Enhanced Goat Production and Products in the South-Central U.S.

ENHANCED GOAT PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTS IN THE SOUTH-CENTRAL U.S.

Sponsoring Institution

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Project Status

COMPLETE

Funding Source

EVANS-ALLEN

Reporting Frequency

Annual

Accession No.

0209285

Grant No.

(N/A)

Cumulative Award Amt.

(N/A)

Proposal No.

(N/A)

Multistate No.

(N/A)

Project Start Date

May 31, 2007

Project End Date

May 31, 2012

Grant Year

(N/A)

Program Code

[(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
LANGSTON UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
LANGSTON,OK 73050

Performing Department
Agri Res & Extension Center

Non Technical Summary
Goat production is the most rapidly growing livestock industry in the U.S. However, much less research has been conducted with goats than with other livestock species. There are many factors limiting levels and efficiencies of production by goats that restrict economic returns from production. A series of experiments will be conducted to study goat feeding and management, relevant health issues, and milk product technologies in order to increase the level and efficiency of goat productivity for increased profitability from goat production and lower costs to consumers of goat products.

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
301	3820	1020	10%
302	3820	1010	10%
305	3820	1020	10%
307	3820	1010	10%
308	3820	1020	10%
308	3820	1100	10%
311	3820	1170	10%
313	3820	1020	10%
313	3820	1120	10%
501	3820	1020	10%

Knowledge Area
302 - Nutrient Utilization in Animals; 311 - Animal Diseases; 313 - Internal Parasites in Animals; 501 - New and Improved Food Processing Technologies; 305 - Animal Physiological Processes; 308 - Improved Animal Products (Before Harvest); 307 - Animal Management Systems; 301 - Reproductive Performance of Animals;

Subject Of Investigation
3820 - Goats, meat, and mohair;

Field Of Science
1120 - Nematology; 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism; 1100 - Bacteriology; 1020 - Physiology; 1170 - Epidemiology;

Keywords

Goals / Objectives
General objectives are to study goat feeding and management, relevant health issues, and milk product technologies in order to increase the level and efficiency of goat productivity for increased profitability from goat production and lower costs to consumers of goat products. Species objectives are to determine: effects of different stocking rates with mixed grass/forb pastures and creep grazing on performance by differ meat goat genotypes; effects of preweaning stocking rate and creep grazing pastures containing the tree legume mimosa on subsequent postweaning performance of meat goat kids; effects of supplementation, fertilization, and mimosa tree presence on performance of meat goat does and suckling twin kids; differences between grazing and confinement in compensatory growth, effects of stocking rate on compensatory growth, and effects of level of forage intake in confinement on compensatory growth and to compare limited intake of a concentrate-based diet with forage ingestion on compensatory growth; effects of gender on energy requirements of goats; influences of age on energy requirements of goats; effects of different levels of feed intake on nutrient partitioning to tissue and mohair fiber gain by growing Angora goats, as well as effects on subsequent partitioning with a high nutritional plane; if the urea space procedure is repeatable on the same animal over different times; relationships between the blood constituents of LDH isozymes, G6PDH isozymes, serum proteins, leptin, T3, T4, cortisol, IGF-1, and testosterone in meat goat bucks and their central test performance for potential as performance predictors; CAEV status of goat kids serologically and by PCR up to 6 months of age that are fed CAEV-containing colostrum at birth subjected to conventional heat treatment with the CAEV status of kids fed CAEV-containing colostrum at birth treated with methylene blue and fluorescent light; if dietary supplementation of protein (fish meal) to marginally deficient goats will enhances immunity to infection via increased proliferation of immune cells gastrointestinal mucosa and increased concentration of GSH; the effect of fish meal supplementation in goats on GSH contents in spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, blood, abomasum, and intestines and gene expression of cytokines (IL-2, -4, -5, -10, -13, and IFN) and growth factors (TGF; and IGF-I) in lymph nodes and spleen; prevalence of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats during a year-round lactation in Oklahoma; the quantity and quality of losses in milk and cheese associated with subclinical mastitis; impact of major types of CNS bacteria species causing intrammary infection (S. epidermidis, S. simulans, S. caprae, and S. chromogenes) on the inflammatory response in milk and to relate it to caseinolysis, coagulation properties, and cheese yield; the mechanism by which CNS affects caseinolysis and in turn the coagulation properties; and changes changes in milk caused by subclinical mastitis that influence milk coagulation, and cheese yield and texture.

