thermogenesis. Secondary objectives will be to evaluate the impact of these nutritional strategies on lamb growth, wool characteristics, and nutritional status of the animal. To meet these objectives, ewes will be fed safflower seeds during late gestation to enhance not only ewe energetic status, but to potential impact fetal energy status. Cold tolerance in lambs from treated and control ewes will be measured by exposing lambs to a standard cold environment. Response variables include: 1) Changes in lamb body temperature during the control cold exposure, 2)Alpha -1- acid glycoprotein (AGP), an acute phase protein, that has been shown to increase in response to stress situations in animals, 3) Lamb blood samples will be evaluated for glucose, cholesterol, total protein , blood urea nitrogen, non-esterfied fatty acids, cortisol, T3 and T4 and 4)the impact of treatment on brown adipose tissue. Brown adipose tissue is the principal organ for the production of thermoregulatory heat by nonshivering thermogenesis in mammals.

Impacts
Studies continue to be conducted and analyzed. One publications remains to be written. Completed research is listed in publication section of this document.

Publications

  • Kott, R. W., P. G. Hatfield, J. W. Bergman, C. R. Flynn, H. Van Wagoner, and J. A. Boles. 2003. Feedlot performance, carcass composition, and muscle and fat CLA concentrations of lambs fed diets supplemented with safflower seeds. Small Rum. Res.49:11


Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Twelve studies over six years have been conducted. Two publications are yet to be written and are in varies stages of completion. Completed research is listed in publication section of this document. The primary objective of this project address the impact of critical nutrients fed to the ewe during late gestation on lamb thermogenesis. Secondary objectives will be to evaluate the impact of these nutritional strategies on lamb growth, wool characteristics, and nutritional status of the animal. To meet these objectives, ewes will be fed safflower seeds during late gestation to enhance not only ewe energetic status, but to potential impact fetal energy status. Cold tolerance in lambs from treated and control ewes will be measured by exposing lambs to a standard cold environment. Response variables include: 1) Changes in lamb body temperature during the control cold exposure, 2)Alpha -1- acid glycoprotein (AGP), an acute phase protein, that has been shown to increase in response to stress situations in animals, 3) Lamb blood samples will be evaluated for glucose, cholesterol, total protein , blood urea nitrogen, non-esterfied fatty acids, cortisol, T3 and T4 and 4)the impact of treatment on brown adipose tissue. Brown adipose tissue is the principal organ for the production of thermoregulatory heat by nonshivering thermogenesis in mammals

Impacts
Lamb mortality is a major factor reducing profitability in sheep operations. Causes of neonatal mortality are similar regardless of geographic region. Hypothermia/starvation, stillbirth/dystocia, and pneumonia are the three top causes of death. Our project goal is to economically improve lamb survival by enhancing fetal and neonatal energy status.

Publications

  • Hatfield, P. G., B. L. Robinson, D. Minikheim, R. W. Kott, N. I. Roth, J. T. Daniels, and C. K. Swenson. 2002. Serum alpha-tocopherol and immune function in yearling ewes supplemented with zinc and vitamin E. J. Anim. Sci. 80:1329.


Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
To date, ten studies have been conducted. The field data analysis and draft manuscript of one of these studies will be completed in the Fall of 2002. Two publications are yet to be written and are in varies stages of completion. Completed research is listed in publication section of this document.

Impacts
Neonatal lamb losses are a major drain on profitability to U.S. lamb producers. Typically, starvation and hypothermia are the major causes of mortality. In our studies, lambs subject to a controlled cold stress at birth show an immediate and positive response to safflower supplementation of the ewe during late gestation and colostrum intake. Positive response to late gestation supplemental vitamin E on lamb survival, however did not indicate enhanced immune function. Additionally, although supplemental Zn increased serum vitamin E levels, high levels of dietary zinc may have a negative impact on indices of immune function.

