Project Number: 6227-21310-008-40
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Apr 30, 2008
End Date: Mar 31, 2011

Objective:
To develop and validate integrated strategies for control of parasitic nematodes in organic and grass-fed small ruminant production in the southern US. This project is in response to Southern SARE Program Priority Areas for 2008 Funding: 1) Organic Farming Systems, 2) Limited-Resource Farmers (farmers producing for emerging or alternative markets, as the organic market is new in the southeastern US), and 3) Component Research (component research conducted within the context of a larger system examining interactions among forages, small ruminants, gastrointestinal nematodes and improving gastrointestinal nematode control within the system). In addition, this project addresses research topics identified by participants in the Scientific Congress on Organic Agricultural Research, which appeared in 2007 National Organic Research Agenda (Sooby et al., 2007). Projects include 1) development of effective parasiticides for livestock (Animal Health: Basic Research Needs), 2) documentation of pest and parasite ecology in pastures and determine how to disrupt parasite life cycles through rotation and other practices, 3) development of emergency health care treatments for poultry and livestock that are compliant with the National Organic Standards, 4) development of preventative health care practices for poultry and livestock (Animal Health: Applied Research Needs), 5) explore the role of weeds, native plants, trees, and shrubs in pasture and their potential to provide nutrient or medicinal benefits to livestock (Pasture Management and Systems Development: Applied Research Needs).

Approach:
Objective 1: Examine the use of sericea lespedeza and other CT-containing plants, either as fresh forage, dried products (hay, pellets), or extracts, as GIN control agents in sheep and goats. Objective 2: To examine alternative forage systems for organically or grass fed-produced small ruminants to decrease GIN infection and increase weight gains. Objective 3: Test integrated, forage-based GIN control systems for organic and grass fed small ruminant production on-farm. Objective 4: Complete impact assessment on non-chemical GIN control techniques on small ruminant producers