Source: SOUTHERN UNIV submitted to NRP
THE PERFORMANCE OF CATTLE AND GOATS UNDER SEQUENTIAL AND MIXED-GRAZING SYSTEMS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
EVANS-ALLEN
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0223874
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2010
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2015
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
SOUTHERN UNIV
(N/A)
BATON ROUGE,LA 70813
Performing Department
Animal Science
Non Technical Summary
Multiple species of animals utilize resources more efficiently and uniformly when compared to single-species grazing. The proposed research will determine the efficient utilization of available forage resources to enhance animal performances and to increase farm income per unit area of production under sequential and mixed-grazing system. Herd health information will be gathered to help producers to minimize the development of parasitic resistance or to manage an existing resistance problem by establishing a preventive program on their farm.
Animal Health Component
90%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
0%
Applied
90%
Developmental
10%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1020199106010%
2051620106015%
2051631106010%
3073310106020%
3073820106020%
3134099111015%
6016199301010%
Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 205 - Plant Management Systems; 313 - Internal Parasites in Animals; 307 - Animal Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
6199 - Economy, general/other; 4099 - Microorganisms, general/other; 3310 - Beef cattle, live animal; 1620 - Warm season perennial grasses; 3820 - Goats, meat, and mohair; 0199 - Soil and land, general; 1631 - Winter annual grasses;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1110 - Parasitology; 3010 - Economics;
Goals / Objectives
1. To evaluate the reproduction, growth, carcass traits and parasitic load of cattle and goats under sequential and mixed species grazing at a constant stocking rate.2. To determine the effects of sequential and mixed grazing practices on the yield and quality of forage crops.3. To evaluate the agronomic performance and adaptability of lespedeza cultivars for use for sequential and mixed grazing systems.4. To develop sustainable nitrogen management for the production of newly released forage crops and to establish field demonstration plots5. To evaluate the effects of sericea lespedeza grazing as a natural deworming agent against gastrointestinal nematode infection in goats 6. To identify best management practices to optimize economic profitability and financial performance under sequential and mixed grazing systems.
Project Methods
This project will be conducted at Southern University Experiment Station. The experiment will be designed as a completely randomized design with five treatments. The treatments are (1) cattle grazing alone; (2) goats grazing alone; (3) cattle and goats grazing together (mixed-grazing); (4) cattle grazing followed by goats (sequential grazing); and (5) goats grazing followed by cattle (sequential). This study will be replicated for three years. A total of approximately 30 ha will be divided into two-5.7 ha, two-8.1, and one-ha Bermuda-grass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures. Each grazing pasture will be sub-divided into four grazing paddocks to facilitate rotational grazing. In the rotational grazing, each paddock will be grazed for seven days and rest for 21 days. The initial stocking rate is based approximately upon 0.8 ha per cow and 0.2 ha per doe. Animals will be weighed at the initiation of the study and every 28 days thereafter. Body conditions (1-5 system) scores, fecal and blood samples will also be taken every 28 days. Animal performance parameters will be determined from the data collected. Steers and wethers will be humanely slaughtered at the Southern University's Meat Technology Laboratory for carcass analyses. Fresh and dried forage yields will be collected from each treatment each time the animals are rotated (pre- and post-measurements). These samples will be taken at random by dropping a 0.1 m2 quadrangle. Composite sample will be used for laboratory analysis to evaluate forage quality including dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), and ash. From these measurements, Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN), Digestible Energy (DE), Digestible Dry Matter (DDM), Net Energy (NE), and Dry Matter Intake (DMI) will be determined. Cost-of-production budgets and expected revenues for different cattle/goats mixed grazing systems will be developed based on on-station research data, secondary data, and expert opinions. Sensitivity analysis and simulation will be conducted to test the impact of alternative production values and individual cost items on the overall profitability and financial performance measures.

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

Outputs
Target Audience:The specific working target is the members of the Louisiana Goat Cooperative, the ten-parish region of Southwest Louisiana targeted by the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives (SCRI), and other parishes that that SU Ag Center serves. We involved students to work on the sequential grazing to gain research experiences. In general, this project is targeted towards solving livestock production issues of limited resource goat and beef producers in Louisiana in particular and the Black Belt region in general. Changes/Problems:Starting in 2010, our emphasis slightly changed to include sequential grazing studies in addition to mixed grazing. This was in response to our stakeholders input. We submitted an Evans-Allen project entitled "The Performance of Cattle and Goats under Sequential and Mixed-Grazing Systems". We understood that this project will require substantial investment on fencing, water supplies, animals, equipment and personnel. We realized that the two main issues of concern that have to be addressed immediately were fencing and supply of water. For five treatments, with two replications each, and eight intensive grazing plots per treatment (a plot is defined as grazing area where animals are allowed to graze for 3.5 days before moving to the next), we needed to fence 80 plots. Although the plot size differed depending on the species (cattle or goat) grazing, we needed to fence about 30 ha (about 75 acres) of pasture to implement the project. We needed to trench miles of water pipelines to install 80 water troughs. Moreover, we needed to build 80 shades to safely put animals on the grazing plots and protect them from the summer heat. As a project team, we decided to apply for Capacity Building to complement the Evans-Allen project. We realized that Capacity Building Grants were designed to support areas of research that an institution wants to build capacity upon for future research endeavors. We believed for years that mixed-grazing was, is, and will be the area of research that we want to build capacity upon. This is the only project that deals with both animal and forage performance trials at Southern University. This project is multi-disciplinary in nature where animal and plant scientists, and economists are actively involved. Based on this belief, we applied for Capacity Building Grant entitled "Sustainable Forage Management Practices through Intensive Sequential Grazing System for Cattle and Goat Production" because we believed this project will complement the Evans-Allen project. We need to note that the "Intensive Sequential Grazing" aspect was new to the Capacity Building Grant. Under this concept, animals have to move from plot to plot much more quickly than traditional rotational grazing addressed under the Evans-Allen project. These two projects, therefore, are complementary to each other. We have fenced 80 experimental grazing plots that will not only serve the current research projects but projects in the future. We have, for the first time, established enough grazing plots that could fit any experimental design with any reasonable replications for future animal and forage studies. If it seems that the objective of the Evans-Allen and Capacity Building Grant are duplicative of each other, they are actually complementary in their implementation. The following two objectives were implemented under the Evans-Allen project: • To determine the effects of sequential and mixed grazing practices on the yield and quality of forage crops. • To evaluate the agronomic performance and adaptability of lespedeza cultivars for use for sequential and mixed grazing systems. The following three objectives were implemented under the Capacity Building Grant: • To evaluate the reproduction, growth, carcass traits and parasitic load of cattle and goats under sequential and mixed species grazing at a constant stocking rate. • To develop sustainable nitrogen management for the production of newly released forage crops and to establish field demonstration plots • To evaluate the effects of sericea lespedeza grazing as a natural deworming agent against gastrointestinal nematode infection in goats What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Southern University and A&M College celebrated its second annual campus-wide Sustainability Week, April 13-17, 2015. The Sustainability Day engaged students and the community with student and corporate demonstrations, guest speakers, and research competitions. Undergraduate and graduate students participated in research poster and oral competitions. The top ranking oral presenter was Lamar K. Burton, a junior in Animal Science who took first place for outstanding performance on his research entitled "Carcass Yield and Quality Traits in Kids under Mixed and Sequential Grazing System." Burton was mentored by Dr. Sebhatu Gebrelul, professor, Animal Science. Lamar Burton, a Biology sophomore and Timbuktu scholar at Southern University won second place in the 71st Joint Annual Meeting of the National Institute of Science and the Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society hosted by Prairie View A & M University in Houston in 2015. Mr. Burton made an oral presentation entitled "Mixed Species Grazing of Cattle and Goats on Gastrointestinal Infections of Haemonchus Contortus."Burtonparticipated in the Mixed Species Grazing of cattle and goats, collecting data on Gastrointestinal Infections of Haemonchus contortus research project. He wasmentored at the SU Ag Center by Sebhatu Gebrelul, Professor, Animal Science; Renita Marshall, DVM and Associate Professor; and Shonta Manuel, Research Assistant. Approximately 5 undergraduate and one graduate students participated in this project and gained knowledge about research by assisting in blood and fecal analyses, soil sampling and compaction measurement, collection of field data and other activities in the project. Investigators and key personnel involved with this project attended and presented scientific papers at various national conferences such as the National Goat Conference, Society of Animal Science, and Association of 1890 Research Directors where continuing education is provided. In addition to national conferences, eight (8) livestock field days were conducted and well attended by about 500 producers who gained skills through hands on opportunities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A Small Ruminant Field Day was conducted by Southern University in collaboration with Louisiana State University each year. There were more than 75 producers participating each year; extension personnel, research personnel and veterinarians were also in attendance.Datawere collected andanalyzed on this project, results were shared with SU extension personnel. Data were alsoused to demonstrate to farmers, county agents, and students the best ways to manage livestock. The Southern University Ag Center goat research group took a group of producers to a goat processing facility in Mississippi. These producers were given thechance to meet with the business owners and also build cooperatives to assist in marketing their animals. Fact sheets and bulletins will be posted at the SU Ag Center and Louisiana Meat Goat Cooperative websites with links to emerging USDA scientific findings. As a final chapter of this project and in cooperation with the SU Ag Center Division of Technology, we will develop flyers and brochures and mail to individual farmers and producer groups as well as cooperative extension agents throughout the state. Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles are being prepared for submission to one or more scientific journals. We are currently in the process of submitting CBG and SARE grants to further serve the needs of small ruminant producers in Louisiana as well as the southeastern region. Since the inception of the project, our research team has been working steadfastly toward accomplishing the goal and objectives set for the project.Several products have been derived from this projectincluding a Meat Goat Carcass selection and grading DVD. Goat meat products such as goat ham, goat summer sausage and goat salami were developed and a taste panel was the target audience. A research video titled "Discovering 21st Century Opportunities" was developed by the Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center. This video emphasized the concept and advantages of mixed species grazing of cattle and goats. Two producers, Earl Jones and Phil Quartararo, were featured in this video displaying their mixed species grazing practices. The mixed/sequential grazing project was featured on "International Innovation" magazine, issue # 116, P 75 of 2013. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? NOTE: Until 2010, our main area of research emphasis was on mixed grazing. In 2010 our emphasis changed to include sequential grazing studies. This was in response to our stakeholders input. We submitted this project "The Performance of Cattle and Goats under Sequential and Mixed-Grazing Systems". The funding obtained through the grant was not enough to establish the required grazing fields. We received one 1890 Capacity Building Grant "Sustainable Forage Management Practices through Intensive Sequential Grazing System for Cattle and Goat Production" to supplement the funds and expand our focus of the Evans-Allen Project. As a result we used the same pastures and experimental protocols to implement the project. Some highlights: •Developed & published a Meat Goat Carcass selection & grading DVD. • Two graduate& 12 undergraduate students gained knowledge & skillsby working on the project and preparing & makingresearch presentations at professional meetings. •Goat meat products:goat ham, goat summer sausage & goat salami were developed. •Avideo: "Discovering 21st Century Opportunities" was created by the SU Ag Center. The video emphasized the concept & advantages of mixed species grazing of cattle & goats. Two producers, Earl Jones & Phil Quartararo, were featured in the video featuring their mixed species grazing practices. •Theproject was featured on "International Innovation" magazine, issue # 116, P 75 of 2013. •Seven journal articles & over four conference presentations about the project findings were published. *The project was used to leverage for competitive grant in the amount of $287,005 to expand the mixed species research. This project required a lot of planning & investment that took a lot of time to implement. The design called for five treatment pastures, replicated twice.Thefive treatmentswere 1) goats alone 2) goats followed by cattle 3) cattle followed by goats 4) cattle alone, and 5) both goats& cattle grazing together (mixed). About 78 acres of land was fenced into 5 grazing pastures, ranging in area from 5 to 14 acres, each pasture was divided into 16 grazing paddocks to satisfy two replications of 8 cells each for intensive & sequential grazing systems. Gates were installed on each pasture & water pipes were installed in all grazing cells. Eighty sheds, 40 for beef cattle & 40 for goats, were placed in the experimental area but only 10 were acquired during the first two years of the project. The alternative for the 80 sheds was to place four sheds in each experimental treatment pasture & to move these sheds with a tractor to new paddocks to correspond with the movement of experimental animals', which was twice a week. We completed 4 of the5 pastures by May 2013,& the 5th by March 2014. We put animals into pastures for the first trial in May& early June 2013 with only four treatments. At this time, data were collected on 24 Brangus cattle & 50 goats. The measurements(taken bi-weekly) included body weight, heart girth, body condition (BCS) & FAMACHA© scores, blood & fecal samples, and forage quality & quantity parameters.From the blood & fecal samples, Packed Cell Volume (PCV) & fecal egg counts (FEC) were determined. We fully implemented five treatments in May 2014 after the last 16 paddocks were fenced, and water troughs and pipelines were installed. We hoped to run the full five treatments for at least two years, ending the project on time but, there were unusual heavy rains in April & May 2015 in Louisiana & we were unable to put any animals in the fields to start the experiment.We were unable to clear the winter ryegrass from the fields because the field was extremely wet for tractors.The lab technician