INTEGRATION OF MEAT GOATS INTO PINE SILVOPASTURE SYSTEMS IN A SUSTAINABLE FOREST VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: MCINTIRE-STENNIS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1001271
• Project Start Date: Oct 18, 2013
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2017
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
TUSKEGEE,AL 36088

Performing Department
Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences

Non Technical Summary
Tuskegee University continues to provide leadership in Alabama in agroforestry/silvopasture research involving meat goats, and has been engaged in the development of guidelines for integration of meat goats into pine silvopasturesystems for the past several years.The meat goat industry is expanding in the U.S. in recentyears as evidenced by an 11% increase in the federally inspected harvest numbers from 2010 to 2011. However, producers especially, socially and historically disadvantaged farmers and cooperatives(SHDFC) are seeking profitable production practices that are sustainable and integrated. Tuskegee University goat research and education program has an important role to play in the research and education of scientists, students, farmers, landowners and other stakeholders in the development and enhancement of sustainable goat production practices. The Alabama meat goat industries as well as the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) Sheep and Goat Community groups work closely with Tuskegee University to provide information pertaining to meat goats to enhance the productivity and efficiency of (SHDFC).Recently, goats have been promoted to reclaim land that has been taken over by undesirable native species as well as non-native invasive species such as multiflora rose, Chinese privet and kudzu, etc. Goats are also used as an alternative tool to control burning to reduce fire hazards in the urban wildland interface and to control understory vegetation on National Forest. Goats are also used as potential source of income for pine growers with silvopasture systems while awaiting income from timber harvest. The major goals of the current project are: 1)use of meat goats for vegetation management and their integration into pine plantations, 2) understand the grazing behavior of goats to develop a suitable pasture and grazing systems, 3) evaluate goat performance, feed efficiency, methane gas emission and rumen microbial diversity under agroforestry and pine silvopasture system with goats, 4) evaluate the impact of animals usage in vegetation management on the soil microbial ecosystem and 5) evaluate the socio-economic impact of using meat goats in a pine silvopasture system. It is anticipated that results of these studies at the end of the project will provide information for; sustainable vegetation management of grazing lands/woodland and pine silvopasture systems; various goat management methods for vegetation rehabilitation/control in different grazing land settings; use of goats as alternative methods for reducing the costs and environmental impacts of mechanical, chemical and prescribed burning; impacts of goats on soil ecosystems, soil organic matter; demonstration and as well as provide education on appropriate technology for the development of a decision aid system to assist land owners in managing forested lands in an economically and environmentally sound manner; and the economicpotential of the proposed systems in the Southeast.

Animal Health Component

60%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

20%

Applied

60%

Developmental

20%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
125	3820	1070	30%
801	0120	1010	50%
601	0110	3010	20%

Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 125 - Agroforestry; 801 - Individual and Family Resource Management;

Subject Of Investigation
0120 - Land; 0110 - Soil; 3820 - Goats, meat, and mohair;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology; 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism; 3010 - Economics;

Keywords

longleaf pines

loblolly pines

silvopasture

goats

agroforestry

Goals / Objectives
1. Use meat goats for vegetation management and evaluate their integration into pine plantations and the impact on the soil ecosystem2. Understand the grazing behavior of goats to develop a suitable pasture and grazing systems and the impact on the soil ecosystem3. Evaluate goat performance, feed efficiency, methane gas emission and rumen microbial diversity under agroforestry in pine silvopasture system using goats4. Perform on-farm trial to test the effectiveness of legume forage-based silvopasture system under field conditions at two different locations in Alabama5. Evaluate socio-economic impact of using meat goat in a pine silvopasture system

