Project Number: 6227-21310-008-46
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

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

Objective:
1) Assist with impact assessment of non-chemical gastrointestinal nematode control techniques on small ruminant producers; 2) Write and publish farmer friendly papers using technical papers generated from published studies completed as part of this integrated project; and 3) Provide economic analyses of integrated approaches of nematode parasite control.

Approach:
Impact Assessment: 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 (6-12 months after workshop attendance). Questions will be included in the survey to assess the perceived economic impact of FAMACHA and other non-chemical control technologies. These data will be compared with projected economic benefits of GIN control technologies using economic modeling (cost-benefit analyses). Workshop content will be adjusted as required based upon producer feedback and impact assessments. Economic Analysis: Estimates of economic losses from GIN will be developed to provide a baseline from which to evaluate the economic impact of the GIN control strategies to be examined in the project. Data will be collected on costs to producers (in terms of increased labor requirements, costs of materials and equipment, and other associated costs) of implementing each GIN control strategy and combinations of strategies. Data will be collected on benefits to producers in terms of weight gain, feed efficiency, reduced mortality, increased number of organic animals produced, and economic value of total organic and non-organic animals produced. Cost-benefit analyses of each strategy and combination of strategies examined will determine optimal GIN control strategies to maximize producer profits, minimize risk by minimizing variability of costs and benefits, and meet producer needs for increased profitability and decreased income and market risks.