AFSRC scientists are studying ways to maximize production potential of improved pastures for finishing meat goats. Goat urine was applied to pasture soils in a greenhouse environment to study nitrogen cycling and the environmental impact of goat grazing. Repeated application of goat urine caused ‘burning’ of the vegetation. Rotational grazing of goats and liming of soils might lessen the impact of goat urine on forages.

Photo by K Dale Ritchey