Author
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Turner, Kenneth |
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Submitted to: Proceedings of the Annual Appalachian Opportunities Symposium
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 9/21/2007 Publication Date: 12/31/2007 Citation: Turner, K.E. 2007. Herbals and Ruminant Health: A Review. In: Morales, M. R. and Foster, J. G., editors. Proceedings of the Fifth Appalachian Opportunities Symposium, March 10, 2007, Beckley, West Virginia. p. 18-24. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Traditional sheep, hair sheep and meat goat industries are growing rapidly in the Appalachian Region, particularly on small farms, to help produce meats to satisfy ethnic markets demands. Increasing demand for pasture-raised meat and dairy products for these niche markets provides production incentives and management options for grasses, legumes, forbs, and browse growing on Appalachian hill-land farms. In addition, organic production and natural meat production systems often limit or prohibit the use of synthetic chemicals creating a need to evaluate alternative plants and plant extracts for uses in these systems. Currently, plant secondary metabolites are being re-evaluated to better understand the opportunities to positively influence health and performance of ruminants by improving feed intake, digestion, and nutrient-use efficiency. Secondary plant metabolites may have anthelmintic properties to aid in the control of gastrointestinal parasites in livestock, and can be used to enhance functional food components for consumer health and safety. |