Project Methods
A series of experiments will be conducted. In many of these experiments most important measures are indices of performance, with such as live weight change, milk production, and(or) fiber growth. Although, measures designed to help explain the presence or absence of treatment responses are often included. Some trials are in confinement environments with individual housing, group feeding, or group housing with individual feeding through use of Calan gate feeders or an automated feeding system. Feed intake is a key variable in the majority of experiments. A number of studies are with goats in grazing settings. Energy requirements of goats will be studies with use of an indirect open-circuit calorimetry system. Heart rate is used in some experiments as an indirect measure of energy expenditure or heat production, with the ratio of energy expenditure to heart rate determined for each animal. Blood and tissue samples will be collected in numerous experiments and subjected to various laboratory assays. Similarly, laboratory analysis of milk and cheese samples is an important component of the dairy and dairy product studies. Data from all experiments will be subjected to appropriate statistical analyses, and results will be published in scientific journals, presented at professional meetings, and disseminated to the goat industry by means such as workshops, field days, the internet, and a quarterly newsletter.

Progress 05/31/07 to 05/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objectives of the project were to study goat feeding and management, relevant health issues, and milk product technologies in order to increase the level and efficiency of goat productivity for increased profitability from goat production and lower costs to consumers of goat products. A number of experiments were conducted. Principal outputs of the project were in information dissemination via an abstract and associated poster presentation at meetings of profession scientific societies publication of findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Moreover, information gained was disseminated through the website of the American Institute for Goat Research and extension activities such as the Annual Goat Field Day and various workshops held throughout the year. PARTICIPANTS: There were numerous participants in the project. Primary ones were faculty and staff of the American Institute for Goat Research. In addition, as noted from authors listed on publications given above and in previous reports, this project entailed a great deal of collaboration with researchers at other institutions. There have been many individuals from abroad contributing to this research, such as Drs. A. Asmare and G. Animut of Ethiopia, Dr. I. Tovar-Luna of Mexico, Dr. A. Helal of Egypt, Dr. A. Keli of Morocco, and A. K. Patra of India. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is broad, including farmers, allied industries, researchers, teachers, and extension personnel. Our findings may stimulate interest and future research by other scientists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Goat enterprises are important components of many farms and farming systems in the US and other countries throughout the world, particularly small and resource-poor units. In addition, there are growing numbers of farms where sales of goats or goat products provide the great majority of income and also large operations have added goats to more conventional production systems to benefit from unique feeding habits of goats. Therefore, this project can lead to improvements in goat management practices, production systems, and use of goat products for increased levels and efficiencies of goat productivity and economic returns. The resources employed and activities undertaken are contributing to a better understanding of goat production and utilization of goat products. The continual evaluation of the project by University administrators, collaborators from other institutions, and peer researchers was critical for successful conduct of project activities.

Publications

ASMARE, A., PUCHALA, R., TESFAI, K., DETWEILER, G., DAWSON, L., ASKAR, A., WANG, Z. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2011. Effects of small ruminant type and restricted protein intake on metabolism. Small Rumin. Res. 98:111-114.
GOETSCH, A. L., DETWEILER, G. D. AND SAHLU, T. 2011. Effects of method of processing broiler litter on feed intake and performance by meat goat doelings. Prof. Anim. Sci. 27:553-560.
GOETSCH, A. L., MERKEL, R. C. AND GIPSON, T. A. 2011. Factors affecting goat meat production and quality. Small Rumin. Res. 101:173-181.
GOETSCH, A. L., ZENG, S. AND GIPSON, T. A. 2011. Factors affecting goat milk production and quality. Small Rumin. Res. 101:55-63.
HELAL, A., PUCHALA, R., DETWEILER, G. D., GIPSON, T. A., SAHLU, T. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2011. Effects of restricted feed intake on energy expenditure by different goat breeds. J. Anim. Sci. 89:4175-4187.
PUCHALA, R., PATRA, A. K., ANIMUT, G., SAHLU, T. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2011. Effects of feed restriction and realimentation on mohair fiber growth and tissue gain by growing Angora goats. Livest. Sci. 138:180-186.
TOVAR-LUNA, I., PUCHALA, R., GIPSON, T. A., DETWEILER, G. D., DAWSON, L. J., SAHLU, T., KELI, A. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2011. Effects of night-locking and stage of production on forage intake, digestion, behavior, and energy utilization by meat goat does grazing grass/legume pasture. Livest. Sci. 40:225-245.
TOVAR-LUNA, I., PUCHALA, R., SAHLU, T., FREETLY, H. C. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2011. Effects of level of feeding on energy utilization by Angora goats. J. Anim. Sci. 89:142-149.
GOETSCH, A. L., DETWEILER, G. D., BAH, B., SAHLU, T. AND HAYES, J. 2011. Feed intake and performance by yearling Boer goat doelings consuming deep-stacked or ensiled broiler litter. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 2):146.
HART, S., GIPSON, T., PIRTLE, R. AND CUBBAGE, W. 2011. Comparison of FAMACHA scores and need for deworming in hair sheep and meat goats grazed together or sheep grazed alone. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 2):400.
TOVAR-LUNA, I., PUCHALA, R., GIPSON, T. A., DETWEILER, G. D., DAWSON, L. J., SAHLU, T., KELI, A. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2011. Effects of night-locking on intake, digestion, behavior, and energy use by meat goat does grazing grass/legume pasture. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 2):146. 2011.

