Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Studies we conducted were on: (a) "The utilization of the zero-time in vitro technique to measure the rate of volatile fatty acid production" (b) " Evaluation of Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) and Leucaena (Leucaena leococephala) as feeds for goats" (c) "Evaluation of Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) as a feed for goats" (d) "Evaluation of Chevon on risk factors for coronary heart disease"(e) "The relationship between mucous membrane color and fecal egg count, pack cell volume, body weight, and body condition score" (f) "Feed intake and carcass characteristics of Boer goats under different production systems" (g) "Effect of high Cu supplementation on growth performance, immune response and rumen fermentation of Spanish x Boer goats" (h) "Effect of Cu supplementation on growth performance and carcass quality of Spanish x Boer goats".
PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Robert Corley III, an Associate Professor of Nutrition and Biological Modeling/Statistics; Dr. Sandra Solaiman a Professor of Ruminant Nutrition and Director of Caprine Research; Dr. Ralph Noble, an Assistant Professor of Animal Physiology; Dr. Jannette Bartlett, a Research Assistant Professor of Animal Nutrition; Dr. Michelle Corley, an Assistant Professor of Molecular Immuno-genetics and Avian Diseases; Dr. Errol Rhoden, a Research Professor of Agronomy; and Dr. Ralphenia Pace, Professor and Department Head of Food and Nutritional Sciences.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The results and publications of this work were shared with national organizations (United States Department of Agriculture, American Society of Animal Scientist, and National Research Council), Extension and Outreach programs (Local and regional Goat Days, Macon Country Extension Agency, Macon County Farmers Organization) and peer reviewed publications (Simply Meat Goats, and other articles and listed abstracts). Target audiences included the local community, Small farmers throughout the Black Belt counties in the South Eastern United States, the state of Alabama, and others regionally and nationally interest in goat production. Through exchange programs (faculty) and other forums, distributions of results have been expanded to reach international audiences. The information has been presented at scientific meetings, published on a web site for free access by individuals, and summarized in short reports distributed at goat days and other events. In addition, other
scientists who share similar research interests benefit from the data presented in research proceedings and consultation.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None.
Impacts
Output of conducted experiments has contributed to newly published NRC, 2007 "Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants" and book "Simply Meat Goats" that are used by scientists and producers nationally and internationally. Outcomes of this project greatly contributed to the field of goat research, sustainable agriculture, and human health. Additional impacts include: the subsequent contribution to the education of students from the high school level to the graduate level via engagement. The project further strengthened the interdisciplinary research programs across the Tuskegee University campus and paved the way for local future research endeavors and regionally collaborative efforts. The integration of animal nutrition and sustainable resource management and its impact on goat health, production efficiency, meat quality and related human health factors were investigated. The effect of Cu supplementation on immuno competence, ruminal digestion and fermentation
kinetics, performance effeciency and meat quality in goats was determined. Studies also were conducted on the management and economic advantages of utilizing alternative forages such as minosa, kudzu and laucaena for a year round forage system. To determine the potential benefit of chevron to human health, hamsters were fed diets formulated with chevron. Training manuals were developed and small scale produces were trained. Alternative forage browse such as mimosa for summer and annual ryegrass for winter provides a sustainable year-round forage for goats. Alternative or less traditional feeds such as kudzu (Pueraria lobata) eastern gammagrass, Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) may have the potential to increase the profitability of the limited resource farmer by providing a less expensive but nutritionally sound feed for goats when more traditional feeds are either limited or not cost effective. Experiments with copper indicated that high levels of Cu fed
to Boer crossed Spanish goat kids at 100 mg/d can enhance average daily gain, immune response and gain efficiency without eliciting Cu toxicity. Impact Statement: Healthier and safer goat meat products can be achieved through nutritional supplementation and improved feeding strategies. Alternative or less traditional feeds such as kudzu (Pueraria lobata) eastern gammagrass, Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and feeds supplemented with copper have shown the potential to increase the profitability of the limited resource farmer by providing a less expensive but nutritionally sound feed for goats when more traditional feeds are either limited or not cost effective. The nutritional feeding strategies reported from these studies appear very promising with respect to animal growth and carcass characteristics. These findings may prove very influential in establishing alternative feeding programs for small or limited resource goat producers. Research findings were
reported in scientific meeting nationally and internationally and information gathered was disseminated to producers through Tuskegee University annual goat day and different workshops.
Publications
- Ellis, E., W. Bergen, S. Solaiman, and K. Cummins. 2005. Effect of dietary copper supplementation on fatty acid profile of muscle, mesenteric, and subcutaneous adipose tissue in goat kids. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1): 192.
