wild & woolly spring 2014

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Research from the Southern Section of the American Science

2

Scrapie Update 3

Goat Twilight Tour & Tasting 3

US Sheep, Goat

Inventory Declines 4

Webinar Recordings:

Sheep & Goat Health 4

Accepting Nominations

for 2014 Goat Test 5

Pen vs. Pasture Study

Funded for Third Year 5

New Extension Director 6

Herbal De-wormer Fails

to Control Parasites 6

Preparing for Ethnic Holidays

7

New Resources from NCAT/ATTRA

7

New Product: Electric Hoof Knife

8

Junior Sheep & Goat Skillathon

8

MPWV Spring Educational Conference

9

Recipe: Grilled Lamb Sirloin

9

Abomasal Bloat 10 Calendar of Events 11

S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 V O L U M E X I I I I S S U E I I

Wild & Woolly

The University of Maryland Extension

programs are open to any person and will

not discriminate against anyone because of

race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation,

physical or mental disability, religion,

ancestry, national origin, marital status,

genetic information, political affiliation,

and gender identity or expression.

The National Sheep Im-

provement Program

(NSIP) is a quantitative

genetic selection tool

designed to help sheep

and goat producers

make better breeding

decisions.

NSIP is in the business of calculating EBVs

and helping producers use EBVs to their best

advantage. EBV is the acronym for

“estimated breeding value.” An EBV esti-

mates the genetic worth of an animal. It is a

description of an animal’s performance as

compared to the average of the flock or

breed. It predicts future performance of off-

spring.

What is an EBV?

EBVs can be calculated for any trait that can

be measured or scored. A variety of EBVs

are calculated for sheep and goats. EBVs are

usually separated into trait categories, such

as growth, reproduction, carcass, and wool.

An EBV can also be calculated for disease

resistant traits, such as fecal egg counts

(parasite resistance).

Estimated breeding values are calculated

from the animal’s own performance, perfor-

mance from genetically-related traits, and

performance of relatives for those traits. The

accuracy of EBVs is influenced by several

factors, but improves with genetic linkages.

EBVs are calculated using a computational

procedure known as BLUP (Best Linear Un-

biased Prediction). Because BLUP takes en-

vironmental influences into account, EBVs

can be compared across flocks, so long as

they are genetically-linked.

At the farm level, differences in manage-

ment are accounted for by comparing ani-

mals in the same contemporary group. A

contemporary group is a group of animals,

of similar age, that are fed and managed the

same. Large contemporary groups improve

the accuracy of EBVs. For small flock own-

ers, the size of contemporary groups is a

limiting factor.

Selection indexes simplify EBVs by combin-

ing numerous traits into one number. What

traits to include in the selection index and

the weight to apply to each trait depends

upon the importance of the trait(s) to the

breed or production system. For example,

the selection index for a maternal breed is

very different than the selection index for a

terminal sire breed.

Breeding Better Sheep and Goats

(Continued on 1)

National Webinar Series: NSIP

The NSIP Relaunch Committee will be holding a series of webinars in May and June to

teach sheep and goat producers about the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP).

NSIP is a quantitative genetic selection tool designed to help sheep and goat producers

make good breeding decisions. (Continued on Page 4)

P A G E 2

W I L D & W O O L L Y

Research form the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science

hair sheep (St. Croix and Barbados Black-

belly) rams.

At Fort Valley State University (in Geor-

gia), lambs and kids fed pelleted sericea

lespedeza had lower fecal egg counts and

(coccidia) oocytes counts at various times

during a 21-day confinement trial. How-

ever, there were no differences in packed

cell volume (PCV) and none of the lambs

or kids required treatment for coccidio-

sis. The researchers were also evaluating

the efficacy of sericea lespedeza pellets

made in different years. They concluded

that year may affect pellet efficacy. Seri-

cea lespedeza has been shown to be effec-

tive at reducing barber pole worm infec-

tions in sheep and goats.

Researchers at Lincoln University

(Missouri) found no differences in perfor-

mance and reproduction among

Katahdin ewes and fall-calving Angus

cows grazing stockpiled endophyte-

infected tall fescue when grazed either

together or sequentially (sheep followed

by cattle).

Researchers at North Carolina State Uni-

versity evaluated the effects of the addi-

tion of clovers to tall fescue pastures. Re-

search plots included three replications

of tall fescue mixed with ladino white

clover; tall fescue mixed with red clover;

tall fescue fertilized with nitrogen (N);

and tall fescue with no additional N.

