Got Worms? Breeding for Parasite Resistance to Ensure the Sustainability and Resilience of Small Ruminant Operations

Progress report for LNE23-464

Download PDF
LNE23-464 (project overview)
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2023: $318,874.00
Projected End Date: 11/30/2026
Grant Recipient: University of Rhode Island
Region: Northeast
State: Rhode Island
Project Leader:
Katherine Petersson
Email
University of Rhode Island
Expand All

Project Information

Summary:

Problem or Opportunity and Justification: Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are associated with increased mortality and reduced performance in pasture based small ruminant (SR) operations.  Although young animals are susceptible to GIN infections, breeding females are particularly susceptible during the transition period due to the sudden emergence of GIN that have overwintered in an arrested state within the ewe. Although SR producers have readily adopted several important IPM tools, there has been limited adoption of the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs) for parasite resistance through the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) to identify animals that are genetically less susceptible to GIN infection.  With the significant increase of new SR producers, continued education and adoption of IPM practices with an emphasis placed on utilizing genetics to select for resistant stock is warranted to ensure the profitability, sustainability and resilience of SR operations in the northeast. This project will increase the number of SR producers utilizing EBVs for parasite resistance to improve on-farm productivity and to enhance breeding decisions. 

Solution and Approach: We have a three pronged approach towards assisting SR producers with GIN control: 1) Online and in-person IPM/FAMACHA© anemia certification program; 2) Virtual and in-person workshops to promote of the use of EBVs for parasite resistance and; 3) Research into alternative strategies for control of parasites in ewes during the periparturient period (PPP) and their offspring to provide additional effective tools for GIN parasite control. There will be increased effort to reach more producers, particularly from underserved communities, more effectively and equitably and provide them with resources they need to be successful.  To this end we will utilize the following strategies to increase our engagement with SR producers in the Northeast and to remove barriers to adoption of the use of EBVs for genetic selection of parasite resistance. 

  • Coordination with Northeast extension agents and SR veterinarians who visit SR producer farms to identify new communication channels and program delivery options particularly for SR producers with technological limitations.
  • Hold in-person workshops in English and Spanish as needed to support the Spanish speaking community. 
  • Develop a regional mentoring hub with NSIP producer/mentors to facilitate all aspects of collecting, entering and interpreting data with NSIP.
  • Provide financial support, as needed, to support participation of underserved communities in this project. 
  • Launch a genetic selection breeding demonstration project that will be used to showcase the financial benefit that can be achieved from the use of EBVs for economically important traits.
  • We will evaluate the effect of feeding a β-glucan supplement derived from mushrooms to ewes and their offspring during the periparturient period when GIN are a greater challenge.  This product, if proven effective, would be suitable for use by conventional as well as organic SR producers.
Performance Target:

Fifty small ruminant producers will utilize estimated breeding values (EBVs) for parasite resistance across 4,200 ewes and 6,300 lambs. Because of this practice, they will realize a financial gain of $432,088 over 3 years.

Introduction:

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are associated with increased mortality and reduced performance in pasture based small ruminant (SR) operations. This problem is compounded as parasite resistance to commercially available dewormers continues to develop with the lack of viable alternatives to help strengthen an animals’ ability to mount a robust immune response. Although SR producers have readily adopted several important IPM tools, there has been limited adoption of the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs) for parasite resistance through the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) to identify animals that are genetically less susceptible to infection (<11% of enrolled sheep). With the significant increase of new SR producers, continued education and adoption of IPM practices with an emphasis placed on utilizing genetics to select for resistant stock is warranted to ensure the profitability, sustainability and resilience of SR operations in the Northeast.  This project aims to increase the number of SR producers utilizing estimated breeding values for parasite resistance, in addition to other important heritable production traits, to improve on-farm productivity and to enhance breeding decisions.

We have a three pronged approach towards assisting SR producers with GIN control: 1) Online and in-person IPM/FAMACHA© anemia certification program, now available in both English and Spanish, to teach producers how to identify and selectively deworm animals susceptible to to barber pole worm, the most pathogenic GIN responsible for the majority of production losses in SR; 2) Virtual and in-person workshops to promote of the use of EBVs for parasite resistance to improve on-farm productivity and enhance breeding decisions and; 3) Research into alternative strategies for control of parasites in ewes during the periparturient period (PPP) and their offspring to provide additional, effective tools for GIN parasite control. These three approaches have been very effective in providing SR producers with best management practices essential for the control of GIN parasites in SR and will be the foundation that we continue to build upon moving forward. Additionally, there will be increased effort to reach more producers, particularly from underserved communities, more effectively, and equitably, and provide them with resources they need to be successful. 

Cooperators

Click linked name(s) to expand/collapse or show everyone's info
  • Dr. Tom Murphy (Educator and Researcher)
  • Dr. Maria Peterson (Researcher)
  • Elizabeth Kass (Educator and Researcher)
  • Dr. Roger Ramirez Barrios (Educator and Researcher)
  • Dr. Adriano Vatta (Educator and Researcher)
  • Dr. Scott Bowdridge (Educator and Researcher)

Research

Hypothesis:

Hypothesis (URI):  The inclusion of β-glucans into the diet of ewes and/or her lambs during the periparturient period (PPP, -8 weeks through weaning) will enhance overall performance and health.

Objective 1:  Determine the effect of β-glucan supplementation during the PPP on the immune response and overall performance and health of ewes with varying GIN exposure and reared in different production environments and management systems.

Objective 2:  Determine the effect of β-glucan supplementation of the ewe and/or her lambs on lamb performance and health.

Hypothesis (WVU): Serum IgG levels in lambs in response to clostridial vaccination can be used as a new estimated breeding value for animal health.

