Source: ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
BREEDING FOR SUSTAINABLE CONTROL OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL PARASITES IN MEAT GOATS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1028564
Grant No.
2022-38821-37257
Cumulative Award Amt.
$249,999.00
Proposal No.
2021-12907
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
May 1, 2022
Project End Date
Apr 7, 2025
Grant Year
2022
Program Code
[EWE]- Extension Project
Recipient Organization
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
4900 MERIDIAN STREET
NORMAL,AL 35762
Performing Department
Alabama Cooperative Extension
Non Technical Summary
Gastrointestinal parasite infestation and lack of goat breeds that are tolerant to parasites result in higher input costs, lower performance rates, and diminished profit, causing many people to quit the goat production business. Meanwhile, use of anthelmintic drugs has been shown to have a minimal impact on the control of gastro-internal parasites. Alternatively, animal selection and breeding management can be a sustainable approach to control internal parasites. Black farmlands in the U.S. have been and continue to decline due the lack of agricultural investment and limited knowledge and resources for minority producers. The goal of this project is to establish three demonstration sites: the main demonstration site at Alabama A&M University (AAMU), and two other sites in each of Union Springs, and Cuba, Alabama. These demonstration sites will be established in collaboration with the Southeastern Goat Cooperative and the East Alabama Black Belt Farmers' Cooperative. The objectives are to 1) educate small ruminant producers and undergraduate students mostly from underserved communities on integrated parasite control and breeding management, and 2) demonstrate the benefits of using selection and breeding management as a viable method for parasite management. This 3-year Extension project addresses the NIFA priority area of global food security and agricultural biosecurity, enabling producers to achieve their productivity and economic goals by making sound research available to them.
Animal Health Component
20%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
60%
Applied
20%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
3133820108150%
3073820111050%
Knowledge Area
313 - Internal Parasites in Animals; 307 - Animal Management Systems;

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

Field Of Science
1081 - Breeding; 1110 - Parasitology;
Goals / Objectives
The goal of the project is to train small ruminant producers, mostly from underserved communities, on integrated parasite control and breeding management. Specifically, the project will demonstrate the benefits of using animal selection and breeding management as viable methods for parasite management. This allows sustainability and new revenue streams using meat goats and promotes food security in Alabama.
Project Methods
The project will rely on three demonstration sites: Winfred Thomas Agriculture Research Station (WTARS) of Alabama A&M University (AAMU), Union Springs in the western region of AL, and Cuba, in the Eastern part of the state of Alabama. The WTARS site is in the northern part of the state of Alabama on an existing silvopasture and open pastureland. This demonstration site will be easily accessed by landowners of adjacent states of Tennessee and Georgia and will be used by Alabama A&M university undergraduate students (mostly minority) for daily hands-on practice and experiential learning. This demonstration project will serve as a living educational tool that will reach new and established underserved audiences, forest owners, meat goat producers, and pet goat owners with no previous or limited knowledge of agriculture.Two breeds, Kiko and Boar goats, of one-year-old with relatively similar body weight will be purchased from a goat producer and then transported to the demonstration site. Upon their arrival, goats will be weighed, and fecal samples will be collected for fecal egg counts to detect the presence of internal parasites. Goats will also be examined for anemia using the FAMACHA score technique. Blood samples will be collected from a representative sample of goats