Assessment of Small Ruminant Production Systems in Mississippi and the Southeastern USA using an Online Survey
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 19, Issue 1 - June 2026
Editor: Bindu Poudel-Ward
Dearborn, L., MSc, Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
Lemus, R., MSc, PhD, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
Pesato, M., DVM, DABVP (Food Animal Practice), Four State Veterinary Services. P.O. Box 241, Bear, Delaware, USA
Rios, L., MSc, PhD, Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
Abstract
This study examines demographics, management, and health practices of small ruminant production systems (SRPS) in Mississippi and the southeastern U.S. using survey data from 216 producers (2021–2022). Respondents were predominantly female (54.6%), younger than average U.S. farmers, and highly educated. Key practices such as FAMACHA© scoring, vaccination, and rotational grazing were widely adopted. Gaps in animal management were evident, including limited animal weighing, key to possible compromised parasite control, and poor performance monitoring. Gastrointestinal parasitism was a major health concern. Findings highlight the need for targeted Extension education on sustainable parasite, record-keeping, and herd health practices.
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