Publications

  • Hatfield, P. G., B. L. Robinson, D. Minikheim, R. W. Kott, N. I. Roth, and C. K. Swenson. 2001. Serum vitamin E and immune function in yearling ewes supplemented with zinc and vitamin E. J. Anim. Sci. In press.
  • Taylor N., P. G. Hatfield, B. F. Sowell, J.G.P. Bowman, J. S. Drouillard, and D. V. Dhuyvetter. 2001. Pellet and block supplements for grazing ewes. Anim. Feed Sci. and Tech. In press.
  • Taylor N., P. G. Hatfield, B. F. Sowell, and G. S. Lewis. 2001. Influence of supplement form on ewe performance and reproduction. Sheep and Goat Res. J. In press.
  • Hatfield, P. G., J. T. Daniels, R. W. Kott, and D. E. Burgess. 2001. Survival and serum IgG levels in twin born lambs supplemented with vitamin E early in life. Sheep and Goat Res. J. 17:24.
  • Griffith, D., P. G. Hatfield, and R. W. Kott. 2001. Enterprise budgeting for ewe flock operations. Sheep and Goat Res. J. 17:29.
  • Stellflug, J. N., P. G. Hatfield, M. C. Wulster-Radcliffe, and J. Walker. 2001. Reproductive performance of ewe lambs from ewes from different selection practices with or without induced estrus. Anim. Repro. Sci. 66:185.
  • Shanks, B. C., P. G. Hatfield, R. A. Field, and J. A. Hopkins. 2000. Influence of winter backgrounding systems on subsequent lamb finishing performance, body composition, carcass traits, and palatability. Sheep and Goat Res. J. 16:88. (note: journal not printed until March, 2001)
  • Hatfield, P. G., C. K. Swenson, R. W. Kott, R. P. Ansotegui, N. I. Roth, and B. L. Robinson. 2001. Zinc and copper status in ewes supplemented with sulfate and amino acid complexed forms of zinc and copper. J. Anim. Sci. 79:261
  • Bergmen, J. W., C. R. Flynn, R. W. Kott, P. G. Hatfield, H. Van Wagoner, and J. A. Boles. 2001. Feedlot performance, carcass composition, and muscle and fat conjugated linoleic acid concentrations of lambs fed diets supplemented with high linoleic safflower. Proceedings of the V international safflower conference. p 15.
  • Van Wagoner, H., P. G. Hatfield, R. Kott, and J.A. Boles. 2001. Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of lambs supplemented with rolled safflower seeds. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 52.509.
  • Van Wagoner, H., P. G. Hatfield, R. W. Kott, and J. A. Boles. 2001. Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of lambs supplemented with rolled safflower seeds. Proc. Montana Livestock Nutr. Conf. 50:66.
  • Taylor, N. 2001. Supplement and forage intake for range sheep and beef cattle. M.S. Thesis.


Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
To date, eight studies have been conducted. The field data analysis and draft manuscript of one of these studies will be completed in the Fall of 2001. Three publications are yet to be written and are in varies stages of completion. Completed research is listed in publication section of this document.

Impacts
Lambs subject to a controlled cold stress at birth show an immediate and positive response to colostrum intake. Positive response to late gestation supplemental vitamin E on lamb survival, however no indication of enhanced immune function. Additionally, giving supplemental vitamin E to the newborn lamb is not effective in improving lamb survival. Supplemental zinc may enhance serum vitamin E status.