Within each main treatment plot, there

were grazed and mowed subplots. In the

spring, the plots were grazed by does

and their kids. In the fall the plots were

grazed by wethers. Average daily gain

did not differ in spring or fall, but gain

per acre was higher for the clover treat-

ments in the spring. White clover fixed

more nitrogen than red clover. Unferti-

lized fescue had the lowest yield in the

spring, whereas white clover had a lower

Researchers at Virginia State University

supplemented hair sheep (St. Croix and

Barbados Blackbelly) lambs grazing

MaxQ® tall fescue pastures with soy hulls

at 0, 1, 2 or 3% of their body weight (BW).

Body weights and average daily gain

(ADG) increased linearly with increasing

levels of soy hull supplementation. After

80 days, the lambs consuming 3% soy hulls

were approximately 18.5 lbs. heavier than

the lambs that did not receive any supple-

mentation. Supplementation had no effects

on parasites loads, as no lambs required

deworming.

Researchers at Southern University (in

Louisiana) are evaluating the impact of

sequential grazing on forage production

(Bermuda grass pastures) and doe and kid

performance. Preliminary data suggest

that cattle should follow goats in an inten-

sive rotational grazing system.

At West Virginia University, an experi-

ment was conducted to determine the

effects of three sources of protein supple-

mentation on the growth rate of parasi-

tized organic lambs grazing predominant-

ly fescue pastures. Forty-five Suffolk-cross

lambs were supplemented with either 1)

alfalfa pellets (1.28% BW); 2) corn and soy-

bean meal (1% BW); or 3) corn, soybean

meal, and fish meal (1% BW). The results

suggest that supplements containing great-

er rumen bypass protein (e.g. fish meal)

may support higher growth. However,

there were no differences in parasite loads

for the lambs receiving the different pro-

tein supplements.

Researchers at Virginia State University

evaluated sire breed differences in preg-

nancy rate of hair sheep ewes, following

vaginal insemination with liquid semen.

While pregnancy rates were lower than in

previous trials, Dorset semen produced

fewer pregnancies than the semen from

Vaginal Insemination (image by

Virginia State University)

Recording weights for research

(Continued on Page 3)

P A G E 3 V O L U M E X I I I I S S U E I I


The February 2014 report for the National Scrapie Eradication Program

has been posted to www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/

animal_diseases/scrapie/downloads/monthly_report.pdf. Published by

the U.S. Department of Agricultureʹs Animal and Plant Health Inspec-

tion Service (APHIS), the report reviews the current progress of scrapie

eradication in the United States.

Since the start of Regulatory Scrapie Slaughter Surveillance (RSSS) in

fiscal year (FY) 2003, there has been a 90-percent decrease in the number

of positive sheep found in samples at slaughter, adjusted for face color.

As of Dec. 31, 2013, the percent of cull sheep found positive at slaughter

and adjusted for face color was 0.015 percent.

Eight source flocks (including two goat herds) and three infected flocks

were designated in FY 2013. One source flock and three infected flocks

have been designed in FY 2014.

Before the United States may be declared ʺscrapie free,ʺ remaining cases

must be found. Sheep and goats that are slaughtered outside the com-

mercial slaughter facilities are being missed in the routine scrapie

slaughter surveillance. Submission of samples from sheep/goats over 18

months of age found dead or euthanized on farms is critically important.

Without these submissions, scrapie-infected animals will go undetected,

costing the sheep and goat industries anywhere from $10 million to $20

million annually.

To learn more about submitting samples, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/

animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/gen_submission.shtml.

Source: ASI Weekly News, March 24, 2014

Goat Twilight

Tour and Tasting

On Thursday, July 31 from 5:30

p.m. until dark, there will a Goat

Twilight Tour and Tasting at the

University of Maryland’s Western

Maryland Research & Education

Center in Keedysville.

In addition to wagon tours of the

buck test and pen vs. pasture study,

a local chef Todd Morren will pre-

pare chevon (goat meat) in several

different ways.

To make sure we have enough meat

for sampling, pre-registration is

required for the event. You can pre-

register by calling the research cen-

ter at (301) 432-2767 x315 or sending

an e-mail to Pam Thomas at pthom-

[email protected]. The pre-registration

deadline is July 24.

yield in the fall. Soil N values tended to be greater for white clover in both seasons compared to other treatments and

also for the subplots that were grazed vs. mowed. The researchers concluded that inclusion of clovers results in simi-

lar yields as fescue fertilized with nitrogen and that inclusion of clovers in fescue pastures could reduce the need for

N fertilization.

