kentucky sheep and goat herder curriculum · want in the winter, along with their offspring? you...

Photo Courtesy of USDA NRCS

Kentucky Sheep and Goat Herder Curriculum

Supported by:

Leading Institutions:

Photo from Imagine It.

Table of Contents

Presentations Introduction Forages Herd Health Nutrition-Anatomy Nutrition-Feeding Web Resources Handouts

Photo from Imagine It.

Introduction

Sponsored by:Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and

EducationProfessional Development Project # ES07 ‐ 087

Evaluating Resources

• Land– How much land is available and what is its productivity?

• Buildings– Do you have buildings to house the number of females you want in the winter, along with their offspring? You will need about 15 square feet for each female.

– Sheep and goats should have an open, cool, dry shelter rather than a tight, warm, humid shelter.

Evaluating Resources• Machinery and Equipment

– Do you have the equipment and machinery to harvest hay, clip pastures and clean barns? Or can you arrange with a neighbor to do this? What about livestock equipment?

• Markets– How will you market your products? Are you planning to sell feeder, freezer, or market lambs/kids; breeding stock; or wool or mohair? All of the above?

• Labor– Do you have the time to properly care for the sheep or goats?

Evaluating Resources

• Capital– Do you have the capital (money) available to get started, hold you until the sheep/goats are in full production and maybe see you through some hard times?

• Attitude– What is your attitude toward sheep or goats? Do you like them? Would you be willing to brave cold rains, sleet, bitter cold or snowstorms to feed and care for them?

Establishing Production Goals and Management Systems

• Once you evaluate your resources, you can implement an overall management system that will be efficient and profitable.

• The level of productivity can vary greatly among breeds and management systems. Ewes and does can produce and raise less than one offspring per year or more than three per year.

• Many production systems use combinations of breeds to meet specific goals.

Small Ruminants in Kentucky• Kentucky was a large sheep producing state in the past

• Goats have always been around in Kentucky; they provided milk and meat to early settlers to the Commonwealth.

Photo Courtesy of USDA NRCS

Markets for Fiber and Lambs/Kids

• There are several ways to market fiber from your sheep or goats. Today the most common is through wool or fiber marketing cooperatives.

• Auctions make marketing easy, but the markets charge a fee for the service.

• There is a growing demand for lamb and goat through the freezer trade, where a producer directly markets the animals from the farm to consumers.

Where Do You Get Breeding Stock?• If you decide to start a small ruminant enterprise, obtaining

quality breeding stock is critical. Depending upon the breed or cross you want, it may be difficult to find good quality breeding stock.

• Many people are tempted to purchase breeding stock from these locations. It is important to remember that the animals there were culled from someone’s herd.

• The best sources for breeding stock are direct purchases from a breeder or at a special breeding stock sale.

Feeding for Production• Small ruminants utilize forages efficiently. In fact, they can get

a larger portion of their nutrients from pasture and hay than most other animals.

• However, there are times of the year when supplementation may be necessary to meet the nutritional needs of the animals.

• The most common times for supplementation are during the winter, late pregnancy or lactation and for rapidly growing lambs and kids. Most dairy feeds are suitable for lactating animals.

Routine Management Issues

• Many new producers become overwhelmed in the first year or two when starting a sheep or goat enterprise.

• They often underestimate the time it may take to keep animals healthy and the stresses associated with lambing/kidding time.

• Producers need to be ready to provide care for their animals that includes regular inspection and treatments for parasites.

For More Information

• The best information often comes from other producers in your area.

• Consider volunteering to work with another producer for a few days.

• Another valuable source of information is your local Cooperative Extension Service office.

Small Ruminants in Kentucky

• A nationwide increase in goat numbers and the relative location of Kentucky to markets have resulted in a rapid growth of the state's meat goat industry since 2000.

• The primary consumers of lamb and goat meat are concentrated in the major cities of the Northeast and Midwest. Kentucky is in a prime location to reach these markets.

Desirable Characteristics for Breeding Stock:

– Out‐of‐season breeding ‐ increases flexibility of management

– Multiple births ‐ need twins to be profitable – Early sexual maturity ‐ reduces cost before they enter breeding herd

– High average daily gains ‐ decreases days to market weight

– Desirable meat‐type carcasses ‐ improves marketability

Feeding for Production

• There is a safety issue with feeding large round bales to small ruminants. Sheep and goats cannot effectively utilize the normal feeding rings used for cattle and horses.

• A beginning sheep or goat producer must also decide whether harvested forage should be purchased or produced.

Routine Management Issues

• Another task is hoof trimming.

• Both sheep and goats are susceptible to foot scald and foot rot.

• Both conditions require hoof trimming to remove excessive growth and medical treatments.

Forages

Sponsored by:Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and

EducationProfessional Development Project # ES07 ‐ 087

Soil Fertility• A good soil fertility program ensures that forage plants will

have access to the nutrients required for plant growth.

• Other essential plant nutrients must often be provided with fertilizers.

Soil pH• Plant nutrient availability in soils is dependent upon soil pH.

• Kentucky soils are rarely too basic for forage growth, but frequently become acidic enough to require lime applications.

• Nitrogen fertilizers generally provide nitrogen as nitrate or ammonium. Bacteria in the soil convert ammonium to nitrate.

Photo by Tim McCabe, USDA NRCS

Soil Fertility

• Phosphorus fertilizers are derived from rock phosphate.

• Crops use less than half of the phosphorus and potassium applied as fertilizer in the first year after application.

• One of the best investments a forage producer can make is soil testing through the University soil lab.

Soil Fertility

• Other materials are available that provide plant nutrients.

• It is best to test these materials for nutrient content before using them.

• Organic sources also contain secondary nutrients and micronutrients, and increase soil organic matter content.

Learning Objectives

The purpose of this module is to familiarize producers with basic forage production practices. Objectives are to increase understanding of:

• Soil fertility• Forage selection• Forage establishment and maintenance• Hay production

Soil Fertility

• Soil fertility has many components. The chemical composition of the soil is important.

• Biological activity and organic matter content also contribute to soil fertility.

• Soil testing and fertilization and liming programs are important tools that enable producers to maximize the quality and yields of forage crops.

Forage Species

• Both annual and perennial forages have characteristic seasonal production patterns.

• Annual forage species (e.g. sudex) must be planted every year. Perennial forages (e.g. alfalfa) may persist several years after establishment.

• A wide variety of forage species will thrive under proper management in Kentucky.

Forbs and Miscellany

• Forbs (non‐grassy, herbaceous plants) can serve as forages for small ruminants, especially goats.

• Plants such as kudzu and chicory can be utilized; Brassica species (rape turnips) can provide winter and early spring grazing options.

• Goats prefer browsing over grazing and will consume a variety of tree, shrub, vine, and weed growth.

Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA NRCS

Forage Species

• Once forage species are selected, producers should determine which variety to plant. Contact the county Extension office for variety test reports based upon field research.

• Producers should invest in premium‐quality seed from reputable distributors. Seed should be high in germination, purity, and free from weed seed.

Seeding – Dates and Rates

• Observing proper seeding dates and rates will improve the chances of success when establishing forage crops.

• Forage establishment with conventional tillage systems is commonplace in Kentucky.

• The land is plowed, disked, and dragged; soil amendments are incorporated during these operations.

Seeding – Dates and Rates

• Alternatively, forages can be established using no‐tillage systems.

• For those who do not have access to the equipment required for forage establishment through conventional or no‐tillage methods, some low‐tech options are available.

Forage Quality and Nutritive Value

• In terms of nutritive value, annuals provide a greater amount than perennials while cool‐season species are greater than warm‐season species. Legumes also have a higher value than grasses.

• For digestibility, the rank is:– Legumes (most digestible)– Cool‐season annuals– Cool‐season perennials– Warm‐season annuals– Warm‐season perennials

Forage Quality and Nutritive Value

• Forage analyses measure crude protein, net energy, fiber digestibility, and vitamin and mineral content.

• Fiber digestibility is measured as neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF).

• ADF and NDF are used to calculate available energy, expressed as total digestible nutrients (TDN), net energy of maintenance and lactation, or net energy for gain.

Internal Parasite Control

• Internal parasites are one of the most significant threats to sheep and goat health.

• Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) is the deadliest of these parasites in Kentucky.

• Grazing management is an important tool for internal parasite control.

Grazing Systems – Mixed Species

• The complementary grazing habits of cattle, sheep, and goats often result in better pasture utilization and increased production per acre.

• All species may graze together (co‐grazing) in pastures with low parasite loads.