- Brown, N. E., J. Bing., and R. N. Corley III. 2005. In situ ruminal digestion kinetics and volatile fatty acid production rate in goats fed premium quality dehydrated alfalfa hay supplemented with three levels of a concentrate mix. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 83, Suppl. 1.
- Faucette, A., J. Bartlett, and E. Rhoden. 2005. Effect of feeding eastern gamagrass on growth of meat goats. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 83, Suppl. 1.
- Bing, J. Q. and R. N. Corley III. 2004. Evaluation of Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) and Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) as feeds for goats. Volume 82 Suppl. 1.
- Hopkins-Shoemaker, C. E., S. G. Solaiman, D. Bransby, and C. R. Kerth. 2004. Evaluation of Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa) for internal parasite control in goats. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 1). Abstract.
- White A., Y. Markley, J. Allen,C. Jones and R. Noble. 2004. Internal Parasite Control:Diatomaceous Earth vs. Ivomec. Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Tuskegee University, AL.
- Markley Y.,A. White,A, Kendricks, C. Lee and R. Noble. 2004. The Effectiveness and Economic of Two Dewormers Administered by Two Routines to Grazing Meat Goats. Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Tuskegee University, AL.
- Noble, R. 2004. Business and Marketing of Meat Goats. Alcorn State University Small Farmer Conference. Jackson, AL.
- Noble, R. 2004. Meat Goats: An Alternative Livestock To Diversify Small Farm Enterprises at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff 42nd Rural Life Conferences. Pine Bluff, AR.
- Hopkins-Shoemaker, C. E., S. G. Solaiman, C. R. Kerth, W. R. Jones and D. Bransby. 2004. Growth performance and carcass characteristics of castrated or intact male Boer x Spanish goats grazing annual Marshal ryegrass. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 1).
- NRC. 2007. Nutrient Requirement of Sheep, Goats, Cervids and Camelids. Academy Press. Washington, D.C.
- Solaiman, S. G. 2007. Simply Meat Goats. Tuskegee University Publication No. 115-1006.
- Solaiman, S. G. 2005. Outlook for Small Farm Meat Goat Industry for California. University of California Small Farm Center, Research Report SFCRR2005-01.
- Solaiman, S. G. 2005. Meat Goat Industry Outlook for Small Farms in Alabama and Surrounding States. Tuskegee University, Publication No. 112-705.
- Solaiman, S. G., T. J. Craig, Jr., G. Reddy and C.E. Shoemaker. 2007. Effect of high levels of Cu on performance, rumen fermentation and immune response in goat kids. Small Rum. Res. 69 (1):115-123.
- Solaiman, S. G, C. E. Shoemaker, and G. H. D Andrea. 2006. The effect of high level of Cu on vital signs, growth performance, and Cu status in goat kids. Small Ruminant Res. 66: 85-91.
- Solaiman, S. G, C. E. Shoemaker, W. R. Jones and C. R. Kerth. 2006. The effect of high levels of Cu on serum lipid profile and carcass characteristics in goat kids. J. Anim. Sci.84:171-177.
- Solaiman, S. G., Y. P. Smoot, and F. N. Owens. 2002. Impact of EasiFlo cottonseed on feed intake, apparent digestibility, and rate of passage by goats fed a diet containing 45% hay. J. Anim. Sci. 80:805-811.
- Solaiman, S. G. 2007. Revised guidelines for mineral requirements of goats. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl.1).
- Burnett, D., S. B. White, M. M. Corley, and R. N. Corley. 2007. Evaluation of Chevon on risk factors for coronary heart disease. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 85 (Suppl.1).
- Solaiman, S. G. 2006. Meat goat industry, an emerging animal-agriculture enterprise in the U.S. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1).
- White, A., J. Bartlett, and E. Rhoden. 2006. Effect of fat supplementation on the performance of meat goats fed eastern gamagrass. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 84 (Suppl.1).
- Markley, Y.A., E. G. Rhoden, and J. R. Bartlett. 2006. Effect of alternative forages on reproductive performance of meat goats. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 84 (Suppl.1).
- Shoemaker, C., S. Solaiman, C. Kerth, W. Jones, and D. Bransby. 2005. Growth and carcass traits of percentage and crossbred Boer wether goat kids raised under different production systems. J. Anim. Sci. 83(Suppl. 1): 277.
- Bransby, D., S. Solaiman, C. Shoemaker and S. Sladden. 2006. Goat production from annual ryegrass in Alabama. In: Proceedings, Annual Forage and Grassland Congress meeting.