Objective 1: Collect serum IgG values after booster clostridial vaccine in common US sheep breeds

Objective 2: Objective 2: To determine predictability of serum IgG levels 1 week after booster vaccination on parasite resistance in sheep with unknown parasite resistance.  

Objective 3: Objective 3: Heritability determination of serum IgG levels within and across breeds evaluated in this project.

Materials and methods:

Treatments URI: 

In each study described below, ewes and/or their lambs will be supplemented with β-glucans extracted from mushrooms.  Supplementation of prebiotic β-glucans, have been found to have beneficial effects on livestock species, including sheep, improving host immunity, growth, nutrient digestion, milk composition, lipid homeostasis, and beneficially affecting the rumen microbiome (deVries et al., 2020; Khalkhane et al., 2013; Ząbek et al., 2013)  structure within β-glucans differ by source and this structural difference will affect their immunomodulating effects. Using β-glucans from mushrooms have advantages over yeast β-glucans due to increased solubility and lectin compounds that can confer additional anti-parasitic activity.  To date, there has been no evaluation of mushroom β-glucan supplementation during the periparturient period in ewes.  Understanding the effects of β-glucans during this period is key as it could be utilized by producers to improve overall ewe and lamb performance and health while reducing GIN.  In the studies described below we will feed ewes one of two diets: 0.25 grams (g) of mushroom β-glucan/day or control.  The β-glucan will either be top-dressed daily onto their daily pelleted grain supplement or the β-glucan will be incorporated into the pelleted grain supplement and fed to the ewes at a rate to ensure consumption of at least 0.25 g/day/ewe. Results from these studies will potentially yield an effective, affordable, commercially available product that will help ensure the sustainability and resilience of small ruminant operations. 

Methods:

Ewe and lamb studies will be conducted at URI and the USMARC (Clay Center, NE).  

YR 1 URI:  Twenty Dorset ewes, naturally infected with GIN from the previous grazing season will be used for the periparturient study in YR1.  Eight weeks (-8) prior to parturition (0) ewes will be assigned to treatment groups and individually fed 0.25 g of mushroom β-glucan (n=10) or control (n=10) from -8 through 8 weeks (wk) of lactation with groups balanced for parity,  ewe BW weight, number of expected lambs and susceptibility to parasites. Fecal egg counts (FEC), fecal cultures and body weight (BW), FAMACHA© anemia scores will be determined at -8, -1, weekly from 0 through 8 wk lactation. Packed cell volume (PCV) will be determined at -8, -4, 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 wk to monitor for anemia due to emerging GIN infections.  Additional blood will be taken at the same interval for determination of the immunological response to β-glucan supplementation by measurement of total immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG production specific to parasites (whole worm antigen). Milk components and somatic cell count will be measured using milk samples collected at birth (week 0) and weekly until weaning (week 8).  Lamb BW, girth, crown-rump length and height measurements will be measured every two weeks beginning at birth until 12 wks of age.  Ultrasound measurement of loin eye area and backfat thickness will be determined at 8 and 25 wk of age.  

YR 2 URI:  Twenty Dorset and Shropshire ewes, naturally infected with GIN from the previous grazing season will be used for the periparturient study in YR2. Eight wks prior to parturition, ewes will be assigned to treatment groups and fed as described for YR 1 from -8 through 8 wks of lactation with groups balanced for parity, breed, weight, number of expected lambs and susceptibility to parasites.  At lambing, the ewes and their lambs will be split into two additional treatment groups with lambs supplemented with BG grain or control grain in the nursery/creep areas (inaccessible to the ewes;n=5 ewes/group and approximately n=9 lambs/supplementation group).  Sampling will be as described for YR1.

YR 2 USMARC:  Forty Polypay ewes with genetic linkages through NSIP, uninfected by GIN and maintained in confinement will be used for the periparturient study in YR2.  Eight weeks (-8) prior to parturition (0) ewes will be assigned to treatment groups and fed 0.25 g of mushroom β-glucan (n=20) or control (n=20) from -8 through 8 weeks (wk) of lactation with groups balanced for service sire, production trait EBV, parity, BW, and number of expected lambs.  Blood will be sampled at -4, -2, 0, 4, 8 wks of lactation for measurement of antibody response to tetanus vaccination administered at -4 wk.  Milk samples will be obtained at 0, 2, 4 and 8 wk of lactation for determination of milk components and somatic cell count and BW will be measured at the same interval.  Lamb BW will be measured every two weeks beginning at birth until 12 wk of age as well as additional body measurements mentioned in YR1   Ultrasound measurement of loin eye area and back fat thickness will be determined at 8, 25 wks of age. A portion of lambs from each dam treatment group will be harvested at a commercial abattoir and carcass traits will be recorded.  

 YR 3 USMARC:  Forty Katahdin ewes with genetic linkages through NSIP, with a naturally acquired GIN infection from the previous grazing season brought in off of pasture at -2 wk will be used for the periparturient study in YR3.  Eight weeks (-8) prior to parturition ewes will be assigned to treatment groups and fed 0.25 g of mushroom β-glucan (n=20) or control (n=20) from -8 through 2 wks of lactation with groups balanced for service sire, production trait and FEC EBV,  parity, BW and number of expected lambs.  At 2 weeks of lactation, the ewes and their lambs will be returned to pasture.  FEC, fecal cultures, FAMACHA© anemia scores, PCV  and BW will be determined at -8, -1, 0, 2 and weaning at 12 wk of lactation. Additional blood will be taken at the same interval for determination of the immunological response to β-glucan supplementation by measurement of total immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG production specific to parasites (whole worm antigen).  Milk samples will be obtained at 0, 1 and 2 wk of lactation for determination of milk components and somatic cell count.  Lamb BW will be measured at birth, 2, 12 and 25 wk of age.  FEC, FAMACHA© anemia scores and PCV will be determined at weaning.  Ultrasound measurements and carcass traits will be performed as described in YR2 USMARC. 