• Continuous grazing is the practice of keeping animals on one pasture for the entire grazing season. In this system the animal – not the producer – makes grazing decisions.

• Rotational grazing is based upon having more than one pasture available for grazing animals.

Soil Nutrients

• Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are called macronutrients because plants require them in relatively large amounts.

• Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are secondary nutrients required for normal plant growth, although not in the same quantities as macronutrients.

• Micronutrients are essential for plant growth, but the amounts required are very small. Boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, and chlorine are some examples.

Weed Control

• Weeds can, in fact, serve as forage for small ruminants. Goats are often used for vegetation management, especially in forested areas.

• Managing pastures and hayfields to maximize the growth of forage crops can prevent weeds from gaining competitive advantage.

• If all else fails, herbicides may be an appropriate, cost‐effective option for weed control.

Soil pH• Finely pulverized agricultural limestone applied and

incorporated into the soil provides calcium and magnesium, which raise the soil pH.

• Nitrogen fertilizer should be applied while forage crops are growing to minimize nitrogen loss.

Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.

Soil Fertility• Manure and tobacco stalks can provide macronutrients for

forage crops, although the nutrients aren’t as readily available as those in commercial fertilizers.

• Environmental regulations may govern the use of manure as fertilizer in some communities.

Photo by Tim McCabe, USDA NRCS

Cool Season Forages

• Cool‐season forages (e.g. fescue) produce the most growth in the spring; production declines during the summer, and another small surge of growth occurs in the fall.

• Forage legumes have seasonal production patterns similar to cool‐season grasses. However, legumes:– have a smaller, later spring – early summer

peak in production – produce more in summer than cool‐season

grasses– don’t produce a fall growth surge

Photo by Gary Kramer, USDA NRCS

Warm Season Forages

• Warm‐season forages (e.g. summer annuals like sudex, warm‐season perennial grasses like switchgrass), as the name implies, provide maximum yields in the summer.

• Intensive grazing management and hay harvests may be necessary to capture the full yield potential of warm‐season species.

Forage Species Selection• Consider the overall farm operation when selecting forages

for a small ruminant herd. What are the soil types available for pastures and hayfields?

• Consult the county Soil Survey, NRCS and Extension personnel for assistance.

Photo by Jeff Vanuga, USDA NRCS

Grasses or Legumes – or Both?

• Pure stands of forage grasses or legumes have a few advantages:

– Easier to manage a single forage species than to keep multiple species competitive

– More herbicides are available for weed control

– Generally, pure legume crops are higher quality than grasses or grass‐legume mixtures

Seeding – Dates and Rates• The seed are distributed and cultipacked to ensure proper

planting depth and good seed‐to‐soil contact.

• Legume seed are inoculated with the proper strain of Rhizobiabacteria before planting.

Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA NRCS

Internal Parasite Control

• Parasite larvae can survive for months in pastures. Pasture management, along with animal management and deworming treatments, are crucial to control of these parasites.

• Goats’ natural tendency to browse can be exploited by removing them from pasture to, for example, vegetative management chores.

Hay Production

• There are numerous advantages to extending the grazing season as much as possible, but there will always be a period of winter feeding in Kentucky.

• Economics should dictate whether a producer purchases, borrows, or leases hay equipment; hires custom harvesters; purchases hay from off‐farm sources; or chooses to feed a cheaper material (e.g. byproducts).

• The key to quality hay production is timely harvest.

Hay Storage

• Hay may be safely baled below 20% moisture (small bales) or 18% moisture (large packages).

• Moister hay must be treated with preservatives to prevent mold growth or heating. Heating reactions in stored hay can cause fires.

• Quality losses occur (e.g. leaf loss) if hay is baled too dry (below about 15% moisture).

• Proper storage of hay maintains quality. Exposure to weather can result in losses exceeding one‐third of the original crop.

Grasses or Legumes – or Both?

• A mix of grass and legume provides more advantages:

– No nitrogen fertilizer is needed – legumes fix enough nitrogen for the mixed stand

– Pastures and hayfields persist longer

– Grass helps prevent legume heaving during winter freeze‐thaw cycles

– Grass root systems prevent erosion on steep slopes and maintain legume stand

– Mixtures often improve animal performance

Herd HealthSheep and Goat Production in

Kentucky

Sponsored by:Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and EducationProfessional Development Project # ES07 ‐ 087

Purpose and Objectives

• Address basic health issues associated with raising sheep and goats.

• Learn basic life cycles of commonly encountered parasites.

• Basic Treatment for common conditions.

Internal Parasites

• Internal parasites are the number one killer of sheep and goats in the country.

• Resistance of parasites to chemical controls is becoming a major issue with all small ruminant animals.

• The major parasite of concern for sheep and goats worldwide is Haemonchus Contortus, also known as the barber pole worm.

Internal Parasites

• Haemonchus Contortus– A nematode parasite that resides in the abomasum of the animal.

– The parasite feeds on the animal’s blood and deposits its eggs in the digestive system to be expelled in the feces.

– The primary effect on the animal is anemia.

Internal Parasites

– Generally has a 14 to 21 day generation span

– Eggs are excreted in the feces and hatch

– At this point, the larvae travel up forage in water drops, are consumed by the animal and complete the life cycle

Internal Parasites

• Haemonchus Contortus – Diagnosis

– FAMACHA is a system that utilizes the color of the inner eye lid compared to a standardized chart to determine how anemic the animal is.

– Another method to measure anemia is to utilize packed cell volume (PCV). PCV must be conducted by a lab or veterinary clinic, and requires a blood sample.

Internal Parasites

• Haemonchus Contortus ‐ Chemical Treatments

– Antihelmentics (chemical dewormers) are the most common treatment for internal parasites of all types.

– Currently, there are three classes of dewormers in the US ‐ benzimidazole, imidazole/pyrimidine, and macrolide.

Internal Parasites

• Haemonchus Contortus – Management

– Proper grazing management and grazing practices will reduce exposure to parasites and decrease the need for other control methods.

– To reduce parasite populations on pasture, rotational systems need to be without animals for 60 days or longer.

Internal Parasites• Coccidiosis

– This condition is caused by a protozoal parasite rather than a traditional intestinal worm.

– The coccidia reduce performance of the animals and can damage the intestinal lining.

– Coccidia produce oocysts that are expelled in the feces of the animal.

Internal Parasites

• Tapeworm

– Infestations of tapeworms (cestodiasis) are found in sheep and goats.

– Adult tapeworms can be several meters long and consist of a head and segmented body composed of proglottids.

– The eggs resemble rice in the fecal pellets and are visible to the naked eye, making detection easy.

– Treatment for tapeworms generally involves the use of antihelmentics in the benzimidazole class.

Internal Parasites

• Meningeal Worm

– Meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) is a parasite of whitetail deer and is not normally a problem in sheep and goats.

– The meningeal worm eggs are expelled through the feces of deer and hatch outside the animal.

– The larva infects terrestrial slugs and snails (intermediate hosts)

– The infected slugs and snails then go to the ends of grass and browse where they may be consumed by deer or goats.

Internal Parasites• Lung Worm

– Lungworms can be a problem in some sheep and goats. They generally cause respiratory distress and can cause pneumonia during high infections.

– All lungworms have an indirect life cycle and use a variety of snails and slugs as intermediate hosts.

– Sheep tend to build resistance to the parasite as they age; however, goats do not appear to build this resistance as rapidly or completely as sheep.

External Parasites

– The mite that causes chorioptic mange lives on the surface of the skin and feeds on epidermal debris.

– Psoroptic mange is caused by one of the ear mites that are commonly found on sheep and goats.

– Demodectic mange is caused by a cigar‐shaped mite on the hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

External Parasites

• Keds and Ticks– Keds are wingless, blood‐sucking flies that infect both sheep and goats. These parasites are easily seen with the naked eye and resemble ticks.

– Ticks can be an important pest of sheep and goats depending upon the location. There are many different ticks that can infest all types of livestock and people.

Foot Care and Issues

• One major task sheep and goat producers face is management of foot‐related problems.

• Many producers find this to be one of the most time‐consuming tasks associated with raising goats, and it can require a lot of the effort with sheep.

• As with any health issue, preventative measures can reduce total work time devoted to foot‐related problems.

External Parasites• Lice

– All species of lice complete their life cycle on the host and are quite host‐specific.

– Lice are generally discovered through physical examination of the animal.

– Animals with high infestations will scratch on fencing, buildings and any other solid object to help remove the lice.

– Many products are available for treatment of lice on animals most are used as a pour on in both sheep and goats.