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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objectives of the project are to study goat feeding and management, relevant health issues, and milk product technologies in order to increase the level and efficiency of goat productivity for increased profitability from goat production and lower costs to consumers of goat products. A number of experiments have been conducted. Principal outputs of the project have been in information dissemination via an abstract and associated poster presentation at the national meeting of the American Society of Animal Science and American Dairy Science Association. Similar abstracts have been presented at the annual Oklahoma Research Day for Oklahoma universities and the 10th International Conference on Goats. In addition to publication of findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, information gained has been disseminated through the website of the American Institute for Goat Research and extension activities such as the Annual Goat Field Day and various workshops held throughout the year. PARTICIPANTS: There have been numerous participants in the project. Primary ones are faculty and staff of the American Institute for Goat Research. In addition, as noted from authors listed on publications given above and in previous reports, this project has entailed a great deal of collaboration with researchers at other institutions. Notable collaborators on publications listed in the report are Dr. H. C. Freetly of the Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS and Dr. G. Kannan of Fort Valley State University. There have been many individuals from abroad contributing to this research, such as Drs. G. Abebe and A. Sebsibe of Ethiopia, Dr. I. Tovar-Luna of Mexico, and Dr. A. Helal of Egypt. Drs. Tovar-Luna and Helal participated in research training at the Institute. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is broad, including farmers, allied industries, researchers, teachers, and extension personnel. Our findings may stimulate interest and future research by other scientists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There have been no major changes in the approach.

Impacts
Goat enterprises are important components of many farms and farming systems in the US and other countries throughout the world, particularly small and resource-poor units. In addition, there are growing numbers of farms where sales of goats or goat products provide the great majority of income and also large operations have added goats to more conventional production systems to benefit from unique feeding habits of goats. Therefore, this project can lead to improvements in goat management practices, production systems, and use of goat products for increased levels and efficiencies of goat productivity and economic returns. The resources employed and activities undertaken are contributing to a better understanding of goat production and utilization of goat products. The continual evaluation of the project by University administrators, collaborators from other institutions, and peer researchers has been critical for successful conduct of project activities.

Publications

ABEBE, G., KANNAN, G. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2010. Effects of small ruminant species and origin in Ethiopia (Highland vs Lowland areas) and lengths of rest and feeding on harvest measures. Afr. J. Agric. Res. 5:834-847.
MERERA, C., ABEBE, G., SEBSIBE, A. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2010. Effects and interactions of origin of sheep in Ethiopia (Highland vs Lowland areas), feeding, and lengths of rest and feeding on harvest measures. J. Appl. Anim. Res. 37:33-42.
TOVAR-LUNA, I., PUCHALA, R., SAHLU, T., FREETLY, H. C. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2010. Effects of stage of lactation and dietary concentrate level on energy utilization by Alpine dairy goats. J. Dairy Sci. 93:4818-4828.
TOVAR-LUNA, I., PUCHALA, R., SAHLU, T., FREETLY, H. C. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2010. Effects of stage of lactation and level of feed intake on energy utilization by Alpine dairy goats. J. Dairy Sci. 93:4829-4837.
GIPSON, T. A., DETWEILER, G. D. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2010. Accuracy of calculated distances between consecutive fixes of GPS collars worn by goats. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 2):458-459.
HART, S. P. AND DAWSON, L. J. 2010. Using FAMACHA and alternative dewormers to manage gastrointestinal nematodes in a dairy goat herd. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 2):580.
PUCHALA, R., HELAL, A., GOETSCH, A. L. AND SAHLU, T. 2010. Effects of shearing on energy use by growing Angora goats. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 2):454-455.
TOVAR-LUNA, I., PUCHALA, R., DETWEILER, G., GIPSON, T., SAHLU, T. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2010. Effects of level of feeding on energy utilization by Angora goats. 10th Int. Conf. on Goats Proc. No. 102-3. Int. Goat Assoc.
WANG, Z., GOETSCH, A., DETWEILER, G., HART, S. AND SAHLU, T. 2010. Effects of garlic supplementation on nematode parasite infection in grazing goats. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 2):580-581.
WANG, Z., GOETSCH, A., DETWEILER, G., HART, S. AND SAHLU, T. 2010. Effects of garlic supplementation on performance of grazing goats. 10th Int. Conf. on Goats Proc. No. 175-1. Int. Goat Assoc.