Source: Book of Abstracts, American Society of Animal Science Southern Section, February 2-3, 2014, Dallas TX

Research from the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science continued from page 2

Scrapie Update

Sheep with Scrapie (image by Colorado State University)

P A G E 4


The webinars will be held on consecutive Thursday

evenings from May 1 until June 5. All webinars will

begin at 8 p.m. EST and last for approximately 1 hour.

May 1

How the sheep industry can benefit from NSIP

Dr. Robert Banks, University of New England

(Australia)

May 8

How the goat industry can benefit from NSIP

Dr. Ken Andries, Kentucky State University

May 15

How, when, and what data to collect

Cody Hiemke, Illinois Shropshire breeder

May 22

Challenges of moving to a performance

based flock

Bill Shultz, Ohio Suffolk breeder

May 29

How to enter and submit data

Dr. Chris Schauer, North Dakota State University

June 5 How to use the data Producer panel

The webinars will be hosted by University of Maryland

Extension (Susan Schoenian). To register for one or

more webinars, send an e-mail message to pthom-

[email protected]. Registrants will receive log-in infor-

mation via e-mail.

National Webinar Series: NSIP continued from page 1

Sheep

The US sheep and lamb inventory on January 1, 2014, totaled 5.21 million head, down 2 percent

from 2013. The breeding sheep inventory decreased to 3.88 million head, down 2 percent from

2013. The 2013 national average lambing rate was only 107 lambs per 100 ewes (one year old

and older). Wool production in 2013 was 27.0 million pounds, down 1 percent from 2012. In

2013, the average price paid for wool was $1.45 per pound, compared to $1.52 in 2012.

The average fleece weight was 7.3 lbs.

Goats

The US goat inventory on January 1, 2014, totaled 2.76 million head, down 2 percent from 2013.

The breeding goat inventory totaled 2.26 million head, down 3 percent from 2013. Meat and all

other goats totaled 2.28 million head, down 2 percent from 2013. The milk goat inventory was

355 thousand head, down 1 percent. Angora goats were down 4 percent, totaling 131 thousand

head. The 2013 kid crop was 1.74 million head, 3 percent less than in 2012.

In Maryland

In Maryland, the goat inventory totaled 14,800 head on January 1. This included 2,200 milk

goats and 12,600 meat and other goats. The dairy goat inventory increased 10 percent from last

year, whereas there was a 15 percent increase in the number of meat and other goats. Individual

statistics are not reported for Maryland sheep. Maryland is lumped into the ʺother statesʺ cate-

gory.

Read full report at http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/current/SheeGoat/SheeGoat‐01‐31‐2014.pdf

US Sheep, Goat Inventory Declines Again

A five-part webinar series on Sheep & Goat Health was held in January and February 2014. Links to the webinar

recordings and PowerPoint presentations are available at http://www.sheepandgoat.com/recordings.

Webinar Recordings: Sheep & Goat Health

Download program flyer from http://www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/2014NSIPWebinars_flyer.pdf.

P A G E 5 V O L U M E X I I I I S S U E I I


The nomination period for the 2014 Western Maryland Pasture-Based

Meat Goat Performance Test is April 1-May 15. Nomination packets

have been mailed to 2012 and 2013 consigners. Nomination packets may

be requested by contacting Pam Thomas at (301) 432-2767 x343 or

[email protected]. All documents in the nomination packet may also

be downloaded from the blog at http://mdgoatatest.blogspot.com.

Nomination forms and nomination fees ($20/goat) are due May 15. All

nominations received by the deadline will be treated equally. If nomina-

tions exceed the carrying capacity of the test, preference will be given to

Maryland residents and previous consigners.

Any goat producer may consign up to five male goats to the test. Eligible goats may be of any breed or breed cross.

They do not need to be registered or eligible for registry. They must be born between December 15, 2013, and March

15, 2014, and weigh between 35 and 70 lbs. upon delivery to the test site on May 30. It is not necessary to identify spe-

cific bucks at the time of nomination.

While on test, the goats will be evaluated for growth performance, parasite resistance, and parasite resilience. After a

short adjustment period, the test will be split into two phases. The first 42 days (June 5-July 17) will serve as a

“parasite challenge.” The bucks will graze cool season grass paddocks that have been pre-contaminated (by grazing

sheep) with infective worm larvae. The second 42 days (July 17-August 28) will serve as a “growth challenge.” The

bucks will graze “clean” annual pastures.