External Parasites• Mange Mites

– There are several types of mange including psoroptic, demodectic, choriopic, and sarcoptic.

– Sarcoptic mange is also known as scabies, and the mite can infest both sheep and goats.

– It is important to know what type of mite is infecting your goats before deciding on a treatment.

– Many of the lice treatments also work on mites, be sure to read and follow label directions.


• Hoof Trimming

– Hoof trimming removes excessive hoof wall growth and promotes proper hoof placement and function.

– Trimming feet is the first step in any foot care program.

– Most goat producers should trim hooves every two to four months, and most sheep producers will need to trim hooves twice a year.

Foot Care and Issues• Foot Scald

– Foot scald is the most common disease of the hoof in sheep and goats, and is caused by bacteria commonly found in the soil.

– Foot scald is often accompanied by a distinctive odor.

– Foot scald is characterized by swelling and a moist appearance between the digits


• Foot Rot– Foot rot is less common than foot scald but is a more serious condition.

– Foot rot is an internal infection of the hoof that will gradually erode the sole or pad of the hoof.

– The animal will limp on the most affected leg. The interdigital space of the affected foot will be red, very irritated and will appear raw.


• Treatment of Foot Scald and Foot Rot– Treatment procedures for both foot scald and foot rot are very similar.

– Treatment should always start with hoof trimming and include a topical application of a product that will assist in drying out the interdigital space and work as an antiseptic.

– The most efficient treatment for large numbers of animals is the use of a foot bath.

– There are a few vaccines available for foot rot in sheep.

Udder Health and Issues• An often overlooked issue with meat animals is udder health in does and ewes.

• Mastitis

– Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands, and is usually the result of an infectious agent.

– There are many bacterial and mycoplasmal agents associated with mastitis. Animals that lay in contaminated areas can pick up the causative agent on their teats.

Udder Health and Issues

• Dry‐off– Many udder problems can be prevented in meat animals through the use of proper dry‐off procedures at weaning.

– Most does and ewes will still be producing milk at the normal weaning times of 60 or 90 days.

• Udder Structure– Good udder structure is critical for the productive life of the female.

– Problems such as balloon teats, low udders and fishtail teats can all reduce the productive life of the female.

Diseases of Concern• Enterotoxemia

– This disease is commonly called “overeating” disease and is caused by the bacteria Clostridium perfringens types C and D.

– The most common sign of enterotoxemia is sudden onset of diarrhea and sudden unexplained deaths of kids or lambs.

– It is recommended that all producers vaccinate for this condition.

• Tetanus

– Tetanus (also known as “lockjaw”) is often fatal. The disease is caused by the soil‐borne bacteria Clostridium tetani.

– Symptoms include stiffness, erect ears, seizures and death.

Diseases of Concern• Listeriosis

– Listeriosis is a very critical disease commonly referred to as “circling disease” because of the distinctive behavior of affected animals. The disease is caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and infects the brain.

– The general symptoms include depression, inability to eat and drink, head tilt, dropped jaw, drooling and inability to rise.

• Soremouth– Soremouth is also known as “orf” and more correctly as “contagious ecthyma”.

– The disease is characterized by thick, scabby sores on the lips and gums of the affected animal.

Diseases of Concern

• Urinary Calculi– Urinary calculi, also known as “water belly” are most often seen in wethers and bucks/rams on high concentrate rations.

– Animals with this condition typically show arched back, strain to urinate (may appear constipated), will kick at their belly, appear dull and will lose their appetite.

• Pinkeye– Pinkeye (infectious keratoconjunctivitis) is characterized by ocular pain, tearing, conjunctivitis and varying degrees of corneal opacity or ulcer.

Diseases of Concern• Reproductive Diseases

– Many diseases of sheep and goats can affect the reproductive process. Most of these diseases cause abortions and can be very difficult to properly diagnose.

• Chlamydiosis is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia psittact, a gram‐negative intracellular bacteria.

• Campylobacteriosis can be caused by Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus and Campylobacter jejuni in both sheep and goats.

Diseases of Concern• Pneumonia

– Pneumonia is the second leading cause of death in goats in Kentucky behind parasites. Pneumonia refers to inflammation and fluid in the lungs.

– Treatment and prevention of pneumonia will depend upon the source of the condition. Only the bacterial and mycoplasmal forms can be directly treated.

– Pasteurella is the most common cause of pneumonia.

– Vaccinations for cattle and sheep have been successful in reducing problems in goats, consult your veterinarian before using any product off‐label.

Diseases of Concern• Caseous Lymphadenitis

– Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is a chronic contagious disease affecting sheep and goats.

– This disease causes a condition known as lymphadenitis or abscesses associated with lymph nodes.

– Treatment would be to isolate the animal, lance the abscess and flush with an antiseptic. Then allow the animal to heal before returning to the herd.

• Pregnancy Toxemia– Pregnancy toxemia (also known as pregnancy ketosis) is a metabolic disorder that can develop during late pregnancy

– Treat by use of propylene glycol orally to increase energy level, then improve the quality of the diet.

Diseases of Concern

• Leptospirosis is a very prolific disease that can infect all species of livestock and wildlife. The disease is less common in small ruminants than in other livestock and pets.

• Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan disease that often causes abortions, mummification, stillbirths and weak kids and lambs. Cats serve as a definitive host and often are the cause of infections in sheep and goats when using stored hay as a litter box.

Diseases of Concern• Polioencephalomalacia

– Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is an important neurologic disease of ruminants that is seen worldwide.

– Severely affected animals may show blindness, recumbency, seizures and coma.

• Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis

– Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a disease of goats caused by a lentivirus that may remain subclinical or cause several syndromes.

Diseases of Concern

• Q‐Fever‐ also called Query or Queensland fever is a zoonotic disease that can infect goats– It is caused by Coxiella burnetii– It is shed heavily in the placenta, birth fluids, and colostrum and milk of infected females.

– Abortions are often in late pregnancy and animals often develop immunity to it but this weakens over time.

– Treatment is with tetracycline remove and properly dispose of all aborted fetuses and placentas.

– Ware protective gloves when handling birth material and dust mask when cleaning barns.

Diseases of Concern• Scrapie

– Scrapie is a chronic disease of sheep and goats. This disease is known as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathies(TSE) disease.

– Scrapie is a chronic disease that takes years to develop and show clinical symptoms.

– Symptoms of scrapie focus on the nervous system. The most common symptoms involve changes in behavior, tremors and lack of coordination.

Photo by Jeff Vanuga, USDA NRCS

Use of Drugs With Sheep and Goats

– Most products used for healthcare in small ruminant production are not labeled for use in goats and many are not labeled for use in sheep.

– Only a licensed, practicing veterinarian with a valid veterinarian‐client‐patient relationship can legally recommend any product contrary to the label for that product.


Basic steps in a quality assurance program:

1) Establish and follow a herd health program. This should include a vaccination schedule and treatment protocols for common problems.

2) Establish a valid veterinarian–client‐patient relationship.

3) Store and administer drugs according to labeled use or veterinarian authorized off‐label use directions and follow all withdrawal periods.


4) Use proper injection technique and proper injection site. The desired site is in the neck, in front of the point of the shoulder and not close to the jaw.

5) Use the proper needle size for the animal, product and route of administration. Needle diameter is measured in gauges; as the number gets smaller, the diameter of the needle gets larger.

6) Provide training to all persons treating animals; training is a good way to prevent mistakes.

7) Keep good records. Record what was administered, when it was administered, to what animal or group it was administered and the withdrawal time for the product.

Nutrition – Anatomy and Nutrient Requirements

Sponsored by:Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and EducationProfessional Development Project # ES07 ‐ 087

Small Ruminant Digestive System

Sheep and goats are members of a class of animals called ruminants. These animals ruminate, a process where they regurgitate their feed, rechew the cud bolus, and then reswallow the feed. The four compartments of the stomach of ruminants include: 1) the rumen, 2) the honey‐combed shaped reticulum, 3) the omasum, and 4) the abomasum or true stomach (ab‐ means away from the omasum).

Small Ruminant Digestive SystemReticulum

The reticulum has a distinctive “honeycomb” appearance. It aids in bringing boluses of feed back up into the mouth for rechewing. Can serve as a repository for heavy foreign objects, such as wire or nails.

Objectives 1. To learn the basic fundamentals of ruminant

digestive track anatomy.

2. To understand feedstuff classifications.

3. To learn to combine feedstuffs and formulate a balance ration.


OmasumOnce the feed has been reduced in size by chewing, rumination, and digestion it can pass into the omasum. The primary purpose of the omasum is to squeeze and absorb water from the feed.

