Small Ruminant Production Research Articles

Alternative Approaches to Feeding Small Ruminants and Their Potential Benefits.

Small ruminants, such as sheep (Ovisaries) and goats (Capra hircus), contribute to approximately 475 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 6.5% of the global emissions in the agriculture sector. Crop residues, silage, grasses, hay, browse, plant leaves, shrubs, agro-industrial by-products, poultry litter, and other alternative feed sources are frequently utilized for small ruminant production. The use of these valuable alternative feeds can significantly improve animal productivity and reduce carbon footprints and GHG fluxes, making it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, these alternative feeds possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties that can enhance the quality of the meat and milk produced. By impacting the bacteria involved in ruminal biohydrogenation, alternative feeds can reduce methane emissions and contribute to a decrease in the carbon footprint. Overall, the use of alternative feed sources for small ruminants generally improves their apparent nutrient digestibility and productivity, and has an impact on the production of greenhouse gases, especially methane. Finally, this review recommends evaluating the economic analysis of reducing methane emissions in small ruminants by utilizing different feed sources and feeding techniques.

66 Effect of copper oxide wire particles on parasitism and growth in Katahdin lambs divergently selected for fecal egg count estimated breeding value

Abstract Internal parasites are one of the greatest threats to small ruminant production across the United States and parasitic resistance to anthelmintics continues to increase. Genetic selection and copper oxide wire particles (COWP) are two tools that could help reduce effects of parasites in small ruminants. The objective of this project was to determine the effects and interactions of COWP and genetic selection based on fecal egg count (FEC) estimated breeding value (EBV) on gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection and performance in naturally infected Katahdin lambs. Spring-born Katahdin ram lambs (n = 52) selected for extremely high FEC EBV (HighFEC, PFEC EBV = +100%) or low FEC EBV (LowFEC, PFEC EBV = -81%) were managed on a fescue-based pasture at the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (Glade Spring, VA). At weaning (June 29), lambs were dewormed with a three-combination treatment and rested for 21 d. At the start of the project (July 18), a random subset of lambs (HighFEC, n = 11; LowFEC, n = 15) were given a 2 g copper oxide wire particle bolus, while an equal number of remaining lambs were managed as controls without a copper bolus. All lambs were managed as one contemporary group. Fecal egg counts, FAMACHA scores, body weights, and packed cell volume (PCV) were measured bi-weekly for 10 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using PROC Mixed Procedure of SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) and FEC data were log transformed for normality. There were no effects of COWP treatment on FEC (P = 0.18). However, LowFEC-selected lambs had less FEC than HighFEC-selected lambs (230 vs. 565 eggs/g, respectively; P < 0.01). There was no interaction of COWP treatment and FEC genotype (P = 0.37). Copper oxide wire particle treatment had no effect on lamb body weight (P = 0.21), PCV (P = 0.69), FAMACHA score (P = 0.41), or overall ADG (P = 0.12). Lamb FEC genotype did not affect FAMACHA score or overall ADG (P = 0.10 and P = 0.22, respectively). LowFEC-selected lambs had lighter body weights (27.7 vs. 30.6 kg, respectively) and PCV (29.2% vs. 30.4%, respectively) than the HighFEC-selected lambs (P < 0.05). None of the 52 lambs met the requirement for deworming (FAMACHA ≥ 3) during the study. These results indicate that lamb FEC genotype may have a greater effect on parasitism than COWP treatment when given once during the post-weaning period. Even so, multiple tools should be considered, in addition to selection, for an integrated parasite management plan.