to run cell parked volume analysis. The goats will then be separated by groups into paddocks based on breeds and will be rotationally grazed in existing pastures. During the winter season, or in case of forage scarcity, goats will be fed hay or supplemented with concentrated diet, when necessary.Union Springs and Cuba, AL demonstration sites will be established in the Blackbelt region of the state of Alabama through collaboration with two farmers' cooperatives, the Southeastern Goat Cooperative and East Alabama Black Belt Farmers' Cooperative. These demonstration sites will be established in underserved communities. Alabama Extension at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) has worked with goat producers' cooperatives to identify farmers who will serve as hosts of demonstration sites at their farms. The identified producers will be given resources needed to renovate farm operations to meet the standards of a farm demonstration site capable of implementing integrated parasite management approaches for improved pasture, health, and nutrition. The selected farms will be used for farm field days to demonstrate to other farmers the impact of breeding management on parasite control and overall farm productivity. These demonstration sites will also be used to collect baseline data for the study where forage, fecal and blood samples will be collected for analysis. Periodic follow-up data collection will follow throughout the period of performance. Farmers will be required keep records on every animal on the farm.Technical assistance will be provided to farmers hosting demonstrations, including recommendations for herd management and breeding programs by the Animal Science Extension Specialist and professors in the Food and Animal Science Department of the AAMU College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS). If it becomes necessary to cull many animals on farm prior to the initiation of the project, these farmers will be given replacement animals to sustain the viability of the demonstration study. This project is expected to last 3 years. In the first year of the study, we will focus on farm establishment and preparing required infrastructure, pasture renovations and getting animals on the farms. In the second year, prior to breeding trial initiation, preliminary data (FEC, FAMACHA, PCV, body condition score and performance data) will be recorded, then repeated every month for 5 months. Animals that do not show clinical signs of parasite infestation will be bred to a Kiko or Boer sire. After birth, the same measurements will be taken from the parents and their offspring. All data will be compiled and analyzed to determine how the parasite resistance can be transferred from parents to their offspring.As part of outreach during the second year, three workshops will be organized in the fall, one in each of the 3 regions on or nearby the demonstration sites. To expand access, the workshops will be broadcast via video stream for those not able to travel. Farmers will be trained on different techniques for parasite management, like FAMACHA scoring, fecal sample collection, and breeding management techniques, such as scrotal circumference measurement, heat detection and criteria for selecting a good breeding stock. In the third year of the study, three more field demonstrations visits will be conducted and broadcast from each site. Once again, participating farmers will be given opportunities for experiential learning through hands-on skill building on parasite control and breeding management. Another target audience for this grant will be students in the Food and Animal Sciences Department in CALNS at Alabama A&M University (AAMU). In collaboration with the Food and Animal Sciences Department in the CALNS, students (the majority of whom are minority) will be trained on parasite management and breeding management. The laboratory technician in animal science will also assist to collect and analyze data on the effects of breeding selection on parasitology parameters. With supervision from AAMU personnel, undergraduate students trained on this project will visit the demonstration farms to help with sampling, collection and establishing farmer-student learning community relationships.