Data Collection and Analysis:

Fecal samples will be analyzed for FEC, using the Mini-FLOTAC method with a sensitivity of 5 eggs per gram, using 5 g feces and a standard sodium nitrate flotation solution (Cringoli et al., 2010). Fecal samples will be cultured to determine larval development and characterization of GIN populations following standard protocol (Zajac and Conboy 2012). Blood samples will be analyzed for antibody IgG levels using an ELISA Kit following standard operating procedures. Packed cell volume will be determined by the micro-hematocrit centrifuge method. Milk samples will be analyzed for protein, fat, solids, SCC and milk urea nitrogen (Dairy One Inc., Ithaca, NY). Data will be analyzed using SAS (Cary, NC) and analysis will be performed using varying models, GLM procedures with repeated measures, Student t-tests, and one way ANOVAs as appropriate. 

Farmer Input:  Small ruminant producers are eager for additional tools to use in their integrated parasite management program. If the results from the studies at URI and USMARC are analyzed and the feeding of β-glucan to ewes and/or their lambs found highly efficacious and funding is available, a small pilot study with one of the Advisory Council producers will be initiated.

 

WVU Research Background (studies starting in 2025): Regardless of species, animal scientists and producers alike have been searching for a single metric that predicts immune competence.  For the past 20 years, the Katahdin sheep breed has been selecting for parasite resistance as parasitism has been and continues to be a plague on economical sheep production.  An estimated breeding value was established for fecal egg count (FEC EBV) and selection for this metric has substantially reduced the impact of parasitism on flocks nationwide.  For the past 8 years, we have divergently mated Katahdin sheep for FEC EBV and have found that lambs with lower FEC EBV had greater survival to weaning compared to lambs with greater FEC EBV.  This provided the background to hypothesize that parasite-resistant sheep are more immune-competent.  To test this hypothesis, we measured antibody response in lambs divergently bred for FEC EBV and found that lambs with lower FEC EBV had greater antibody response to vaccination.  This greater response to vaccination may have contributed to their survival to weaning as clostridial diseases are a common cause of pre-weaning lamb death loss.  These data have revealed that parasite resistant sheep are more immune competent. No matter whether EBVs are novel or standard, they are only useful if producers continue to participate in genetic evaluation programs.  It is challenging to get producers to participate in these programs due to known barriers. Data collection into complicated programs, cost of participation and not always knowing what to do with data are common barriers reported by producers as to why they forgo participation.  Interestingly, once producers advance past the initial hurdles they consistently participate and encourage others to do so as well. 

The goals of this research are to:

  1. Use IgG values in response to clostridial vaccination as a new estimated breeding value for animal health. 
  2. Breakdown initial barriers in NSIP participation

WVU Study Design and Methods:

Objective 1: Collect serum IgG values after booster clostridial vaccine in common US sheep breeds

Approach: Producers across the US breeding Katahdin, Polypay, Rambouillet and Targhee sheep enrolled in NSIP will be identified as to their willingness to collect serum samples 1 wk after booster vaccination of Clostridium perfringens type C&D with tetanus. Those willing to participate will be sent centrifuge and supplies to collect blood samples from lambs. Blood samples will be collected in serum separator tubes and centrifuged where and 1mL of serum will be collected from each lamb.  Serum samples will be stored in 1.7mL tubes, labeled and frozen at -20oC prior to shipment.  Samples will be shipped overnight on dry ice to ensure serum stability and sample integrity and centrifuge will be returned. We aim to collect 1,000 samples per breed generating 1,000 phenotypes for use in objective 3.

To measure IgG in serum, we will employ an IgG assay developed in our lab.  A 4 HBX 96-well plate will be coated with mouse-antisheep IgG at a concentration of 5ug/mL and incubated overnight at 4oC.  Plate will be washed 3 times with PBS-tween, tapped dry and blocked with 1%BSA-PBS for 1 hr at room temperature.  Plate will be washed 3 times before adding serum samples that have been diluted 1:7200 and incubated at room temperature on a plate shaker.  Plate will be washed 3 times and mouse-antisheep HRP conjugate diluted to 1:1600 will be added and incubated at room temperature for 1 hr. Plate will then be washed 5 times before addition of TMB substrate and incubated at RT for 20 min before the addition of 2M H2SO4 to stop the reaction.  Plate will be read at 450nm and sample absorbance will be compared to sheep IgG standard to determine concentration.  Samples will be evaluated in duplicate and only samples that have less than 10% CV will be reported.

Objective 2: To determine predictability of serum IgG levels 1 week after booster vaccination on parasite resistance in sheep with unknown parasite resistance.  Our hypothesis is that serum IgG values generated in response to booster clostridium vaccination is predictive of animals with lower fecal egg counts after artificial infection with Haemonchus contortus.

Approach:  We will partner with a large Polypay producer in the Northeast and determine the IgG level in his fall-born ewe lamb crop (n=400 lambs) 1 wk after booster clostridium vaccination. Ewe lambs in the top 15% and lowest 15% will be dewormed with 3 drug classes, rested for 21 days and  infected with 10,000 H. contortus L3 larvae. Ewe lambs will be raised in confinement for the duration of this study.   Fecal egg counts will be collected beginning 14 d after infection and weekly thereafter until 42 d post infection.  Fecal samples will be shipped to WVU where we will perform modified McMaster exam to determine the quantity of trichostrongylid eggs per gram of feces.