Project Methods
Research Site: Tuskegee University forest land track located north of Macon County on the George Washington Carver Agricultural Experiment Station Farm will be used as the sites for the studies. The site consists of a total of over 70 acres of forest land at different stages of long leaf and loblolly pine growths as well as areas with no trees planted. About 30 acres of some of these areas have already been fenced in. Objective 1.Use Meat Goats for Vegetation Management and Evaluate their Integration into Pine Plantations and the Impact on Soil Ecosystem Objective # 1a.Usinggoats for vegetation management as site preparation before planting: The treatments will include controlled burning, mechanical control, herbicides and use of goats with three replications each. We will also leave control plots without any treatments. The plant biomass estimates and quality will be determined and the body condition of goats monitored. At the end of each growing season, the degree of defoliation (less than 6' high) will be determined and growth reduction of target species determined. The soil samples will be analyzed for microbial diversity (species and functional) (Dowd et al. 2008). Data will be analyzed using the Proc Mixed Model procedure of the SAS (SAS, Inst., Inc., Cary, NC) for completely random design. Objective # 1b.Controlling understory vegetation under longleaf pine plantation: The treatments will be existing vegetation without grazing, existing vegetation grazed with goats' low stocking rate, existing vegetation managed by medium stocking rate, and existing vegetation managed by high stocking rate with three replications each. The plant species composition and plant biomass will be characterized for the grazing period. The tree growth and survival measurements include diameter at diameter, breast height, height and volume index between treatments. The data will be analyzed across treatments and between years using the Mixed Procedure in SAS 9.1 with replication as a random factor (Littellet al., 2006). Objective 1c.Integration of meat goats into pine silvopasture systems: Long term studies will be conducted at the federation of Southern Cooperatives, Epes, Alabama in a 12 year-old loblolly pine silvopasture experiment site. The plant biomass quantity and quality, quality of forages selected by goats by using fecal NIRS for CP and DOM analyses, BCS of goats, tree data and soil ecosystem will be monitored. Datawill beanalyzed by the Proc Mixed Model procedure of the Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS, Inst., Inc., Cary, NC) for completely random design. Objective # 2: Understanding Grazing Behavior of Goats under Pine Plantations: Ten Kiko wethers will be stocked in the study area for two days before taking observations such as grazing, browsing, lying, loafing, lying and ruminating, and standing and ruminating for two consecutive days throughout the daylight time at 15-minute interval by three observers, each from the established stand at three different locations. In addition, GPS collars (GPS 3300S, Lotek Wireless Fish and Wildlife Monitoring, will monitor head up, head down, ambient temperature, and geographic locations on each wether. Data will be analyzed using split-split plot in time design with study site as a main plot, zones as sub-plots and months as sub-sub plots. Objective # 3. Assessing the Biomass production, Animal performance in terms of FeedEfficiency, Energy expenditure, Greenhouse gas emission and reduction, and Animal health in Silvopasture Systems: The experiment will involve growth performance, feed efficiency, methane gas emission, energy expenditure (as a measure by heart rate), and rumen bacterial diversity from weaning to slaughter at year round silvopasture systems with meat goats. The experiment will be a 2 x 2 factorial design, with two forage types and two seasons with two replicates. The animals will be grazed continuously on cool- and worm-season forages. Thirty-two Kiko crossbred male goat kids will be stratified by BW and assigned to 2 different forage types (legume vs. grass) with 2 replicates in a completely randomized design. Summer and winter grazing experiments will be conducted during 7 months from February to August. No-till cool- and warm-season forages will be planted as follows; 1. Legume forages: Cool season: Crimson clover (Trifoliumincarnatum L.) + Hairy vetch (Viciavillosa) Warm season: Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) 2. Grasses: Cool season: winter wheat (Triticuma estivum) Warm season: Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) After completion of adaptation period for 4 weeks, total fecal collection will be performed to estimate voluntary feed intake and feed efficiency. Forage samples will be analyzed for DM, CP, acid detergent lignin, ether extract, and ash. Soil samples will be collected for soil-N fertility. Rumen contents will be analyzed for bacterial population and volatile fatty acids production. Energy expenditure will be measured by methane gas and heart rate analysis. Immediately after the pasture measurements, animals will be sequentially in set four to a metabolism facility with an indirect calorimetric system (Horiba PG-300, CA, USA). Heart rate will determined with the Model S610 heart rate monitoring system of Polar Electro Inc. (Lake Success, NY, USA). The HR data will be analyzed by Polar Precision Performance SW software, with average HR in 1-min intervals generated. Heat production will be determined from gas exchange according to the Brouwer (1965) equation. The data will be analyzed using the ProcUnivariate of SAS (Version 8.2, 2001, SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Objective #4: Perform On-farm Trial to Test the Effectiveness of Legume forage-based Silvopasture System under Field Conditions at two Different Locations in Alabama. Outreach and on-farm experiments will be carried out in AL on two progressive minority land owner goat farms to evaluate adaptability and to demonstrate applicability of selected production systems. The studies will evaluate animal health, forage biomass production, meat goat production, tree growth, and soil-N fixation. Both legume forage-based silvopasture farms used with grazing goats will be used for demonstrations. Objective 5: Evaluate Socioeconomic Impact of Using Meat Goat in a Pine SilvopastureSystem The following tasks will be performed to evaluate the socio-economic impact of the goat/pine silvopasture system. Assess costs and returns. The enterprise budgets will be developed to ascertain costs and the expected returns from sale of goats. Costs and returns will be ascertained for each system: (1) existing vegetation without grazing; (2) existing vegetation with grazing (low stocking rate); (3) existing vegetation with grazing (medium stocking rate); and (4) existing vegetation with grazing (high stocking rate). Total returns, variable costs, fixed costs, and net returns will be estimated. Record keeping. The records for production and financial records of all operations will be kept. The production records will include things such as number of goats raised, quantity of feed consumed, and labor used. The financial records will include things such as veterinary expenses, expenses for fuel, utilities and labor. Environmental impact analysis. An environmental impact analysis will also be conducted in two ways: (1) gains from using less fertilizer, by incorporating legumes into the pasture will be assessed, and (2) gains from raising the meat goats in a silvopasture system will be assessed. Benefit-Cost Analysis- Benefit-Cost analysis will be used to assess the socio-economic impact of the different activities in the project mainly meat goat production under pine-silvopasture system. Sensitivity analysis will be done to assess the impact of various input price on the net income (Hanley and Spash, 1993, Watson 1995). The data collected from the various experiments and the enterprise budget will be used for the analysis.