Towards the end of the test period, the bucks will be evaluated for structural correctness and reproductive soundness.

They will be scanned (using ultrasound) to determine their rib eye area.

The Gold, Silver, and Bronze-performing bucks will be sold on Saturday, September 6 at the 1st Bluegrass Perfor-

mance Invitational in Frankfort, Kentucky. Consigners to the buck test will be eligible to consign does to the sale.

http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com

Accepting Nominations for 2014 Goat Test

The University of Maryland’s Pen vs. Pasture Study has received a

third year of funding from the Maryland Grain Producers Utiliza-

tion Board (MGPUB). The purpose of the multi-year study is to com-

pare the performance and carcass characteristics of pen-fed vs. pas-

ture-raised goats.

Thirty bucklings will be randomly assigned to two treatment

groups. The pen-fed goats will be kept in dry lot and fed a diet con-

sisting of free choice hay and limit-fed grain (barley). The pasture-

raised goats will graze alongside the bucks in the Western Maryland

Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test.

After a short adjustment period and 84-day feeding period, all of the

goats will be harvested to collect carcass data. A sample from each

carcass will be analyzed for fatty acid profile.

Pen vs. Pasture Study Funded for Third Year

http://www.sheepandgoat.com/goatcarcassevaluation.html

P A G E 6


New Extension Director Has Sheep/Goat Ties

By Dahlia O’Brien

Delaware State University

Over the last few years, a number of studies have been done to test the effectiveness of commer-

cially-available herbal dewormers. Most recently, two studies were conducted at Delaware State

University to test how effective Hoegger’s Herbal Wormer was in reducing fecal egg counts in

meat goat kids and lactating does.

This dewormer is distributed by Hoegger’s Goat Supply (Fayetteville, GA) and contains a mixture of dried plant mate-

rials including wormwood, gentian, fennel, psyllium and quassia. Individually, these ingredients have all been report-

ed to have possible deworming properties capable of reducing internal parasites in livestock. However, most of this

information is anecdotal and not supported by scientific data.

So far, scientific studies evaluating commercial, non-chemical dewormers have found that they fail to reduce fecal egg

counts in sheep and goats. The results from these two studies also supports that at the recommended dose and under

the conditions of the studies, Hoegger’s Herbal Wormer was not an effective dewormer.

Read full article at http://www.acsrpc.org/Resources/Topics/herbaldewormers.html

Herbal Dewormer Fails to Control Parasites

More Information On Sheep & Goats Can Be Accessed At:

http://www.sheepandgoat.com/

http://www.sheep101.info/

http://mdsheepgoat.blogspot.com

http://www.acsrpc.org


https://www.facebook.com/MDSmallRuminant

https://twitter.com/MDSheepGoat

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland has

hired a new Associate Dean and Associate Director of University of Maryland Extension.

He is Dr. Stephen Wright.

Dr. Wright comes to Maryland from Ohio State University, where he held an administra-

tive position. Dr. Wright is a native of Maryland. He earned his undergraduate degree in

geography, a masterʹs degree in urban studies, and a Ph.D. in agriculture and extension

education from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Wright has a strong connection to the sheep and goat industry. He managed as many as 150 goats and 200 ewes at his

Sunland Mountain Farm in Mt. Solon, Virginia. The first livestock Dr. Wright purchased were Tennessee Fainting goats, a

rare breed. Dr. Wright joined the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (now called The Livestock Conservancy). With-

in a year of purchasing the goats, he added St. Croix sheep to his farm. Dr. Wright was instrumental in getting farmers to

raise hair sheep in his area.

Before moving to Ohio, Dr. Wright sold his farm; however, he still maintains a small flock of St. Croix sheep that he plans

to move back east. Welcome back to Maryland, Dr. Wright!

(Photo by Edwin Remsberg, UMD)

P A G E 7


V O L U M E X I I I I S S U E

According to a 2010 study funded by the American

Sheep Industry Association, ethnic markets comprise

a significant and growing portion of the US sheep

market. For this reason, producers need to consider

the dates of various ethnic holidays (or religious ob-

servances) when developing their marketing plans.