hired to work on the project resigned at a very critical time. We trained a graduate student who worked in the laboratory on a part time basis.We were then able to collect basic data during the summer of 2015. From the data collected two scientific papers were submitted & accepted for presentation at the annual meeting of the Association of Animal Science, Southern Section in San Antonio, Texas. Below is a summary of the findings: A mixed-sequential species grazing experiment was designed to measure the growth & parasitic burden in goats. In a completely randomized design, 32 "Spanish" kids & 24 Brangus calves were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: (1) goats grazing alone (GTA); (2) cattle & goats grazing together (MXD); (3) cattle followed by goats (CFG); & (4) goats followed by cattle (GFC). About 26 ha was divided into three 8-ha & one 2-ha Bermuda-grass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures. Each pasture was divided into two grazing areas (replications), where each replication was sub-divided into 8 grazing paddocks to facilitate intensive grazing using electric fencing. The one 2-ha pasture was used for the GTA treatment & the rest were used for CFG, GFC and MXD treatment groups. Initial stocking rates were 0.1 ha/ doe and 0.8 ha/cow. After an adjustment period of 2 wk, initial measurements were taken & animals stayed in the experiment for 8 wk. Body weight, heart girth (HG), BCS, Famacha scores (FS) & pellet fecal score (PFS, 1 = watery to 5 = extremely dry) were measured on alternate weeks. Data were analyzed using SAS MIXED procedure & means were compared using the Tukey test & considered significant at P < 0.05. No differences among treatment groups were observed in BCS or PFS in kids. Kids in GFC group had the least FS (2.45 ± 0.08) while those in GTA had the greatest (2.76 ± 0.08; P < 0.05). Greatest BW was observed in kids in MXD (25.1 ± 1.1 kg) while kids in CFG were the lightest (16.4 ± 1.0, P < 0.05). Kids in GFC (22.6 ± 1.1 kg) & in GTA (20.5 ± 1.2 kg) were similar (P > 0.05) in BW. Greatest HG measurements were observed in kids in GFC (75.3 ± 1.4 cm) followed by MXD & CFG (69.4 ± 1.4 & 68.1 ± 1.6 cm) groups; GTA group had the least HG values (P < 0.05). In summary, kids in GFC and MXD were superior in BW, FS, and HG over the other treatment groups, asserting that mixed & sequential grazing improved animal performances in cattle & goat. Internal parasite infestation of goats causes major health issues which reduce the productivity of the animal & causes great economic loss to the producer. A mixed/sequential grazing experiment was designed to measure the blood parameters in kids as an indication of parasitic infestations. Blood & fecal samples were collected in alternate weeks. Blood was collected from the jugular vein with the use of the vacutainer system & analyzed with the VetScan HM5 for packed cell volume percent (PCV), white (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) & hemoglobin (HGB). Fecal samples were analyzed for fecal egg count (FEC as eggs per gram of material). Data were analyzed using SAS MIXED & CORR procedures & means were compared using the Tukey test & considered significant at P < 0.05. Except for FEC, significant treatment effects were observed in WBC, RBC, HGB & PVC. WBC was greatest in CFG, but similar in GFC, GTA and MXD (19.3 ± 0.9 vs. 15.7 ± 0.9, 16.4 ± 1.1 & 15.4 ± 1.1 c/mL, respectively) groups. The RBC in CFG & GFC were similar (13.7 ± 0.5 & 13.2 ± 0.5 but greater than GTA & MXD (11.2 ± 0.6 11.5 ± 0.6 c/mL) groups. Similar trends were observed in HGB & PCV where kids in CFG & GFC had greater values than GTA & MXD groups. The FEC was negatively correlated with HGB (r = -0.19) & PCV (r = -0.20). The WBC, RBC, HGB & PCV were positively correlated with each other. Results suggested that kids in sequential grazing (CFG & GFC) performed better than kids in GTA or MXD grazing treatments.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Gebrelul, S., R. Marshall, Y. Ghebreiyessus, C. Adams, M. Berhane and E. Runles. 2016. The effects of mixed and sequential grazing on growth performances and parasitic resistances of kids. J Anim. Sci. 94 (Suppl. 1): 49
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Gebrelul, S., R. Marshall, M. Morgan, C. Adams and Y. Ghebreiyessus. 2016. Blood plasma profiles of kids in mixed and sequential grazing experiment. J Anim. Sci. 94 (Suppl. 1): 56
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Ghebreiyessus, Y., M. Berhane, R. Marshall, C. Adams, E. Runles and S. Gebrelul. 2014. Evaluation of forage yield in sequential grazing of cattle and goats under an intensive rotational system. J Anim. Sci. 94 (Suppl. 1): 38
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Marshall, R., C. Adams, S. Manuel, Y. Ghebreiyessus and S. Gebrelul. 2014. The effect of sequential grazing on the performance of does under an intensive rotational system. J Anim. Sci. 94 (Suppl. 1): 40.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Manuel, S., R. Marshall, C. Adams, E. Runles, M. Berhane and S. Gebrelul. 2014. The effect of sequential grazing on the performance of kids under an intensive rotational system. J Anim. Sci. 94 (Suppl. 1): 40.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Jackson, A., R. Marshall, L. Gray, and S. Gebrelul. 2013. Housing and feeding effects on the growth and nematode loads in kids under mixed-species grazing system. ARD 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL, p. 54.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Profit, L., R. Marshall, L. Gray, and S. Gebrelul. 2013. Housing and feeding effects on the carcass yield and quality traits in kids under mixed-species grazing system. ARD 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL, p. 56.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ghebreiyessus, Y., S. Gebrelul, M. Berhane, R. Payne and R. Marshall. 2013. Evaluation of forage yield and quality in mixed cattle and goats grazing practices. ARD 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL, p. 230.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Manuel, S., C.V. Chisley, R. Marshall, G.S. Simon, C.R. Walker and S. Gebrelul. 2013. Evaluation of burnt corn gluten meal in layers diets. ARD 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL, p. 232.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Marshall, R., S. Gebrelul, L Gray and Y. Ghebreiyessus. Mixed species grazing of cattle and goats on gastrointestinal infections of haemonchus contotrus. 2012. Amer J Anim. And Vet Sci. 7 (2):61-66.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Gebrelul, S., L. Gray, R. Marshall, and C. Chisley. 2012. The effects of confinement and protein levels on carcass traits of kids raised under mixed-species grazing system. J Anim. Sci. 90, Suppl. 3: 380.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Gebrelul, S. L. Gray, R. Marshall, and Y. Ghebreiyessus. 2012. The effects of confinement and protein levels on the growth and parasitic loads of kids raised under mixed-species grazing system. J Anim. Sci. 90, Suppl. 3: 381.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Ghebreiyessus, Y. S. Gebrelul, M. Berhane and R. Payne. 2012. Forage yield and quality changes in mixed cattle and goats grazing practices. J Anim. Sci. 90, Suppl. 3: 634.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Gebrelul, S., L. Gray, R. Marshall, and Y. Ghebreiyessus. 2011. Evaluation of the growth, carcass traits and parasitic load of kids produced under mixed species grazing system. ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, p. 151.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Gray, L., S. Gebrelul, Y. Ghebreiyessus and R. Marshall. 2011. Effect of mixed-species and rotational grazing systems on weights, body condition and Famacha� scores in Spanish does. ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, p. 151.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Harris, A., S. Gebrelul, L. Gray, and R. Marshall. 2011. The effects of mixed-species grazing systems on the performance of Brangus calves. ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, p. 151.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Marshall, R., S. Gebrelul and L. Gray. 2011. The control of gastrointestinal infections of Haemonchus contortus in goats using mixed grazing systems. ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, p. 154.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Ghebreiyessus, Y., S. Gebrelul, V. Bachireddy, M. Berhane and R. Payne. 2011. Soil and forage quality changes in joint cattle and goats grazing practices. ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, p. 151.


