Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: March 6, 2009
Publication Date: May 19, 2009
Citation: Cassida, K.A., Turner, K.E., Neel, J.P. 2009. NEW CONCEPTS IN PASTURE MANAGEMENT FOR SMALL RUMINANTS. PART 1: THE PLANT. Grazing in Appalachia. Proc. 2009 Appalachian Grazing Conference, March 6-7, 2009, Morgantown, WV.
Technical Abstract:
New small ruminant producers in Appalachia have many questions about forage management. Forage management decisions need to be keyed to the specific needs of the small ruminant t species to be grazed. Sheep and goats are different from each other and both are very different from cattle. Important considerations include: cost effectiveness, the need for excellent nutritive value in small ruminant pastures and the importance of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) control. Fescue toxicosis can be managed to make pastures safer for small ruminants. Prairiegrass and forage brassicas have promise as a stockpiled forage for fall finishing of small ruminants, while forage legumes like red clover and alfalfa have produced excellent summer pastures for goat kids. Bioactive forage contain compounds that have health benefits for animals in addition to their forage value. These forage crops include sericea lespedeza, birdsfoot trefoil, chicory, and browse for GIN control.
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