Small Ruminant Digestive SystemAbomasum

This fourth and last compartment is the abomasum or “true” stomach.The abomasum is proportionally larger in small ruminants than is the abomasum of the cow. The chief digestive function of the abomasum is the partial breakdown of proteins.


Small IntestineThe digesta moves forward through the digestive process into the small intestine. In order for feedstuffs to be absorbed across the intestine wall, they must be broken down into smaller molecules. Much of this occurs in the small intestine using enzymes and hormones.


Large Intestine The cecum, colon, and rectum make up the rest of the digestive tract. They are collectively referred to as the large intestine. The primary purpose of the large intestine is to absorb water from the digesta.

Understanding Terms Relating to Nutritional Science

Moisture‐Moisture is expressed as a %, and represents the percentage of water present in the forage or feed being analyzed.

Dry matter‐Dry Matter (DM) is the portion (weight) of forage other than water. Dry matter equals 100% minus the percentage of moisture.

Crude Protein‐Crude protein (CP) is the sum of true protein and non‐protein nitrogen. It is calculated by measuring the nitrogen concentration in a feed and multiplying by 6.25.

Small Ruminant Digestive SystemRumen

The rumen is by far, the largest compartment. The main purpose of the rumen is to provide a suitable environment for bacteria and protozoa.


Soluble Protein‐Soluble protein (SP) represents true proteins and non‐protein nitrogen rapidly broken down in the rumen.

Degradable Protein and Rumen Undegradable Protein‐

Rumen degradable protein (RDP) or degradable intake protein(DIP)– consists of the soluble protein and proteins of intermediate rumen degradability. They are used to synthesize microbial protein in the rumen. Rumen undegradable protein (RUP) or undegradable intake protein(UIP) are proteins that have a slow rate of degradability and escape digestion in the rumen.


Acid Detergent FiberAcid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber are frequently used as standard forage testing techniques for fiber analysis. Low ADF values are desirable.

Neutral Detergent FiberNeutral detergent fiber (NDF) approximates the total cell wall components including hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin.


Total digestible nutrients (TDN)Total digestible nutrients (TDN) reflects the percentage of digestible material in a forage or grain. Total digestible nutrients are calculated from ADF and express the difference in digestible materials between forages.

Net Energy of Maintenance and Net Energy of Lactation (NEL)NEM and net energy lactation (NEL) are expressions of the energy value of forages, grains, or total diets fed to ruminants.

Net Energy of GainNet energy of gain is the amount of energy in a feed available for growth, and therefore weight gain, after the maintenance needs have been met.


Relative Feed ValueRelative feed value (RFV) is a comparative term that allows the comparison of forage “A” to forage “B” based on digestibility and potential intake.

MineralsMinerals are compounds that regulate many of the metabolic functions in the body. They may be classified as either macro‐minerals or trace minerals.

Understanding Nutrient Requirements

Sheep and goats require nutrients to support maintenance, growth, reproduction, and lactation. Nutritional requirements for maintenance reflect the amount of energy and other nutrients required to sustain an animal’s basic body functions.

Nutrient Requirements Nutrient requirements change with body weight and even greater changes occur with reproduction and lactation. The first step in the process of determining nutrient needs of a specific set of animals should begin by obtaining nutrient information from a set of tables.

Nutrient Value of FeedsBalancing a ration requires the best estimate possible for the nutrient value of feeds to be fed.

Feedstuffs and How to Feed Them

Classification of FeedstuffsFeeds are classified as either roughages or concentrates. Roughages are predominantly made up of cellulose and include most forage crops harvested either as pasture, silages, or hay. Concentrates are feeds high in energy, protein, minerals or vitamins. Essential nutrients are water, energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins.


WaterWater is an essential nutrient, animals can live only a few days without water and by comparison, weeks without food. Water intake drives feed intake and thus performance.

Forage type and time of year the forage is consumed affects water consumption.


Lactating animals consume more water than do non‐lactation animals or animals in late stages of lactation.

Winter time brings about a separate set of water challenges. The first is dealing with freezing temperatures, water sources need to be checked numerous times daily.

A second concern is access to clean water.

Feedstuffs and How to Feed Them Energy Concentrates

Energy feeds are made of concentrates high in starches, sugars, fats and highly digestible cellulose. Energy feeds are predominately grains, and these grains are high in energy and moderate to low in protein. Through digestion, energy is released from these feeds by breaking carbon bonds, making up the chemical structures of the feeds.

Protein Concentrates Protein concentrates include grains like soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and fishmeal. Proteins are a crucial part of the daily diet of sheep and goats for proper growth, reproduction, milk production, and cell repair.


Forages and Roughages

Roughages are feed sources for sheep and goats that are made up of plant materials harvested as pastures, hay, straw, browse plants, and forbs. Roughages contain at least 18% fiber.

Pastures are best maintained in a vegetative state or the first stage.


Roughages derived from pasture species is a renewable source of energy for sheep and goats.

Dry matter intake (DMI), the amount of dry matter consumed per day, is a function of feed quality, rate of digestibility of the feed being fed, the quantity of feed the animal can eat, animal weight and physiological state (i.e. growth, pregnancy, lactation and breeding) of the livestock to be fed.

Mineral Supplements

At least 17 minerals are required by sheep and goats.

Macrominerals required for sheep and goats include calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl) and sulfur (S).

The microminerals are inclusive of chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iodine (I), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn).

Mineral Supplements

Many essential minerals are usually found in sufficient concentration in practical feedstuffs.

Other minerals, however, are frequently insufficient in sheep and goats diets and supplementation is necessary.

Function of Minerals

The function of minerals can be divided into four major areas:

Skeletal Development and MaintenanceEnergyMilk Production Basis Body Function

Description of MacromineralsSalt (sodium chloride or NaCl)

The common practice is to provide salt, free choice and at all times. Salt makes up at least 10% of the mineral ration in free choice minerals and less salt, usually 5% in mineral concentrates.

Calcium (Ca) The Ca content in forages is affected by plant species, plant part (leaf versus stem), plant maturity, soil content and climate. Forages are usually a good source of calcium while cereal grains are not.

Description of MacromineralsPhosphorus (P)

Phosphorus has been called the “master mineral” because it is involved in most metabolic processes. Phosphorus is stored in bone and teeth and is closely a lined with Ca nutrition. Dietary Ca:P ratios of 1:1 or 2:1 are ideal for growth, body function and reproduction.

Sulfur (S) Sulfur is a component of the amino acids: methionine, cysteine, and cystine; and the B‐vitamins: thiamin and biotin. All S containing compounds, with the exception of biotin and thiamin can be synthesized from methionine. Ruminalmicroorganisms are capable of synthesizing all required organic S containing compounds form inorganic S.

Description of Microminerals

Selenium (Se)Selenium is involved in antioxidant activities that protects cell wall components and in energy metabolism through involvement with thyroxine production. Vitamin E and Se are inter‐related and a diet low in vitamin E may increase the amount of Se needed to prevent certain abnormalities and nutritional muscular dystrophy (white muscle disease). Kentucky is a Se deficient state and Se is added to the mineral mix.

Zinc (Zn)Zinc is an essential component of a number of important enzymes involved body function, genetic reproduction and the immune system development and function. Zinc is considered critical and is generally supplemented in mineral mixes.

Complete Mineral

A complete mineral is a mineral that contains at least a 10% salt or sodium chloride.

No additional salt or other mineral sources should be added to a complete the supplement.

The consumption rate is likely 0.5‐2 ounces (oz) per head per day depending on salt concentration and carrier product.

Complete minerals can be fed free choice or added to a specific quantity of feed and consumed as part of a limit‐fed daily ration.

Description of Macrominerals

Magnesium (Mg) Magnesium is closely related to Ca and P in its dispersion and function in the body. Most of the Mg is stored in the bone and muscles.

Potassium (K) Potassium, is the third most abundant mineral in the body, and is the major cation in intracellular fluid. Because of the relatively high amounts of K in milk (1.5g/kg), requirements may be slightly higher for lactating animals.


Typically, sheep and goat micromineral needs are expressed in parts per million (PPM) or mg/kg ( ten ppm or a mineral equals 10 mg/kg of ration dry matter).

Chromium (Cr) Chromium functions in the endocrine system of the animal and regulates glucose and insulin levels.

Cobalt (C) Cobalt functions as a component of vitamin B12. Livestock are not dependent on dietary sources of vitamin B12 because ruminal microorganism can synthesize B125 from dietary cobalt.

