SCC081: Sustainable Small Ruminant Production in the Southeastern U.S.
Statement of Issues and Justification
In January 2012, there was a 2% decline in sheep and lambs and a 5% decline in all goat inventory in the U.S. (NASS, 2012). Even though total inventory decreased from 2011 2012, some southern states have experienced large increases in sheep and goat numbers. For example, Virginia experienced an increase of 10% in total breeding sheep and lamb inventory and a 12% increase in meat and other goat inventories during the same period (NASS, 2012). Increased sheep and goat numbers in some states reflects a growing demand by ethnic populations and niche markets. However, the U.S. is still importing more lamb and goat meat than it is producing for domestic consumption. There is also a growing market for organic meat products (Green and Kremen, 2003). Both conventional and organic lamb and goat production in the southeastern U.S. is challenged because of the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), particularly the blood-sucking Haemonchus contortus which has developed resistance to available dewormers (Howell et al., 2008; Crook et al., 2010)). Research to find new methods of GIN management is necessary. Priority areas include improved genetics, novel products or feedstuffs that act as anthelmintics, continued integration of the FAMACHA system (Kaplan et al. 2004) and a selective deworming program, and alternative forage systems. An abundance of forages in the southeast allows for organic and forage-fed systems for small ruminants. But low forage quality of warm season species during summer months limits growth and productivity of livestock. Although these forages are hardy, they often cannot meet nutritional needs during growth and lactation phases. Goats prefer browse species which have been grazed out of many pastures or were not available if goats were added to existing sheep or cattle operations. Forage-based production systems require appropriately adapted small ruminant germplasm. Traditional, high producing breed types may not necessarily be the breed resources best suited for the environmental and management conditions in the southeastern U.S., but rather small-framed breed types, such as hair sheep and landrace goat breeds may be a better fit. Although these breed types have slower growth rates, their production efficiency may be higher, and their leaner and smaller carcasses are well accepted by most ethnic markets (Wildeus, 1997). Research is needed to evaluate the production potential of various breed types and crosses under forage-based production systems. These research priorities, parasite control, forage resource management, and identification of appropriate breed resources, require coordinated efforts of multiple research institutions, each contributing their specific expertise towards the design of integrated systems.
Last Modified:
21-Jun-2012
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