Progress 05/01/24 to 04/30/25

Outputs
Target Audience:Goat Producers and Farmers • Small- to medium-scale meat goat farmers, particularly those facing challenges with parasite management in high-risk regions. Students and Academic Researchers: • Undergraduate and graduate students specializing in animal science and veterinary medicine, who participated in research activities and presentations on the role of breeding in parasite control using FAMACHA card and Fecal egg count tools for selection • Academic researchers interested in genetic selection and small ruminant health, engaged through webinar presentations and publications. Extension Agents and Livestock Specialists • Extension professionals serving rural and agricultural communities, who were provided with updated training and resources to disseminate knowledge on selective breeding and integrated parasite control. Students and Academic Researchers: • Undergraduate and graduate students specializing in animal science and veterinary medicine, who participated in research activities and presentations on the role of breeding in parasite control. • Academic researchers interested in genetic selection and small ruminant health, engaged through conference presentations and publications. Forestland owners • who want use goats to control understory vegetation on their properties. Pet goat owners • Pet goats' owners with no previous or limited knowledge of parasite and control strategies. Community Stakeholders: • Community members, including landowners and those interested in sustainable livestock management practices, who were reached through public field days and educational campaigns. ? Changes/Problems:The major challenge which delayed the experimental aspect of the grant is finding a reputable farm to purchase the goats. We had to resolve the problem by resorting to buying from stockyard, quarantine and pre-treat them before integrating them into the research. Weather also played a role, some thing sampling periods are being postpone due to weather, how ever we have to adjust our sampling schedule to period of friendly waether condition. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Hands-On Certification Workshops: The training included practical, hands-on sessions in which participants learned to use the FAMACHA card for anemia scoring and perform fecal egg count tests. Participants received certification, equipping them with skills to monitor and manage parasite burdens effectively. Knowledge Sharing with Extension Agents: Extension agents attended the workshops, enhancing their ability to provide long-term support to local farmers and conduct further training in their communities. Webinars and Online Resources: Virtual training sessions reached a broader audience, covering sustainable parasite management practices, genetics, and breeding tools On-Site Demonstrations: Farmers benefited from real-world demonstrations conducted on local farms, which reinforced the application of these techniques in practical settings How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Extension Publications: Fact sheets, videos, and infographics summarizing FAMACHA scoring, fecal egg counting, and integrated parasite management techniques were distributed online and in-person. Radio and Media Outreach: Local radio interviews and agricultural newsletters helped disseminate information about the program and its impact on improving small ruminant herd health Webinar Recordings and Resources: All webinar sessions were recorded and made available on the program's website and social media platforms for later viewing. These recordings were also shared via email with registered participants and distributed through extension networks to reach a broader audience. Social media and Email Campaigns: Updates on each webinar and key takeaways were shared through the program's social media channels, newsletters, and mailing lists. These platforms also featured key resources, such as articles, studies, and expert insights, which further helped disseminate the findings and recommendations from the sessions. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plans for Next Reporting Period Expansion of Training Sessions: Increase the number of workshops in underserved areas and provide smaller, more localized training events to improve accessibility for rural farmers. Development of Virtual Resources: Create virtual webinars and instructional videos to supplement in-person training, allowing greater flexibility for participants who cannot attend sessions in person. Impact Monitoring: Conduct follow-up farm visits and surveys to assess how the training has influenced farmers' parasite management practices, herd health, and economic outcomes. Refining Webinar Content and Delivery: Based on feedback from participants, the program will tailor the content of future webinars to focus on more practical, hands-on solutions to common issues faced by small ruminant farmers. More case studies, demonstrations, and visual aids will be incorporated to enhance engagement and make the information more relatable. Ongoing Evaluation and Feedback: The program will continue to solicit feedback from webinar participants to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the needs of farmers are met. Evaluations will guide adjustments in content, delivery methods, and promotional strategies for the upcoming year. Youth Engagement: Introduce educational initiatives targeting youth, such as hands-on workshops and career fairs, to promote interest in sustainable small ruminant farming and genetic improvement programs

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Establishment of small ruminants demonstration facility at the Westcentral and Southwest alabama for teaching and demonstration of best practices in small ruminants health management and breeding selection. 2. Training Small Ruminant Producers (Focus on Underserved Communities): Workshops and Field Days (Sheep and Goat Summit): Conducted targeted workshops and field days to train small ruminant producers on integrated parasite control methods. These events emphasized practical tools, such as fecal egg count (FEC) analysis, FAMACHA Card workshopssand techniques for selecting parasite-resistant goats. Outreach to Underserved Communities Reached producers from underserved and minority communities by partnering with local extension offices and community-based organizations to ensure accessibility of information and resources. Resource Development: Created easy-to-understand materials, including fact sheets and online resources, to support producers in underserved areas with limited access to extension services. 3. Small ruminants webinar series: providing online upto date information to small ruminants farmers on best practices in small ruminants production andparasite control. 4. Farm Visitation and Consultation helping smalll ruminants farmer designed parasite management program and breeding to improve productivity and profitability. 5. The following results were generated a. Increase in the Knowledge of FAMACHA Scoring by 27% b. Increased in practical Knowledge of Body condition scoring by 47% c. Increased In knowledge of diagnosis of the symptoms of parasitic infection 40% d. Increase in the knowledge and hands on skills of Fecal egg counts 69% e. Increase practical application of the FAMACHA scoring by 66% f. Increase in the number that finds the workshop effective for parasite control by 85% ?