Description of MicromineralsCopper (Cu)

Requirements for copper in goats may range from 8‐15 mg/kg depending largely on the concentration of dietary Mo and S. Requirements for sheep and some species of goats is lower 8‐10 mg/kg due to susceptibility to copper toxicity. Copper functions as an important component in the production of hemoglobin and body functions.

Manganese (Mn)Manganese functions extensively in the enzymes systems involved in energy production and reproduction. Manganese concentrations found in forages can be variable depending on plant species, soil pH and soil drainage.


Iodine (I) Iodine functions are essential as a component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine T4 and T3 which regulates the rte of energy metabolism. Absorbed iodide is either taken up by the thyroid gland for thyroid hormone synthesis or excreted in the urine.

Iron (Fe)Iron is an essential component of proteins involved in oxygen transport or utilization. These proteins include hemoglobin, myoglobin and a number of cytochrome and iron‐sulfur proteins that are involved in the electron transport chain. More than 50% if the body’s Fe is present in the hemoglobin.

Mineral interactions

Proper balance between minerals is critical.

Perhaps the best illustration of this principle is the relationship between calcium and phosphorus. Calcium‐to phosphorus ratios of 2:1 to 1.2:1 are recommended for sheep and goat diets.

Another important example of maintaining adequate balance between minerals is the relationship between copper, molybdenum, iron and sulfur.

These minerals form complexes with one another in the body, reducing the amount of copper absorbed by the animal.

Organic vs. inorganic mineral sources

The source of minerals in the diet can affect animal performance and the cost‐effectiveness of the mineral supplementation program.

The relative bioavailability of the mineral and the amount of the mineral in the supplement are important factors to consider when purchasing a mineral supplement.

Organic mineral sources are characterized by the presence of an amino acid or a carbohydrate carrier for the trace mineral that is to be fed livestock.

Inorganic sources of minerals are much more commonly encountered in the North American feed industry.

Bottle Feeding

1. Newborns need to receive 10%‐20% of its body weight in colostrum, preferably within 3‐12 hrs after birth.

2. After the initial amount of colostrum is fed, additional feeding should be withheld from newborns that are to be bottle‐raised for as long as 5 hours.

3. Bottle feeding: feed 10‐20% of their body weight in the form of good‐quality milk replacer divided into 4 equal feedings.

Bottle Feeding4. By the 3 week of life switch to twice daily feeding.

5. Creep feeding: Kids should have access to an extremely palatable dry feed. A mixture of corn, oats, alfalfa pellets, molasses and soybean meal that provide 14%‐16% CP works well. Try topdressing the feed with dry milk replacer to stimulate intake. Other palatable ingredients to young ruminants are SBH and various brans, including wheat bran.

6. Composition of Goat milk Replacer on DM basis crude Protein 25%, Carbohydrate 31%, crude fat 34%, Total solids as fed 13%.

Supplementation strategies

Several methods are commonly used to supplement rations for small ruminants with minerals. Recommendations for effective ways to supplement minerals are:

1. Mix minerals into a complete ration2. Add minerals to a supplemental feed3. Use free‐choice mixtures

Recommendations to encourage mineral consumption Provide one feeder for every 10 animals. Place feeders in a clean, dry location. Providing mineral near water sources may increase consumption of both water and mineral. If free choice is the primary means of mineral feeding, eliminate other sources of salt and mineral. Force animals to rely on the free choice source.

Mineral Concentrates

Mineral products that contain less than 5 % salt are considered mineral concentrates.

In this situation, intakes of the product will be about 0.025‐1 ounces per day.

Mineral concentrates are not stand alone minerals; producers must provide free‐choice salt to ensure the ruminant meets its sodium and chlorine requirement.

Web Resources Additional Information

For more information on selected topics, visit the following websites:

University of Kentucky Publications website: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs.asp University of Kentucky Animal Science website: Goat: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AnimalSciences/goats/goat.html Sheep: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AnimalSciences/sheep/sheep.html Kentucky State University Animal Science website: http://www.kysu.edu/landGrant/coopextensionprogram/agricultureNaturalResources/animalscience.htm Maryland Small Ruminant Website: http://sheepandgoat.com/ Langston University: Web Based Training and Certification Program for Meat Goat Producers: http://www.luresext.edu/goats/training/qa.html

Illustration 1.

Illustration 2.

Photograph of rumen papillae Source: R. Bowen, Colorado State Univer-

Photograph of the reticulum epithelium. Source: R. Bowen, Colorado State University

Photograph of the folds of the omasum. Source: R. Bowen, Colorado State University

A drawing of the lining of the small intestine and defines the absorptive sites of the lining composed of the villi, intestinal glandular tissue, mucosa, and muscular tissue. Source: Wikipedia, on line resource.

Illustration 5.

Esophageal groove from a milk fed calf at 6 weeks of age.

Esophageal groove from a milk + grain + hay fed calf at 6 weeks of age.

The esophageal groove prevents milk from entering the rumen and directs it to the abomasums. Ruminants that are fed hay and grain beginning at 4 weeks of age stimulate the development of the rumen and are a fully func-tional ruminants by 12 weeks of age. The above pictures compares the reticulum of a milk fed calf with a milk, hay and grain fed calf. The milk fed example has less papillae development, lighter tissue color, smaller in size and has a thinner wall. Rumen development comparison Penn State University

1. 2. 3.

1. Rumen is 6 weeks old and the calf was fed a diet of milk only. 2. Rumen is 6 weeks old and fed a diet of milk and grain. 3. Rumen is 6 weeks old and fed a diet of milk and hay. Rumen development comparison Penn State University

Illustration 7

Omasum of a dairy calf at 6 weeks of age. Rumen development comparison Penn State University

EXAMPLE Forage Report

Forage Test Report Certified Forage Laboratory, Lexington, Kentucky 00000

For: Joe B. Hall East Side, Lexington KY 41111 Sample Tall fescue

Sample # 1001 Sample Type: Grass Hay Sample ID: Old House Field

As Fed Basis Dry Matter Bases

1. Moisture % 8.9 0.0

2. Dry Matter % 91.1 100.0

3. Crude Protein % 12.3 13.5

4. Available Protein 11.4 12.5

5. Soluble Protein % CP 30

6. Degradable Protein % CP 67

7. Acid Det. Fiber % 29.9 32.8

8. Neut. Det. Fiber % 52.1 57.2

9. TDN % 55 60

10. NE/Lact., MCAL/lb 0.52 0.57

11. NE/M.., MCAL/lb 0.52 0.57

12. NE/G., MCAL/lb 0.28 0.31

13. Rel. Feed Value 103

14. Calcium 0.57 0.63

15. Phosphorus 0.34 0.37

Illustration 8.

DMI as Percent of

Body Weight

%

Meat Goat As Percent of Dry

Matter %

Dairy Goat As Percent of Dry

Matter %

Sheep As Percent of Dry

Matter %

CP TDN CP TDN CP TDN

Buck/Ram Maintenance Inactive period Nonbreeding a

2.0-3.0 10 60 10 60 08 55

Buck/Ram Pre-active period Prebreeding b

2.0-3.5 10 60 10 60 08 55

Doe/Ewe Maintenance Early Gestation Non-lactating c

2.5-3.0 09 55 09 55 09 55

Doe/Ewe Late Gestation Non-lactating

2.5-4.0 13 66 13 66 10 66

Doe/Ewe Early lactating d 3.0-4.0 14 55 14 55 15 66

Doe/Ewe Early lactating Parlor milking e

3.5-5.0 *********

********* 21 80 20 80

Kids/Lambs– Females & Castrates f 3.0-4.0 16 68 18 88 18 68

Kids/Lambs– Intact Males 3.0-4.0 18 88 18 88 18 68

Kids/Lambs– Females & Male Yearlings h 3.0-4.0 12 65 12 65 08 66

a Nutritional maintenance requirements for a mature nonbreeding buck nondairy/dairy, weighing 165 lbs and a mature nonbreeding ram weighing 225 lbs. b Nutritional maintenance requirements for a mature prebreeding buck nondairy/dairy, weighing 165 lbs and a mature prebreeding ram weighing 225 lbs. c Nutritional maintenance requirements for an mature early gestational doe, nondairy/dairy weighing 120 lbs carrying two kids and a mature early gestational ewe weighing 155 lbs carrying two lambs. d Nutritional requirements for an mature early lactation doe, nondairy/dairy weighing 120 lbs car-rying two kids producing 2-3.5 quarts of milk per day and a mature early lactation ewe weighing 155 lbs carrying two lambs producing 1.5-2.5 quarts of milk per day. e Nutritional requirements for an mature early lactation doe, dairy weighing 120 lbs parlor milked producing 5-8 quarts of milk per day and a mature early lactation ewe weighing 155 lbs parlor milked producing 3-4 quarts of milk per day. f Nutritional requirements for an Boer doeling and castrate weighing 45 lbs at 3 months of age and a 60 lb lamb female and castrate at 3 months of age. g Nutritional requirement for yearlings at 12 months of age.