114 The efficacy of a natural fungus (Duddingtonia flagrans) in reducing gastrointestinal nematode indicators in lambs

Abstract Sustainable and profitable small ruminant production in the US is affected by infections with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), especially the blood sucking GIN, Haemonchus contortus. The overuse and misuse of available drug classes has led to multi-drug resistant GIN that pose significant challenges to parasite control on many farms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a natural fungus (Duddingtonia flagrans; Bioworma, International Animal Health) in reducing GIN larval counts and other GIN indicators in hair sheep wethers. Eighteen St. Croix (n = 9) and Barbados Blackbelly (n = 9) wethers (227 ± 1.4 days of age and 29.7 ± 0.6 kg BW) were dewormed (d 0) with a combination of levamisol (Prohibit; 8 mg/kg BW) moxidectin (Cydectin; 0.2 mg/kg BW) and albendazole (Valbazen; 7.5 mg/kg BW) prior to the start of feeding according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for feeding BioWorma. At this time, lambs were separated into two treatment groups (n = 9/group), split into 3 replications per treatment group and placed on six pasture paddocks (0.06 ha; n = 3 per paddock) after accounting for breed, initial fecal egg count (FEC) and BW. Lambs were then fed daily either a grain supplement ration (corn and soybean meal) with Livamol with Bioworma (LIV) or without (CON) at 2% of their BW for 98 d. LIV was added to the ration based on total lamb BW/paddock. To evaluate the effect of LIV treatment, BW and body condition scores (BCS) were recorded every 2 wk for 98 d. Blood and fecal samples were also collected for determination of packed cell volume (PCV) and FEC. Pooled treatment group feces (d 0 – 98) were collected and cultured to determine GIN genera. A subset of animals/treatment (n = 3) will be harvested to determine abomasal worm counts. Data were analyzed using repeated measures in a mixed model, and FEC were log transformed before analysis. Following deworming (d 0), FEC were reduced by 100% by d 14. There was a mixed population of GIN at the start of the study (averaging 54%, 42%, 1.2% and 1.8% for H. contortus, Tricostrongylus spp., Oesphagostomum spp. and Nematodirus spp., respectively). LIV with Bioworma supplementation had no impact on BW, BCS, PCV or FEC in this study averaging 34.2 ± 0.3 kg, 2.5 ± 0.04, 34.7 ± 0.5% and 150.9 eggs per gram, respectively. Under the conditions of this study, Bioworma® supplementation had no influence on GIN indicators measured up to 100 d of grazing. This research will be continued during subsequent grazing seasons to determine the effect of continued supplementation on lamb parasite load and performance as well as pasture infestation levels.

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro anti-nemathelminthic activity of selected ethnoveterinary herbal preparations used by local healers in small ruminants of Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu

Small ruminants are of great significance to the Indian economy and provide living for two-thirds of the rural population. Gastrointestinal helminths of small ruminants pose a significant impact on small ruminant production. Inappropriate use of synthetic anthelminthics and very limited quantity of synthetic therapeutic agents favours the risk. Natural plant products are far more diverse than synthetic therapeutic agents and many of them have historically shown to be potential in traditional medicine in the treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal helminths. The present study was conducted in view of validating the anthelminthic activity of herbal preparations used by local healers and farmers of Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. The herbal preparations used by local healers and farmers that were previously documented, was assessed for its anthelminthic activity in the current study. In vitro egg hatch assay was conducted. The study revealed a dose-dependent inhibition of egg hatching. The extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis to evaluate the phytochemicals responsible for the activity. It was found that flavonoids, sterols, terpenoids, tannins and saponins might be accountable for the activity.

Comparative study of aqueous and alcoholic extract of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) leaves on two life stages of Haemonchus contortu

In Burkina Faso, the production of small ruminants is confronted with many constraints, including gastrointestinal parasitosis. These parasitic diseases causes many mortality in small ruminant breeding therefore considerable economic losses. Thus, the present study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the in vitro anthelmintic effectiveness of Azadiracta indica (A. indica) leaves on two life stages of Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus): eggs and adult worms. To do this, an aqueous and ethanolic extract of A. indica leaves was carried out. From these extracts, five (5) increasing concentrations were performed: 1.25; 2.5; 5 ; 10 and 20 mg/mL and three (3) controls (distilled water, DMSO 2% and albendazol). These concentrations were brought into contact with i) eggs for Eggs Hatch inhibition Assay st (EHA) and ii) Adult Mortality Test (AMT). Three replicates were performed for each experimental preparations. In vitro observations showed that ethanolic extract of A. indica caused high mortalities (p < 0.0001) ranging from 44.44 to 100% at 2 hours and 6 hours of exposure respectively at 20 mg/mL. In the same time interval, albendazol showed 100% of mortality in H. contortus. For EHA, the inhibition rate varied from 18% to 85% for the aqueous extract and from 54% to 93% for ethanolic extract. We can therefore say that A. indica extracts have nematicidal and ovicidal effect.