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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objectives of the project are to study goat feeding and management, relevant health issues, and milk product technologies in order to increase the level and efficiency of goat productivity for increased profitability from goat production and lower costs to consumers of goat products. A number of experiments have been conducted. Principal outputs of the project have been in information dissemination via an abstract and associated poster presentation at the national meeting of the American Society of Animal Science and American Dairy Science Association. Similar abstracts have been presented at the annual Oklahoma Research Day for Oklahoma universities and the Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, Inc. Numerous manuscripts have been published. Moreover, information gained has been disseminated through the website of the American Institute for Goat Research and extension activities such as the Annual Goat Field Day and various workshops held throughout the year. PARTICIPANTS: There have been numerous participants in the project. Primary ones are faculty and staff of the American Institute for Goat Research. In addition, as noted from authors listed on publications noted above and on previous reports, this project has entailed a great deal of collaboration with the USDA ARS and other universities. Notable collaborators on publications listed in the report are Drs. H. C. Freetly, C. L. Ferrell, V. H. Varel, and J. Wells of the Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS. There have been many individuals from abroad contributing to this research, such as ones noted in publications of this report: Dr. M. Yiakoulaki of Greece, Dr. I. Tovar-Luna of Mexico, and Dr. G. Animut of Ethiopia. These individuals participated in research training at the Institute. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is broad, including farmers, allied industries, researchers, teachers, and extension personnel. Our findings may stimulate interest and future research by other scientists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There have been no major changes in the approach.

Impacts
Goat enterprises are important components of many farms and farming systems in the US, particularly small and resource-poor units. In addition, there are growing numbers of farms where sales of goats or goat products provide the great majority of income and also large operations have added goats to more conventional production systems to benefit from unique feeding habits of goats. Therefore, this project can lead to improvements in goat management practices, production systems, and use of goat products for increased levels and efficiencies of goat productivity and economic returns. The resources employed and activities undertaken are contributing to a better understanding of goat production and utilization of goat products. The continual evaluation of the project by University administrators, collaborators from institutions such as the USDA ARS and other universities, and peer researchers has been critical for successful conduct of project activities.