Publications

  • Hatfield, P.G., Swenson, C.K., Kott, R.W., Ansotegui, R.P., Roth, N.J., and Robinson, B.L. 2001. Zinc and copper status in ewes supplemented with sulfate and amino acid complexed forms of zinc and copper. J. Anim. Sci. 79:281
  • Hamadeh, S.K., Hatfield, P.G., Robinson, B.L., Roth, N.J., and Kott, R.W. 2000. Alpha acid glycoprotein (AGP) as an early indicator of stress in new born lambs. Sheep and Goat Res. J. 16:72.
  • Hamadeh, S.K., Hatfield, P.G., Kott, R.W., Robinson, B.L., and Sowell, B.F. 2000. Effects of breed, sex, birth type and colostrum intake on body temperature of new born lambs subjected to cold stress. Sheep and Goat Res. J. 16:46.
  • Daniels, J.T., Hatfield, P.G., Burgess, D.E., Kott, R.W., and Bowman, J.G.P. 2000. Evaluation of ewe and lamb immune response when ewes were supplemented with vitamin E. J. Anim. Sci. 78:2731-2736.
  • Hatfield, P.G., Daniels, J.T., Kott, R.W. Kott, Burgess, D.E., and Evans, T.J. 2000. Role of supplemental vitamin E in lamb survival and production: A Review. 2000. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. at:http://http://www.asas.org/jas/symposia/proceedings/0932.pdf
  • Hatfield, P.G., Field, R.A., Hopkins, J.A., and Kott, R.W. 2000. Palatability of wethers fed an 80 pct barley diet processed at different ages and of yearling wethers grazed on native range. J. Anim. Sci. 78:1779-1785
  • Daniels, J.T., Burgess, D.E., Hatfield, P.G., and Kott, R.W. 2000. An ELISA method for determining sheep serum IgG concentration. Sheep and Goat Res. J. 16:33.
  • Roeder, R.L., Thomas, V.M., Kott, R.W., Hatfield, P.G., and Burgess, D. 2000. Effect of short term prepartum feeding of levels and type of protein on ewe performance and colostrum accumulation. Sheep and Goat Res. J. 16:1.
  • Hatfield, P.G., Ramsey, W.S., and Fitzgerald, J.A. 2000. Effect of naloxone on intake, growth hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations in lactating and non-lactating ewes. Small Rum. Res.35:21.
  • Petersen, M.K., and Hatfield, P.G. 2000. Supplemental feeding of range livestock: an introduction. (in) Strategic supplementation of beef cattle consuming low-quality roughages in the western United States. Oregon State Univ., Ag. Exp. Station, Station Bulletin SB 683 pp 3-5.
  • Taylor, N., Hatfield, P.G., Sowell, B.F., Bowman, J.G.P., Drouillard, J.S., and Dhuyetter, D.V. 2000. Supplement and forage intake by grazing ewes fed either a block or pelleted supplement. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 51:26.
  • Taylor, N., Hatfield, P.G., Sowell, B.F., Bowman, J.G.P., Drouillard, J.S., and Dhuyetter, D.V. 2000. Supplement and forage intake by grazing ewes fed either a block or pelleted supplement. Proc. Montana Livestock Nutr. Conf. 49:60.


Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
To date, eight studies have been conducted. The field portion of one of these studies will be completed in the summer of 2000. Five publications are yet to be written and are in varies stages of completion. Completed research is listed in publication section of this document.

Impacts
Positive response to late gestation supplemental vitamin E on lamb survival, however no indication of enhanced immune function. Additionally, giving supplemental vitamin E to the newborn lamb is not effective in improving lamb survival. Supplemental zinc may enhance serum vitamin E status.