Post-Vaccination Sero-Monitoring of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Sheep and Goats in Karnataka: Progress towards PPR Eradication in India.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) presents economic challenges in enzootic countries impacting small ruminant productivity. The state of Karnataka, India, implemented a mass vaccination campaign in alignment with the PPR-Global Eradication Programme (GEP) and the National Strategic Plan for PPR eradication. This study was conducted from January to March 2023 to assess seroconversion in post-vaccinated goats and sheep at the epidemiological unit (epi-unit) level, aligning with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines in the PPR Global Control and Eradication Strategy (GCES). Before vaccination, 3466 random serum samples were collected from small ruminants of three age groups (6-12 months, 1-2 years, and >2 years) across 116 epi-units, spanning 82 taluks in 28 districts. Post-vaccination sero-monitoring included 1102 serum samples collected from small ruminants of the 6-12-month age group only, across 111 epi-units covering 64 taluks in 23 districts. The PPRV antibody status was determined using an indigenous hemagglutinin (H) protein monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA kit. Pre-vaccination, the PPR seropositivity rates were 55%, 62%, and 66% in the age groups of 6-12 months, 1-2 years, and >2 years, respectively, with a 61% PPRV antibody prevalence across all the age groups. Notably, 41% of the epi-units exhibited antibody prevalence rates of ≥70%, indicating a substantial population immunity, possibly attributed to the previous vaccination program in the state since 2011. In contrast, only 17% of the epi-units had below 30% seroprevalence rates, emphasizing the need for intensified vaccination. Statistical analysis of the data revealed significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the presence of PPRV antibodies and host factors such as species, breed, and sex. Post-vaccination seroprevalence in the 6-12 months age group was found to be 73.4%, indicating the use of an efficacious vaccine. On the evaluation of vaccination immunity in the 6-12 months age group, it was revealed that over 69% of the epi-units achieved a response surpassing ≥70%, indicating a significant improvement from 42% of the epi-units in pre-vaccination. For active PPR eradication, a mass vaccination campaign (>95% coverage) targeting small ruminant populations aged >4 months is advocated, aiming to achieve the desired herd immunity of >80%. This study offers crucial insights into PPR baseline seroprevalence/immunity status and vaccine efficacy, guiding national strategies towards a PPR-free India and further supporting the global eradication initiative.

Pasteurellosis in small ruminants and its epidemiology, prevention and control: A brief review

Small ruminant production contributes to the livelihood of small-scale farmers. However, the production is low due to several factors, including pneumonic pasteurellosis. The primary causes of infections are Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Biberstinia trehalosi. It is of great importance at the national level. The disease is commonly transmitted through the air causing sporadic and epidemic pneumonia and septicaemia. Clinical signs include respiratory distress with high fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, and thick purulent nasal discharge. They typically occur in individuals with poor immunity. Weak management practices are often linked to stress. The disease incurs significant losses. The existence of many serotypes without cross-protection and the emergence of drug resistance have made its management more challenging. Furthermore, the causal agents are mostly organisms that reside in the upper respiratory tract but might lead to infection in those with reduced immune systems. Hence, it is crucial to prioritise appropriate selection of antimicrobials, reliable diagnosis, and the inclusion of relevant serotypes in developing vaccines to prevent and manage pneumonic pasteurellosis.&#x0D; Bang. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1 – 2, 25 – 36

The feeding of heather (Calluna vulgaris) to Teladorsagia circumcincta infected lambs reduces parasitism but can detrimentally impact performance