Progress 10/18/13 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience included small and limited resource forest land owners in the Black belt region of Alabama and the sorrounding areas, goat producers, cattle producers, extension professionals, researchers, foresters, students, and NRCS representatives, USDA Alabama officials andother stake holders. The reserachers from other 1890 schools also benfitted from the project. Changes/Problems:The project demonstrated that goats can be used as tools for vegetation management but the implementation ofproject recommendations depend on many factors. The complexity of vegetation including browse heights are critical. There are many plant species that goats cannot do not relish. Goats also need to be trained to eat certain species of plants. The long-term effects of using goats under pine silvopasture systems and its impact impacton soil mineral composition, soil compaction, and vegetation competition needs to be further studied.Future research also needs to be developed to identify variables and their interrelationships to aid in developing methods to model the effects of using goats in agroforestry conditions. For example, methods need to be developed that allows individuals to take measurements and estimate the number of goat days that are optimum. This will require that procedures used for measuring crown cover density, soil compaction, and biomass need to be validated in future experiments for an agroforestry system. Furthermore, the relationship between the indicator and animal or soil measurements needs to be studied. Methods employed in agronomic studies may not be reliable under agroforestry conditions due to the fact that agronomic studies generally are working with a more homogeneous stand of plants and soil conditions than occurs in agroforestry areas. Future studies should evaluate methods of obtaining values that have a strong relationship between indicator and the attribute that is being studied. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?We trained several undergraduate students in the project and four graduate students. The projects included as to how goats can be integrated into silvopasture systems, collect soil and understory vegetation samples, determine understory species identification, measure browse canopy cover, measure tree heights and diameter at breast height. Four students also successfully completed their MS research projects in this project and graduated. We have a tree grower in Selma Alabama who has integrated goats into pine stands. A field day was organized at the Selma site where we invited many tree growers, goat producers and other stake holders. Studnets learned the followsing skiils from the prject: 1) How to identify species preferred by goats 2) How goats's grazing behavours can impact pine silvopasture production systems 3) Idela foarge species that can be sustainable grwon unmder silvopasture consdtions How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several workshops and fiedls days were condcuted to disseminate the knoweldge gained from theproject related to use of gaots in vegetaion managmnet. The list is given below. List of Agroforestry Workshops: 2013-2017 Training for sustainable year-round forage production and grazing/browsing management in the southeastern region, March 25-26, 2014 at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama Agroforestry/Silvopasture Workshop conducted on May 3, 2014 at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama Agroforestry/ Silvopasture Workshop, September 11, 2015, at Atkins Agroforestry site, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama Training on Sustainable Agroforestry Practices, September 30, 2016 at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama Silvopasture and Woodland Grazing for Sustainable Management conducted on December 4, 2017 at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama Agroforestry for a Vibrant Future: Connecting People, Creating Livelihoods, Sustaining Places;15th NAAC June 27-29, 2017 on the Campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia USA. Training on Sustainable Agroforestry Practices, September 22, 2017 at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective # 1: This study demonstrated that goats are capable of reducing understory brush cover with low intense grazing pressure.There were no detrimental effects on goats, soil, and trees under the longleaf pine stands for the study period. However, the hardwood understory was very dense and the trees were too large to be destroyed by grazing goats. Procedure: A 4.86 ha of eight- to nine-year old longleaf pine stands with 1,112 trees/ha was divided into twelve 0.40 ha plots. The understudy vegetation contained mainly tree species consisting of Quercus marilandica (Blackjack oak), Quercus nigra (Water oak), Quercus falcate (Southern red oak or Spanish oak), Quercus stelatta (Post oak), Pinustaeda (Loblolly pine) and Pinus echinata (Shortleaf pine), Diospyrus virgana (Common persimmon) and Ulmas alata (Winged elm), etc. The shrubs and vine species consisted of Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon), Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet), Smilax Spp. (Greenbriar), Eupatorium capallifolium (Dogfennel), Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), Rubus spp. (Blackberry), Pteridium aquilinum (Braken), Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine), and Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry). Results: The predominant grass cover was Andropogon virginicus (Broomsedge). Fifty-four mature Kiko goats (initial BW = 47.3 ± 2.1 kg) were allocated randomly to four treatments (0, 3, 6, 9 goats/0.4 ha) with three replications per treatment for 10 weeks according to a completely randomized block design. The understory biomass height and quantity (measured within 0.25 m2 quadrats), soil bulk density, crown cover densities, and animal productivity were analyzed using the GLM procedure ofSAS and using the initial values as covariates. The tree damage and diameter at breast height at 1.37m were monitored (data not reported here). Results showed that the initial and the final soil bulk density and soil compaction were similar among treatments (P > 0.05). Similarly, plant biomass heights and quantity were not significantlydifferent (P > 0.05) among treatments both at the beginning and end of the grazing. Average daily BW gains were not significantly different (P = 0.76) but daily gains were close to zero. The combined final crown cover density percent at 2.0 m decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing stocking rates. Impact: The results suggest that goats can be used as vegetation management tolls successfully. Objective # 2. The objective was to study the grazing behavior of goats to develop a suitable pasture and grazing systems and the impact on soil ecosystem. Procedure: Study plots consisted of mixed-pine (loblolly,Pinus taeda L.,and longleaf,Pinus palustrisMill.) silvopastures with cool-season (3 plots, one acre each) and warm-season forages (3 plots, one acre each), and pine-hardwood mixed woodland (5 plots, one acre each). Pine trees were approximately 11 years old with tree density of 147±21.1 trees/acre (longleaf 52.14% and loblolly 47.86%) in the silvopasture plots. All study plots were rotationally grazed with 29 Kiko wethers (7-12 months old): silvopasture plots with cool-season forages during spring, and the silvopasture plots with warm-season forages and woodland plots in summer 2015. After the goats were moved out of each plot, trees were inspected for damage and the damaged portions were measured. Results: 131 trees were debarked, damage started from 9.4±0.6 inch from the base of the trees up to the height of 27.7±1.03 inch from the initial damage point. Out of the total damaged tree, 92% was in silvopastures with cool-season, and 98% were longleaf pine. Around nine percent of the damaged trees were severely debarked. Damage occurred mostly during the late spring grazing. Results suggest that pine trees can be susceptible to the damage by grazing goats even after the terminal buds are far beyond the reach of grazing animals, and the extent of damage may vary depending on the experience of goats, season, and the understory vegetation available for grazing. Impact: Findings have provided a new insight and caution in using goats in systems containing grown longleaf pine trees. Objective # 3.To evaluate the performance of goats on woodland plant species. Procedure: Six to eight month old Kiko wethers (29) were rotationally grazed in five fenced plots (one-acre each), and two plots were used as control where no goats were grazed. Body weight, condition score, and FAMACHA score were measured every two weeks during the study period of eight weeks. The first measurement was taken after one week of adjustment period, and the last one at the end of the study. Inventory of the major plant species present in the study plots was prepared, browse height reached by goats measured, and the quality was evaluated. Results: The overall weight gained by the goats within the study period was 1 lbs. (59±1.4 to 60±1.5 lbs.), with decreasing average body condition score (2.4±0.06 to 1.9±0.10) and improving average FAMACHA score (3±0.10 to 2.8±0.17). The average browsing height was 56±0.6 inches with goats reaching to a greater height for sumac, kudzu, yaupon, black cherry, and winged elm. Kudzu had the highest level of protein (CP) (15%) followed by dog fennel (14%) and beautyberry (12%). The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was highest in