2006 Western Extension, Research, and
Academics Committee 039 Annual Meeting
SAN ANGELO, Texas
May 22 – 23, 2006
Tentative Agenda
MONDAY – Angelo State University Management, Instruction, and Research Center, San Angelo, TX12:30 / – / 12:40 / Opening and Introductions
12:40 / – / 1:00 / Administrative Advisor report
1:00 / – / 3:00 / WERA039 reports
3:00 / – / 3:20 / Break
3:20 / – / 5:30 / WERA039 reports
6:30 / Dinner, location TBA
TUESDAY – Angelo State University Management, Instruction, and Research Center, San Angelo, TX
8:00 / – / 9:00 / Business Meeting
9:00 / – / 10:00 / WERA039 reports
10:00 / – / 10:15 / Break
10:15 / – / 12 noon / WERA039 reports
12:05 / – / 1:00 / Lunch (provided)
1:00 / – / 3:30 / Special Seminar: “Using livestock and fire to sustain Texas Rangelands” followed by tours of ASU and TAMUS facilities at San Angelo.
Table of Contents
WERA 039 Current and WCC 39 Historical Records of Dates,
Location, and Officers iii
Participants iv
Minutes, WERA 039, May 16-17, 2005 v
Accomplishments and Impacts vii
Participants at the 2005 Meeting viii
WERA039: Coordination of Sheep and Goat Research and Education
Programs in the Western States x
Appendix E: Format for Reporting Projected Participation xiii
Reports 1
Objective 1. Develop ecologically and economically sound land management practices that use the unique harvesting abilities of sheep and goats for: a) managing and sustaining native plant communities; b) controlling invasive, exotic plant species; and c) improving
nutrient cycling and pest management in range and cropping systems 2
the Montana Sheep institute 3
PRESCRIBED SHEEP AND GOAT BROWSING FOR CONTROLLING
CONIFER ENCROACHMENT 6
Joe Skeen Institute for Rangeland Restoration Montana
Fecal NIRS Calibration Trial For spotted Knapweed 8
CONTROLLING BRACHYPODIUM SYLVATICUM BY SHEEP GRAZING 10
MULTI-SPECIES GRAZING AND SINGLE SPECIES GRAZING
ON LEAFY SPURGE INFESTED RANGELAND
(Ten-Year Summary) 12
EFFECTS OF MULTISPECIES GRAZING ON LEAFY SPURGE INFESTED RANGELAND USING TWICE-OVER ROTATION AND
SEASON-LONG GRAZING TREATMENTS (Ten-Year Summary) 14
Objective 2. Develop sheep and goat management strategies that enhance the efficiency for production of high quality, marketable end products by: a) improving biological efficiency through better understanding of environmental and genetic events that influence meat and fiber production; b) identifying unique feedstuffs that enhance the nutritional value of meat; c) utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation both in the field and in the lab to accurately and rapidly measure important characteristics of wool, mohair, and cashmere; and d) develop animal identification systems that ensure the accurate real-time linking of animals to
lifetime genetic, performance, health, and origin databases. 16
BODY WEIGHT CHANGES AND PRODUCTIVITY OF
EWES GRAZING RANGELANDS IN THE WINTER 17
MSU SHEEP RATION PROGRAM 19
Relationship between ultrasound assessment of potential
carcass merit and weight in targhee Rams 23
Effects of hCG and Progesterone Administered to Ewes Post Breeding on Serum
Concentrations of Progesterone and Estradiol 25
Reproductive Wastage and Lamb Survival of Western White Face
Sheep Grazing Rangelands 26
REDUCED INPUT SHEEP PRODUCTION 27
Effect of Solanum dimidiatum on embryonic loss and neonatal lamb survival
in Rambouillet sheep 29
PREDICTING THE AVERAGE FINENESS OF BULK LINES OF FINE WOOL BY
MEASURING ONE MID-SIDE STAPLE FROM EACH SKIRTED FLEECE IN THE
LINE WITH AN OFDA2000 31