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Fighting Worm Resistance: The Triple-ClassPlan for Small Ruminants
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Advantages of Using Forestland for MeatGoat Production
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Breeding Program Protocols for Improving Parasite Resistance in Small Ruminants
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: BREEDING MANAGEMENT FOR GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITE CONTROL IN SMALL RUMINANTS


Progress 05/01/22 to 04/07/25

Outputs
Target Audience:Goat Producers and Farmers • Small- to medium-scale meat goat farmers, particularly those facing challenges with parasite management in high-risk regions. Students and Academic Researchers: • Undergraduate and graduate students specializing in animal science and veterinary medicine, who participated in research activities and presentations on the role of breeding in parasite control using FAMACHA card and Fecal egg count tools for selection • Academic researchers interested in genetic selection and small ruminant health, engaged through webinar presentations and publications. Extension Agents and Livestock Specialists • Extension professionals serving rural and agricultural communities, who were provided with updated training and resources to disseminate knowledge on selective breeding and integrated parasite control. Forestland owners • who want use goats to control understory vegetation on their properties. Pet goat owners • Pet goats' owners with no previous or limited knowledge of parasite and control strategies. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Establishment of Demonstration Farms: This project resulted in the creation of three demonstration facilities for small ruminants, designed to enhance management and production practices while facilitating effective training and teaching. Hands-On Certification Workshops: The training included practical, hands-on sessions in which participants learned to use the FAMACHA card for anemia scoring and perform fecal egg count tests. Participants received certification, equipping them with skills to monitor and manage parasite burdens effectively. Knowledge Sharing with Extension Agents: Extension agents attended the workshops, enhancing their ability to provide long-term support to local farmers and conduct further training in their communities. Webinars and Online Resources: Virtual training sessions reached a broader audience, covering sustainable parasite management practices, genetics, and breeding tools On-Site Demonstrations: Farmers benefited from real-world demonstrations conducted on local farms, which reinforced the application of these techniques in practical settings How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Extension Publications: Fact sheets, videos, and infographics summarizing FAMACHA scoring, fecal egg counting, and integrated parasite management techniques were distributed online and in-person. Radio and Media Outreach: Local radio interviews and agricultural newsletters helped disseminate information about the program and its impact on improving small ruminant herd health Webinar Recordings and Resources: All webinar sessions were recorded and made available on the program's website and social media platforms for later viewing. These recordings were also shared via email with registered participants and distributed through extension networks to reach a broader audience. Social media and Email Campaigns: Updates on each webinar and key takeaways were shared through the program's social media channels, Facebook, bulletin, SMS, newsletters, and mailing lists. These platforms also featured key resources, such as articles, studies, and expert insights, which further helped disseminate the findings and recommendations from the sessions. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The goal of the project is to train small ruminant producers, mostly from underserved communities, on integrated parasite control and breeding management. Specifically, the project will demonstrate the benefits of using animal selection and breeding management as viable methods for parasite management. This allows sustainability and new revenue streams using meat goats and promotes food security in Alabama. The following were accomplished under these goals? 1. Establishment of small ruminants demonstration facility at the West central and Southwest Alabama for teaching and demonstration of best practices in small ruminants health management and breeding selection. 2. Training Small Ruminant Producers (Focus on Underserved Communities): Workshops and Field Days (Sheep and Goat Summit): Conducted targeted workshops and field days to train small ruminant producers on integrated parasite control methods. These events emphasized practical tools, such as fecal egg count (FEC) analysis, FAMACHA Card workshops and techniques for selecting parasite-resistant goats. Outreach to Underserved Communities Reached producers from underserved and minority communities by partnering with local extension offices and community-based organizations to ensure accessibility of information and resources. Resource Development: Created easy-to-understand materials, including fact sheets and online resources, to support producers in underserved areas with limited access to extension services. 3. Small ruminants webinar series: providing online up to date information to small ruminants' farmers on best practices in small ruminants' production and parasite control. With over 20,000 reach 4. Farm Visitation and Consultation helping small ruminant farmers design parasite management program and breeding to improve productivity and profitability. 5. The following results were generated a. Increase in the Knowledge of FAMACHA Scoring by 27% b. Increased in practical Knowledge of Body condition scoring by 47% c. Increased In knowledge of diagnosis of the symptoms of parasitic infection 40% d. Increase in the knowledge and hands on skills of Fecal egg counts 69% e. Increase practical application of the FAMACHA scoring by 66% f. Increase in the number that finds the workshop effective for parasite control by 85% 6. Radio Interview breeding for parasite resistance and sheep and goats' summits 2024 The radio interview highlights the importance of breeding for sustainable parasite resistance in small ruminant production. The discussion focused on the challenges farmers face with gastrointestinal parasites, particularly the increasing resistance to chemical dewormers, which has made traditional parasite control methods less effective. The interview emphasized the need for long-term solutions, such as breeding goats and sheep with natural genetic resistance to parasites, to enhance herd health and reduce dependency on chemical treatments using FAMACHA score and Fecal Egg Count as tool. Number of persons served/trained (N = 1,200,002)

