Project Number: 1932-63000-001-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Oct 01, 2003
End Date: Sep 30, 2008

Objective:
Develop small ruminant finishing systems, including applications of medicinal plants for improving animal health. Specifically: Design forage-based finishing systems capable of producing an 80-pound meat goat with a carcass having a high lean to fat ratio and meat with consumer benefits. Sub-Objective 1: Identify plant materials that have potential value in meeting meat goat health and performance, and carcass and meat quality objectives. Sub-Objective 2: Identify critical points for Haemonchus contortus control in pasture-based meat goat finishing systems. Sub-Objective 3: Define the production potential of improved pastures for finishing meat goats.

Approach:
Controlled environment, field plot, and paddock-scale experiments will be conducted to better quantify components in pasture-based finishing systems capable of producing an 80-pound meat goat with carcass having a high lean to fat ratio. Plants and specific plant chemical components that have potential value in meeting meat goat performance and health, and carcass and meat quality objectives will be identified. Plant germplasm having enchanced anthelmintic properties, immune system support capabilities, and antioxidant potential for small ruminants will be increased by tissue culture techniques and conventional propagation procedures. In addition, critical points for Haemonchus contortus control in pasture-based meat goat finishing systems will be identified by evaluating effects of chemical and physical characteristics of plants on H. contortus development, migration, and survival. The environmental impact of the goat grazing system will be monitored by determining rates of N release from goat dung and tannin influence on the amount of N excreted in urine, and quantifying plant species effects on N cycling in pastures. Risk analyses of key factors affecting goat finishing systems will help producers utilize small farm resources better and refine management practices to be more economically feasible. Results will enhance existing research-based management guidelines related to pastures, feed supplements, parasite control, and meat quality for meat goat producers.