Publications

NGWA, A. T., DAWSON, L. J., PUCHALA, R., DETWEILER, G. D., MERKEL, R. C., WANG, Z., TESFAI, K., SAHLU, T., FERRELL, C. L. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. Effects of diet and breed on growth and body composition of crossbred Boer and Spanish wether goats. J. Anim. Sci. 87:2913-2923.
NGWA, A. T., DAWSON, L. J., PUCHALA, R., DETWEILER, G. D., MERKEL, R. C., WANG, Z., TESFAI, K., SAHLU, T., FERRELL, C. L. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. Effects of stage of lactation and dietary concentrate level on body composition of Alpine dairy goats. J. Dairy Sci. 92:3374-3385.
PUCHALA, R., TOVAR-LUNA, I., SAHLU, T., FREETLY, H. C. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. The relationship between heart rate and energy expenditure in growing crossbred Boer and Spanish wethers. J. Anim. Sci. 87:1714-1721.
YIAKOULAKI, M. D., GOETSCH, A. L. AND SAHLU, T. 2009. Grazing management systems: Creep grazing for suckling goat kids. In: Papachristou, G. G., Parissi, Z. M., Ben Salem, H. and Morand-Fehr, P. (Ed.) Nutritional and Foraging Ecology of Sheep and Goats. Options Mediterraneennes Series A: Mediterranean Seminars 2009 - No. 85:387-392.
GOETSCH, A. L. AND MERKEL, R. C. 2009. Goat nutrition and feeding. In: Kellems, R. Q. and Church, D. C. (Ed.) Livestock Feeds and Feeding. pp. 426-455. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
NGWA, A. T., DAWSON, L. J., PUCHALA, R., DETWEILER, G. D., MERKEL, R. C., WANG, Z., TESFAI, K., SAHLU, T., FERRELL, C. L. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. Body composition of growing meat and lactating dairy goats. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 2):480-481.
PATRA, A. K., PUCHALA, R., ANIMUT, G., GIPSON, T. A., SAHLU, T. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. Effects of acclimatization on energy expenditure by meat goats. 16th Bienn. Res. Symp. p. 204. Assoc. Res. Dir., Inc., Atlanta, GA.
PUCHALA, R., ANIMUT, G., GOETSCH, A. L., PATRA, A. K., SAHLU, T., VAREL, V. H. AND WELLS, J. 2009. Methane emission by goats consuming different sources of hay. 16th Bienn. Res. Symp. p. 204. Assoc. Res. Dir., Inc., Atlanta, GA.
PUCHALA, R., ANIMUT, G., GOETSCH, A. L., SAHLU, T., VAREL, V. H. AND WELLS, J. 2009. Methane emission by goats consuming condensed tannin-containing forage at different frequencies. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 2):483.
TOVAR-LUNA, I., GOETSCH, A. L., PUCHALA, R., SAHLU, T. AND FREETLY, H. C. 2009. Efficiency of energy utilization by lactating Alpine goats. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 2):486.
WANG, Z., GOETSCH, A. L., HART, S. P. AND SAHLU, T. 2009. Garlic as an anthelmentic for goats. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 2):309.
WANG, Z., HART, S. P., GOETSCH, A. L. MERKEL, R. C., DAWSON, L. J. AND SAHLU, T. 2009. Effects of protein supplementation on Haemonchus contortus infection in goats. 16th Bienn. Res. Symp. p. 203. Assoc. Res. Dir., Inc., Atlanta, GA.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objectives of the project are to study goat feeding and management, relevant health issues, and milk product technologies in order to increase the level and efficiency of goat productivity for increased profitability from goat production and lower costs to consumers of goat products. A number of experiments have been conducted. Principal outputs of the project have been in information dissemination via an abstract and associated poster presentation at the national meeting of the American Society of Animal Science and American Dairy Science Association. Similar abstracts have been presented at the annual Oklahoma Research Day for Oklahoma universities and the Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, Inc. Numerous manuscripts have been published. Moreover, information gained has been disseminated through the website of the American Institute for Goat Research and extension activities such as the Annual Goat Field Day and various workshops held throughout the year. PARTICIPANTS: There have been numerous participants in the project. Primary ones are faculty and staff of the American Institute for Goat Research. In addition, as noted from authors listed on publications noted above and on previous reports, this project has entailed a great deal of collaboration with the USDA ARS and other universities. Notable collaborators on publications listed in the report are Drs. H. C. Freetly, C. L. Ferrell, V. H. Varel, and J. Wells of the Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS. There have been many individuals from abroad contributing to this research, such as ones noted in publications of this report: Dr. M. Yiakoulaki of Greece, Dr. I. Tovar-Luna of Mexico, and Dr. G. Animut of Ethiopia. These individuals participated in research training at the Institute. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is broad, including farmers, allied industries, researchers, teachers, and extension personnel. Our findings may stimulate interest and future research by other scientists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There have been no major changes in the approach.

Impacts
Goat enterprises are important components of many farms and farming systems in the US, particularly small and resource-poor units. In addition, there are growing numbers of farms where sales of goats or goat products provide the great majority of income and also large operations have added goats to more conventional production systems to benefit from unique feeding habits of goats. Therefore, this project can lead to improvements in goat management practices, production systems, and use of goat products for increased levels and efficiencies of goat productivity and economic returns. The resources employed and activities undertaken are contributing to a better understanding of goat production and utilization of goat products. The continual evaluation of the project by University administrators, collaborators from institutions such as the USDA ARS and other universities, and peer researchers has been critical for successful conduct of project activities.