Objective 3: Heritability determination of serum IgG levels within and across breeds evaluated in this project.

Before EBV can be developed, heritability estimates must be calculated.  Our collaborators at USDA ARS Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) have indicated the need for at least 1,000 phenotypes per breed before we can begin to effectively measure heritability for this trait.  As IgG phenotypes are determined, those data will be sent to USDA-MARC collaborators for heritability determination. Since all antibody phenotypes are collected from sheep enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program, investigators at USDA-MARC can begin to model EBV for antibody production.  Once this EBV has been established and modeled we can begin to consider how we might work to combine the antibody EBV with FEC EBV to develop a health index to enhance improve producer adoption of these selection criteria.

Research results and discussion:

Annual Report 1: During December 2023, a 16% sheep pellet containing the mushroom β-glucan supplement was  developed to facilitate the feeding of the study animals.  This pellet plus a control pellet will be used in the upcoming studies at USMARC and URI during the winter of 2024. 

Annual Report 2: Studies were commenced at URI and USMARC during early to mid winter 2024.

URI YR 1: Treatment groups were balanced for parity, body weight, number of expected lambs, and annual fecal egg count (FEC) prior to the start of the study. Dorset ewes were individually fed 0.25g of ImmuOligo incorporated into pelleted grain (BG; n=10) or control pelleted grain (CON; n=10) 8 weeks prior to parturition through 8 weeks of lactation. Feces were collected weekly (-8 to 8 wks) for analysis of FEC utilizing the mini-FLOTAC method and coprocultures were conducted to determine larval development and characterization of GIN profile. Blood was collected weekly (-8 to 8 wks) for packed cell volume (PCV) analysis and determination of peripheral IgG production. Milk was collected weekly after parturition (parturition to 8 wks) for analysis of protein, fat, solids, milk urea nitrogen and somatic cell count. Lamb body weight, girth, crown-rump length, and height measurements were measured every two weeks beginning at birth until weaning, 8 weeks of age.  In conclusion, dietary supplementation of ImmuOligo® in periparturient ewes did not significantly affect fecal egg counts or the growth of lambs. However, there was a slight increase in milk fat and solids at week 4, suggesting a potential area for further exploration. Ongoing analyses, including coproculture identification, quantification, and IgG analysis, will provide more insights.  Based upon the results from this study, the  ImmuOligo® dose will be increased to 0.5 grams/ewe/day for 2025 studies.

USMARC YR1:  Three weeks prior to the start of lambing 60 mature, pregnant Katahdin ewes were assigned to treatment (30 CON and 30 BG). The ewes were balanced equally between CON and BG groups based on age (2-4 yr), body weight, and Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) for maternal weaning weight (high vs. low), and number of lambs born (high vs low). Body weights, body condition scores (BCS),  FAMACHA, blood (serum and CBC), and fecals were collected.  During the initial supplementation period one of the automated feeders distributing the feed supplement to the ewes broke down with computer issues serious enough that the feeder had to be shipped to another state for repair.  Additionally, only 66% of the control ewes and < 50% of the BG ewes were routinely using the supplement feeder. The end result is that supplementation had to be abandoned after 3 weeks.  Samples continued to be taken to add to the dataset of mastitis/blood cell parameters associated with ewe and lamb performance in general and to determine whether milk components differ between ewes of high or low maternal weaning weight EBV and how that corresponds to differences in lamb growth.

Annual Report 3: Studies were commenced at URI, USMARC and WVU in 2025.

URI YR 2:  Dorset ewes (N = 14) were utilized during the 2025 lambing season, along with their associated offspring (N = 24). ImmuOligo® (β-glucan) was incorporated into a 16 percent protein commercial sheep pellet (Ventura Grain Inc., Taunton, MA, USA) at a concentration of 0.5 g per 0.5 lb of sheep pellet. Eight weeks (week −8) prior to parturition (week 0), ewes were assigned to treatment groups balanced for parity, body weight, number of expected lambs, and annual fecal egg count (FEC). Treatment ewes (n = 7) were individually fed grain supplemented with ImmuOligo®, while control ewes (n = 7) were individually fed unsupplemented grain from week −8 through week 8 of lactation. Ewe body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were determined weekly from week −8 through week 8 of lactation. Colostrum samples were collected at birth (week 0) for determination of Brix values (colostrum quality). Milk was collected weekly after parturition for analysis of protein, fat, total solids, milk urea nitrogen, and somatic cell count. Fecal samples were collected weekly from weeks −8 through 8 for analysis of FEC utilizing the mini-FLOTAC method. Blood samples were collected weekly from weeks −8 through 8 for packed cell volume (PCV) analysis. Additional funding was received to support metabolomic and metagenomic analyses. Serum samples were collected from ewes at weeks −2 and 8 for metabolomic analysis, and rectally collected fecal samples were collected at the same time points for metagenomic analysis. Lambs born to treatment ewes (n = 12) were supplemented with ImmuOligo® within their creep feed (Nutrena Animal Feeds, Minnetonka, MN, USA) at a concentration of 0.25 g per 1 lb of grain. ImmuOligo® was coated onto the exterior of the pellet with molasses using an industrial grain mixer (Hobart HCM450-62). Lambs born to control ewes (n = 12) were fed identical creep grain coated and mixed with molasses, excluding the supplement. Creep intake was measured and monitored in both treatment and control pens twice daily. Lamb weights and body measurements were obtained at weeks 0, 4, and 8. Serum samples were collected from lambs at weeks 0 and 8, and rectally collected fecal swab samples were collected at weeks 0, 2, and 8 for metagenomic analysis. Results: There was no observed treatment effect on FEC or PCV between treatment and control ewes during the study across time. However, PCV decreased significantly over time (p < 0.0001), and FEC increased significantly over time (p < 0.0001) across both treatment groups, indicating the development of a parasite burden during this period. Additionally, there was no significant effect of treatment observed on milk parameters across time, although all milk parameters did remain within their normal range across treatment groups. Similarly, there was no observed treatment effect on colostrum Brix values. At birth, lambs born to Treatment ewes had significantly larger girth measurements (16.5 ± 0.3 cm) compared to lambs born to control ewes (15.6 ± 0.3 cm; P = 0.04). However, there was no treatment effect observed on girth measurements over time. There was also no observed treatment effect on lamb birth weights, or average daily gain. Significance was defined for all analyzed data as p ≤ 0.05. Additional analyses, including metagenomic and metabolomic data are currently pending.