OBJECTIVE 3: . Rapidly and accurately disseminate new information to the producer through: a) development of novel technology transfer platforms; b) hosting field days at
research centers; and, c) organizing on-farm demonstration projects. 34
DISSEMINATING EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION TO INTERMOUNTAIN
SHEEP AND GOAT PRODUCERS THROUGH AN EDUCATIONAL
PARTNERSHIP WITH INDUSTRY 35
Special Seminar: “Using livestock and fire to sustain Texas Rangelands” 36
USING LIVESTOCK AND FIRE TO SUSTAIN TEXAS RANGELANDS 37
A Review of Research Investigating Juniper Herbivory by
oats at the Plant Animal Interface 39
INCREASING CONSUMPTION OF JUNIPER BY GOATS
THROUGH EXPOSURE AT WEANING 40
Participant Publications (2004/2006) 41
WERA 039 Current and WCC 39 Historical Records of
Dates, Location, and Officers
1987 – 2006
Date / Location / Chair / Secretary5/22-5/23/06 / San Angelo, TX / C. Lupton / M. Salisbury
5/17-5/18/05 / Houston, TX / J. Taylor / C. Lupton
5/17-5/18/04 / Reno, NV / H. Meyer / J. Taylor
6/04-6/07/03 / Hettinger, ND / R. Kott / H. Meyer
5/30-6/01/02 / Bozeman, MT / T. Faller / R. Kott
5/17-5/20/01 / Kerrville, TX / S. Ramsey / T. Faller
6/28-6/30/00(NC 111) / Idaho Falls, ID / D. Holcombe / S. Ramsey
5/20-5/22/99 / Reno, NV / P. Hatfield / D. Holcombe
5/27-5/30/98 / Ruidoso, NM / J. Huston / P. Hatfield
6/25-6/28/97 (NC 111) / Ames, IA / M. Dally / J. Huston
5/16-5/18/96 / Laramie, WY / R. Kott / M. Dally
5/18-5/20/95 / Hopeland, CA / M. Riley / R. Kott
5/19-5/21/94 / San Angelo, TX / T. Ross / M. Riley
5/20-5/22/93 / Bozeman, MT / G. Snowder / T. Ross
5/28-5/30/92 / Reno, NV / V. Thomas / G. Snowder
1/17-1/18/91 (ASI) / Long Beach, CA / ------/ V. Thomas
1990 (ASI) / Pheonix, AZ / ------/ ------
1989 (NC 111) / Corvallis, OR / C. Lupton / ------
1988 / Reno, NV / H. Meyer / C. Lupton
1987 / Reno, NV / ------/ H. Meyer
Participants
ii
Angelo State University
Gil Engdahl
ASU Station #10888
San Angelo, TX 76909
325-942-2027
325-942-2183 FAX
Mike Salisbury
ASU Station # 10888
San Angelo, TX 76909
325-942-2027
325-942-2183 FAX
Brian May
Department of Agriculture
PO Box 10888 ASU Station
San Angelo, TX 76909
325/942-2027 ext. 283
325/942-2183 FAX
Colorado State University
Steve LeValley
Department of Animal Science
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970/491-1321
970/491-5326 FAX
Montana State University
Rodney Kott
Department of Animal and Range Sciences
PO Box 172900
Bozeman, MT 59717-2900
406/994-5602
406/994-5589 FAX
Patrick Hatfield
Department of Animal and Range Sciences
PO Box 172900
Bozeman, MT 59717-2900
406-994-7952
406/994-5589 FAX
New Mexico State University
Tim Ross
Department of Animal and Range Sciences
Las Cruces, NM 88003-0003
505/646-3402
505/646-5441 FAX
North Dakota State University
Tim Faller
Hettinger Research Extension Center
PO Box 1377
Hettinger, ND 58639-1377
701/567-4323
701/567-4327 FAX
Christopher S. Schauer, PhD
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Hettinger Research Extension Center
Hettinger, ND 58639
(701) 567-4323
(701) 567-4327 FAX
The Ohio State University
Paul S. Kuber
2029 Fyffe Road/122D
Columbus, OH 43210
614/247-8305
Oregon State University
Howard Meyer
Department of Animal Science
112 Withycombe Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331-6702
541/737-1912
541/737-4174 FAX
Jim Thompson
Department of Animal Science
214 Withycombe Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331-6702
541/737-1908
541/737-4174 FAX
Texas A&M University
Christopher J. Lupton
Texas Agricultural Experiment Station
7887 US HWY 87 N
San Angelo, TX 76901-9714
325/653-4576
325/653-4364 FAX
Shawn Ramsey