Publications

NGWA, A. T., DAWSON, L. J., PUCHALA, R., DETWEILER, G. D., MERKEL, R. C., WANG, Z., TESFAI, K., SAHLU, T., FERRELL, C. L. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. Effects of diet and breed on growth and body composition of crossbred Boer and Spanish wether goats. J. Anim. Sci. 87:2913-2923.
NGWA, A. T., DAWSON, L. J., PUCHALA, R., DETWEILER, G. D., MERKEL, R. C., WANG, Z., TESFAI, K., SAHLU, T., FERRELL, C. L. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. Effects of stage of lactation and dietary concentrate level on body composition of Alpine dairy goats. J. Dairy Sci. 92:3374-3385.
PUCHALA, R., TOVAR-LUNA, I., SAHLU, T., FREETLY, H. C. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. The relationship between heart rate and energy expenditure in growing crossbred Boer and Spanish wethers. J. Anim. Sci. 87:1714-1721.
YIAKOULAKI, M. D., GOETSCH, A. L. AND SAHLU, T. 2009. Grazing management systems: Creep grazing for suckling goat kids. In: Papachristou, G. G., Parissi, Z. M., Ben Salem, H. and Morand-Fehr, P. (Ed.) Nutritional and Foraging Ecology of Sheep and Goats. Options Mediterraneennes Series A: Mediterranean Seminars 2009 - No. 85:387-392.
GOETSCH, A. L. AND MERKEL, R. C. 2009. Goat nutrition and feeding. In: Kellems, R. Q. and Church, D. C. (Ed.) Livestock Feeds and Feeding. pp. 426-455. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
NGWA, A. T., DAWSON, L. J., PUCHALA, R., DETWEILER, G. D., MERKEL, R. C., WANG, Z., TESFAI, K., SAHLU, T., FERRELL, C. L. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. Body composition of growing meat and lactating dairy goats. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 2):480-481.
PATRA, A. K., PUCHALA, R., ANIMUT, G., GIPSON, T. A., SAHLU, T. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. Effects of acclimatization on energy expenditure by meat goats. 16th Bienn. Res. Symp. p. 204. Assoc. Res. Dir., Inc., Atlanta, GA.
PUCHALA, R., ANIMUT, G., GOETSCH, A. L., PATRA, A. K., SAHLU, T., VAREL, V. H. AND WELLS, J. 2009. Methane emission by goats consuming different sources of hay. 16th Bienn. Res. Symp. p. 204. Assoc. Res. Dir., Inc., Atlanta, GA.
PUCHALA, R., ANIMUT, G., GOETSCH, A. L., SAHLU, T., VAREL, V. H. AND WELLS, J. 2009. Methane emission by goats consuming condensed tannin-containing forage at different frequencies. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 2):483.
TOVAR-LUNA, I., GOETSCH, A. L., PUCHALA, R., SAHLU, T. AND FREETLY, H. C. 2009. Efficiency of energy utilization by lactating Alpine goats. J. Anim. Sci. 87(E-Suppl. 2):486.
WANG, Z., GOETSCH, A. L., HART, S. P. AND SAHLU, T. 2009. Garlic as an anthelmentic for goats. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl. 2):309.
WANG, Z., HART, S. P., GOETSCH, A. L. MERKEL, R. C., DAWSON, L. J. AND SAHLU, T. 2009. Effects of protein supplementation on Haemonchus contortus infection in goats. 16th Bienn. Res. Symp. p. 203. Assoc. Res. Dir., Inc., Atlanta, GA.

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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objectives of the project are to study goat feeding and management, relevant health issues, and milk product technologies in order to increase the level and efficiency of goat productivity for increased profitability from goat production and lower costs to consumers of goat products. A number of experiments have been conducted. Principal outputs of the project have been in information dissemination via an abstract and associated poster presentation at the national meeting of the American Society of Animal Science and American Dairy Science Association. Similar abstracts have been presented at the annual Oklahoma Research Day for Oklahoma universities and the International Conference on Goats. Numerous manuscripts have been published. Moreover, information gained has been disseminated through the website of the American Institute for Goat Research and extension activities such as the Annual Goat Field Day and various workshops held throughout the year. PARTICIPANTS: There have been numerous participants in the project. Primary ones are faculty and staff of the American Institute for Goat Research. In addition, as noted from authors listed on publications noted above and on previous reports, this project has entailed a great deal of collaboration with the USDA ARS and other universities. Notable collaborators on publications of this project are Drs. G. E. Aiken previously of the Dale Bumpers Small Farmers Research Center, USDA ARS, and Dr. H. C. Freetly of the Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS. Participants from other universities include Drs. Z. B. Johnson of the Department of Animal Science, University of Arkansas, and Dr. G. E. Carstens of the Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University. There have been many individuals from abroad contributing to this research, such as ones noted in publications of this report: Dr. M. Yiakoulaki of Greece, Dr. I. Tovar-Luna of Mexico, Dr. G. Animut of Ethiopia, and Dr. A. Patra of India. These individuals participated in research training at the Institute. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is broad, including farmers, allied industries, researchers, teachers, and extension personnel. Our findings may stimulate interest and future research by other scientists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There have been no major changes in the approach.

Impacts
Goat enterprises are important components of many farms and farming systems in the US, particularly small and resource-poor units. In addition, there are growing numbers of farms where sales of goats or goat products provide the great majority of income and also large operations have added goats to more conventional production systems to benefit from unique feeding habits of goats. Therefore, this project can lead to improvements in goat management practices, production systems, and use of goat products for increased levels and efficiencies of goat productivity and economic returns. The resources employed and activities undertaken are contributing to a better understanding of goat production and utilization of goat products. The continual evaluation of the project by University administrators, collaborators from institutions such as the USDA ARS and other universities, and peer researchers has been critical for successful conduct of project activities.