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

Outputs
Target Audience: The specific working target included the members of the Louisiana Goat Coop, the ten-parish region of Southwest Louisiana targeted by the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives (SCRI), and other parishes that that SU Ag Center serves. We involved students to work on the sequential grazing to gain research experiences. In general, this project is targeted towards solving livestock production issues of limited resource goat and beef producers in Louisiana in particular and the Black Belt region in general. Changes/Problems: This project complements an Evans-Allen grant LAX-20353 entitled "The Performance of Cattle and Goats under Sequential and Mixed-Grazing Systems". These two grants share a common economic objective (to identify best management practices to optimize economic profitability and financial performance under sequential and mixed grazing systems) that will be implemented under both grants. We are conducting a parallel project, through Evans-Allen allocations, to implement part of the core objectives of the project according to the scheduled timetable. The Evans-Allen grant will expire in September 2013 and the Capacity Grant in August 2014. The following two objectives are and will continue to be implemented under the Evans-Allen project: • -To determine the effects of sequential and mixed grazing practices on the yield and quality of forage crops. • -To evaluate the agronomic performance and adaptability of lespedeza cultivars for use for sequential and mixed grazing systems. The following three objectives are and will continue to be implemented under the Capacity Building Grant: • -To evaluate the reproduction, growth, carcass traits and parasitic load of cattle and goats under sequential and mixed species grazing at a constant stocking rate. • -To develop sustainable nitrogen management for the production of newly released forage crops and to establish field demonstration plots. • -To evaluate the effects of sericea lespedeza grazing as a natural deworming agent against gastrointestinal nematode infection in goats. The economic objective (to identify best management practices to optimize economic profitability and financial performance under sequential and mixed grazing systems) will be implemented under both grants. One major problem facing the project is the unplanned and unexpected oil pipe line installation in two of the five pasture treatments. The Shell oil company, with the approval of Southern University System, is currently digging and laying oil pipeline. It is apparent that we will not be able to implement two of the five pastures in spring 2014. Fences need to be rebuilt and pastures have to be reestablished. Clearly, this is a setback to the successful implementation of the project and we will be behind for a year or more in keeping pace with our timetable. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project served as demonstrations for organized field trips for soil, plant and animal sciences students as well as summer high school students who participated on SU summer programs. More than 10 undergraduate students and four Bayou summer program participants gained hands on experiential opportunities in soil and animal science laboratories. These types of experiences make our students marketable for employment with USDA agencies and other potential employers. Two students presented scientific papers on the project and one of them won first place in the undergraduate animal science competition. Investigators and key personnel involved with this project attended and presented scientific papers at various national conferences such as the National Goat Conference, Society of Animal Science, and Association of 1890 Research Directors where continuing education is provided. In addition to national conferences, eight (8) livestock field days were conducted and well attended by about 500 producers who gained skills through hands on opportunities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? During April of each year, a Goat Field Day was been conducted at the SU Ag Center campus as an outreach program to demonstrate, among other contemporary topics, the effects of cattle or goats grazing alone as compared with cattle and goats grazing together. This tradition continued during the life of this project. As data was collected and analyzed on this project, it was shared with SU cooperative extension programs, The Louisiana Family Farm Technical Assistance Project and the 1890 Extension Program. The data were used to demonstrate to farmers, county agents, and students the best way to manage livestock. Results obtained from this project were conveyed to producers and fellow scientists through local, regional and national meetings. Abstracts were prepared annually for presentations at regional and national meetings of the American Society of Animal Science. Fact sheets and bulletins were posted at the SU Ag Center and Louisiana Meat Goat coop websites with links to emerging USDA scientific findings. As a final chapter of this project and in cooperation with the SU Ag Center Division of Technology, we will develop flyers and brochures and mail to individual farmers and producer groups as well as Cooperative Extension agents throughout the state. Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles are under preparation for submission to one or more of the following: Journal of Animal Science, Sheep and Goat Research Journal, Agronomy Journal, Journal of Parasitology, Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics or other appropriate journals What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We have, for the first time, established enough grazing plots that could fit any experimental design with any reasonable replications for future animal and forage studies using electric fences. In doing so we also learnt a lesson that electric fences are not 100% effective to controlling and securing goats in any paddock. For the future we plan to replace electric fences with goat proof 2X4 mesh wire fencing. We are also in the process of including sheep in the mixed grazing and independent projects that affect only sheep production. We are in the process of developing a new Evans-Allen proposal. In our brainstorming session, there seems to be an interest in developing and renovating new and existing pastures with varieties of hot and cool season forages, investigate the supporting capabilities of these forage on animal performances (palatability, digestibility, and fulfillment of energy-TDN- and protein requirements). In the current project, we have only concentrated on Bermuda and rye grasses. There are several promising forages that can be investigated including lespedeza and clover. . Serecia lespedeza is believed to contain tannins that could slow the infestation of parasites in goats. The high cost of fertilizer and increases in price of many other farm inputs are forcing many small farmers to reconsider their forage management practices. Nitrogen fertilizer price has more than doubled in the past seven years. With the rapidly escalating fertilizer prices, the present forage production system, which depends heavily on N fertilizer, is not sustainable. One alternative practice that could decrease the cost of nitrogen is to use legumes as a source of nitrogen for pastures. We intend to write a proposal to address adaptability of several forages under Louisianan climatic conditions in the future. Grazing cattle and goats together on a diverse pasture resulted in all types of plants being consumed, thus controlling weeds and brushes, while yielding more weight gain per hectare compared to single-species grazing. While multi-species grazing systems have the potential to increase profit margins through efficient utilization of pastures, we have determined that they require careful evaluation and assessment. Facilities, fencing, market availability and adequacy of grazing land to support the number of goats/cattle need to be evaluated. Carrying capacity of pastures could be increased through a mixed-grazing system. Experience shows that a producer can add one or two goats per cow to a pasture without any reduction in cattle performance so the total carrying capacity is improved. This is an inexpensive way of renovating pastures. One of the biggest challenges for our future research endeavor is to determine the appropriate carrying capacity under different grazing scenarios. The existing project did not allow us to accurately measure carrying capacities under a mixed-grazing system. In the future, we will propose to introduce three levels of stocking rates (high, medium and low) for cattle and goats grazing together, separately or sequentially to carefully assess animal and forage responses. 5. Implement mobile training to reach more small ruminant producers Carrying capacity of pastures could be increased through mixed and sequential grazing systems. The existing project did not allow us to accurately measure carrying capacities under mixed grazing system. We intend to include carrying capacity in the future. In the current project, we have only concentrated on Bermuda and rye grasses. There are several promising forages that can be investigated including lespedeza and clover. . Serecia lespedeza is believed to contain tannins that could slow the infestation of parasites in goats. The high cost of fertilizer and increases in price of many other farm inputs are forcing many small farmers to reconsider their forage management practices. Nitrogen fertilizer price has more than doubled in the past seven years. With the rapidly escalating fertilizer prices, the present forage production system, which depends heavily on N fertilizer, is not sustainable. One alternative practice that could decrease the cost of nitrogen is to use legumes as a source of nitrogen for pastures. With the economic climate changing in the agricultural industries, we need to conduct research to discover ways to maximize profit potential, while fully utilizing existing resources. A strong economic component is therefore a prerequisite for the field implementation of mixed grazing system. Parasites are a major concern with goats. We need to build strength in this area. We must build a strong veterinary laboratory for fecal and blood analysis. This lab should be equipped to do biopsy and autopsy examinations as well. Lack of technical knowledge may be the main factor in the reluctance of many producers to adopt mixed grazing system. Many beef farmers have no experience with goats, and vice versa. We intend to follow the IFAFS method where we provide animals to demonstrate mixed-species grazing in the field.