Publications

  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Felix U. Samuel, Laureen Shortnacy, and Daivon Allen (2024). Colostrum Management in Lambs and Kids. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/animals-urban/colostrum-management-in-lambs-and-kids/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Felix U. Samuel, Laureen Shortnacy, and Daivon Allen (2024). Fighting Worm Resistance: The Triple-Class Plan for Small Ruminants. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/animals-urban/fighting-worm-resistance-the-triple-class-plan-for-small-ruminants/.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Felix Samuel, Valens Niyigena, and Darren Beachem (2024). Advantages of Using Forestland for Meat Goat Production. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/animals-urban/advantages-of-using-forestland-for-meat-goat-production/
  • Type: Other Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Felix Samuel (2025). BREEDING MANAGEMENT FOR GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITE CONTROL IN SMALL RUMINANTS. Peered Reviewed curriculum.www.aces.aamu.
  • Type: Other Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Felix Samuel (2025). Breeding Program Protocols for Improving Parasite Resistance in Small Ruminants.Peered reviewed technical bulletin. www.aces.aamu.


Progress 05/01/23 to 04/30/24

Outputs
Target Audience: Small ruminant producers Minority farmers from underserved communities Minority students in Food and Animal Science Department at Alabama A&M University Forestland owners who want use goats to control understory vegetation on their properties. Pets goat owners with no previous or limited knowledge of agriculture. Changes/Problems:The program employed a new specialist for small ruminants. The regional extension agent and lead goat technician are still housed at their respective locations. The challenge of securing a good herd to purchase has been the major challenge. However, progress has been made to securing the next herd for the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The Project has provided the following training opportunities for public audiences: 1. FAMACHA Card certification training 2. Fecal Egg Count Training 3. Training on Body Condition scoring 4. Integrated parasite control through forage management 5. Demonstration site on Winfred Thomas Research Station. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results from the project were disseminated through various media facilities like online webinar series, workshops, Facebook, newsletter, bulletin, SMS, email etc. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? In the next reporting period, we plan to. 1. Carry out another workshop and hands-on training in West central and North Alabama to cover all the regions of the state. 2. We also planned to organize sheep and goats' summits for hands on demonstration of parasite controls and managements of small ruminant. 3. Established demonstration sites at Cuba and Union Spring Alabama. 4. Complete the sample collections on the research goats, analyze and publish the results. 5. The Webinar series on small ruminants' production and management will continue monthly throughout the period of the project. 6. Continue the process of selection of meat goats for parasite resistance through integrated parasite control and selection using FAMACHA Scoring, Body Condition Scoring and Fecal egg counts techniques.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. We accomplished the following list of webinars on small ruminants' production. Spring 2023 Series Marketing Small Ruminants Webinar - March 30, 2023 Reach - 1,918 Fall Series 2023 Discrimination Financial Assistance Program with Ms. Jasmine Grayson on October 11, 2023 Reach - 105 Business Considerations for Beginning Farmers- Goat and Sheep Edition, with Dr. D. Brothers on October 26 Reach - 325 Managing Parasites in Goats and Sheep Webinar [Re-broadcast] on November 2023 Reach - 182 Springseries 2024. Best Approaches to Managing Parasites & Other Health Concerns in Goats & Sheep webinar. Reach- 96. Management of Respiratory Diseases in Goats & Sheep webinar Reach- 71. Management of Metabolic Diseases in Goats & Sheep, Especially During Pregnancy webinar Reach- 92. The total number of persons served/reached is 2,789. 2. We accomplished In-person education and trainings on small ruminant productions: Small Ruminant Extension Booth (Small ruminant production): Four thousand two hundred and forty-one (4241) Persons (99%) were trained/served on; lamb selection and purchasing, organic pasture production/ forage browses for goat options, starting sheep production, Ruminant reproduction model demos/animal science career exploration activities, Goat de-worming practices and Land development for goats farming. Jones Valley Research Farm Visit: Eleven students (11) High School students were exposed to the principles of small ruminant production, opportunities in sheep and goats farming and control of gastrointestinal parasite in ruminants through smart drenching, rotational grazing etc. Alabama A&M University Open House, 2024 We engage and advise high school students, undergraduate students, unemployed youth and parents on small ruminant production, basic parasite control practices in sheep and goat farming. Served 20 people. Earth day event we engaged students, parents, and seniors on parasite management in small ruminants including integrated parasite control method such as rotational grazing, smart deworming, and strategic treatments, identifying gastrointestinal parasites using FAMACHA and Fecal egg count methods. With a total e engage a total audience of 450 (Over 2000 participant). 3. Small Ruminants workshops Two (2) workshops were held on FAMACHA certification and Fecal Egg counts in the West central and South- central Alabama targeting small ruminant producers, seniors, landowners etc. on sustainable parasite management in small ruminants farming using FAMACHA, Fecal egg counts techniques, and Body condition scoring in integrated parasite control methods, breeding management techniques, and the benefits of animal selection for parasite resistance with a total of 194 people served. 4. Curriculum Development on Sustainable Breeding for Parasite Control in Goats: Two curricula have been developed: Curriculum on the Management of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Ruminants: This curriculum aims to be utilized for training small ruminant farmers in underserved communities on the fundamental principles of gastrointestinal parasites, including identification, life cycle, control, and prevention in sheep and goats. The second curriculum focuses on "Breeding Management for Parasite Control in Small Ruminants." It is designed to educate and train farmers on best practices for breeding small ruminants, including selection and pasture management. Additionally, it covers understanding of the reproductive system of small ruminants and breeding strategies to enhance the production of sheep and goats that are resistant and resilient to gastrointestinal parasites. This curriculum will provide farmers with practical guidance on implementing breeding programs effectively, fostering healthier herds with reduced reliance on chemical treatments, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2024 Citation: Breeding Program Protocols for Improving Parasite Resistance in Small Ruminants
  • Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2024 Citation: BREEDING MANAGEMENT FOR GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITE CONTROL IN SMALL RUMINANTS