General Nutritional Requirements for Sheep and Goats From the NRC Nutritional Requirements for Small Ruminants, 2006

1st Trimester Preg. Day (0– 50)

2nd Trimester Preg. Day (50-100)

3rd Tri-mester Preg.

Lactation Day (150-225)

Non-lactating Period Day (225-365)

Graph modified from Langston Univ. online certification short course.

Graph 1.

Daily Nutritional Requirements for Meat Goats

DMI as Percent of

Body Weight

Esti-mated Daily DMI k

Meat Goat Nutrients

Body weight %

DMI lbs CP lbs TDN lbs Ca g P g

Mature Male (Buck) a

Maintenance, inactive, non-breeding period 2.0 4.04 0.29 2.56 6.4 4.5

Mature Male (Buck) b

Active, pre-breeding and breeding period 2.1 4.5 0.35 2.75 6.7 4.7

Mature Breeding Female (Doe) c

Maintenance and early gestation and nonlactating

2.4 2.6 0.25 1.48 4.0 2.8

Mature Breeding Female (Doe) c

Maintenance and late gestation (at least 95 days pregnant) and nonlactating

2.5 2.8 0.32 1.68 6.1 4.2

Mature Breeding Female (Doe) d Post-parturient and early lactating (0-5 weeks) 4.0 4.3 0.49 2.53 9.3 5.6

Weanling Females & Castrates (Kids) e For replacements and slaughter 3.6 1.6 0.31 1.15 2.8 2.0

Weanlings Intact Male (Kids) f For replacements and slaughter 4.3 1.9 0.38 1.40 3.1 2.2

Young Females g For replacements non-bred and early preg-nancy

2.5 2.8 0.30 1.68 4.0 2.8

Young Females h

Maintenance and late gestation (at least 95 days pregnant) and nonlactating

2.5 2.8 0.34 1.75 6.0 4.2

Young Femalei

Post-parturient and early lactating (0-5 weeks) 4.0 4.5 0.42 2.95 7.5 5.3

Yearling Males j Intact males for replacements 3.4 3.7 0.47 2.31 4.8 3.4

a Nutritional maintenance requirements for a 220 lb mature, non-breeding, non-dairy buck during the inactive period of the reproductive year. b Nutritional maintenance requirements for a 220 lb mature, 30 days pre-breeding, non-dairy buck, and to be fed at this rate through the breeding season. c Nutritional maintenance requirements for an mature early gestational doe, nondairy weighing 120 lbs carrying two kids. d Nutritional requirements for an mature early lactation doe, nondairy weighing 120 lbs carrying two kids producing 2-3.5 quarts of milk per day. e Nutritional requirements for a Boer weanling kids, females and castrates weighing 45 lbs and gaining 10 lbs per month. f Nutritional requirements for an Boer weanling, intact males weighing 45 lbs and gaining 13 lbs per month. g Nutritional requirement for a young females (less than 1.5 years old) weighing 110 lbs at 12 months of age gaining 7 lbs per month. Requirement reflects growth of yearling and fetus. h Nutritional requirement for a young late pregnancy female weighting 110 lbs carrying twins. i Young female at least 2 years old, weighing 110 lbs and at first lactation producing 2 quarts of milk at the 5th week of lacta-tion. jYearling male weighing 110 at 12 months of age and gaining 13 lbs per month. kEstimated dry matter intake is based on the NRC*, observations and Kentucky research. Dry matter intake will change with change in forage quality. In take will decline with lower quality forages and increase with higher quality forages. Grains and concentrates must be used to compensate for lower quality forages, however concentrate feeding should not exceed 50% of the total dry matter intake per day. The calculation of protein and energy requirements are based on the new set of equation published by the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research in Small Ruminant Research volume 53, number 3, published in 2004. In addition, these energy and protein, Ca and P requirements expressions are those recommended for goats by NRC (2007, Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants. National Academy Press. Washington, DC),

Table 1.

Table 2. Nutrient Requirements for Meat Goat

Requirements for a Mature Non-Dairy Pregnant Doe a Body

Wt.

Dry Matter Intake

CP

TDN

Ca P

Needs/day lbs lbs lbs lbs g g

Early Gestation 110 2.60 .25 1.48 4.0 2.8

Late Gestation 110 2.80 .32 1.68 6.1 4.2

Early Lactation 110 3.30 .49 2.53 9.3 5.6

aDoe body weight is 110 lbs and carrying 2 kids. Kid weight is 4.6-10.5 lbs at birth and Milk yield is 2-4 qts daily. Nutrient values taken from the 2006, National Research Council (NRC), Nu-trient Requirements of Small Ruminants and E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research in Small Ruminant Research volume 53, number 3, published in 2004.

Table 3. Nutrient Values of Feeds Fed to Meat Goats in Kentucky b

Feeds DM

CP

TDN

Ca

P

Forage Source % % % % %

Tall Fescue Hay (KY 31) 88 11 52 0.45 0.26

Soybean Hulls (SBH) a 90 13 77 0.55 0.17

Corn Gluten Feed (CGF) 90 22 80 0.12 0.85

Distillers Dried Grains with Soluables (DDGS)

92 31 85 0.25 0.65

a Explanation for variation in protein content of soybean byproduct feeds 1. Soybean Hulls: Crude protein content will range from 6 to 10%. 2. Soybean Mill Feed: Crude protein content will be not less than 13%. 3. Soybean Mill Run: Crude protein content will not be less than 11%. bNutrient values taken from the 2006, National Research Council (NRC), Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants 2007.

Soybean Meal (SBM) 91 49 84 .38 .71

Corn Grain Whole (WC) 88 0.09 90 0.02 0.30

Protein Source

Energy Source

Table 4a. Nutrient Requirements for Meat Goat

An Example Ration for a Mature Non-Dairy Pregnant Doe in Early Gestation a

Body Wt.

Dry Matter Intake (DMI)

CP

TDN

Ca P

lbs lbs lbs lbs g g

Needs for Doe in Early Gestation

110 2.60 0.25 1.48 4.0 2.8

Feeds % of Diet DMI CP TDN Ca P

KY 31 Tall Fescue Hay 100 2.60 0.29 1.35 5.3 3.1

Total on Dry Matter Basis

100 2.60 0.29 1.35 5.3 3.1

Total on As Fed Basis b

KY 31 100 2.95

Total on As Fed Basis 100 2.95

Conversion of lbs of Ca and P to grams (KY 31 hay = 0.45% Ca) 0.0045 Ca X 2.75 DMI = 0.012 lbs Ca, 0.012 lbs Ca / 2.2 lbs/kg = 0.0056 kg, 0.0056 kg X 1000 g/kg = 5.6 g

a Doe body weight is 110 lbs and doe is assumed to be carrying 2 kids. Kid weight is 4.6-10.5 lbs. Milk yield is 2-4 qts daily. b To convert to as fed from dry matter bases divide the pounds of feed by the percent dry matter of that feed. (KY 31, 2.60 lbs DM / .88 dry matter of the hay 88%) (from Table 2.) is 2.95 lbs of hay as fed. Nutrient values taken from the 2006, National Research Council (NRC), Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants 2007.

Difference + 0.04 - 0.13 + 1.3 + 0.3

Table 4b. Nutrient Requirements for Meat Goat

A Second Example Ration for a Mature Non-Dairy Pregnant Doe in Early Gestation a

Body Wt.


CP

TDN

Ca P

lbs lbs lbs lbs g g

Needs for Early Gestation

110 2.60 0.25 1.48 4.0 2.8


KY 31 Tall Fescue Hay 80 2.10 0.23 1.10 4.2 2.3

SBH 20 0.50 0.06 0.39 1.2 0.2


100 2.60 0.29 1.49 5.4 2.5


KY 31 80 2.40

SBH 20 0.56




Difference + 0.04 + 0.01 + 1.4 - 0.30

Table 4c. Nutrient Requirements for Meat Goat

An Example Ration for a Mature Non-Dairy Pregnant Doe in Late Gestation a

Body Wt.