USMARC YR 2: Approximately four weeks prior to the start of lambing 60 mature, pregnant Polypay ewes were assigned to treatment (30 CON and 30 BG). The ewes were balanced equally between CON and BG groups based on age (2-4 yr), body weight, and Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) for maternal weaning weight (high vs. low) and number of lambs born (high vs low). Ewes were supplemented with either CON or BG pellet at up to 0.75 lb/head/day from four weeks prior to expected lambing date up through lamb weaning at approximately 60 d of age. Body weights, body condition scores (BCS), and blood (serum and CBC) were collected at approximately d -30 and d -15 relative to lambing (d 0) and body weight, BCS, blood, and milk were collected at approximately d 15, d 30, and 60 (weanig) after lambing. Lamb weights were collected at birth and weaning. Throughout the experiment, 24/30 CON and 21/30 BG ewes consistently ate our of the electronic feeder and successfully reared at least one lamb. Results: Samples continue to be analyzed to determine whether supplementation impacted ewe body weight and BCS, mastitis/blood cell parameters, and lamb growth and how response variables may be differentially impacted by ewe EBV.

WVU YR 2: Objective 1: To date, 800 Katahdin and 500 Polypay samples from ewe lambs obtained one week after a booster vaccination of Colstridium perfringens type C&D with tetanus have been processed to determine serum IgG concentration. Objective 2: In the fall of 2025 ewe lambs with the top 15% and lowest 15% of serum IgG antibody concentrations, obtained from a group of 350 ewe lambs sampled from a large Northeast Katahdin producer, were dewormed with 3 drug classes, rested for 21 days and  infected with 10,000 H. contortus L3 larvae in December 2025. These ewe lambs are being raised in confinement for the duration of this study.   Fecal egg counts will be collected beginning 14 d after infection and weekly thereafter until 42 d post infection (mid winter 2026).  Fecal samples will be shipped to WVU where a fecal egg count of trichostrongylid eggs per gram of feces will be determined using the modified McMaster exam.

Education

Educational approach:

ENGAGEMENT

  • Our education program will be advertised using email networks, newsletters, Social media pages targeting SR producer organizations and events, Northeast Extension programs, previous/current project participants and veterinarians.  Printed material will be distributed through Extension agents and veterinarians during farm visits.
  • Sheep producers will be added to the project as they are identified.  For most levels of engagement there are financial incentives or perceived benefits of participation that serve to cement the producer's commitment to the project.   
  • Producers will be supported in the following ways: Prior to, during and following participation in the online FAMACHA© training program producers are in close contact with support personnel to answer any questions, evaluate the producer generated videos and assist producers in obtaining a FAMACHA© card.  URI and VA Tech support personnel work with producers participating in the free FEC analysis program to help determine optimal sampling date, provide instructions for sample shipment and dissemination of the results.  For producers joining or needing support with the logistics of their enrollment in NSIP, support personnel from NSIP, URI, UConn and NSIP producers/mentors will be available.  All producers are provided with appropriate excel worksheets, videos, fact sheets and all instructions necessary to facilitate participation in all stages of the project.
  • One of the primary challenges we envision is limited or no internet access that prevents some producers from participating in the online components of the program. For these producers we will be developing hard copies of the training material to distribute via mail, extension agents or veterinarians. Another challenge is the logistics of collecting, entering and interpreting data submitted to NSIP.  We will be providing one-on-one and group mentoring with support personnel from NSIP, URI, UConn and the producer/mentors as well as online drop-in sessions to assist  producer participants.     

LEARNING

  • Educational content consists of:
      • Online and in-person training in IPM and FAMACHA© anemia certification that will be available to english and spanish speaking participants, all online video training material is closed captioned; 
      • Training in utilizing genetic selection for parasite resistance and other important production traits through participation in the NSIP and the subsequent generation of EBVs. Online NSIP material specific to the Northeast market; 
      • Genetic selection breeding demonstration project managed by Dr. Joe Emenheiser.  
  • Educational Approach will consist of: 
    • Online video training and in-person workshops on IPM and FAMACHA© anemia certification; 
    • Virtual and in-person workshops with NSIP leadership and current NSIP producers on genetic selection utilizing estimated breeding values;
    • Drop-in Zoom meetings for participants submitting data to NSIP;
    • The genetic selection breeding demonstration project will be conducted at UConn to showcase the increase in performance that can result from genetic selection using EBVs for parasite resistance, in addition to other important production traits such as growth and body composition. Measurements taken will include birth weight, weaning weight, post-weaning weight, post-weaning fecal egg count, post-weaning ultrasound of fat thickness, loin muscle depth and carcass data (if available), similar to data that producers would be collecting.  This demonstration project will begin in year one and continue for the entirety of the project;
    • Farm visits by extension agents and project personnel, to underserved populations of SR producers that have technological limitations; 
    • Hands-on training utilizing one-on-one and group mentoring to facilitate the collection and submission of data to NSIP to generate and utilize EBVs for breeding stock selection with an overall goal to develop a mentoring hub for Northeast NSIP producers;
  • Knowledge leading to action:  Producers participating in this project will understand the basis for current best management practices for IPM.  They will understand the principles behind genetic selection and how the use of EBVs for parasite resistance and other important production traits, can increase the profitability and sustainability of their farms. This knowledge will result in adoption of appropriate IPM for their farms and the use of NSIP breeding stock and/or enrollment of their flocks in NSIP.  These actions taken by producers will significantly advance our efforts to ensure the profitability, sustainability and resilience of SR operations in the Northeast.