Publications

  • Hamadeh, S. K., P. G. Hatfield, B. L. Robinson, N. J. Roth, and R. W. Kott. 2000. Alpha acid glycoprotein (AGP) as an early indicator of stress in new born lambs. Sheep and Goat Res. J.
  • Hamadeh, S. K., P. G. Hatfield, R. W. Kott, B. L. Robinson, and B. F. Sowell. 2000. Effects of breed, sex, birth type and colostrum intake on body temperature of new born lambs subjected to cold stress. Sheep and Goat Res. J.
  • Roeder, R. L., V. M. Thomas, R. W. Kott, P. G. Hatfield, and D. Burgess. 2000. Effect of short term prepartum feeding of levels and type of protein on ewe performance and colostrum accumulation. Sheep and Goat Res. J.
  • Daniels, J. T., D. E. Burgess, P. G. Hatfield, and R. W. Kott. 1999. An ELISA method for determining sheep serum IgG concentration. Sheep and Goat Res. J.
  • Hatfield, P. G., R. A. Field, J. A. Hopkins, and R. W. Kott. 1999. Palatability of concentrate fed wethers processed at different ages and of yearling wethers grazed on native range. J. Anim. Sci.
  • Hatfield, P. G., J. T. Daniels, R. W. Kott, D. E. Burgess, and T. J. Evans. 2000. Role of supplemental vitamin E in lamb survival and production: A Review. J. Anim. Sci.
  • Hatfield, P. G., W. S. Ramsey, and J. A. Fitzgerald. 2000. Effect of naloxone on intake, growth hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations in lactating and non-lactating ewes. Small Rum. Res.35:21.
  • Hatfield, P. G., S. L. Blodgett, G. D. Johnson, P. M. Denke, R. W. Kott, and M. W. Carroll. 1999. Sheep Grazing to Control Wheat Stem Sawfly, a Preliminary Study. Sheep and Goat Res. J.15:159.
  • Hatfield, P. G., J. Stellflug, J. W. Walker, and R. W. Kott. 1999. The effects of nutritional management on ewe and lamb body weight and ewe body composition. Sheep and Goat Res. J. 15:41.
  • Hatfield, P. G., W. A. Head, Jr., J. A. Fitzgerald, and D. M. Hallford. 1999. Effects of level of energy intake and energy demand on growth hormone, insulin, and metabolites in Targhee and Suffolk ewes. J. Anim. Sci. 77:2757.
  • Ansotegui, R. P., J. D. Bailey, J. A. Paterson, P. G. Hatfield, and C. K. Swenson. 1999. Effects of supplemental trace mineral form on copper status, estrus, ovulation rate, and fertility in beef heifers. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 50:189.
  • Daniels, J. T., P. G. Hatfield, D. E. Burgess, and R. W. Kott. 1999. Evaluation of Ewe and Lamb Immune Response when Ewes are Supplemented with Vitamin E. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 50:285.
  • Hatfield, P. G., S. L. Blodgett, G. D. Johnson, P. M. Denke, and M. W. Carroll. 1999. Sheep grazing to control wheat stem sawfly. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 50:127.
  • Daniels, J. T., P. G. Hatfield, D. E. Burgess, and R. W. Kott. 1999. Evaluation of Ewe and Lamb Immune Response when Ewes are Supplemented with Vitamin E. Proc. Montana Livestock Nutr. Conf. 48:15.
  • Hatfield, P. G., J. T. Daniels, R. W. Kott, D. E. Burgess. 1999. Role of supplemental vitamin E in neonatal lamb survival. Abstr. 91th Annual Meeting ASAS. 77(suppl 1).


Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
1) Define mechanisms by which vitamin E enhances lamb survival. Todd Daniels Thesis project. Completion date July 1999. 2) Oral administration of Vitamin E to lambs on lamb survivability, performance, and serum IgG concentration. Fieldwork completed, Lab work in progress. 3) Trace mineral status in ewes supplemented with different forms of zinc and copper. Field, Lab, and statistical work completed. Preliminary results presented at 1998 Montana Nutrition conference and at 1998 University undergraduate scholars program by Matt Jackson. 4) The influences of supplemental zinc on serum vitamin E concentrations in sheep. Fieldwork completed. Lab work in progress.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Daniels, J.T., Hatfield, P.G., Kott, R.W. and Burgess, D.E. 1998. Influence of oral administration of vitamin E on lamb survival body weight and serum vitamin E. Proc. West. Sec. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci. 49:230.
  • Daniels, J.T., Hatfield, P.G., Kott, R.W. and Burgess, D.E. 1998. Influence of oral administration of vitamin E on lamb survival and serum vitamin E. Proc. Montana Livestock Nutr. Conf. 47:46.