Department of Animal Science
2471 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-2471
979/845-7616
979/845-3294 FAX
University of Wyoming
Robert H. Stobart
Animal Science
Dept 3684
1000 E University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071
307/766-5212
307/766-2355 FAX
USDA-Agricultural Research Service
J. Bret Taylor
US Sheep Experiment Station
HC 62 Box 2010
Dubois, ID 83423
208/374-5306
208/374-5582
USDA-ARS/Idaho
Joe Harrison
Utah State University
C. Kim Chapman
Utah State University Extension
Richfield, Utah 84701-2158
435/893-0474
ii
Minutes
Western Extension, Research, and Academic
Coordinating Committee 039 (WERA 039)
May 16 - 17, 2005
Chairperson Bret Taylor called the WERA 039 meeting to order at 12:30 P.M., May 16, 2005 at the La Quinta Inn, Houston, Texas.
Those in attendance were: Dick Battaglia (Administrative Advisor; University of Idaho), Kim Chapman (Utah State University), Erika Campbell (Texas A&M University), Frank Craddock (Texas A&M University), Jackson Dzakuma (Prairie View A&M University), Tim Faller (North Dakota State University), Pat Hatfield (Montana State University), Chris Lupton (Texas A&M University), Howard Meyer (Oregon State University), Larry Miller (Program Leader; USDA-CSREES), Faron Pfeiffer (Texas A&M University), Shawn Ramsey (Texas A&M University), Tim Ross (New Mexico State University), Mike Salisbury (Angelo State University), Bob Stobart (University of Wyoming), Bret Taylor (USDA-ARS, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station), John Walker (Texas A&M University), and Travis Whitney (Texas A&M University).
The tentative agenda was modified slightly and then approved by general consent.
Minutes from the previous meeting (May 17 – 18, 2004) were accepted by general consent.
Chairman Taylor called on Larry Miller to make his presentation on behalf of USDA-CSREES. Dr. Miller’s presentation is included in the 2005 WERA 039 Proceedings booklet (pp 3-5). To the great disappointment of the group, Larry announced his intention to retire in 2006.
Reports were presented from Montana State University, North Dakota State University (Tim Faller also announced his intention to retire before the next WERA 039 meeting), Texas A&M University (new program in nutrition research by Travis Whitney), the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, New Mexico State University, Angelo State University, Utah State University, and Prairie View A&M University. Summaries of all these reports (except Whitney’s) are contained in the 2005 WERA 039 Proceedings booklet. Chairman Taylor called a recess at 5:45 P.M.
7:00 A.M., 5-17-05. The group departed from the La Quinta Inn in Houston heading to Prairie View A&M University. Upon arrival, delegates were provided with a nice continental breakfast organized by Dr. Dzakuma.
Chairman Taylor called the business meeting to order at 8:15 A.M. and called on our Administrative Advisor to make his comments. Dr. Battaglia discussed the new WERA 039 petition and indicated a few areas that required changing before it would be acceptable to the Western Directors. The modified petition should be submitted before June 15, 2005. He also stressed the importance for each participant to file an Appendix E form so that they can be officially listed as members of the new WERA 039 coordinating committee. He also discussed the necessity for the group to write concise impact statements on a regular basis. These should address the five CSREES goals listed in Dr. Miller’s presentation (slide 14) as well as our own WERA 039 objectives.