- Shoemaker, C. E., S. G. Solaiman, C. R. Kerth, W. R. Jones, D. I. Bransby and K. R. Willian. 2005. Growth, carcass traits and fatty acid profiles of percentage Boer wether goat kids raised under different production systems. 51th International Congress of Meat Science and Technology, Baltimore, MD.
- Solaiman, S. G. 2005. Assessment of the current meat goat industry in the United States. In the Proceedings of the USDA 4th National Small Farm Conference. Greensborough, NC.
- Solaiman, S. G, C. E. Shoemaker, and G. H. D Andrea. 2005. The effect of supra nutritional level of Cu on vital signs, growth performance, and Cu status in goat kids. Proceedings of the University of Tennessee Nutrition Conference.
- Solaiman, S. G., T. J. Craig, Jr., G. Reddy and C.E. Shoemaker and G. W. F. Haenlein. 2004. Effect of supra nutritional Cu levels on growth, rumen fermentation and immune response in goat kids. Proceedings of 22 Workshop on Macro and Trace Elements. Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
- Bransby, D. I., S. G. Solaiman, C. R. Kerth, R. Noble, S. Sladden and S. Durbin. 2003. Defoliation patterns of goats browsing mimosa. Proceeding, American Forage and Grassland Council.
- Craig, Jr., T. J., S. G. Solaiman, G. Reddy and C. E. Hopkins. 2003. Effect of high dietary copper on growth performance, rumen fermentation and immune response in goat kids. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1).
- Hopkins, C. E., S. G. Solaiman, and C. R. Kerth. 2003. Effect of high dietary copper and measurements of 9-10-11th rib on carcass composition in goat kids. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1).
- Hopkins, C. and S. G. Solaiman. 2002. Effect of high Cu supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of goats. J. Anim. Sci.80(Suppl. 1). Rhoden, E. G., Bartlett,J. R. , Smith,R. J.and McIntyre, M. 2002. Quality of stockpiled eastern gamagrass forage. Proc. Caribbean Food Crop Society 38:434-439.
- Davis, R. H. and Corley III, R. N. 2003. Evaluation of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) as a feed for goats. American Society of Animal Science. Volume 81. Supp 2.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Based on our previous findings, several new studies were conducted to determine the effect of alternative (less-traditional) feeding strategies on goat preference, performance, health and carcass characteristics. We highlight the results of two of our studies in this report. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of high dietary Cu on growth performance and Cu status in goat kids. Fifteen Boer crossed Spanish goats were randomly assigned to three different treatments. Treatments consisted of (1) control (no additional Cu), (2) 100 mg Cu/d and (3) 200 mg Cu/d from an inorganic source Cu sulfate. Liver, bile, longissimus muscle (LM) and kidney samples were obtained postmortem. Copper supplementation had no effect (P > 0.05) on respiration rate, heart rate or rectal temperature. Average daily gain over 10 weeks was improved with 100 mg Cu intake (quadratic, P =0.01). Average daily feed intake decreased linearly (linear, P = 0.05) as Cu increased in the diet
with the control group consuming a higher grain: hay ratio in the diet (linear, P = 0.03). Gain efficiency was higher (quadratic, P = 0.02) with 100 mg Cu group when compared to control and 200 mg Cu groups. Liver and fecal Cu concentrations increased (linear, P = 0.0001) as Cu increased in the diet; however, serum, bile, and kidney Cu concentrations did not differ. These data indicated that high levels of Cu fed to Boer crossed Spanish goat kids at 100 mg/d can enhance average daily gain and gain efficiency without eliciting Cu toxicity. Another experiment was conducted to determine the effect of high levels of supplemental Cu (as Cu sulfate) on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and immune responses in goats. Fifteen Boer crossed Spanish goat kids were fed basal diet containing 14 ppm Cu and were randomly assigned to three treatments: (1) control (no supplemental Cu); (2) 100 mg supplemental Cu/day; (3) 200 mg supplemental Cu/day. Animals consumed ad libitum twice a day a 70:30
grain: hay diet. Average daily gain was improved (quadratic, P = 0.05) with 100 mg Cu intake. Protozoa count tended to decrease (linear, P = 0.08) with higher Cu supplementation; however, acetate, propionate or butyrate (mol/100 mol) did not differ (P > 0.10). An increase (linear, P = 0.03) in leukocyte count was observed, with higher neutrophils (quadratic, P = 0.04) and lower lymphocytes (quadratic, P = 0.01) associated with 100 mg Cu supplementation. ConA-induced lymphocyte proliferation was higher (P = 0.05) in 100 mg Cu group on day 98; however, PHA-induced lymphocyte proliferation was higher on day 72 (linear, P = 0.01) in the Cu-supplemented groups. Antibody titer to the chicken ovalbumin (used to elicit immune response) tended to be higher (linear, P = 0.08) on day 72 and it was higher (linear, P = 0.02) on day 98 in the Cu-supplemented groups. These results indicated that Cu-supplemented at 100 mg/day, improved gain and enhanced the immune response in goat kids. With respect
to dissemination of our research, we have presented information from our work in peer reviewed journals and at national meetings, annual goat days, farmers' conferences, and field days in the Southeastern United States.