persimmon (55.90%) followed by winged elm (55.38%) and willow oak (52.16%). The acid detergent fiber (ADF) was the highest in black gum (20.35%) followed by sumac (19.16%) and wild plum (16.8%). Tannin content was higher in sparkleberry (8.21%), winged elm (7.68%), and wild plum (5.69%) than in other browse species. Impact: Goat farmers can use these finding for implementing proper strategies for utilizing the woodland vegetation to feed their animals and minimize the requirements for purchased feed. Objective # 4.Suitable forages to be grown in southern-pine silvopasture systems for goats. The specific objectives were to identify suitable forage species that can be grown in southern-pine silvopasture system, and to determine goats' preference for and performance on the selected forages Procedure: Studies were conducted at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL from 2014 to 2016. Eight species of cool-season forages and five species of warm-season forages were cultivated in mixed-pine silvopasture (longleaf, Pinus palustris Mill. and loblolly-pine, Pinus taeda L.) in a randomized block design with three replications. Forage biomass samples were collected and processed for dry matter and quality (crude protein, CP; acid detergent fiber, ADF; neutral detergent fiber, NDF; lignin). Forage heights before and after grazing were measured. Photoplot were established for each treatment in each replication, and pictures of the photoplots taken before and after grazing to assess the vegetation removal by goats. Once the pre-grazing samples, measurements, and pictures taken, silvopasture plots were rotationally grazed with 29 Kiko wethers (≥7 months). Goats had access to mineral supplement, water, and shelters. Results: All selected forages, except one, produced well and readily grazed by goats. Goats performed better (p<0.001) while grazing cool-season forages (103±8.5 g/d) versus grazing on warm-season forages (60±9.3 g/d) Impact: Finding of this research will be useful for farmers and professional for developing southern-pine silvopasture systems or enhancing the existing silvopasture systems by cultivating one or combination of multiple forages identified from this research. Objective # 5.Socio-economic impact of using goats in a pine silvopasture system The data compilation to evaluate socio-economic impact of using goats in a pine silvopasture system is on-going because pine silvopasture systems are long-term enterprise. The accomplishments for the objective # 5 will be submitted in the next five-year cycle of the McIntire Stennis Forestry Research project.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: ARTICLES: 1. Bowie, D., Anthony S. Kumi, Byeng R. Min, Ronald C. Smith, A. Elliott, and N. K. Gurung. 2016. Preliminary observations on effects of using different stocking rates of meat goats to control understory vegetation in longleaf pine stands. Agroforest. Syst. DOI 10.1007/S10457-016-9956-5. 2. Karki, U., J. Idassi, S. R. Mentreddy, N. Gurung, L. Karki, S. Bambo. 2016. Agroforestry research and extension education at 1890 universities and its impact in the Southeast. Agroforest. Syst. DOI 10.1007/s10457-016-9934-y. 3. Khatri, R., U. Karki, J. Bettis, U. Karki, and Y. Karki. 2016. "Grazing with Goats Changed the Woodland Plant-Species Composition During Summer," Professional Agricultural Workers Journal: Vol. 4: No. 1, 10. Available at: https://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/pawj/vol4/iss1/10 4. Kumi, A. S. I. Howard, R. Smith, N. Gurung, and A. Elliott. 2015. Impact of Using Different Stocking Rates of Goats Under Pine Plantation on Plant Species occurrences and Animal Productivity," Professional Agricultural Workers Journal: Vol. 2: No. 2, 5. Available at: http://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/pawj/vol2/iss2/5. 5. Poudel, Sanjok; Karki, Uma; McElhenney, Wendell; Karki, Yubaraj; Tillman, Asha; Karki, Lila; and Kumi, Anthony. 2017. "Challenges of Stocking Small Ruminants in Grazing Plots with Dormant Browse Species," Professional Agricultural Workers Journal: Vol. 5: No. 1, 5. Available at: https://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/pawj/vol5/iss1/5 6. Min, B.R., K. Hernandez, W.E. Pinchak, R.C. Anderson, J.E. Miller, and E. Valencia. 2015. Effects of plant tannin extracts supplementation on animal performance and gastrointestinal parasites infestation in steers grazing winter wheat. Open J. Animal Science, 5: 343-350. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ojas 7. Min, B.R., D. Perkins, C. Wright, A. Dawod, B. J. Min, T. H. Terrill, J.-S. Eun, R. Shange, S. Y. Yang, and N. Gurung. 2015. Effects of feeding two different tannin-containing diets on ruminal fermentation profiles and microbial community changes in meat goats. Agric. Food Anal. Bacteriol. 5: 153-165.

