Advanced Sheep and Goat Nutrition School
Animal Science
Melanie Barkley
EXTENSION EDUCATOR
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
BEDFORD
Abstract
The Advanced Sheep and Goat Nutrition School workshop was designed to help small ruminant producers learn fundamental nutrition concepts and teach them how to put those concepts into practice balancing rations. The objective of the workshop was to teach sheep and goat producers strategies to better manage nutrition within a flock or herd. The purpose of the workshop was to explain basic principles of ration balancing, review nutrient requirements for sheep and goats, discuss how to interpret a forage analysis report, and explain how to configure a grain mix and how to balance a ration utilizing one of two different computer programs. Two workshops were held across the state, one in eastern Pennsylvania and one in western Pennsylvania. Post evaluations indicated that 100% of participants learned something new, 100% learned a moderate to significant amount, and 100% planned to make changes to their operation. Participants also indicated in the post evaluation that 79% planned to use the software to balance rations for their flock or herd and 43% planned to have forages analyzed. Follow up conversations with several participants conducted at least 6 months after workshops indicated that producers were using the computer software programs. As a result of balancing rations, they decreased feed costs, increased rate of gain and increased the value of lambs. One producer who finishes lambs noted that he uses the software to help him work more effectively with his local feed mill to substitute lower cost grains into his grain mixes. This decreased feed costs by $300 for the year. This also increased weight gains and improved the quality of lambs which increased income by approximately $5,500. Another producer made adjustments to rations that resulted in increased weaning weights. Lamb value increased by approximately $35 and income from the sale of lambs increased by approximately $1,750.
Authors: Melanie Barkley
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Melanie Barkley EXTENSION EDUCATOR, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania, 15522