EVALUATION

A confidential database of participating producers will be maintained.  The number of people completing the online FAMACHA© certification, participating in workshops, completing surveys, conducting FEC, and enrolling in and submitting data to NSIP will provide us with an ongoing evaluation of training program effectiveness and need for changes.  A yearly, follow-up program evaluation will be administered to determine IPM practices adopted, the number of animals impacted and information on breeding decisions. We will use Google Analytics to track and analyze visitor traffic.

Milestones

Milestones:

Milestone 1; Engagement: April  30, 2023. An online survey of producers assessing their willingness to adopt the use of EBVs for breeding decisions and associated obstacles to their use will be developed and distributed to 6500 producers utilizing our databases, regional SR Listservs and social media pages. This survey will also be provided to SR Extension Agents and SR Veterinarians in printed form for distribution to underserved individuals or communities lacking the digital technology. 

  • Status: Complete
  • Accomplishments:  In year one an online survey was distributed to over 23,000 small ruminant producers (through both listservs and social media) to assess knowledge and willingness to adopt the use of EBV. Producers’ responses (236)  highlighted the issue of gastrointestinal parasites, with 78% respondents experiencing issues with gastrointestinal parasites within the last five years. Producers indicated the use of following integrated parasite management techniques:
    • 22.23% FAMACHA© system 
    • 7.45% Multiple species grazing
    • 15.96% Pasture rest and rotation
    • 14.04% Fecal egg counts
    • 6.38% Five point check system
    • 20.32% Selective deworming
    • 9.68% Genetic selection
    • 2.77% Testing for dewormer resistance in the flock
    • 1.17% No use of integrated parasite management techniques 

       90.68% of producers were aware that genetics can be utilized to select for increased resistance towards parasites and 87.29% of producers wanted to   learn how to select for parasite resistance in their breeding program. Factors such as small flock size, financial constraints, and lack of information about the use of EBV limit producers to being able to utilize their animals' genetics. The feasibility and logistics of sending out a printed survey are being reconsidered in favor of distributing information postcards through Extension Agents and veterinarians that will contain program information as well QR code links to the survey as well as to program websites that will enable producers to complete the survey and access program information, online FAMACHA training etc. using their smart phones.  

 

Milestone 2; Engagement: January 30 (recurring).  6500 producers learn about the online IPM/FAMACHA© certification program as well as the spring in-person IPM/FAMACHA© certification and virtual and in-person NSIP workshops utilizing digital and personnel resources identified in Milestone 1 as well as direct mailings of flyers to underserved producers.  This will occur each January of the project until the project ends in 2026. 

  • Status: In Progress
  • Accomplishments:  Outreach for the Online FAMACHA© certification program occurred regularly throughout the year. This program is highlighted through our online platforms (Facebook, our website, and listservs) and small ruminant organizations such as the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control, Maryland Small Ruminant Page, and breeding associations. YR2 Report: Further progress on this milestone has been hampered due to ongoing changes in project cooperators. It is anticipated that these changes will be implemented and progress on this milestone will recommence in early 2025. YR3 Report: During the reporting period the project's primary investigator retired and approval was obtained to add two additional collaborators to the project, beginning in August 2025, to provide support for all aspects of the online IPM/FAMACHA certification program (Dr. Adriano Vatta, Parasitologist, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine) and the NSIP outreach portion of the grant (Dr. Scott Bowdridge, Professor and Livestock Extension Specialist, West Virginia University) through the end of this project.  

Milestone 3; Engagement: April 30 (recurring). 500 new and existing NSIP producers that live in or market to the Northeast learn about the free fecal egg count analysis available each summer of the project utilizing the digital and personnel resources identified in Milestone 1.  Producers sign up for this program with L. Kass who provides all information needed by them for sample collection and shipment.  

  • Status: In Progress
  • Accomplishments:  This milestone has been met for YR1; 914 producers were contacted about the Fecal Egg Count program, 50 producers registered and 21 producers (20  NSIP producers) participated in the FEC analysis. A total of 2,304 lamb samples were analyzed. This milestone has been met for YR2: 464 producers were contacted about the FEC program.  37 registered and 27 producers (22 NSIP producers) participated in the FEC analysis program.  A total o 2,416 lamb samples were analyzed. YR3: A flyer advertising the FEC analysis program was sent out to the NSIP membership in May 2025.  36 producers registered and 28 participated in the FEC Analysis Program during the summer.  A total of 2009 lamb samples were analyzed.

 Milestone 4; Engagement: August 31 (recurring). 6500 SR producers learn about the fall in-person IPM/FAMACHA©  certification and virtual and in-person NSIP workshops project utilizing the digital and personnel resources identified in Milestone 1.  This will occur each August of the project until the projects end in 2026. 