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections impact small ruminant health, welfare, and production across farming systems. Rising anthelmintic resistance and regulation of synthetic drug use in organic farming is driving research and development of sustainable alternatives for GIN control. One alternative is the feeding of plants that contain secondary metabolites (PSMs) e.g., proanthocyanidins (PA, syn. condensed tannins) that have shown anthelmintic potential. However, PSMs can potentially impair performance, arising from reduced palatability and thus intake, digestibility or even toxicity effects. In this study, we tested the trade-off between the antiparasitic and anti-nutritional effects of heather consumption by lambs. The impact of additional feeding of a nematophagous fungus (Duddingtonia flagrans) on larval development was also explored. Lambs infected with Teladorsagia circumcincta or uninfected controls, were offered ad libitum heather, or a control chopped hay for 22 days during the infection patent period. Eight days into the patent period, parasitised lambs were supplemented (or remained unsupplemented) with D. flagrans for a 5-day period. Performance and infection metrics were recorded, and polyphenol levels in the heather and control hay were measured to investigate their association with activity.The lambs consumed heather at approximately 20% of their dry matter intake, which was sufficient to exhibit significant anthelmintic effects via a reduction in total egg output (P = 0.007), compared to hay-fed lambs; the magnitude of the reduction over time in heather fed lambs was almost 10-fold compared to control lambs. Negative effects on production were shown, as heather-fed lambs weighed 6% less than hay-fed lambs (P < 0.001), even though dry matter intake (DMI) of heather increased over time. D. flagrans supplementation lowered larval recovery in the faeces of infected lambs by 31.8% (P = 0.003), although no interactions between feeding heather and D. flagrans were observed (P = 0.337). There was no significant correlation between PA, or other polyphenol subgroups in the diet and egg output, which suggests that any association between heather feeding and anthelmintic effect is not simply and directly attributable to the measured polyphenols. The level of heather intake in this study showed no antagonistic effects on D. flagrans, demonstrating the methods can be used in combination, but provide no additive effect on overall anthelmintic efficacies. In conclusion, heather feeding can assist to reduce egg outputs in infected sheep, but at 20% of DMI negative effects on lamb performance can be expected which may outweigh any antiparasitic benefits.

A Review of Ethnomedicinal Plants as Potential Anthelmintic Agents to Alternatively Control Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Ruminants in South Africa.

Small ruminant production is one of the most important animal productions for food security in the world, especially in the developing world. Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection is a threat to this animal's production. Conventional drugs that are used to control these parasites are losing their efficacy due to the development of resistant parasites. These drugs are not biologically degradable, taint meat products and are also expensive for communal farmers. Hence, research is now exploring ethnomedicinal anthelmintic plants for an alternative remedy. The objective of this paper was to review ethnomedicinal plants as a potential alternative to unsustainable commercial anthelmintics. This review sought to understand common GINs infecting ruminants, resistance manifestation in GINs to conventional treatment, reasons communal farmers choose ethnomedicine, and modes of action in anthelmintic plants. It also examined the usage of plants and plant parts, dosage forms, methods for improving bioactivity, convectional validation procedures, and restrictions on ethnomedicinal plant use as anthelmintics in ethnomedicine. Such insight is essential, as it highlights the importance of ethnoveterinary medicine and ways to adopt or improve it as a potential alternative to conventional anthelmintics.

Impact of nematode infestation in livestock production and the role of natural feed additives – A review

Abstract Efforts to mitigate production losses in small stock due to nematode infestation have birthed the emergence of several control methods as alternatives to chemical-based anthelmintics or to complement them. This results from the recent development of multiple resistance by many parasitic nematodes to anthelmintic drugs. Many of these complementary alternatives, such as breeding resistance, grazing land management, use of predators, and vaccines, have shown the potential to alleviate this menace. Still, some are expensive or require a lot of technicalities. Controlling nematode infestation using natural feed additives has demonstrated effectiveness on the disease under natural conditions. Natural feed additives are environmentally friendly and often do not have health implications for animals and humans. They are readily available, especially to poor-resource farmers; some could be relatively cheap. Therefore, this article reviews the use of naturally available alternative anthelmintics such as plant extracts, clay, microbes, herbs, spices, and organic acids in mitigating the impacts of nematode infestations in small ruminant production.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Sheep and Goats With Owners' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Garowe District, Nugal region, Somalia.