Impacts
Alternative or less traditional feeds such as kudzu (Pueraria lobata) eastern gammagrass, Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and feeds supplemented with copper may have the potential to increase the profitability of the limited resource farmer by providing a less expensive but nutritionally sound feed for goats when more traditional feeds are either limited or not cost effective. The nutritional feeding strategies reported from these studies appear very promising with respect to animal growth and carcass characteristics. The results from these studies may prove very influential in establishing alternative feeding programs for small or limited resource goat producers.
Publications
- S. G. Solaiman, C. E. Shoemaker, W. R. Jones, and C. R. Kerth. The effects of high levels of supplemental copper on the serum lipid profile, carcass traits, and carcass composition of goat kids. 2006. J. Anim. Sci. 84: 171-177.
- S.G. Solaiman, C.E. Shoemaker and G.H.D. Andrea. The effect of high dietary Cu on health, growth performance, and Cu status in young goats. 2006. Small Ruminant Research, Volume 66, Issues 1-3, November 2006, Pages 85-91.
- S.G. Solaiman, T.J. Craig, Jr., G. Reddy and C.E. Shoemaker. Effect of high levels of Cu supplement on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and immune responses in goat kids. 2006. Small Ruminant Research (Received 13 April 2005; revised 18 October 2005; Accepted 22 December 2005. Available online 28 February 2006.)
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Based on the findings from our previous reports, several new studies were conducted. In situ ruminal digestion kinetics and volatile fatty acid production rate in goats fed different forage to concentrate ratios (premium quality dehydrated alfalfa hay supplemented with three levels of a concentrate mix) were performed to develop an alternative forage evaluation system. The accuracy, simplicity, and relatively low cost of the new system may prove useful in determining better feeding strategies for goats. In addition, the effect of feeding eastern gamagrass on growth of meat goats was also examined. Boar cross goats were offered eastern gamagrass and Bermuda grass at different forage to concentrate ratios to evaluate weight gain, feed intake, and carcass weight. Eastern gamagrass compared well with Bermuda grass and showed great potential as a high quality feed for goats. Others studies were conducted to determine the effect of dietary copper supplementation on fatty
acid profile of muscle, mesenteric, and subcutaneous adipose tissue in goats kids. The effect of copper supplementation varied with tissue and affected different fatty acids in different tissues. It was concluded that copper supplementation may offer a means of altering carcass lipid profile as well as content. Another study was conducted to evaluate the growth and carcass traits of percentage and crossbred boer wether goat kids raised under different production systems. These results indicated that feeding percentage or crossbred boar goat kids a high concentrate diet increased their average daily gain, produced a heavier carcass with more lean weight, and a larger longissimus muscle area than goats receiving grain supplementation on Bermuda grass hay or mimosa browse diets. With respect to dissemination of our research we have presented information from our work at national, regional and local settings. This involves national meetings, annual goat days, farmers conferences, and
field days in the southeastern United States.
Impacts
Alternative or less traditional feeds such as kudzu (Pueraria lobata) eastern gammagrass, Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and feeds supplemented with copper may have the potential to increase the profitability of the limited resource farmer by providing a less expensive but nutritionally sound feed for goats when more traditional feeds are either limited or not cost effective. The nutritional feeding strategies reported from these studies appear very promising with respect to animal growth and carcass characteristics. The results from these studies may prove very influential in establishing alternative feeding programs for small or limited resource goat producers.
Publications
- Shoemaker, C., s. Solaiman, C. Kerth, W. Jones, and D. Bransby. 2005. Growth and carcass traits of percentage and crossbred boar wether goat kids raised under different production systems. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 83, Suppl. 1/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 88, Suppl. 1.
- Brown, N. E., J. Bing., and R. N. Corley III. 2005. In situ ruminal digestion kinetics and volatile fatty acid production rate in goats fed premium quality dehydrated alfalfa hay supplemented with three levels of a concentrate mix. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 83, Suppl. 1/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 88, Suppl. 1.