  • Status: In Progress
  • Accomplishments: Outreach for various on-going projects throughout the year was conducted. Due to changes in cooperators as described in Milestone 8, concentrated outreach is planned to be conducted for the upcoming IPM/FAMACHA© and NSIP workshops. The online FAMACHA© program continues to be highlighted across the small ruminant community as a virtual online resource. Two thousand two hundred and fifty producers are contacted and over 23,000 producers are reached through our and our collaborators virtual planforms (Facebook, ASRPC website, Maryland Small Ruminant Page, NSIP). YR2:  Due to the resignation of a key collaborator from their current employment in the fall of 2023 the launch of the NSIP and in-person portions of the IPM/FAMACHA© program continues to be delayed.  Discussions are underway to reorganize existing collaborators and potentially bring new collaborators in to meet this and other outreach Milestones. It is hoped that substantial progress can be made on this milestone during the remainder of this project. YR3: See Milestone 2 for information on the two new collaborators that have joined this project to support the online IPM/FAMACHA© certification program and the NSIP outreach program. The online IPM/FAMACHA© certification program continues to be advertised through the URI and our collaborators virtual platforms (Facebook, ACSPRC and NSIP websites).  Five new winter online workshops for producers new to NSIP or “NSIP-curious” will be offered in March 2026. These workshops will cover the basics of NSIP data entry, FAQ of NSIP data entry, how estimated breeding values (EBVs) are calculated, how to use EBVs in selection and using EBVs for advanced ram selection. These online workshops will be broadly advertised.

 Milestone 5; Engagement and Learning: March 1, 2023 through the end of the project. Producers (120/year, 360/project) will participate in English or Spanish versions of the online IPM/FAMACHA© program continuously throughout the project.  Producers learn about best management practices for integrated gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasite control and ultimately obtain their FAMACHA© certification.  L. Kass (English version) or R. Ramirez Barrios (Spanish version) will engage with the producers throughout the process.  

  • Status: In Progress
  • Accomplishments: This milestone was met for YR1 with 846 participants registering for online training program, viewing the videos and completing the post-assessment (Spanish program; 0 participants); 182 participants completed the training.  This milestone was met for YR2 with 1,086 participants registering for the online training program, viewing the videos and completing the post-assessment (Spanish program; 35 participants); 197 participants completed the training.  Thirty-seven participants viewed the Spanish language online IPM/FAMACHA© program and 35/37 took the post-video assessment.  No one completed the entire Spanish training program which also requires that participants send videos demonstrating their competency with the FAMACHA  technique. Links to the online training videos and post-video assessment were available on the project webpage, https://web.uri.edu/sheepngoat/famacha/.  Efforts will be undertaken to determine the roadblocks that producers are facing that prevents them from completing the entire program and becoming FAMACHA certified. YR3: This milestone was met for YR3 with 1301 participants registering for the english online training program, viewing the videos and taking the online assessment with 951 ultimately passing the assessment and 274 fully completing the certification process by successfully submitting their FAMACHA demonstration videos.  There was an increase in the number of participants registering for the Spanish online training program, viewing the videos and taking the online assessment (63) with 56 ultimately passing the assessment.  Although anyone in the world can view the videos and take the assessment, only those residing in the United States and its territories can be fully certified in FAMACHA©. Of the 56 participants that completed the videos and passed the assessment only 28 participants from Puerto Rico were eligible to complete the certification process and of those 24 fully completed the certification process, all students from the University of Puerto Rico using a DVM facilitated group format.  

Milestone 6; Learning: March 31 and November 30, 2023, 2024 and 2025. There will be two days/year for in-person IPM/FAMACHA© (6 total @ 50 producers each = 300) and NSIP workshops (6 total @ 30 producers each = 180). There will be two days/year for Virtual NSIP workshops (6 total, 300 producers).  Participant contact information will be collected for follow-up on IPM adoption and  participation in the NSIP mentoring program. 

  • Status: Not Begun
  • Accomplishments: Due to changes in cooperators and delays in getting the subcontract awarded to Virginia Tech this outreach will commence in 2024. YR2: Due to the resignation of a key collaborator from their current employment in the fall of 2023 the launch of this portion of the outreach portion continues to be delayed.  Discussions are underway to reorganize existing collaborators and potentially bring new collaborators in to meet this and other outreach Milestones. It is hoped that substantial progress can be made on this milestone during the remainder of this project. YR3: This milestone will not be met.  As indicated above, the resignation of a key collaborator responsible for this portion of the project delayed the launch of these in-person workshops. This project year we have added two key collaborators for the remainder of the project, Dr. Adriano Vatta (LSU) who will be supporting the IPM/FAMACHA© certification program and Dr. Scott Bowdridge (WVU) who will be supporting outreach to producers interested in joining NSIP through the development of 5 online NSIP workshops. Therefore, for the duration of this project the focus will be on the online offerings for IPM/FAMACHA© certification and NSIP workshops.

Milestone 7; Learning:  May 15 to September 30 (recurring).  New and current NSIP producers (YR1 30, YR2 40, YR3 50) participate in the free fecal egg count analysis for ultimate submission of FEC data to NSIP.  Producers learn to properly collect and ship fecal samples for analysis.  Samples are shipped to Dr. Ramirez Barrios at Virginia Tech who oversees the analysis of the samples and reporting of results. 