Publications

ANIMUT, G. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2008. Co-grazing of sheep and goats: A review. Small Rum. Res. 77:127-145.
GIPSON, T. A., DAWSON, L. J., HART, S. P. AND SAHLU, T. 2008. Effect of time of day, ambient temperature, and relative humidity on feeding behavior of growing meat goats. Proc. 9th Int. Conf. on Goats. Int. Goat Assoc. pp. 186-187. Abstr.
GIPSON, T. A., HART, S. P., SAHLU, T. AND DAWSON, L. J. 2008. Effect of time of day, ambient temperature, and relative humidity on feeding behavior of growing meat goats. Proc. 9th Int. Conf. on Goats. Oklahoma Research Day. Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow, OK. p. 170. Abstr.
GOETSCH, A. L. AND ABEBE, G. 2008. Considerations for on-farm research and demonstration of useful feeding/nutrition practices for small ruminants in Ethiopia. In: Proc. 9th Int. Conf. on Goats. Int. Goat Assoc. p. 143. Abstr.
GURU, M., ABEBE, G., GOETSCH, A. L., HUNDESSA, F., EBRO, A. AND SHELIMA, B. 2008. On-farm performance of Arsi-Bale goats receiving different concentrate supplements. Livest. Res. Rural Develop. Vol. 20, Article #201. www.lrrd.org/lrrd20/12/guru20201.htm.
HART, S. P., FERREIRA, J. F. S. AND WANG, Z. 2008. Efficacy of wormwoods (Artimesia spp.) as an anthelmintic in goats. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (E-Supplement 2):92. Abstr.
HART, S. P., FERREIRA, J. F. S. AND WANG, Z. 2008. Efficacy of wormwoods (Artimesia spp.) as an anthelmintic in goats. Oklahoma Research Day. Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow, OK. p. 170. Abstr.
PATRA, A. K., PUCHALA, R., ANIMUT, G., GIPSON, T. A., SAHLU, T. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. Effects of acclimatization on energy expenditure by meat goats. Small Rum. Res. 81:42-54.
PATRA, A. K., PUCHALA, R., ANIMUT, G., GIPSON, T. A., SAHLU, T. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2008. Effects of acclimatization on energy expenditure by meat goats. J. Anim. Sci. 86(E-Suppl. 2):96. Abstr.
PATRA, A. K., PUCHALA, R., ANIMUT, G., GIPSON, T. A., SAHLU, T. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2008. Effects of acclimatization on energy expenditure by meat goats. Oklahoma Research Day. Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow, OK. p. 169. Abstr.
PATRA, A. K., PUCHALA, R., DETWEILER, G., DAWSON, L. J., SAHLU, T. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2008. Effects of tethering on forage selection, intake, and digestibility, grazing behavior, and energy expenditure by Boer x Spanish goats grazing high quality forage. J. Anim. Sci. 86:1245-1253.
PATRA, A. K., PUCHALA, R., DETWEILER, G., DAWSON, L. J., SAHLU, T. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2008. Tethering meat goats grazing forage of high nutritive value and low to moderate mass. Asian-Australasian J. Anim. Sci. 21:1252-1261.
SAHLU, T., DAWSON, L. J., GIPSON, T. A., HART, S. P., MERKEL, R. C., PUCHALA, R., WANG, Z., ZENG, S. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2009. Impact of animal science research on U.S. goat production and predictions for the future. J. Anim. Sci. 87:400-418.
SAHLU, T., DAWSON, L. J., GIPSON, T. A., HART, S. P., MERKEL, R. C., PUCHALA, R., WANG, Z., ZENG, S. AND GOETSCH, A. L. 2008. Impact of animal science research on U.S. goat production and predictions for the future. J. Anim. Sci. 86(ESuppl. 2):338. Abstr.
WANG, Z., HART, S. P., GOETSCH, A. L., MERKEL, R. C., DAWSON, L. J. AND SAHLU, T. 2008. Effects of protein supplementation on Haemonchus contortus infection in goats. In: Proc. 9th Int. Conf. on Goats. Int. Goat Assoc. p. 268. Abstr.
WANG, Z., HART, S. P., GOETSCH, A. L., MERKEL, R. C., DAWSON, L. J. AND SAHLU, T. 2008. Effects of protein supplementation on Haemonchus contortus infection in goats. Oklahoma Research Day. Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow, OK. pp. 170-171. Abstr.
WANG, Z., LOETZ, E., GOETSCH, A. L., HART, S. P. AND SAHLU, T. 2008. The effect of garlic on Haemonchus contortus infection in goats. J. Anim. Sci. 86(ESuppl. 2):92. Abstr.