Brucellosis is an important neglected bacterial zoonotic disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Somalia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Garowe district, Nugal region, Somalia, from May 2022 to January 2023 to estimate the seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis and assess owners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward brucellosis. A total of 384 sheep and goats were selected using a simple random sampling technique and screened for Brucella antibodies by the Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test, and positive samples were then further confirmed using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For the questionnaire survey, 384 households were selected randomly, and a structured questionnaire was used to assess owners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward brucellosis. The overall brucellosis seroprevalence was 4.7% in small ruminants (95% CI: 2.8-7.3), and the true seroprevalence was calculated as 5.2%. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, sex was found to be a potential risk factor for small ruminant brucellosis (P < .05). More specifically, female sheep and goats were 9.13 times (aOR 9.13, 95% CI: 1.18-70.33) more likely to become seropositive than males. The owners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward brucellosis were found to be low, and education level was associated with owners' knowledge (χ2 = 16.78; P < .001), attitudes (χ2 = 19.4; P < .001) and practices (χ2 = 34.0; P < .001). There is also a significant association between owner knowledge, attitudes, and practices and seropositivity of brucellosis in sheep and goats. Moderate seroprevalence, together with insufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices of owners, makes brucellosis a threat to animals and the entire community. Hence, raising community awareness of the disease is essential to reduce the impact on small ruminant productivity and the risks to public health.

Evaluation of Nutritional Composition of Small Ruminants’ Feed stuffs widely grown in Khulna Region of Bangladesh

Feed stuffs availability is one of the extreme obstacles to small ruminant production, particularly during the dry season. In Khulna region, there are several feed stuffs, fodders, grasses and weeds, but their potential has not yet been completely realized due to a lack of understanding of their nutritional value. Therefore, the research was carried out to determine the nutritional value of available feed stuffs for small ruminants in the Khulna region. Roughage and concentrate samples were collected from different areas of Khulna region. All of the samples were taken in triplicates and analyzed accordingly. The results revealed that among the grass species, the Gitlacontains the highestamount of DM content (39.74%)and lowest in Kalmilata (13.90%). The crude protein contents in grass species ranged from 6.5% to 25.65% being highest in Helencha and lowest in Para. Highest EE content was found in German lata (7.05%), followed by Kakpaya (6.72%). The CF content varied between 9.39% in Chanchito 40.05%in Para. Kakpayacontains the highest ash (17.45%), while Pakchong the lowest (8.68%).Mustard oil cake containsthe highestamount of DM (94.77%) among the concentrates, whereas red wheat contains the lowest (89.85%). Crude protein (CP) contents of concentrate feed stuffs ranged from 5.35% in gram bran to 50.75% in soybean meal. Rice polish (21.12%) showed the highest EE concentration and it was lowest in motor bran (2.50%). The maximum concentration of CF was found in Khesari bran (27.17%), while the lowest was in maize (1.82%). It could be concluded that evaluated concentrate feeds and grass species could serve as prospective livestock feeds in southwest Bangladesh. South Asian J. Agric., Vol. 9, No.1&amp;2, 2022-‘23: 31-38

Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in goats (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) from three provinces of China