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

Outputs
Target Audience:Graduate and undergraduate students, tree growers, goat producers, NRCS and USDA field officials, researchers and other stakeholders. Changes/Problems:The project was delayed due to our inability to complete the fencing or cross-fencing of the experimental plots. We are very hopeful that the work will be done by the spring of 2017 and the remaining objectives accomplished. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Both the graduate and undergraduate students were exposed to the research methods in the area of agroforestry especially in the integration of goats under pine silvopasture. Similarly, training opportunities were provided to tree growers, livestock especially goat producers and other stakeholders. In addition, two graduate students received their MS degrees from the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were disseminated to the scientific community and other stakeholders through publications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Every effort will be made to accomplish the remaining objectives by the next reporting period.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Accomplishments: Objective # 1: This study demonstrated that goats are capable of reducing understory brush cover with low intense grazing pressure. There were no detrimental effects on the goats, soil, and trees under the longleaf pine stands. However, the hardwood understory was very dense and the trees were too large to be destroyed by grazing goats because these tree species were left for several years without any management. This study continues to provide baseline date for planning future agroforestry and vegetation management projects Objective # 2. Most frequent (83%-98%) and severe debarking occurred with longleaf pines in the silvopasture plots with cool-season forages during the winter/spring grazing period that led to death of several trees with severe damage. There was no significant debarking of pine trees during warm-season grazing in the silvopasture plots or woodlands. Findings have provided a new insight and caution in using Kiko wethers in silvopasture systems containing longleaf pine trees, especially during the winter/spring grazing.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Karki, U., J. Idassi, S. R. Mentreddy, N. Gurung, L. Karki, S. Bambo. 2016. Agroforestry research and extension education at 1890 universities and its impact in the Southeast. Agroforest. Syst. DOI 10.1007/s10457-016-9934-y. Deidre D. Bowie, Anthony S. Kumi, Byeng R. Min, Ronald C. Smith, A. Elliott, and N. K. Gurung. 2016. Preliminary observations on effects of using different stocking rates of meat goats to control understory vegetation in longleaf pine stands. Agroforest. Syst. DOI 10.1007/S10457-016-9956-5. Khatri, R., U. Karki, Y. Karki, N. Gurung and B. R. Min. 2016. Composition and Quality Assessment of the Woodland Browse Species and Goats Performance Study under Woodland. doi:10.2527/ssasas2015-037. Journal of Animal Science 2016 94:18-18. Karki, U., J. Idassi, S. R. Mentreddy, N. Gurung, L. Karki, S. Bambo. 2016. Agroforestry research and extension education at 1890 universities and its impact in the Southeast. Agroforest. Syst. DOI 10.1007/s10457-016-9934-y. Deidre D. Bowie, Anthony S. Kumi, Byeng R. Min, Ronald C. Smith, A. Elliott, and N. K. Gurung. 2016. Preliminary observations on effects of using different stocking rates of meat goats to control understory vegetation in longleaf pine stands. Agroforest. Syst. DOI 10.1007/S10457-016-9956-5. Khatri, R., U. Karki, Y. Karki, N. Gurung and B. R. Min. 2016. Composition and Quality Assessment of the Woodland Browse Species and Goats Performance Study under Woodland. doi:10.2527/ssasas2015-037. Journal of Animal Science 2016 94:18-18. Karki, U., J. Idassi, S. R. Mentreddy, N. Gurung, L. Karki, S. Bambo. 2016. Agroforestry research and extension education at 1890 universities and its impact in the Southeast. Agroforest. Syst. DOI 10.1007/s10457-016-9934-y. Deidre D. Bowie, Anthony S. Kumi, Byeng R. Min, Ronald C. Smith, A. Elliott, and N. K. Gurung. 2016. Preliminary observations on effects of using different stocking rates of meat goats to control understory vegetation in longleaf pine stands. Agroforest. Syst. DOI 10.1007/S10457-016-9956-5. Khatri, R., U. Karki, Y. Karki, N. Gurung and B. R. Min. 2016. Composition and Quality Assessment of the Woodland Browse Species and Goats Performance Study under Woodland. doi:10.2527/ssasas2015-037. Journal of Animal Science 2016 94:18-18. Karki, U., J. Idassi, S. R. Mentreddy, N. Gurung, L. Karki, S. Bambo. 2016. Agroforestry research and extension education at 1890 universities and its impact in the Southeast. Agroforest. Syst. DOI 10.1007/s10457-016-9934-y. Deidre D. Bowie, Anthony S. Kumi, Byeng R. Min, Ronald C. Smith, A. Elliott, and N. K. Gurung. 2016. Preliminary observations on effects of using different stocking rates of meat goats to control understory vegetation in longleaf pine stands. Agroforest. Syst. DOI 10.1007/S10457-016-9956-5. Khatri, R., U. Karki, Y. Karki, N. Gurung and B. R. Min. 2016. Composition and Quality Assessment of the Woodland Browse Species and Goats Performance Study under Woodland. doi:10.2527/ssasas2015-037. Journal of Animal Science 2016 94:18-18.