Next, Dr. Alfred Parkes (Director, Prairie View A&M University Experiment Station) officially welcomed the group to the Prairie View campus.
Chairman Taylor discussed the possibility of inviting (paid) speakers to future meetings. Locations considered were Denver, Rapid City, and San Angelo. Tim Faller moved that the 2006 meeting be held in Denver, CO. Motion died for lack of second. On behalf of Angelo State University, Mike Salisbury formally invited the group to meet in San Angelo in 2006. Mike Salisbury entered the invitation as a motion and Shawn Ramsey seconded. The group accepted by general consent. Meeting dates will be May 15 and 16, 2006. Following a report from the nomination committee (Tim Faller, Howard Meyer, Shawn Ramsey), Chris Lupton and Mike Salisbury were appointed Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of WERA 039 by general consent.
Dr. Miller encouraged those present to assist Harvey Blackburn and Mike Brown (National Animal Germplasm Program) by volunteering to collect blood samples from sheep and goats for this conservation program.
Chairman Taylor called on the following institutions to make the remaining reports: Oregon State University, University of Wyoming, and Texas A&M University (Frank Craddock).
At this point, Dr. Linda Williams-Willis, Interim Dean and Administrator, Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, welcomed the group to the campus.
Reports resumed from Oregon State University, Texas A&M University (John Walker, Erika Campbell and Chris Lupton), University of Wyoming, and Texas A&M University (Shawn Ramsey). Following this final report, the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Taylor at 12:25 PM and the group enjoyed a very nice lunch organized by Dr. Dzakuma.
After lunch, Dr. Dzakuma led on informative tour of the Prairie View A&M University animal and laboratory facilities. Subsequently, Dr. Ramsey toured the group through the Texas A&M University Animal Science Teaching, Research and Extension Center in College Station.
This tour concluded at 5:30 P.M.
Accomplishments and Impacts
For Objective 1, descriptions of potential impacts and applications were presented addressing sheep grazing in dryland grain production systems and their effects on control of wheat stem sawfly, biomass and weed density, and soil bulk density and soil nutrients. (Montana State University). The Montana Sheep Institute (Montana State University) submitted a report summarizing the impact of sheep grazing on leafy spurge for 2003 and 2004. A nine-year summary was presented on the effects of multi-species grazing of leafy spurge infested rangeland using twice-over rotation and season long grazing treatments (North Dakota State University). Short-duration intensive sheep grazing resulted in an immediate and high utilization of leafy spurge (USDA-ARS-USSES). Pre-weaning exposure of lambs to false brome greatly increased their short-term propensity to eat the plant (Oregon State University). In a selective breeding program with goats, near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy of their fecal material was used to measure the consumption of the toxic shrub juniper (Texas A&M University). For Objective 2, descriptions of potential impacts and applications were presented (written report only, Colorado State University) addressing the effects of husbandry and management practices on the incidence of pathogens in live lambs and on the incidence of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter jejuni/coli on lamb carcasses at six lamb packing plants. Range raised Suffolk X Whiteface lamb crosses were reported to be 8.5% heavier at weaning than whiteface lambs (New Mexico State University). A trial was initiated (Oregon State University) to examine breeding and management practices that will contribute to systems of profitable reduced input sheep production. Three breeds of goat were evaluated for their natural resistance/tolerance to/of endoparasites (Prairie View A&M University). Sheep and goat extension programs in two states were reviewed (Texas A&M University and Utah State University). Young rams from a summer performance test were evaluated in terms of their breeding capacity and the performance of their lambs through feeding and processing
(University of Wyoming). In addition radio frequency ear tags were evaluated for their ability to retain identification of lambs from feeding through processing. For Objective 3, one report summarized the relationships between the quantity of hair at birth of fine-wool lambs and fiber diameter and staple length at weaning (Angelo State University) and two reports described how near-infrared spectroscopy is being utilized to develop faster and potentially less expensive test methods for characterizing animal fibers (Texas A&M University and University of Wyoming).