- Ellis, E., W. Bergen, S. Solaiman, and K. Cummins. 2005. Effect of dietary copper supplementation on fatty acid profile of muscle, mesenteric, and subcutaneous adipose tissue in goat kids. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 83, Suppl. 1/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 88, Suppl. 1.
- Faucette, A., J. Bartlett, and E. Rhoden. 2005. Effect of feeding eastern gamagrass on growth of meat goats. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 83, Suppl. 1/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 88, Suppl. 1.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Initial studies were conducted to determine the potential of Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)and Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) as alternative forages for goats. As a whole, the chemical composition and digestibility characteristics of mimosa appeared comparable to alfalfa hay, which shows its potential as a feed for goats. Additional studies were conducted to evaluate mimosa for anthelmintic properties. Short term feeding of mimosa to goats under controlled feeding conditions did not appear to be effective in eliminating or managing the internal parasite Haemonchus contortus. However, long term feeding under field conditions may have benefits as a parasite management tool because it allows the animal to browse rather than graze. With respect to dissemination of our research findings, we have currently completed 15 training sessions for our small scale producers. This involves annual goat days, farmers conferences and field days in the southeastern United States.
Information from our research findings and outreach activities are being compiled to be included in a training manual.
Impacts
Alternative or less traditional feeds such as kudzu (Pueraria lobata) eastern gammagrass, Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and others may have the potential to increase the profitability of the limited resource farmer by providing a less expensive but nutritionally comparable forage source for goats when more traditional forages are either limited or not cost effective. Current results indicate that many of the alternative forages studied have similar if not superior chemical compositions and digestibility characteristics compared to more traditional forages. However, the magnitude of these finding will be determined after the alternative forages have been evaluated to determine their effect on animal health, performance, and practical utilization.
Publications
- Bing, J. Q. and R. N. Corley III. 2004. Evaluation of Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)and Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) as feeds for goats. Volume 82 Suppl. 1.
- Hopkins-Shoemaker C., S. Solaiman, C. Kerth, W. Jones, and D. Bransby. 2004. Growth and carcass characteristics of castrated or intact male Boer X Spanish goats grazing Marshall annual ryegrass. Volume 82 Suppl. 1.
- White A., Y. Markley, J. Allen,C. Jones and R. Noble. 2004. Internal Parasite Control: Diatomaceous Earth vs. Ivomec. Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Tuskegee University, AL.
- Markley Y.,A. White,A, Kendricks, C. Lee and R. Noble. 2004. The Effectiveness and Economic of Two Dewormers Administered by Two Routines to Grazing Meat Goats. Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Tuskegee University, AL.
- Noble, R. 2004. Business and Marketing of Meat Goats. Alcorn State University Small Farmer Conference. Jackson, AL.
- Noble, R. 2004. Meat Goats: An Alternative Livestock To Diversify Small Farm Enterprises at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff 42nd Rural Life Conferences. Pine Bluff, AR.
- Hopkins-Shoemaker C., S. Solaiman, B. Blagburn, D. Bransby, and C. Kerth. 2004. Evaluation of Albizia julibrissin(mimosa)for internal parasite control in goats. Volume 82 Suppl. 1.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
Initial studies were conducted to determine the potential of kudzu (Pueraria lobata), eastern gamagrass, and other less traditional feeds as alternative forages for goats. As a whole, chemical composition and digestibility characteristics of kudzu were comparable to coastal bermudagrass, which shows its potential as a forage for goats. Further study is underway to evaluate the utilization of these alternative forages plus the effect of vitamin and mineral supplementation to standard goat diets on animal health and performance. In addition, the role of kudzu, eastern gammagrass, and other alternative forages are being evaluated on their utilization and efficiency for sustainable resource management in a small farm system.
Impacts
Alternative or less traditional feeds such as kudzu (Pueraria lobata) eastern gammagrass and others may have the potential to increase the profitability of the limited resource farmer by providing a less expensive but nutritionally comparable forage source for goats when more traditional forages are either limited or not cost effective. Current results indicate that many of the alternative forages studied have similar if not superior chemical compositions and digestibility characteristics compared to more traditional forages. However, the magnitude of these finding will be determined after the alternative forages have been evaluated to determine their effect on animal health, performance, and practical utilization.
Publications
- Rhoden, E. G., Bartlett,J. R. , Smith,R. J.and McIntyre, M. 2002. Quality of stockpiled eastern gamagrass forage. Proc. Caribbean Food Crop Society 38:434-439.
- Davis, R. H. and Corley III, R. N. 2003. Evaluation of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) as a feed for goats. American Society of Animal Science. Volume 81. Supp 2.
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