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

Outputs
Target Audience:Tree growers, land owners, goat producers, students, forestry and NRCS personnel, researchers, policy makers and the other stake holders. Changes/Problems:Some of the objectives and methodology outlined in the original proposal will be modified to truly reflect the differences in the treatments imposed. For example, there were no differences in the amount of understory vegetation available between different stocking rates of goats. The reason could be that the method employed to collect understory vegetation did not truly reflect the type of vegetation goats were consuming in the experimental plots. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training Workshops: Two workshops were conducted during the period. The first workshop was conducted on October 28-29, 2014 on "Sustainable Agroforestry Practices in the Southeastern Region" at the Tuskegee University campus with the objective of educating forest landowners, farmers, and agricultural professionals, and eventually make them able to incorporate goats into pine silvopasture systems to implement sustainable agroforestry practices to efficiently utilize their resources in order to benefit current as well as future generations. Experts from Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M University, and Alcorn State University were invited. Twenty-one participants were in attendance. The AM session was devoted to PowerPoint presentations while the afternoon session was focused on hands-on aspects of the training. The participants also visited the agroforestry demonstration sites established at the Tuskegee University campus. The participants responded very positively about the training and the training enhanced the awareness of participants about the usefulness of goats/silvopasture systems. Similarly, the second workshop was conducted on September 11, 2015 in Tuskegee University under the same topic with the same objectives and with the same collaborators. Altogether 33 participants attended the training workshop. The AM session was devoted to PowerPoint presentations while the afternoon session was focused on hands-on aspects of the training. The participants also visited the agroforestry demonstration sites established at the Tuskegee University campus. Participants gained the following skills and knowledge on how to grow different types of forages under pine plantations, facilities for goats, grazing management and other relevant aspects of goat silvopasture systems. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results were disseminated to participants who attended the Tuskegee University Goat Day as well as to participants of the annual Master Goat Producer Certification training program. The TU annual Goat day is held on the third Saturday of April each year and the Master Goat Producer's Citification training program is held in the first week of August every year. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The objectives outlined in the proposal will be accomplished in the next project reporting period.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Two workshops were conducted during the project reporting period (October 28-29, 2014 and September 11, 2015) on "Sustainable Agroforestry Practices in the Southeastern Region" at the Tuskegee University campus with the objective of educating forest landowners, farmers, and agricultural professionals, and eventually make them able to incorporate goats into pine silvopasture systems to implement sustainable agroforestry practices to efficiently utilize their resources in order to benefit current as well as future generations. Experts from Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M University, and Alcorn State University were invited. Twenty-one participants were in attendance in 2014 while 33 participants attended the 2015 workshop. The AM session was devoted to PowerPoint presentations while the afternoon session was focused on hands-on aspects of the training. The participants also visited the agroforestry demonstration sites established at the Tuskegee University campus. The participants responded very positively about the training and the training enhanced the awareness of participants about the usefulness of goats/silvopasture systems. One graduate student successfully completed her MS degree from the project during the project period.