Dry Matter Intake

(DMI)

CP

TDN

Ca P

lbs lbs lbs lbs g g

Needs for Late Gestation

110 2.80 .32 1.68 6.1 4.2


KY 31 60 1.68 0.18 .87 3.4 1.9

CGF 40 1.12 0.24 .90 0.60 4.5


100 2.80 0.42 1.77 4.0 6.3

Difference + 0.10 + 0.09 - 2.10 + 2.10


KY 31 60 1.91

CGF 40 1.25


Conversion of lbs of Ca and P to grams (KY 31 hay = 0.45% Ca) 0.0045 Ca X 2.75 DMI = 0.012 lbs Ca, 0.012 lbs Ca / 2.2 lbs/kg = 0.0056 kg, 0.0056 kg X 1000 g/kg = 5.6 g a Doe body weight is 110 lbs and doe is assumed to be carrying 2 kids. Kid weight is 4.6-10.5 lbs. Milk yield is 2-4 qts daily. b To convert to as fed from dry matter bases divide the pounds of feed by the percent dry matter of that feed. (KY 31, 1.68 lbs DM / .88 dry matter of the hay 88%) (from Table 2.) is 1.91 lbs of hay as fed. Nutrient values taken from the 2006, National Research Council (NRC), Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants 2007.

Table 4d. Nutrient Requirements for Meat Goat

An Example Ration for a Mature Non-Dairy Pregnant Doe in Early Lactation a

Body Wt.


CP

TDN

Ca P

lbs lbs lbs lbs g g

Needs for Early Lactation

110 4.30 .49 2.53 9.3 5.6


KY 31 80 3.44 0.38 1.79 7.0 4.1

DDGS 20 0.86 0.27 0.74 1.0 2.5


100 4.30 0.65 2.53 8.0 6.6


KY 31 70 3.91

DDGS 30 0.96

Total on As Fed Basis

100 4.87



Difference + 0.16 0.00 - 1.3 + 1.0

NC Method 1a.

NC Method 1b.

NC Method 1c.

Feedstuffs Classification Forages / Roughages Concentrate

Dry

Wet

Low Protein < 10% CP

Higher Protein > 10% CP

Pasture Silage Haylage

Crop residues Poor quality hay Mature grass

Legume hay Grass-legume hay Immature

Energy Protein

Corn Oats Molasses Citrus pulp Soybean

Soybean meal Cottonseed meal Whole cotton seed Brewer’s dried grains Distiller’s dried grains with soluables Corn gluten feed Fish meal Feather meal Blood

Soil Stabilization Method

• Quality is important

• 12” drinking space/ doe

• 15-25 does / tank

• Sanitation is essential

Illustration 9a. Tank waterer with graveled approach Source: Vet. Sciences Dept. VPI

Illustration 9b. PVC pipe holding a nipple water used in shelter and feed lot areas. Note water catch basin below for drip reduction. Source: Sharpe Farm, Williamsburg Kentucky

Illustration 9c. Solar heated pasture water source. Wood side steps used for kid access to the water tank. Tank sets on concrete slab and approached is graveled for mud and water management.

Illustration 9d. Portable above ground water source system use in rotational grazing systems. Source: University of Missouri, Cooperative Extension Service

Illustration 10a. Iowa State University, Extension Pub. Agron. 3, 1999

Illustration 10b. Effects of plant maturity on forage quality and digestibility. Adapted from: R.E. Blaser. 1986. Virginia Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull. 86.7

Forage Quality & G oat RequirementsTDN

30

40

50

60

70

80

Pasture Veget. Pasture Mature Pasture Dead

TDN

% Dry & Ea rly P regnant Do es

D oes in Early La ctat ion Yea rlingWeanling

How wo uld you kn ow the TDN level ??

Graph 2. Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, NCSU, Cooperative Extension

Table 5a. Examples of Energy Concentrate Feedstuffs

Energy Feeds % Dry Matter

% TDN

NEm Mcal/

lb

NE g Mcal/

lb

% CP

% Fat

% Ca DM

% P DM

Grains

Corn-whole 56 lb/bu 88 88 0.91 0.61 9.8 4.3 0.03 0.31

Corn-cracked 88 90 1.02 0.70 9.8 4.1 0.03 0.32

Barley, heavy 88 73 0.79 0.50 13.6 4.9 0.07 0.30

Oats 91 73 0.79 0.50 13.6 4.9 0.07 0.30

Milo 90 85 0.95 0.64 11.3 1.9 0.05 0.34

Wheat 89 76 0.88 0.54 11.6 3.1 0.07 0.33

Byproduct feeds

Brewers Grains, wet 21 70 0.74 0.47 26.0 6.5 0.29 0.20

Distillers Grains, wet 25 90 1.02 0.70 26.0 9.9 0.32 1.40

Distillers Dried Grains with Soluables

92 85 31 0.25 0.65

Hominy 90 91 1.03 0.71 11.5 7.3 0.05 0.57

Soybean hulls 91 80 0.88 0.59 12.2 2.1 0.53 0.18

Wheat Midds 89 83 0.92 0.62 18.4 3.2 0.15 1.00

Molasses 74 72 0.77 0.49 5.8 0.0 1.00 0.10

2007, Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants. National Academy Press. Washington, DC

Table 5b. Examples of Protein Concentrate Feedstuffs


% TDN

NEm Mcal/

lb

NE g Mcal/lb

% CP

% Fat

% Ca DM

% P DM

Grains

Soybean meal 44% 89 84 0.94 0.64 49.9 1.6 0.40 0.71

Whole soybean, roasted 90 94 1.07 0.75 42.8 18.8 0.27 0.65

Cottonseed meal 92 75 0.81 0.53 46.1 3.2 0.20 1.16

Whole cottonseed 92 95 1.08 0.76 24.4 17.5 0.17 0.62

Fish Meal 90 72 0.75 0.47 66.0 8.0 6.40 3.60

Byproduct feeds

Brewers Grains, wet 21 70 0.74 0.47 26.0 6.5 0.29 0.20

Distillers Grains, wet 25 90 1.02 0.70 26.0 9.9 0.32 1.40

Distillers Dried Grains with Soluables

92 85 31 0.25 0.65

Corn Gluten Feed (CGF) 90 80 22 0.12 0.85 2007, Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants. National Academy Press. Washington, DC

Table 5c. Examples of Forage Roughage Feedstuffs


% TDN

NEm Mcal/

lb

NE g Mcal/

lb

% CP

% Fat

% Ca DM

% P DM

Grains

Fescue KY 31 fresh 29 64 0.64 0.36 15.0 0.5 0.05 0.37

Fescue KY 31 hay early bloom

88 65 3.30 0.36 18.0 0.5 0.05 0.03

Fescue KY 31 hay early ma-ture

88 52 0.50 0.19 11.0 0.5 0.05 0.03

Fescue stockpiled KY 31 fresh

49 60 0.59 0.34 11.0 0.4 0.03 0.02

Orchardgrass hay (2nd cutting)

89 65 0.65 0.40 12.8 0.3 0.03 0.03

Byproduct feeds

Soybean hulls 91 80 0.88 0.59 12.2 2.1 0.53 0.18 2007, Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants. National Academy Press. Washington, DC

Amazing Power Pellet Inc. Dog Gone, KY 20100-1111

Net Weight 50 lb (22.5 Kg)

Illustration 11. Kentucky Special GWB Brand

Amazing Power Pellet 18% 1288888888NM

Medicated A Complete Grain Mix for Young Meat Goats Statement of species

and class of animal in which the product is

intended.

Medication Statement &

Guaranteed Analysis

Statement of Added Ingredients

Feeding Directions & Warning Statement

Note the contact information for the company and the total weight of the product.

Example Rations: Using Byproduce Feeds for Sheep and Meat Goats Protein 15-18%

TDN 69-79% All on a Dry Matter Basis

Feedstuffs As Percent of the Diet As Fed %

Grass F/C F/C F/C F/C

F/C 30 30 30 30 F/C

Legume/grass 35

Distillers Grains w Solubles

10 20 30 10 15 25 10

Whole Corn 10 40 40 33 10 18 28 12 16

Oats 10

Corn Gluten Feed 25 28 37

Wheat Midds 20

Soybean Meal 48 % 3 3 9 8 8

Corn Cob Meal 30

Soybean Hulls 20 40 30 26 12 38 17 32 39 65

Cottonseed Hulls 8 19 1 1 1 1

Flax Meal 3

Molasses Cane 10 4 4

Vegetable Oil 1 1 1 1 1

Limestone 1 1 6 2 4 3

Mineral package in-cluding ammonium chloride and rumen-sin

3 1 1 1 1 1 5

Free-choice complete mineral

F/C F/C F/C

Alfalfa meal 31

Others

Alfalfa meal 31

Table 6.