Traditionally, the demand for lamb increases at East-

er. This year, both (Eastern) Orthodox and Roman

(Western) Easter will occur on the same day, April

20. Often, the Easters occur on different Sundays, as

different calendars are used to calculate the dates of

the holidays. When targeting the Easter markets, be

sure to sell the right kind of lambs (usually milk-fed

and “fat”) and place lambs in the market place at

least 5-10 days before the holiday. As an option, you

might consider spreading your risks and sending

some lambs directly after the holiday. Prices some-

times are high afterwards as supply is decreased due

to the holiday.

Muslim holidays have become increasing important

to the US lamb market. There are two major Muslim

holidays. Eid ul Fitr or the “Festival of Fast Breaking”

follows the holy month of Ramadan, in which Mus-

lims fast from sunrise to sunset and have celebratory

meals in the evening. In 2014, this three day holiday

will occur on July 29-31. The most important Muslim

holiday is Eid ul Adha or the “Festival of the Sacri-

fice.” In 2014, it will occur October 4-7. This holiday

commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his

son in obedience to God. Instead, he sacrificed a lamb

(ram).

Muslim holidays cannot be predicted with exact cer-

tainty, since they are based on a lunar calendar and

the siting of the moon. For this same reason, Muslim

holidays move forward approximately 11 days each

year.

The type of lamb demanded by Muslim consumers

Determining the age of sheep and goats

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwpXzdE7h1I

When is my lamb ready to be butchered?

Fact sheet and video: https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=459

varies, but is usually

an older, unblem-

ished lamb or year-

ling, usually an intact

male. As with any

market segment, it’s

important to learn

what potential cus-

tomers want and will

pay a premium for.

To help US sheep producers evaluate and develop

potential markets to ethnic consumers, three Univer-

sity Extension systems have partnered with their re-

spective sheep associations to help address this op-

portunity. Maine, Maryland and Ohio received fund-

ing from ASI’s Let’s Grow campaign in 2013 for this

effort. A series of webinars on marketing lamb to

ethnic consumers was presented in November and

December of 2013. These webinars, each 1-hour in

length, were recorded and are available for viewing.

In addition, the tri-state ethnic marketing project has

created several tools to help producers make better

marketing decisions. Susan Schoenian Sheep &

Goat Specialist for University of Maryland Extension

has developed several spreadsheet templates to help

producers evaluate marketing options. Richard

Brzozowski, Small Ruminant Specialist for the Uni-

versity of Maine has developed a template for pro-

ducers to use in learning more about specific ethnic

consumers as well as a set of questions for possible

use in customer surveys.

For these tools on marketing lamb and mutton to eth-

nic consumers, go to http://umaine.edu/livestock/

sheep/ethnic-marketing-of-lamb-and-mutton/.

For links to the webinar series on marketing lamb

and mutton to ethnic consumers, go to http://

www.sheepandgoat.com/recordings.html#ethnic.

New Resources from NCAT/ATTRA

Preparing for Ethnic Holidays

P A G E 8

New Product: Electric Hoof Knife


The Electric Hoof Knife is

the newest and most inno-

vative tool available for

trimming goat and sheep

hooves. Designed to im-

prove hoof health and

make trimming hassle-free,

the Electric Hoof Knife is a

power tool that buffs in-

stead of cuts to remove

hoof material.

After eight years of development, the Electric Hoof Knife

now has a disc created specifically for trimming goat and

sheep hooves. This lightweight tool is easy to maneuver

and can trim tough and overgrown hooves with little

effort on part of the user. People who have limited access

to electrical power can easily run the Electric Hoof Knife

off of a generator or an automobile’s DC/AC power con-

verter, so the tool is accessible anywhere, anytime.

Using the Electric Hoof Knife can

lead to better hoof health for two

reasons. First, users see a signifi-

cant decrease in the amount of

blood during trimming because

the tool is precise and accurate

when removing hoof material.

Second, the disc puts a smooth

finish on the hoof, so dirt, muck

and bacteria cannot get stuck in

the cracks lead to infection.

The Electric Hoof Knife Goat & Sheep set, which retails

for $254.95, comes with the Electric Hoof Knife power

unit, two Goat & Sheep Trimming discs, a pair of safety

glasses, and a carrying case.

For more information, or to watch videos of the Electric

Hoof Knife in action, visit www.ElectricHoofKnife.com or

call (877) 320-8203.

The 2014 Junior Sheep & Goat Skillathon will be held Sunday, May 4, at the

Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. The Festival is always held the first full

weekend of May at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship. Reg-

istration for the contest begins at 8 a.m. The contest starts at 9 a.m. Awards

will be presented at approximately 1 p.m. A small donation is requested to

cover the cost of lunch (pizza and sodas).