Publications

Progress 10/18/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience:Tree growers, land owners, goat producers, students, forestry and NRCS personnel, researchers, policy makers and the other stake holders. Changes/Problems:Parasite infestations of goats have created real challenges in the integration of goats under pine plantations. The goats in the Southeastern US are infected with blood sucking round worm called Haemonchus contortus. We have learned that goats need to be rotated on a regular basis even under pine trees to overcome the parasite burden and the deworming should be based on a FAMACHA system. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?a) The principal investigator and other CO-PIs had the opportunity to attend the 14th North American Agroforestry Conference in May 31-June, 2, 2015 in Ames, Iowa. A poster was presented which was entitled "Trainers' Training in Agroforestry Practices in the Southeastern Region: 1890 Agroforestry Consortium Initiative" b) Deirdre M. Bowie received herMS degree from the project in May, 2014. Her thesis was entitled "Effects of Using Different Stocking Rates of Meat Goats to Control Understory Vegetation in Longleaf Pine Stands" c)The study site now serves as a demonstration site for students for experiential learning on vegetation management, animal husbandry activities; Extension agents across the catchment areas of Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension programs. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of the McIntire Stennis Forestry Research project were disseminated in the annually Goat Day held every third Saturday of the year. Participants in the 2014 Goat Day included goat producers as well as land owners who are interested in raising goats and also integrating goats under pine silvopasture systems. Over 93 participants attend the Tuskegee University Goat Day. A significant majority of farmers indicated that the information disseminated in the workshop increased their awareness about the possibility of raising goats under pine trees. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?-The objectives outlined in the projects will be completed in the next reporting period. -Two workshops will be organized to disseminate the results -Refereed article, proceedings papers and abstracts will be published in the relevant journals.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? -One producer Mr.Bennie Simmons from Dallas County, Alabamais practicing goat silvopasture system as an accomplishment of the project.We conducted a one day Field Day on Mr. Simmon's farm (on-site) on March 1, 2014 to educate farmers in pine silvopasture. There were over 20 participants who were able to see and experience how goats can be used under pine plantations on a year-round basis. -A Training on Sustainable Agroforestry Practices in the Southeastern Region was held on October 28-29, 2014. The objective of training was to educate forest landowners, farmers, and agricultural professionals, and eventually make them able to incorporate goats into pine silvopasture systems to implement sustainable agroforestry practices to efficiently utilize their resources in order to benefit current as well as future generations. Experts from Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M University, and Alcorn State University were invited. Twenty-one participants were in attendance. The AM session was devoted to PowerPoint presentations while the afternoon session was focused on hands-on aspects of the training. The participants also visited the agroforestry demonstration sites established at the Tuskegee University campus. The participants responded very positively about the training and the training enhanced the awareness of participants about the usefulness of goats/silvopasture systems.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: D. D. Bowie, A. S. Kumi, B. R. Min, W. H. McElhenney, U. Karki, R. C. Smith, A. W. Elliott, and N. K. Gurung. 2014. Usage of meat goats to control understory vegetation in Long leaf pine (Poster) presented with Ms. Deirdre Bowie at the American Forage and Grassland Conference in Memphis Tennessee, January 12-14-2014.