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in small ruminants, especially goats and sheep, have caused significant socio-economic and public health challenges worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity and prevalence of GI parasites in goats and sheep in Jiangsu, Shaanxi and Hunan provinces of China, and to assess whether the age of animals, sampling season and feeding mode influence the distribution and infection of GI parasites. A total of 1,081 fecal samples collected from goats (n = 835) and sheep (n = 246) were detected by saturated saline flotation technique and nylon sifter elutriation and sieving method for eggs/oocysts, respectively. Based on the morphological observation of eggs and oocysts, one tapeworm, five nematodes, three trematodes and nineteen coccidia were identified, of which seven helminths belong to zoonotic parasites. The infection rate of parasites was 83.4% (902/1081) in total samples, 91.6% (765/835) in goats, and 55.7% (137/246) in sheep. The infection rate of coccidia was 71.0% (767/1081), and that of helminths was 56.2% (607/1081). The dominant species was E. alijeri (67.3%, 562/835) in goats, E. parva (30.1%, 74/246) in sheep. The highest prevalent helminths were Trichostrongylidae spp. in goats (58.3%, 487/835), and Moniezia spp. in sheep (22.76%, 56/246). Of 902 positive samples, 825 (91.5%, 825/902) contained multiple (2–10) parasites. The feeding mode, sampling season and regions were relevant risk factors which have significant influence on the occurrence of GI parasites in goats and sheep. The risk coefficient of parasite infection in autumn was 2.49 times higher than spring (Odds ratio = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.51–4.09, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Compared to raising on the high beds, the goats and sheep raising on the ground had the higher risk of parasite infection (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 2.07–7.40, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The risk coefficient of parasite infection in Shaanxi and Hunan was 3.78 and 1.25 times higher than that in Jiangsu (OR = 3.78, 95% CI = 2.01–7.12, p &amp;lt; 0.001; OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.21–1.29, p &amp;lt; 0.001). These data are significant for the development of prevention strategies to minimise economic losses from small ruminant production and to reduce the risk of water and food infecting humans as vectors of zoonotic parasitic diseases.

Small ruminant value chain in Al-Ruwaished District, Jordan

This study aims to assess the small ruminant value chain in Al-Ruwaished District, Jordan, to identify the potential intervention areas that could improve the production efficiency and guarantee the sustainability of the small ruminant sector in this area. Sheep breeding is the source of livelihood for most of the people in Al-Ruwaished District, which is characterized by the large number of sheep and goats. We surveyed 5.0% of the small ruminant holders in the study area and conducted individual interviews and surveys with the potential actors in the value chain to undertake a small ruminant value chain analysis. From the survey, we found that the small ruminant value chain consists of five core functions, namely, input supply, production management, marketing, processing, and consumption. Despite the large number of holdings that gives an impression of the stability to the small ruminant sector, the surveyed results show a clear fragility in the value chain of small ruminants in this area. The small ruminant production system is negatively impacted by climate change, especially continuous drought. In addition, the high prices of feed that the farmer cannot afford with clear and real absence of the governmental and non-governmental support activities also impact the development of the value chain. The results of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis reveal that the major constraints faced by this value chain could be divided into external and internal threats. Specifically, the most prominent external threats are the nature of the desert land and continuous drought, while the major internal threats are the absence of appropriate infrastructure, shortage of inputs, and weakness in the production management and marketing. We proposed solutions to these challenges to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the sector, such as the formulation of emergency response plans to severe weather, qualifying farmers’ skills, and establishment of agricultural cooperative societies.

Retrospective study of Oestrus ovis larvae infestation in small ruminants in Grenada, West Indies

Oestrosis is a nasal cavity myiasis caused by Oestrus ovis larvae from Oetrus ovis diptera flies in small ruminants. The presence of the larvae in the nasal cavity is known to cause rhinitis and sinusitis which can negatively impact the productivity of small ruminants. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of Oestrus ovis larvae infestation in sheep and goats presented for necropsy. We reviewed necropsy records of sheep and goats submitted to the Veterinary Pathology diagnostic laboratory at St. George's University from 2001 to 2017. Out of 104 goat necropsy cases, Oestrus ovis larvae were observed in 8 goats giving a prevalence of 7.7% (95% confidence interval (CI):3.38% to 14.6%). Similarly, from the 47 sheep necropsies, Oestus ovis larvae were observed in 4 sheep (8.5%) (95% CI: 2.83% to 20.46%). There was no significant difference in Oestrus ovis larvae infestation rates between sheep and goats (p = 1.000, Fisher's exact test). Oestrosis was an incidental finding in all the small ruminants examined at necropsy. This is the first report on Oestrus ovis larvae infestation in small ruminants in Grenada.