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A mixed/sequential grazing project was designed to determine the performance of cattle and goats grazing together and separately. In a completely randomized design, 48 Spanish kids and 28 Brangus calves were randomly divided into five treatment groups; goats grazing alone (GOA, control), cattle grazing alone (CTA), goats followed by cattle (GFC), cattle followed by goats (CFG) and, cattle and goats mixed (MXD) grazing. A land area of approximately 30 ha was divided into five pastures. Each pasture was sub-divided into 8 grazing paddocks to facilitate intensive grazing. Each of the 8-ha grazing paddock was sub-divided into two replications. Animals were moved to a new paddock twice a week (3.5d rotation). The initial stocking rate was based approximately upon 0.8 ha per cow that would allow five cows per replication. Body weights (BW), body condition score (1=thin, 5=fat, BCS), Famacha© scores (1=pink, healthy eye, 5=white, anemic), and fecal and blood samples were taken bi-weekly. Fecal and blood samples were analyzed in the lab for fecal egg count in eggs per gram (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV) percentages. Forage samples were collected bi-weekly to determine forage yield (height, wet and dry yields), and forage quality (CP, NDF, ADF and DM). Soil compaction and permeability measures were collected twice in a year. ). . Data was statistically analyzed using SAS's MIXED procedure, and correlation coefficients were determined among the measurements. Differences (P<0.05) among treatment groups were observed where kids in GOA group were lighter in weight (13.2±0.0 vs. 17.3±0.6 kg) and less conditioned (1.9±0.07 vs. 2.3±0.07) than the CFG, GFC and MXD groups combined. No difference in Famacha© scores (2.3±0.07 vs. 2.3±0.06) and PCV percentages (29.4±0.8 vs. 27.7± 0.8) were observed between GFC and MXD groups. Male kids were about 1 kg heavier than female kids. BW was positively (P<0.05) correlated with BCS, HG, PCV and negatively with FEC. BCS was positively (P<0.05) correlated with HG, PCV and negatively with FEC. After the eighth week of the study, kids in GFC and MXD groups had lower Famacha© scores and higher PCV levels than kids in GOA and CFG groups. Overall, compared to kids grazing alone, mixed and sequential grazing kids had higher BCS, BW, and PCV levels and lower Famacha© scores. Plant height ranged from 15 cm in September to 24 cm in July and was significant (P < 0.05) in all treatments and sampling dates. Fresh forage yields ranged from 5,960 ± 838 kg/ha in September to 11,387 ± 838 kg/ha in August. Fresh forage yields were highest (P < 0.05) in GGA pastures (9,264 ± 548 kg/ha) and lowest in CFG pastures (5,779 ± 548 kg/ha). A similar trend was observed in dry forage yields. The amount of forage consumed by goats was 330, 1,340 and 2,037 kg/ha, for GFC, CFG and GGA, respectively. Similar results were observed with forage dry matter content except there was no significant difference in forage consumption between CFG and GFC. Although the amount of available forage is much less, preliminary results show that goats in CFG can survive and perform when following cattle in sequential grazing. More data are needed to evaluate the system.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Manuel, S., R. Marshall, C. Adams, E. Runles, M. Berhane and S. Gebrelul. 2014. The effect of sequential grazing on the performance of kids under an intensive rotational system. ASAS/SAAS Dallas, TX, Abstr # 107, p. 40.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Marshall, R., C. Adams, S. Manuel, Y. Ghebreiyessus and S. Gebrelul. 2014. The effect of sequential grazing on the performance of does under an intensive rotational system. ASAS/SAAS, Dallas, TX, Abstr # 106, p. 40.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Malekian, F., M. Khachaturyan, S. Gebrelul, and J. F. Henson. (2014), Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Goat Meat Sausages with Added Rice Bran,International Journal of Food Science, vol. 2014, Article ID 686298, 8 pages.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Ghebreiyessus, Y., M. Berhane, R. Marshall, C. Adams, E. Runles and S. Gebrelul. 2014. Evaluation of forage yield in sequential grazing of cattle and goats under an intensive rotational system. ASAS/SAAS, Dallas, TX. Abstr # 100, p. 38.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Profit, L., R. Marshall, L. Gray, and S. Gebrelul. 2013. Housing and feeding effects on the carcass yield and quality traits in kids under mixed-species grazing system. ARD 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL, p. 56.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Jackson, A., R. Marshall, L. Gray, and S. Gebrelul. 2013. Housing and feeding effects on the growth and nematode loads in kids under mixed-species grazing system. ARD 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL, p. 54.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Science Publications


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

Outputs
Target Audience: This project is targeted towards solving livestock production issues of limited resource goat and beef producers in Louisiana in particular and the Black Belt region in general. The specific working target is the members of the Louisiana Goat Coop. Changes/Problems: Starting in 2010, our emphasis slightly changed to include sequential grazing studies in addition to mixed grazing. This was in response to our stakeholders input. We submitted an Evans-Allen project entitled “The Performance of Cattle and Goats under Sequential and Mixed-Grazing Systems”. We understood that this project will require substantial investment on fencing, water supplies, animals, equipment and personnel. We also understood that, through Evans-Allen allocations, we would be able to implement part of the core objectives of the project according to the scheduled timetable. But we knew we need to go further in implementing the goal and objectives of the project to make difference in Louisiana agriculture. As a project team, we decided to apply for Capacity Building to complement the Evans-Allen project. We realized that Capacity Building Grants were designed to support areas of research that an institution wants to build capacity upon for future research endeavors. We believed for years that mixed-grazing was, is, and will be the area of research that we want to build capacity upon. This is the only project that deals with both animal and forage performance trials at Southern University. This project is multi-disciplinary in nature where animal and plant scientists, and economists are actively involved. Based on this belief, we applied for Capacity Building Grant entitled “Sustainable Forage Management Practices through Intensive Sequential Grazing System for Cattle and Goat Production” because we believed this project will complement the Evans-Allen project. We need to note that the “Intensive Sequential Grazing” aspect was new to the Capacity Building Grant. Under this concept, animals have to move from plot to plot much more quickly than traditional rotational grazing addressed under the Evans-Allen project. These two projects, therefore, are complementary to each other. The Evans-Allen grant will expire in September, 2013, with possible in-house extension, and the Capacity Grant in August, 2014. The following two objectives are and will continue to be implemented under the Evans-Allen project: To determine the effects of sequential and mixed grazing practices on the yield and quality of forage crops. To evaluate the agronomic performance and adaptability of lespedeza cultivars for use for sequential and mixed grazing systems. The following three objectives are and will continue to be implemented under the Capacity Building Grant: To evaluate the reproduction, growth, carcass traits and parasitic load of cattle and goats under sequential and mixed species grazing at a constant stocking rate. To develop sustainable nitrogen management for the production of newly released forage crops and to establish field demonstration plots To evaluate the effects of sericea lespedeza grazing as a natural deworming agent against gastrointestinal nematode infection in goats The economic objective (to identify best management practices to optimize economic profitability and financial performance under sequential and mixed grazing systems) will be implemented under both grants. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Many undergraduate students and summer high school students participated in this project and gained knowledge about research by assisting in blood and fecal analyses, soil sampling and compaction measurement, collection of field data and other activities in the project. Investigators and key personnel involved with this project attended and presented scientific papers at various national conferences such as the National Goat Conference, Society of Animal Science, and Association of Research Directors where continuing education is provided. In addition to national conference many livestock eight field days were conducted and well attended by about 500 producers who gained skills through hands on opportunities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? During April of each year, a Goat Field Day has been conducted at the SU Ag Center campus as an outreach program to demonstrate, among other contemporary topics, the effects of cattle or goats grazing alone as compared with cattle and goats grazing together. This tradition continued during the life of this project. As data was collected and analyzed on this project, it was shared with SU extension programs, The Louisiana Family Farm Technical Assistance Project and the 1890 Extension Program. The data was used to demonstrate to farmers, county agents, and students the best way to manage livestock. Results obtained from this project were conveyed to producers and fellow scientists through local, regional and national meetings. Abstracts were prepared annually for presentations at regional and national meetings of the American Society of Animal Science. Fact sheets and bulletins were posted at the SU Ag Center and Louisiana Meat Goat coop websites with links to emerging USDA scientific findings. As a final chapter of this project and in cooperation with the SU Ag Center Division of Technology, we will develop flyers and brochures and mail to individual farmers and producer groups as well as Cooperative Extension agents throughout the state. Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles are under preparation for submission to one or more of the following: Journal of Animal Science, Sheep and Goat Research Journal, Agronomy Journal, Journal of Parasitology, Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics or other appropriate journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Carrying capacity of pastures could be increased through mixed and sequential grazing systems. The existing project did not allow us to accurately measure carrying capacities under mixed grazing system. We intend to include carrying capacity in the future. In the current project, we have only concentrated on Bermuda and rye grasses. There are several promising forages that can be investigated including lespedeza and clover. . Serecia lespedeza is believed to contain tannins that could slow the infestation of parasites in goats. The high cost of fertilizer and increases in price of many other farm inputs are forcing many small farmers to reconsider their forage management practices. Nitrogen fertilizer price has more than doubled in the past seven years. With the rapidly escalating fertilizer prices, the present forage production system, which depends heavily on N fertilizer, is not sustainable. One alternative practice that could decrease the cost of nitrogen is to use legumes as a source of nitrogen for pastures. With the economic climate changing in the agricultural industries, we need to conduct research to discover ways to maximize profit potential, while fully utilizing existing resources. A strong economic component is therefore a prerequisite for the field implementation of mixed grazing system. Parasites are a major concern with goats. We need to build strength in this area. We must build a strong veterinary laboratory for fecal and blood analysis. This lab should be equipped to do biopsy and autopsy examinations as well. Lack of technical knowledge may be the main factor in the reluctance of many producers to adopt mixed grazing system. Many beef farmers have no experience with goats, and vice versa. We intend to follow the IFAFS method where we provide animals to demonstrate mixed-species grazing in the field.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In order to evaluate the effect of mixed-species grazing on forage yield and quality, 80 Spanish goats and 28 Brangus cows were randomly assigned to continuous or rotational grazing systems, and three grazing schemes (goats-alone, cattle-alone and goats mixed with cattle) in a 2x3 factorial arrangement. A forage field of 31 ha on Bermuda grass was divided into six pastures, 8 ha each for mixed-species grazing, 2 ha each for goats-alone grazing and 5.5 ha each for cattle-alone grazing. The rotational pastures were further divided into four paddocks and each paddock was grazed for 7d and allowed to rest for 21d. Animals were stocked at 0.8 ha/AU. Forage samples were collected weekly to determine plant height, forage yield and quality. Forage available for consumption by animals was estimated as the difference of yield of forage from un-grazed (inside a ring) and grazed plots. Forage consumption per animal per day was then determined by multiplying the available forage by the grazing area and dividing the result by the number of animal days. Five goats were assumed to be equivalent to a cow. Data was analyzed using SAS’s GLM procedure. Plant height ranged from 16 cm in June to 35 cm in April and was significant in all treatments, including months, years, grazing species, grazing systems, specie x grazing interaction. Available forage yield range was 756 to 2,394 kg/ha in June and April, respectively, while forage available for consumption ranged from 253 to 841 kg/ha for the same period. There was no significant difference in available forage between cattle-alone and mixed, indicating presence of goats did not affect negatively on the potential of available forage. However, consumption per cow was higher in cattle-alone treatments. Goat consumption of 6.7 kg/hd/day was the lowest despite the highest available forage. Crude protein (CP) content ranged from 8.9 to 11.8%. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) values ranged from 31.9% to 39.1% and 47.1 to 62.2% respectively. Results demonstrated that goats could mingle with cattle without bringing any negative effect to cattle’s performances. Upon successful implementation of this project, we anticipate to have a good understanding of the livestock – forage – soil interactions. In addition to the actual grazing project, we are growing different forage crops in the unused 10 acres of land adjacent to the experimental pastures, and investigate the adaptability and agronomic characteristics of these forages. These forages will be fed to goats and cattle to determine their palatability and digestibility. Yield and quality assessments of these forages will also be measured and studied. With the rapidly escalating fertilizer prices, the present forage production system, which depends heavily on N fertilizer, cannot be sustainable. We will plant different legumes and grass-legume mixtures without N and still maintain soil productively

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Profit, L., R. Marshall, L. Gray, and S. Gebrelul. 2013. Housing and feeding effects on the carcass yield and quality traits in kids under mixed-species grazing system. ARD 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL, p. 56.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ghebreiyessus, Y., S. Gebrelul, M. Berhane, R. Payne and R. marshall. 2013. Evaluation of forage yield and quality in mixed cattle and goats grazing practices. ARD 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL, p. 230.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Jackson, A., R. Marshall, L. Gray, and S. Gebrelul. 2013. Housing and feeding effects on the growth and nematode loads in kids under mixed-species grazing system. ARD 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL, p. 54.


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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this project was to improve the performance of livestock under sequential and mixed grazing systems thereby increase profitability of small producers. This project was conducted at Southern University Experiment Station. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized design with five treatments. The treatments are: 1. Cattle Grazing alone, 2. Goats grazing alone, 3. Cattle and goats grazing together, 4. Cattle grazing followed by goats, 5. Goats grazing followed by cattle. This is a new project that requires substantial woven and electrical fencing. A total of approximately 30 ha is divided into two-5.7 ha, two-8.1, and one-ha Bermuda-grass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures. Each grazing pasture will be sub-divided into 8 grazing paddocks to facilitate rotational and sequential grazing. In the rotational grazing, each paddock will be grazed for 3.5 day days and rest for 21 days. The initial stocking rate is based approximately upon 0.8 ha per cow and 0.2 ha per doe. The pastures are divided using a woven-wire fence. Several strands of electrical will be applied to both sides of the woven-wire fence to keep out predators. Forty Brangus beef cows and 120 Spanish does will be randomly assigned to one of the five treatments. During April of each year, a Goat Field Day was conducted at the SU Ag Center campus as outreach programs to demonstrate, among other contemporary topics, the effects of cattle or goats grazing alone as compared with cattle and goats grazing together. As data were collected and analyzed on this project, it was shared with SU extension program personnel, the 1890 and 1862 community, and others. Data were used to demonstrate to farmers, county agents, and students sustainable forage management systems. Results obtained from this project were conveyed to producers and fellow scientists through local, regional and national meetings. Abstracts were prepared annually for presentations at regional and national meetings of the American Society of Animal Science. Fact sheets and bulletins were posted at the SU Ag Center and Louisiana Meat Goat coop websites with links to emerging USDA scientific findings. As a final chapter of this project and in cooperation with the SU Ag Center Division of Technology, we will develop flyers and brochures and mail to individual farmers and producer groups as well as cooperative extension agents throughout the state. Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles have been and are being prepared for submission to more scientific journals. Through this project, animals were provided for the development of goat meat products such as goat ham, goat summer sausage and goat salami. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborating scientists in this project were from animal science, plant and soil sciences, and economics. There was an informal cooperation with the USDA/NRCS in designing the research pastures and forage assessments. Southern University's mixed-species grazing is a part of NRCS near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy/Nutbal Pro System. Through this arrangement, forage samples are collected and sent to NRCS lab for prediction of diet quality in grazing animals. Project personnel also collaborated with the USDA/NRCS District Conservationist, State Range Management Specialist, and Area Range and Pasture Management Specialist, and with the LSU's Iberia Research Station, Southeastern Research Station, and School of Veterinary Medicine. In a previous similar study, investigators and key personnel involved attended and presented scientific papers at various national conferences such as the National Goat Conference, Society of Animal Science, and Association of Research Directors where continuing education is provided.Two investigators attended and presented scientific papers at the annual meeting of the American Society of Animal Science that took place in Phoenix, Arizona, in July 2012. These investigators were able to share and receive information from attendees of the meeting. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project was targeted towards solving livestock production issues of limited resource goat and beef producers in Louisiana in particular and the Black Belt region in general. The specific working target was the members of the Louisiana Goat Coop. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: This project's objectives were revamped to clearly demonstrate the complementary nature of currently funded projects. A Capacity Building was funded a year later that complements this Evans-Allen grant.