A skillathon provides youth with the opportunity to blend knowledge and

skills acquired in livestock judging, demonstrations, and care and exhibition

of animals into a single activity. It consists of a series of stations where youth

are tested on their knowledge and abilities related to livestock. In the Sheep &

Goat

Skillathon, all stations will pertain to sheep and/or goats.

The skillathon is open to any youth between the ages of 8 and 18. Individuals and teams (of 3 or 4) from any county or

state may compete. Youth compete according to their age as of January 1st of the current year. Youth ages 8 to 10 com-

pete as juniors; youth ages 11 to 13 compete as intermediates; and youth 14 to 18 compete as seniors.

The Maryland Sheep Breeders Association provides ribbons and premiums to the top ten individuals in each age divi-

sion and festival t-shirts to the members of the top three teams in each age division. Additional awards are provided

by the University of Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program

Pre-registration of individuals and teams for the 2014 Junior Sheep & Goat Skillathon is requested by April 28. Pre-

register by sending names, ages, and team affiliations via e-mail to Susan Schoenian at [email protected] (or via fax at

(301) 432-4089). Online registration is possible at www.sheepandwool.org.

For more information, contact Susan at (301) 432-2767 x343 or visit the web site at http://www.sheepandgoat.com/

programs/skillathon/skillathon.html.


(Images by Electric Hoof Knife)

V O L U M E X I I I I S S U E I I


P A G E 9

MPWV Spring Educational Conference

Grilled Lamb Sirloin

1-1/2 pounds lamb sirloin or sirloin chops

2 lemons

3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

3 anchovy fillets, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup pitted black olives, plus a few for garnish

2/3 cup flat leaf parsley leaves

2 tablespoons cocoa nibs

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Pat the sirloin dry with paper towels and place in 8

-inch square baking dish. Coarsely chop the zest of

one lemon and place in the bowl of a food proces-

sor or a blender jar. Add the juice of both lemons,

garlic, anchovies, olives, parsley, cocoa nibs and

olive oil. Roughly puree the contents by pulsing

the food processor or blender several times, until

the mixture is smooth with some small chunks.

Rub the puree over the meat. Loosely cover the pan

with plastic wrap and marinate at least 2 hours in

the refrigerator, preferably overnight.

Remove the sirloin from the refrigerator one hour

prior to cooking to allow the meat to come to room

temperature. Heat a gas or charcoal grill so that

one section is approximately 450°F degrees, and a

second section is cooler, about 350°F. When the

grill is hot, scrape any excess rub off the sirloin and

place it on the hot side of the grill, flat side down.

Sear 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until nicely charred.

Move the sirloin to the cooler side of the grill and

continue to cook, covered, until it reaches 135°F

degrees, approximately 25 minutes or 15 to 20

minutes per pound. For individual chops, use me-

dium hot grill, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Allow meat

to rest, loosely covered with foil, for 15 minutes

before slicing.

Recipe courtesy of American Lamb Board

The MPWV Meat Goat Producers Association and Universi-

ty of Maryland Extension will hold an educational event on

Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Carroll County Ag

Center in Westminster, Maryland.

Seminar topics will include: traditional veterinary and

health care; selling your goats; pasture and nutrition; non-

traditional goat health care; and the pros and cons of regis-

tering your goats. A separate educational track for youth is

being planned. It will cover selecting, raising, and getting

your kid(s) ready for the show and sale. Speakers will in-

clude veterinarians, extension agents, and experienced goat

producers.

The day will begin with a very brief business meeting and

discussion of upcoming events. The deadline for early regis-

tration is May 15. The registration fee is $10/person or $20/

family for members and $15/person and $25/family for non-

members. Registration paid at the door is $5 extra.

For more information, contact Pam Adams at (443) 802-3734

or [email protected] or visit the Facebook page at https://

www.facebook.com/MPWVMeatGoatProducers.

The MPWV* Meat Goat Producers Association was orga-

nized to promote the meat goat industry and provide its

members with information to help them breed and market

high quality meat goats. The association includes members

from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Member-

ship dues are $35 for the first year and $20 for subsequent

years.

*Maryland-Pennsylvania-West Virginia

Recipe

P A G E 1 0


By Susan Schoenian

University of Maryland Extension

Abomasal bloat (tympany) is a

common health problem affecting

artificially-reared lambs and kids,

especially hand-fed ones. Some

farms have experienced death loss-

es as high as 25 to 30 percent. On

other farms, it is a sporadic disease.