Performance, body measurement, physiological adaptability and metabolic status of Garut sheep raised in a pen-intensive system in Indonesia

Small ruminant production systems that utilize pen-intensive systems have become more popular in Indonesia during the past few decades. It is well recognized that allowing sheep freedom to move freely outside can significantly improve their health and welfare. This study used a T test experimental design with ten replicates to compare the performance, body measurements, physiological adaptability, and metabolic status of Garut sheep raised in pen-intensive management with two different treatments (outdoor pen access vs. full indoor pen). A twenty-one-year-old sheep with an average body weight of 19.57±2.50 kg was employed in this experiment. The findings showed that neither treatment's dry matter intake (grams per head per day) nor average daily gain (grams per head per day) differed (P&gt;0.05), but the ewes exposed to outdoor pen access had significantly longer bodies (P≤0.05) than those in the full indoor pen. The physiological health of the ewes having access to the outdoor enclosure was similarly improved (P≤0.05), especially in the morning and afternoon. Apart from plasma glucose levels, the metabolic status of the ewes in both treatment groups was similar, with the exception that the ewes with access to an outdoor enclosure had lower blood glucose (P≤0.05). Furthermore, the adaptability coefficient value was lower (P≤0.05) in compared with those without access to outdoor pen, with no different (P&gt;0.05) in Heat Tolerance Coefficient value. In conclusion, a pen-intensive system with an outside enclosure not only increases the performance of garut ewes but also improves their physiological adaptability. This approach can be highly promoted to improve sheep farming management in Indonesia.

Validation of the methane production measurement accuracy and ranking capacity of portable accumulation chambers for use with small ruminants

Using portable accumulation chambers (PAC) is an attractive approach to recording methane (CH4) production of small ruminants. Mass flow controllers (MFC), for their part, are an effective way of validating PAC measurements, as they allow to simulate methane production rates freely of extraneous factors. The present study describes a series of tests carried out to evaluate the accuracy and precision of methane mass recordings of eight PAC against known CH4 masses released by a MFC. Across the tested range, the PAC were able to recover between 67.6 and 74.5% of the true CH4 released. No significant differences were detected between the different PAC, but a statistically significant linear shift was detected over the mass range. Therefore, PAC as currently used are not well suited for applications looking at absolute production levels requiring high absolute accuracy. If recovery tests are conducted regularly across the measurement range, a calibration factor could be generated to correct for the inaccuracy. These PAC were however well suited for investigating relative differences between animals, e.g. ranking animals to compare differences in CH4 production between breeds. The methane recordings made by these chambers were highly precise, with low coefficients of variation between replicates (0.0–2.4%) and high repeatability (>0.99). Furthermore, the correlation between released and recorded CH4 masses was very strong and positive (R > 0.99). Overall, the mass recovery test presented here provides a feasible method for harmonizing methane monitoring procedures using PAC between research groups, thereby improving joint efforts aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas production in small ruminants.

Socio-Economic Determinants of ICT Utilization among Small Ruminant Farmers in Gombe North Senatorial District of Gombe State, Nigeria

This article examined the relationship between socioeconomic features on the utilization of ICT tools in small ruminant animal production in Gombe North senatorial district of Gombe state, Nigeria. 120 small ruminant animal producers were selected using multistage sampling methodologies. The findings revealed that the respondents’ sex, highest educational level, farm size, and the number of secondary occupations, were the socio-economic characteristics which exerted a strong, influence on the overall extent of ICT gadget usage. Respondents; sex was found to have a rho value of .862, the highest educational level.968, farm size .870 and the number of secondary occupations.930. The study suggests that farmers should seek further education, try to increase their farm size, introduce more other enterprises into their farms and engage in more other secondary occupations.