Table 7. General Mineral Requirements for Sheep and Goats

Mineral Sheep Goat

Sodium, (Na) % 0.09-0.18 0.09-0.2

Calcium, (Ca) % 0.20-0.82 0.20-0.90

Phosphorus, (P) % 0.16-0.38 0.14-0.40

Magnesium, (Mn) % 0.12-0.18 0.12-0.18

Potassium, (K) % 0.50-0.80 0.50-0.80

Sulfur, (S) % 0.14-0.26 0.16-0.32

Iodine, (I) ppm 0.10-0.80 0.60

Iron, (Fe) ppm 30-50 30

Copper, (Cu) ppm 7-8 10

Molybdenum, (Mo) ppm 0.10-0.5 0.10

Cobalt, (Co) ppm 0.10-0.20 0.10

Manganese, (Mg) ppm 20-40 20-60

Zinc, (Zn) ppm 20-33 45-50

Selenium, (Se) ppm 0.10-0.30 0.10-0.30

Nutrient requirements of small ruminants, Washington, DC, 2007, National Academy Press, Sheep and Goat Medicine, D.G. Pugh, 2002

Mineral Late Gestation Pasture, Grazing Does

Calcium, minimum % 17 15

Calcium, maximum % 20 17

Phosphorus, % 10 6

Salt, minimum % 16 16

Salt, maximum % 18 18

Magnesium % 1 2.5

Zinc, ppm 2700 1350

Manganese, ppm 2500 1250

Copper, minimum ppm 1400 750

Copper, maximum ppm 1600 850

Iodine, ppm 140 70

Cobalt, ppm 20 10

Selenium, ppm 50 25

Vitamin A, IU/lb 300,000 150,000

Vitamin E, IU/lb 300 150

Recommendations based on requirements as defined by the 2007 NRC, mineral content of Kentucky 31 Tall Fes-cue and a typical late gestational or kid creep supplement. Recommendation developed by John T. Johns, Donna M. Amaral-Phillips and Terry Hutchens, UK Coopeative Extension Service

Mineral Recommendation for Goats Specific to Kentucky Conditions

Table 7a

Table 8. Use of Minerals in Ruminants

Skeletal Development and Maintenance

Energy Milk Basic Body Function

Macrominerals

Ca X X X X

P X X X X

Mg X X X

Na X X

Cl X

K X X

S X

Microminerals

Cr X

Co X

Cu X

I X X X

Fe X

Mn X X

Mo X

Se X

Zn X X

Nebraska Cooperative Extension EC97-277, Minerals an Vitamins for Beef Cows

Mineral Supplementation

Percentage of Mineral Element and Relative Bioavailability a

Calcium Steamed bonemeal 29.0 (23—37) High Defluorinated rock phosphate 29.2 (19.9—35.7) Intermediate Calcium carbonate 40.0 Intermediate Soft phosphate 18.0 Low Ground limestone 38.5 Intermediate Dolomitic limestone 22.3 Intermediate Monocalcium phosphate 16.2 High Tricalcium phosphate 31.0—34.0 — Dicalcium phosphate 23.2 High Hay sources 23.3 Low Cobalt Cobalt carbonate 46.0—55.0 ___b Cobalt Cobalt sulfate 21.0 ___b Cobalt Cobalt chloride 24.7 ___b Copper Cupric sulfate 25.0 High Cupric carbonate 53.0 Intermediate Cupric chloride 37.2 High Cupric oxide 80.0 Low Cupric nitrate 33.9 Intermediate Iodine Calcium iodate 63.5 High Ethylenediamine dihydroiodide 80.0 Highc Potassium iodide, stabilized 69.0 High Cuprous iodide 66.6 High Iron Iron oxide 46.0– 60.0 Unavailable Ferrous carbonate 36.0—42.0 Lowd Ferrous sulfate 20.0—30.0 High Magnesium Magnesium carbonate 21.0—28.0 High Magnesium chloride 12.0 High Magnesium oxide 54.0—60.00 High Magnesium sulfate 9.8—17.0 High Potassium and magnesium sulfate 11.0 High Manganese Manganous sulfate 27.0 High Manganous oxide 52.0—62.0 High

Continued

Element Element Source compound compound (%) Bioavailability

Table 9.

Table 9. (Continued)

Element Element Source compound compound (%) Bioavailability

Phosphorous Defluorinated rock phosphate 13.3 (8.7—21.0) Intermediate Calcium phosphate 18.6—2.10 High Dicalcium phosphate 18.5 Intermediate Tricalcium phosphate 18.0 —- Phosphoric acid 23.0—25.0 High Sodium phosphate 21.0—25.0 High Potassium phosphate 22.8 —- Soft phosphate 9.0 Low Steamed bonemeal 12.6 (8—18) High Potassium Potassium chloride 50.0 High Potassium sulfate 41.0 High Potassium and magnesium sulfate 18.0 High Selenium Sodium selenate 40.0 High Sodium selenite 45.6 High Sulfur Calcium sulfate (gypsum) 12.0—20.1 Low Potassium sulfate 28.0 High Potassium and magnesium sulfate 22.0 High Sodium sulfate 10.0 Intermediate Anhydrous sodium sulfate 22.0 —- Sulfur, flowers of 96.0 Low Zinc Zinc carbonate 52.0 High Zinc chloride 48.0 Intermediate Zinc sulfate 22.0—36.0 High Zinc oxide 46.0—73.0 High ___________________________________________________________________________________________ a From Ellis et al., (1988). b Critical tests not done, but source effective. c Some liberation of free iodine when mixed with trace minerals. d Some samples are fairly high in availability, but not as available as ferrous sulfate.

Mineral Consumption of a Complete Free Choice MineralFive Weeks March & April 2007

William Ison, UK Animal Science Student, Ken Andries, KSU & Terry Hutchens UK

0.910.83

0.710.62

00.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9

1

Young Does Dry Does Preg Does Bucks

Animal Class

Oun

ces

Graph (3).

Illustration 12. KY- Mountain Buck

Goat Mineral Mineral Asteroid Co, New York,

NY 00842-8888 Read Carefully the Guaranteed Analysis

Read Carefully the Ingredients, the source of the minerals in the supplement

Feeding Directions for free choice feeding of mineral

Label Warning Statement KY-Mountain Buck Goat Mineral

Mineral Asteroid Co, New York, NY 00842-8888

8888 Net Wt. 50 LBS. (22.67 kg)

400 Note the contact information for the company and the total weight of the product.

Table 10. Common Feed Additives for Sheep and Goats Diets Purpose of Additive Specie Labeled for

Use Feed Additive Restrictions and

Comments Feed additive for the control of coccidio-sis, improve weight gain and feed effi-ciency, aid in preven-tion of pregnancy toxemia, gas bloat

Sheep and Goats, for confinement feeding

Ionophore: Lasalocid (labeled for sheep) and monensin (labeled for goats)

Not to be used for animals whose milk or milk produce is used for human con-sumption

Feed additive for the control of coccidiosis

Sheep and Goats Anticoccidial feed addivtive: decoquinate

Not to be used for animals whose milk or milk produce is used for human con-sumption

For the prevention of urolithiasis in rams, bucks and wethers

Sheep and Goats Anionic salts: ammonium chloride ammonium sulfate are urine acidifiers

Unpalatable and may result in depressed intake


Homemade Creep Feeding Rations

Feeds 1 2 3 4

Ground Corn 33% 60% 63% 40%

Oats 11%

Soybean Hulls 10%

Soybean Meal 6% 8.5% 10% 6.5%

Alfalfa Hay 55% 25% 36%

Bran 10%

Molasses 6% 6% 6% 6%

Trace min. Salt 0.05% 0.05% 0.05% 0.05%

Ammonium Chloride

0.05% 0.05% 0.05% 0.05%

Limestone 0.05 1.0% 0.5%


Photo from, Body Condition Score in Goat, M. Villaquiran et al, Cooperative Ext. Service Pub., Langston Univ., Langston OK

Photo from, Body Condition Score in Goat, M. Villaquiran et al, Cooperative Ext. Service Pub.,

Photo from, Body Condition Score in Goat, M. Villaquiran et al, Cooperative Ext. Service Pub., Langston Univ., Langston OK

Photo from, Body Condition Score in Goat, M. Villaquiran et al, Cooperative Ext. Service Pub.,

Graph 4.

kentucky sheep and goat herder curriculum · want in the winter, along with their offspring? you...

Documents