While the mechanism of abomasal bloat is not com-

pletely understood, it is believed to be caused by a

build-up of bacteria in the stomach of lambs and kids.

Bacteria such as clostrid ium perfringins type A and

species of Sarcina have been identified in the stomachs

of affected animals.

As the bacteria multiply, the sugars in the milk ferment

with excess gas production. At the same time, the stom-

ach becomes more acidic to the detriment of other bac-

teria. As the gas cannot escape, it bloats the abomasum.

Death is rapid and unpleasant.

Abomasal bloat seems to occur most commonly in

lambs that are 2 to 4 weeks of age. It may occur later in

goat kids, as they are typically fed milk for a longer

period of time. The incidence is highest when lambs/

kids are fed warm milk infrequently, e.g. twice daily.

Feeding goat kids in a pail or trough without a nipple

may cause similar greedy feed-

ing behavior.

Warm milk provides an ideal

substrate (lactose) for fermen-

tation. Abomasal bloat is rarely

seen in lambs/kids that are self-

fed cold milk. The use of cheap

or poor quality milk replacers

can also contribute to the inci-

dence of abomasal bloat.

Treatment

Treatment of abomasal bloat is

often unrewarding. It is estimated that 75 to 100 percent

of cases die. Affected lambs/kids will have swollen bel-

lies. They will be dull and lethargic. Abdominal pain

(colic), accompanied by teeth grinding is common. The

disease can progress rapidly, within 30 minutes of feed-

ing. Sometimes, all you find is a dead lamb or kid.

Early intervention is the key to saving

affected lambs/kids. Many treatments

have been advocated. Oral penicillin may

help to counteract the bacteria. Sodium

bicarbonate (baking soda) mixed in water

is the common treatment for bloat, as it

helps to neutralize acid. Dosing with

cooking oil or antacids may also help.

Powdered ginger may help with mild

cases of bloat. Pain meds may also be giv-

en to affected lambs/kids.

Prevention

Milk replacers should be mixed according to the manu-

facturerʹs instructions. Lumps can contribute to aboma-

sal bloat. Diluted milk replacer may cause lambs/kids

to gorge, especially if they are on an automatic feeding

system.

Milk replacer is usually mixed in warm water, then

cooled to body temperature before feeding. Cooling

milk to at least 40°F (4°C) has been shown to help con-

tain the growth of Sarcina bacteria.

The risk of abomasal bloat will be reduced if lambs/

kids are self-fed milk using a bucket feeder, nipple bar,

or automatic feeding system. Self-feeding simulates

dam-raising, as lambs/kids are able to ingest smaller

amounts of milk at frequent intervals.

Sour milk is another proven way to prevent abomasal

bloat. Sour milk is made by adding acidophilus yogurt

to milk replacer and allowing it to convert for several

days. You can also add probiotic powder to milk. The

addition of formalin to milk replacer has also been

shown to reduce the incidence of bloat.

Since clostridial bacteria have been implicated in abo-

masal bloat, it is essential that lambs/kids be vaccinated

for clostrid ial perfringins type C & D.

The early introduction of high quality concentrates will

promote rumen function and lessen the risk of aboma-

sal bloat.

Feeding lambs milk replacer for too long can increase

the incidence of abomasal bloat. The ideal weaning age

is 30 days. There is usually no benefit to later weaning.

Read full article at http://www.sheepandgoat.com/

articles/AbBloat.html

Abomasal Bloat

V O L U M E X I I I I S S U E I I


P A G E 1 1

Breeding Better Sheep and Goats (continued from page 1) Who should enroll in NSIP?

NSIP is a non-profit organization that was established in

1986 by the US sheep industry. Until 2010, data was pro-

cessed at Virginia Tech. In 2010, data processing was

transferred to Australia’s LambPlan.

While all sheep producers can benefit from the data that

NSIP provides, it is seedstock (purebred) producers who

should consider enrolling their flocks and herds. Com-

mercial and small-scale producers benefit by purchasing

rams with EBVs. Meat goat producers can derive the

same benefit from NSIP as sheep producers.

How much does it cost?

There is an annual enrollment fee, based on flock/herd

size. It usually equates to approximately $2.50 to $3.50

per ewe/doe. This fee is paid to NSIP. There is also a data

processing fee due to LambPlan. It is $2 per animal; it

covers the animal’s lifetime data.