225 Curricula-Based trainers’ Training: Integrated Approach for Preventing Diseases and Parasites in Small Ruminants in the Southeast

Abstract A high prevalence of diseases and parasites is one of the major constraints in the small-ruminant industry in the Southeast because of its warm and humid climate, and poor management practices. Drug resistance developing in pathogens, and the lack of access of producers to and affordability for veterinarians practicing in small ruminants warranted us to look for integrated preventive approaches. To promote integrated approaches for preventing diseases and parasites in small ruminants, a team of scientists and professionals from five institutions (Tuskegee University, Fort Valley State University, USDA-ARS Booneville, University of Arkansas, and the University of Maryland Eastern-Shore) worked together with an objective to develop curricula (training handbook) and train the trainers (educators) and small-ruminant producers in the Southeast. The Training Handbook consisted of nine chapters authored by project collaborators and invited experts. Relevant aspects of keeping small ruminants healthy and preventing possible diseases and parasites, including basic facilities and health care, suitable sites, grazing systems and management, biosecurity, selection and breeding, nutrition, and economics have been presented and discussed in the Handbook. After the handbook was developed, a 3-day train-the-trainers training was conducted at Tuskegee University. County agents, specialists, and technical-service providers working at various land-grant universities and other institutions working with small-ruminant producers or their educators were invited to participate in the training. Additionally, selected lead producers raising small ruminants from Alabama and graduate students working on small-ruminant research and outreach were invited to the training. Twelve professionals from four different states (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina) six farmers, and four graduate students attended the training. Training included indoor sessions with presentations, discussions, and question-answer sessions. Outdoor sessions included demonstrations, hands-on activities, and tours of the small-ruminant production sites and facilities. Evaluations by participants were conducted before adjournment on the same day or at the beginning on the next day. Most participants expressed that presented topics, hands-on activities, demonstration, and tours were extremely useful (71-85%) or very useful (13-23%). They stated that they were extremely likely (73-89%) or very likely (11-23%) to apply what was learned from the training. Similarly, most participants reported that the ultimate condition of small-ruminant health would be improved if the learned knowledge and skills are applied on the farms (producers) or on education endeavors (professionals) with most improvements (64-83%) or reasonable improvements (15-21%). Evaluations by participants showed that the training handbook and the overall training could be very useful to improve health of small ruminants significantly.

AMERICAN CONSORTIUM FOR SMALL RUMINANT PARASITE CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE USE OF PLANT SECONDARY COMPOUNDS OF SERICEA LESPEDEZA FOR THE CONTROL OF SHEEP AND GOAT PARASITES

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction&lt;/strong&gt;: Sericea lespedeza (SL; &lt;em&gt;Lespedeza cuneata&lt;/em&gt;) is a warm-season perennial legume well-adapted to the warm, moist climate of the southeastern USA. High in condensed tannins and other secondary compounds, SL has potential as an anti-parasitic nutraceutical forage for sheep and goats in this region and throughout the world where it is adapted. &lt;strong&gt;Objectives&lt;/strong&gt;: To summarize the nearly 20 years’ work of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC) related to the anti-parasitic properties of SL in the diet of small ruminants. &lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: In a series of experiments with goats and sheep fed SL in fresh (grazed), dried (hay, leaf meal, pellets) or preserved (ensiled) forms, this forage showed promising anti-parasitic efficacy against GIN, particularly &lt;em&gt;Haemonchus contortus&lt;/em&gt;, and coccidia (&lt;em&gt;Eimeria &lt;/em&gt;spp.), lowering gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) fecal egg counts (FEC), coccidial fecal oocyst counts (FOC), and reducing GIN larval development and worm burdens. &lt;strong&gt;Implications&lt;/strong&gt;: These results indicate the potential of SL as a component of integrated, novel (non-chemical) parasite management programs for on-farm application by small ruminant producers. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;: Sericea lespedeza has very good anti-parasitic activity against GIN and coccidial infection in sheep and goats and has excellent potential as a nutraceutical forage for small ruminant producers, either for their own use or for sale as nutraceutical hay or pellets.&lt;/p&gt;