Impacts
This project has assisted small-limited resource goat and beef producers in increasing their production and economic base by efficiently utilizing the available natural and farm resources using a mixed grazing concept. The project site served as a field demonstration for soil, plant and animal sciences students. Field trips and research were carried out throughout the duration of the study. Several students had the opportunity to work in the soil science and animal science laboratories that gave them hands on experience to work in the different USDA agencies and other food and agriculture entities. Through this project, animals were provided for the development of alternative products such as goat meat, goat ham, goat summer sausage and goat salami. This project was used to leverage for external grants in the amount of $287,005 to expand mixed species studies at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this project is to improve the performance of livestock under sequential and mixed grazing systems thereby increase profitability of small producers. This project will be conducted at Southern University Experiment Station. The experiment will be designed as a completely randomized design with five treatments. The treatments are: 1. Cattle Grazing alone, 2. Goats grazing alone, 3. Cattle and goats grazing together, 4. Cattle grazing followed by goats, 5. Goats grazing followed by cattle. This is a new project that requires substantial woven and electrical fencing. A total of approximately 30 ha is divided into two-5.7 ha, two-8.1, and one-ha Bermuda-grass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures. Each grazing pasture will be sub-divided into 8 grazing paddocks to facilitate rotational and sequential grazing. In the rotational grazing, each paddock will be grazed for 3.5 day days and rest for 21 days. The initial stocking rate is based approximately upon 0.8 ha per cow and 0.2 ha per doe. The pastures are divided using a woven-wire fence. Several strands of electrical will be applied to both sides of the woven-wire fence to keep out predators. Forty Brangus beef cows and 120 Spanish does will be randomly assigned to one of the five treatments. During April and July of each year, a Beef Cattle and Goat Field Day, respectively, were conducted at the SU Ag Center campus as outreach programs to demonstrate, among other contemporary topics, the effects of cattle or goats grazing alone as compared with cattle and goats grazing together. As data were collected and analyzed on this project, it was shared with SU extension program personnel, the 1890 and 1862 community, and others. Data were used to demonstrate to farmers, county agents, and students the best ways to manage livestock. Results obtained from this project were conveyed to producers and fellow scientists through local, regional and national meetings. Abstracts were prepared annually for presentations at regional and national meetings of the American Society of Animal Science. Fact sheets and bulletins were posted at the SU Ag Center and Louisiana Meat Goat coop websites with links to emerging USDA scientific findings. As a final chapter of this project and in cooperation with the SU Ag Center Division of Technology, we will develop flyers and brochures and mail to individual farmers and producer groups as well as cooperative extension agents throughout the state. Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles are being prepared for submission to one or more scientific journals. Through this project, animals were provided for the development of goat meat products such as goat ham, goat summer sausage and goat salami. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborating scientists in this project were from animal science, plant and soil sciences, and economics. There was an informal cooperation with the USDA/NRCS in designing the research pastures and forage assessments. Southern University's mixed-species grazing is a part of NRCS near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy/Nutbal Pro System. Through this arrangement, forage samples are collected and sent to NRCS lab for prediction of diet quality in grazing animals. Project personnel also collaborated with the USDA/NRCS District Conservationist, State Range Management Specialist, and Area Range and Pasture Management Specialist, and with the LSU's Iberia Research Station, Southeastern Research Station, and School of Veterinary Medicine. In a previous similar study, investigators and key personnel involved attended and presented scientific papers at various national conferences such as the National Goat Conference, Society of Animal Science, and Association of Research Directors where continuing education is provided. During July and April each year, a Beef Cattle and a Goat Field Day are planned and conducted to show farmers the effects of cattle or goats grazing alone compared cattle and goats grazing together using rotational and sequential grazing practices. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project is targeted towards solving livestock production issues of limited resource goat and beef producers in Louisiana in particular and the Black Belt region in general. The specific working target is the members of the Louisiana Goat Coop. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Although the project is only a year old, we anticipate that by the end of the third year this project will assist small-limited resource goat and beef producers to increase their production and economic base by efficiently utilizing the available natural and farm resources using a mixed grazing concept. The project site served as a field demonstration for soil, plant and animal sciences students. Field trips and research were carried out throughout the duration of the study. Several students had the opportunity to work in the soil science and animal science laboratories that gave them hands on experience to work in the different USDA agencies and other food and agriculture entities. Through this project, animals were provided for the development of alternative products such as goat meat, goat ham, goat summer sausage and goat salami. This project was used to leverage for external grants in the amount of $287,005 to expand mixed species studies at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A mixed-grazing project was designed to determine the performance of cattle and goats grazing together and separately. In a 3x2 factorial, 100 Spanish goats and 28 Brangus cows were randomly assigned to continuous or rotational grazing and three grazing schemes (goat-alone, cattle-alone or mixed). Body weights, body condition scores (BCS), FAMACHA scores (FS), fecal egg counts (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV) were measured every 28 days. Forage quantity (height, wet and dry yields), and quality (CP, NDF, ADF and DM) measurements were also taken. Soil compaction and permeability measures were collected twice in a year. Data were analyzed using SAS's MIXED procedure and Chi-square analysis was used for BCS and FS. Calves grazing alone under continuous grazing were similar in weights (133.3 plus minus 4.5 vs. 135.8 plus minus 4.4 kg) to those in rotation, but both were heavier than calves in mixed grazing under rotational grazing (113.7 plus minus 4.9 kg). Kids in mixed grazing weighed more (16.2 plus minus 0.3 vs. 13.3 plus minus 0.3 kg) than kids grazing alone. Differences in BCS between mixed kids and kids grazing alone (2.44 plus minus 0.04 vs. 2.17 plus minus 0.04) were observed. Significantly more mixed kids (31.5% vs. 18.5%) scored BCS of 1 or 2, while more kids grazing alone scored BCS of 3, 4, or 5 (25.5% vs. 17.7%). Less than 80% of the kids grazing alone had FS scores of 3 or lower as compared to 89% of the mixed kids. Results suggested that kids could graze with cattle to efficiently utilize available forage resources. Cattle alone in both rotational and continuous pastures were found to compact the soil more compared with the other treatments. Soil water content was higher (23.0 vs. 19.4%, P<0.05) in spring than in fall. Fresh forage yield ranged from 600 to 2,359 Kg/ha. Forage yields in pastures with goats alone were higher (P<0.05) when compared to cattle alone or mixed species grazing. Crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber ranged from 8.9 to 11.8%, 31.9% to 39.1% and 47.1 to 62.2%, respectively. During April and July of each year, Beef and Goat Field Days were conducted for experiential learning opportunities for forage production and utilization. The field days included demonstrations of cattle and goats grazing alone or together using continuous or rotational grazing. The first of such activity took place in July, 2005. In a survey that we conduct every year, an average of 76% of the producers supported the mixed grazing project and indicated an interest to integrate mixed-species grazing in their own operation if more information was available. Information has been shared with various clienteles over the years. More information will be shared as the five-year data is pooled and analyzed. The project served as a field demonstration for soil, plant and animal sciences students. Organized class field trips were carried throughout the duration of the study. Several students had the opportunity to work in the soil science and animal science laboratories that could give them hands on experience to work in the different USDA agencies. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborating scientists in this project were from animal science, plant and soil sciences, and economics. There was an informal cooperation with the USDA/NRCS in designing the research pastures and forage assessments. Southern University's mixed-species grazing is a part of NRCS near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy/Nutbal Pro System. Through this arrangement, forage samples are collected and sent to NRCS lab for prediction of diet quality in grazing animals. Project personnel also collaborated with the USDA/NRCS District Conservationist, State Range Management Specialist, and Area Range and Pasture Management Specialist, and with the LSU's Iberia Research Station, Southeastern Research Station, and School of Veterinary Medicine. Five (5) undergraduate students participated in this project and gained knowledge about research by assisting in blood and fecal analyses, soil sampling and compaction measurement, collection of field data and other activities in the project. Investigators and key personnel involved with this project attended and presented scientific papers at various national conferences such as the National Goat Conference, Society of Animal Science, and Association of Research Directors where continuing education is provided. In addition to national conference many livestock eight (8) field days were conducted and well attended by about 500 producers who gained skills through hands on opportunities. During April and July of each year, a Beef Cattle and Goat Field Day, respectively, were conducted at the SU Ag Center campus as outreach programs to demonstrate, among other contemporary topics, the effects of cattle or goats grazing alone as compared with cattle and goats grazing together. As data were collected and analyzed on this project, it was shared with SU extension program personnel, the 1890 and 1862 community, and others. Data were used to demonstrate to farmers, county agents, and students the best ways to manage livestock. Results obtained from this project were conveyed to producers and fellow scientists through local, regional and national meetings. Abstracts were prepared annually for presentations at regional and national meetings of the American Society of Animal Science. Fact sheets and bulletins were posted at the SU Ag Center and Louisiana Meat Goat coop websites with links to emerging USDA scientific findings. As a final chapter of this project and in cooperation with the SU Ag Center Division of Technology, we will develop flyers and brochures and mail to individual farmers and producer groups as well as cooperative extension agents throughout the state. Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles are being prepared for submission to one or more scientific journals. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project is targeted towards solving livestock production issues of limited resource goat and beef producers in Louisiana in particular and the Black Belt region in general. The specific working target is the members of the Louisiana Goat Coop. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The goal of this project is to assist small-limited resource goat and beef producers to increase their production and economic base by efficiently utilizing the available natural and farm resources using a mixed grazing concept. Over the past five years, we have studied the effects of mixed-species grazing using goats and cattle, and demonstrated that mixed grazing enhanced resource utilization; reduced parasitic loads in goats, increased output per unit land and improved surface water storage. Through this project, we were able to demonstrate the use of two or more species of livestock in pasture grazing is a very efficient method of resource utilization. Differences in animal performances were observed and suggested that kids could graze with cattle to efficiently utilize available forage resources. Parasitological analysis of fecal and blood samples revealed that mixed grazing of pastures with cattle and goats reduced FEC in goats therefore decreasing FAMACHA scores that resulted in increased PCV and BCS values. In mixed-species grazing, hoof action of goats contributed in improving surface water storage, hence, higher soil water content and permeability and lower soil compaction. In several workshops conducted using the data generated from this project, many small producers showed interested in the mixed-grazing concept. Grazing cattle and goats together on a diverse pasture resulted in all types of plants being consumed, thus controlling weeds and brushes, while yielding more weight gain per hectare compared to single-species grazing. While multi-species grazing systems have the potential to increase profit margins through efficient utilization of pastures, we have determined that they require careful evaluation and assessment. Facilities, fencing, market availability and adequacy of grazing land to support the number of goats/cattle need to be evaluated. Carrying capacity of pastures could be increased through a mixed-grazing system. Experience shows that a producer can add one or two goats per cow to a pasture without any reduction in cattle performance so the total carrying capacity is improved. This is an inexpensive way of renovating pastures. One of the biggest challenges for our future research endeavor is to determine the appropriate carrying capacity under different grazing scenarios. The existing project did not allow us to accurately measure carrying capacities under a mixed-grazing system. In the future, we will propose to introduce three levels of stocking rates (high, medium and low) for cattle and goats grazing together, separately or sequentially to carefully assess animal and forage responses.

Publications

  • Gebrelul, S., L. Gray, R. Marshall, Y. Ghebreiyessus, V. Bachireddy, R. Payne, M. Berhane, E. Runles, and Z. Augustine. 2010. The performance of Spanish kids under mixed-species grazing system. J Anim. Sci. 88 (Suppl 3):32
  • Gebrelul, S., R. Marshall, Y. Ghebreiyessus, V. Bachireddy. 2009. Performances of kids and calves grazing together and separately. J Anim. Sci. 87 (Suppl 2): 310
  • Gebrelul, S., Y. Ghebreiyessus, V. Bachireddy, R. Marshall, L. Gray, R. Payne , M. Berhane, E. Runles and Z. Augustine. 2009. Influences of forage quality and quantity on the performance of goats and cattle under mixed-species grazing systems. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, p. 98.
  • Gebrelul, S, Y. Ghebreiyessus, V. Bachireddy, R. Marshall, L. Gray and A. Harris. 2009. The Performance of Brangus calves under mixed-species grazing systems. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, p. 204.
  • Bachireddy, V, Y. Ghebreiyessus, S. Gebrelul, R. Marshal, R. Payne, M. Berhane, and E. Runles. 2009. Mixed species and grazing practices effects on the yield and quality of forage crops. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, p. 205. Marshall, R. W., S.
  • Gebrelul, L. Gray, Z. Augustine, and E. Runles. 2009. The effect of mixed species grazing in the determination of gastro-intestinal infections of Haemonchus contortus in Spanish does. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, p. 210.
  • Harris, A., S. Gebrelul, L. Gray, and R. Marshall. 2011. The effects of mixed-species grazing systems on the performance of Brangus calves. ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, April 10-13.
  • Marshall, R., S. Gebrelul and L. Gray. 2011. The control of gastrointestinal infections of Haemonchus contortus in goats using mixed grazing systems. ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, April 10-13.
  • Ghebreiyessus, Y., S. Gebrelul., V. Bachireddy, M. Berhane and R. Payne. 2011. Soil and forage quality changes in joint cattle and goats grazing practices. ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, April 10-13.
  • Gebrelul, S. and L. Gray. 2010. Kids and calves grazing together and separately under continuous and rotational grazing systems. In: Proc National Goat Conference, Strengthening the Goat Industry, Florida A&M University, September 12-15, p. 164.
  • Marshal, R. W. L. Gray and S. Gebrelul. 2010. The effect of mixed species grazing on the determination of gastrointestinal infections of Haemonchus contortus in Spanish does. In: Proc National Goat Conference, Strengthening the Goat Industry, Florida A&M University, September 12-15, p. 170.
  • Ghebreiyessus, Y. S. Gebrelul, V. Bachireddy, M. Berhane, R. Payne, R. Marshall, E. Runles, L. Gray, and Z. Augustine. 2010. Effects of cattle and goat grazing practices on soil physical properties, and forage yield and quality. J Anim. Sci. 88 (Suppl 3):32
  • Ghebreiyessus, Y.T, S. Gebrelul, V. Bachireddy, and M. Berhane, 2009. Effects of Joint Cattle and Goats Grazing System on Soil Physical Properties. ARD 15th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, p. 98.
  • Gebrelul, S., L. Gray, R. Marshall, and Y. Ghebreiyessus. 2011. Evaluation of the growth, garcass traits and parasitic load of kids produced under mixed species grazing system. ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, April 10-13.
  • Gray, L., S. Gebrelul, Y. Ghebreiyessus, R. Marshall. 2011. Effect of mixed-species and rotational grazing systems on weights, body condition and FAMACHA scores in Spanish does. ARD 16th Biennial Research Symposium, Atlanta, GA, April 10-13.