Progress 05/01/22 to 04/30/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is expected to be as follows: • small ruminant producers • minority farmers from undersreved communities • minority students in Food and Animal Sceince Depatment at Alabama A&M University • foresland owners who want use goats to control understory vegetation on their properites. • pet goat owners with no previous or limited knowledge of agriculture. Changes/Problems:This funded project experienced several unexpected changes in this reporting period. Due to circumstances beyond his control, the Program Director, Dr. Valens Niyigena, regrettably left the position of specialist with the university. Later, the Urban Regional Extension Agent and the Lead Goat Technician separated from the university; both for personal reasons. In the meantime, other Extension personnel gave emergency leadership to the project while searches for replacements were underway. Through emergency leadership, we were able to secure a herd of 34 goats (17 kiko and 17 boar). The goats are currently housed at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS) at Alabama A&M University. A part-time Animal Science Program Coordinator was also hired using Extension funds to manage the herd and provide technical assistance to producers in the absence of the specialist and technician. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We are delighted to announce the hire of Ms. Lauren Shortnacy as the new Urban Extension Agent for Animal Science. With a Master of Science in Animal Science, Ms. Shortnacy has the credentials and experience to serve as full-time Program Director until a new State Specialist is hired. The request for a change in Program Director is in process. We have also hired a new full-time Lead Goat Technician, Mr. Daivon Allen, who holds a bachelor's degree in animal science. The additions of these key team members will assist us greatly with achievement of the grant objectives. We are also continuing the search for a permanent State Specialist for Animal Science with expertise in Small Ruminants/Goats to provide full-time leadership to the Animal Science program team and advance this project even further.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Extension personnel gave emergency leadership to the project while searches for replacements were underway. Through emergency leadership, we were able to secure a herd of 34 goats (17 kiko and 17 boar). The goats are currently housed at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS) at Alabama A&M University. A part-time Animal Science Program Coordinator was also hired using Extension funds to manage the herd and provide technical assistance to producers in the absence of the specialist and technician.

Publications