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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objectives of the project are to study goat feeding and management, relevant health issues, and milk product technologies in order to increase the level and efficiency of goat productivity for increased profitability from goat production and lower costs to consumers of goat products. A number of experiments have been conducted. Principal outputs of the project have been in information dissemination via an abstract and associated poster presentation at the national meeting of the American Society of Animal Science and American Dairy Science Association. A similar abstract and presentation was made at the annual Oklahoma Research Day for Oklahoma universities. Numerous manuscripts have been published. Moreover, information gained has been disseminated through the website of the American Institute for Goat Research and extension activities such as the Annual Goat Field Day and various workshops held throughout the year. PARTICIPANTS: There have been numerous participants in the project. Primary ones are faculty and staff of the American Institute for Goat Research. In addition, as noted from authors listed on publications noted above and on previous reports, this project has entailed a great deal of collaboration with the USDA ARS and other universities. Notable collaborators on publications listed in the report are Drs. G. E. Aiken previously of the Dale Bumpers Small Farmers Research Center, USDA ARS, and Dr. H. C. Freetly of the Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS. Participants from other universities include Drs. Z. B. Johnson of the Department of Animal Science, University of Arkansas, and Dr. G. E. Carstens of the Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University. There have been many individuals from abroad contributing to this research, such as ones noted in publications of this report: Dr. M. Yiakoulaki of Greece, Dr. I. Tovar-Luna of Mexico, and Dr. G. Animut of Ethiopia. These individuals participated in research training at the Institute. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is broad, including farmers, allied industries, researchers, teachers, and extension personnel. Our findings may stimulate interest and future research by other scientists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There have been no major changes in the approach.

Impacts
Goat enterprises are important components of many farms and farming systems in the US, particularly small and resource-poor units. In addition, there are growing numbers of farms where sales of goats or goat products provide the great majority of income and also large operations have added goats to more conventional production systems to benefit from unique feeding habits of goats. Therefore, this project can lead to improvements in goat management practices, production systems, and use of goat products for increased levels and efficiencies of goat productivity and economic returns. The resources employed and activities undertaken are contributing to a better understanding of goat production and utilization of goat products. The continual evaluation of the project by University administrators, collaborators from institutions such as the USDA ARS and other universities, and peer researchers has been critical for successful conduct of project activities.

Publications

GOETSCH, A.L., DETWEILER, G., MERKEL, R.C., GIPSON, T.A., SAHLU, T. AND AIKEN, G.E. 2007. Effects of fertilization, leguminous trees, and supplementation on performance of meat goat does and their kids grazing grass/forb pastures. Prof. Anim. Sci. 23:164-169.
PUCHALA, R., TOVAR-LUNA, T., GOETSCH, A.L., SAHLU, T., CARSTENS, G.E. AND FREETLY, H.C. 2007. The relationship between heart rate and energy expenditure in Alpine, Angora, Boer and Spanish goat wethers goats consuming different quality diets at level of intake near maintenance or fasting. Small Rum. Res. 70:183-193.
TOVAR-LUNA, A., GOETSCH, A.L., PUCHALA, R., SAHLU, T., CARSTENS, G.E., FREETLY, H.C. AND JOHNSON, Z.B. 2007. Effects of moderate feed restriction on energy expenditure by 2-year-old crossbred Boer goats. Small Rum. Res. 72:25-32.
TOVAR-LUNA, A., GOETSCH, A.L., PUCHALA, R., SAHLU, T., CARSTENS, G.E., FREETLY, H.C. AND JOHNSON, Z.B. 2007. Effects of diet quality on energy expenditure by 20-month old Alpine, Angora, Boer and Spanish wethers. Small Rum. Res. 72:18-24.
TOVAR-LUNA, A., GOETSCH, A.L., PUCHALA, R., SAHLU, T., CARSTENS, G.E., FREETLY, H.C. AND JOHNSON, Z.B. 2007. Energy expenditure by growing crossbred Boer and Spanish wethers consuming different quality diets ad libitum and near maintenance and while fasting. Small Rum. Res. 67:20-27.
TOVAR-LUNA, A., GOETSCH, A.L., PUCHALA, R., SAHLU, T., CARSTENS, G.E., FREETLY, H.C. AND JOHNSON, Z.B. 2007. Energy expenditure by crossbred Boer x Spanish does with litter size of one, two, or three. Small Rum. Res. 71:83-91.
YIAKOULAKI, M.D., GOETSCH, A.L., DETWEILER, G., MERKEL, R.C. AND SAHLU, T. 2007. Effects of stocking rate and creep grazing on performance by Spanish and Boer x Spanish does with crossbred Boer kids. Small Rum. Res. 71:234-242.
PUCHALA, R., PATRA, A., GOETSCH, A.L., ANIMUT, G. AND SAHLU, T. 2007. Effects of feed restriction and subsequent realimentation on tissue and mohair fiber by growing Angora goats. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):502.
PUCHALA, R., PATRA, A., GOETSCH, A.L., ANIMUT, G. AND SAHLU, T. 2007. Effects of feed restriction and subsequent realimentation on tissue and mohair fiber by growing Angora goats. University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond. p. 123.