Calendar of Events May 4


@ Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival

Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, Maryland

Info: http://www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/skillathon/

skillathon.html

May 30

Delivery date for bucks in Western Maryland

Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test


June 7

MPWV Meat Goat Producers Association Educational Event

Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Maryland

Info: https://www.facebook.com/MPWVMeatGoatProducers

June 18

Maryland Wool Pool

Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland

Info: Emily Chamelin at [email protected]

June 28

Start of Ramadan

July 29‐31

Eid ul-Fitr (Muslim Festival of Fast Breaking)

July 29‐31

Goat Twilight Tour (Open House) and Tasting

Western Maryland Research & Education Center,

Keedysville, Maryland

Info: Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343or

[email protected]

April 1‐May 15

Nomination period for Western Maryland Pasture-Based

Meat Goat Performance Test

Info: http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com

April 20

Western Roman Easter and Eastern Orthodox (Greek) Easter

April 22

Grow Our Flock Webinar:

Managing your pastures better: management

intensive grazing (MIG) 101

Info: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/

register/5755892051703340802

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5

National Webinar Series: NSIP

Hosted by University of Maryland Extension (8 p.m. EST)

Download flyer: http://www.sheepandgoat.com/

programs/2014NSIPWebinars_flyer.pdf

May 2

Integrated Parasite Management (IPM)/FAMACHA©

Workshop @ Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival


Info: www.sheepandwool.org

May 3‐4

Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival


Info: www.sheepandwool.org

To encourage new enrollment, NSIP is waiving the first year

of the annual enrollment fee. For producers under the age of

22, the enrollment fee will be waived for three years. The

Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance

Test is considering providing an economic incentive for con-

signors to enroll their herds in NSIP.

Relaunching NSIP

The American Sheep Industry Roadmap Project has charged

the US sheep industry with making various productivity im-

provements, including widespread use of quantitative genet-

ic selection. As part of this charge, an NSIP Relaunch Com-

mittee was formed. Dr. Reid Redden from North Dakota

State University is the chair of the committee, whose goal is

to increase enrollment in NSIP, including involvement of

meat goat producers.

To learn more about NSIP, visit their web site at nsip.org.

Wild & Woolly, is published quarterly by the University of Mary-

land Extension. It is written and edited by Susan Schoenian,

Sheep and Goat Specialist, at the Western Maryland Research

& Education Center (WMREC), 18330 Keedysville Road,

Keedysville, MD, tel. (301) 432-2767 x343 or 315, fax (301) 432-

4089; e-mail: [email protected] or Pamela Thomas, Adminis-

trative Assistant, [email protected]. The cost of receiving the

newsletter by mail is $10 per year, payable to the University of

Maryland. The newsletter can be accessed for free on the Inter-

net at http://www.sheepandgoat.com/news/index.html. Sub-

scribers to the newsletter listserv will receive an e-mail mes-

sage when a new newsletter has been posted to the web. To

subscribe, send an e-mail message to

[email protected]. In the body of the message, type

subscribe sheepgoatnews.

Comments and suggestions regarding the newsletter are al-

ways welcome. References to commercial products or trade

names are made with the understanding that no discrimina-

tion is intended and no endorsement by University of Mary-

land Extension is implied.

Articles and photographs may be reprinted with permission.

University of Maryland Extension Western Maryland Research & Education Center 18330 Keedysville Rd Keedysville MD 21756

August 2

Pennsylvania Performance Tested Ram & Sale

and Invitational Ewe and Doe Sale

PA Livestock Evaluation Center, PA Furnace, PA

Info: Greg Hubbard at (814) 238-2527 or [email protected]

August 23

Virginia Performance Tested Ram Lamb Sale

Shenandoah Valley Research & Education Center,

Steeleʹs Tavern, Virginia

Info: Scott Greiner at (540) 231-9159 or [email protected] or

http://www.apsc.vt.edu/extension/sheep/va-ram-program/

index.html

August 30

West Virginia Performance Tested Ram and Buck Sale

Reymann Memorial Farm, near Wardensville, West Virginia

Info: sheepandgoats.wvu.edu

September 5‐6

Bluegrass Performance Invitational Sale: sale of top-performing

bucks from Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat

Goat Performance Test

Lakeview Park, Frankfort, Kentucky

Info: http://www.bluegrassperformanceinvitational.com/ and


Calendar Of Events Continued from page 11

wild & woolly spring 2014

Documents

accuracy of ebvs

n s i d e t h i s i

variety of ebvs

sheep goat health

better sheep

goat producers

us sheep

s p r i n g