Project Number: 6227-21310-008-45
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

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

Objective:
1) Examine the use of sericea lespedeza and other condensed tannin-containing plants, as fresh or dried forage (hay, pellets), for gastrointestinal nematode control in sheep and goats; 2) Examine alternative forage systems for grass-fed small ruminants to decrease gastrointestinal nematode infection and increase weight gains; 3) Test integrated, forage-based gastrointestinal nematode control systems for grass-fed small ruminant production on-farm; and 4) Complete impact assessment of non-chemical gastrointestinal nematode control techniques on small ruminant producers.

Approach:
1) Sericea lespedeza will be established and the dried product pelleted and integrated into management strategies for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes. 2) Alternative high quality forages will be established, and control of gastrointestinal nematodes and weight gains of lambs and kids will be examined on continuous and rotational grazing systems. 3) On-farm trials to evaluate the establishment and use of tannin-rich plants (grazing and processed) with integrated control methods for parasite control in sheep and goats will be conducted, and economic analysis of various systems will be examined. 4) Effectiveness of workshops, including adoption and use of FAMACHA technology and other non-chemical GIN control techniques by producers, will be assessed using post-workshop survey instruments.