  • Status:  In Progress
  • Accomplishments: This milestone has been met for YR1; 914 producers were contacted about the Fecal Egg Count program, 50 producers registered and 21 producers (20  NSIP producers) participated in the FEC analysis. A total of 2,304 lamb samples were analyzed. All NSIP producers submitted data to NSIP. This milestone has been partially met for YR2; 464 producers were directly contacted and social media posts were created to spread awareness about the FEC program. 37 producers registered (40 was the target) and 27 producers (22 NSIP producers) participated in the FEC analysis.  A total of 2,416 lamb samples were analyzed (2388 NSIP producer samples, 28 samples submitted from the 5 non-NSIP producers). YR3: 36 NSIP producers registered and 28 participated in the FEC Analysis Program during the summer.  A total of 2009 lamb samples were analyzed.

Milestone 8; Engagement and Evaluation:  September 30, 2023; February 28 and September 30, 2024, 2025 and February 28, 2026.  50 of the 480 producers attending NSIP workshops, participate in the one-on-one or group mentoring offered to producers enrolling in NSIP.  Dr. Emenheiser and NSIP producer/mentors will lead the one-on-one and group mentoring.  The Verification survey tool as well as enrollment and submission of flock data to NSIP will be used for verification of the effectiveness.

  • Status:  In Progress
  • Accomplishments: Due to the resignation of a key collaborator from their current employment in the fall of 2023 the launch of this portion of the outreach portion continues to be delayed.  Discussions are underway to reorganize existing collaborators and potentially bring new collaborators in to meet this and other outreach Milestones. It is hoped that substantial progress can be made on this milestone during the remainder of this project. YR3: As indicated in other sections of this annual report, Dr. Scott Bowdridge from WVU joined the project in August of 2025 to support the NSIP outreach to producers.  As described in Milestone 4 he will be hosting a series of 5 online NSIP workshops in March 2026 covering topics that are pertinent to producers interested in joining or learning more about what NSIP has to offer.  Through the online workshop format, producers will be mentored by NSIP industry experts.  To complement formal instruction, funds will be available to subsidize the cost of new NSIP participation for up to 10 producers in the Northeast. Producer participation in the workshops will be documented and feedback on workshop effectiveness will be solicited from attendees. Enrollment and submission of flock data to NSIP will be used for verification of the effectiveness of this outreach to new NSIP members.

Milestone 9; Engagement and Evaluation: November 30 (recurring).  Participation in the FEC analysis program (YR1 30, YR2 40, YR3 50).  L. Kass tracks producer participation, samples analyzed per producer and contacts each producer participant from the previous summer using email or phone to determine if they are in need of one-on-one or group mentoring to facilitate the upload of  data to NSIP to ensure that all producers needing support receive the support that they need.

  • Status:  In Progress
  • Accomplishments:  Producers were in contact during all aspects of the project from outreach, registration, sample submission, and data interpretation. No producers were in need of assistance. As our Fecal Egg Count Program started shortly after receiving funding our outreach and educational programs did not yet run, we expect in YR 2 new producers will be participating and seeking assistance.  In YR 2 producers were in contact during all aspects of the project from outreach, registration, sample submission and data interpretation.  Two new producers raising Barbados Blackbelly sheep were interested in participating in the FEC analysis program.  Both producers were contacted and guided through the program and plan to participate in NSIP.  Efforts will continue to attract new small ruminant producers to NSIP. YR3: All but one of the producers that participated in the summer of 2025 FEC were NSIP members. Producers were in contact with project personnel through all aspects of the outreach, registration, sample submission, and FEC results.

Milestone 10; Evaluation: March 1, 2023 to November 30, 2026. Producers completing the online IPM/FAMACHA© certification program each year will complete a survey the year following and every project year thereafter assessing the persistence of adoption of best management practices for IPM of GIN parasites.  Information will also be compiled on sheep lost to GIN each year.  L. Kass will compile and report out the results of the survey.

  • Status:  In Progress
  • Accomplishments: 
    • Producers completing the online FAMACHA© assessment from March 1st 2023 will receive a survey the year following assessing the the initiation and persistence of the integrated parasite control strategies they planned to adopt in their in the optional program evaluation that was administered at the end of the online post video assessment. In YR1 and YR2 - 786  and 707 producers, respectively, completed an optional program evaluation conducted at the end of the online FAMACHA© training post video assessment indicating the following IPM adoption plans (YR 1 and 2 combined): 
      • 90.5% FAMACHA© scoring
      • 49.8% FEC
      • 52.5% Targeted selective deworming
      • 37.3% Genetic Selection – select animals with resistance to parasites
      • 38.9% Maintain a minimum 4-inch pasture forage height
      • 20.4% Plant a forage containing condensed tannins

Follow-up surveys to capture adoption of IPM practices during the parasite season following FAMACHA© training will commence in the winter/spring of 2025.

YR 3: Results for YR3 have been collected but not yet tabulated due to the retirement of PI K. Petersson in June 2025, the departure of URI project personnel key to this milestone in August 2025 and the subsequent transfer of the management of the online FAMACHA© program to LSU. During the coming months this information will be gathered and follow-up surveys to capture adoption of IPM practices during the parasite season following FAMACHA© training will begin.

Milestone 11; Evaluation: March 1, 2023 to November 30, 2026.
Fifty producers, owning a total of 4200 ewes and 6300 lambs, will utilize EBVs for parasite resistance and: 1) will not experience a monetary loss of 5% of their lamb crop to GIN infections; 2) will realize the benefits of increased parasite resistance in their replacement ewes by a 12%  increase in the number of offspring produced; 3) will realize an estimated gain of 5 lb/lamb through the prevention of subclinical losses to gastrointestinal parasites.

  • Status:  In Progress
  • Accomplishments:  In YR1 21 producers owning 1,443 ewes and 1,982 lambs are utilizing EBVs for parasite resistance. In YR2 22 NSIP producers owning 1,637 ewes and 2,357 lambs are utilizing EBVs for parasite resistance. In YR3, 28 NSIP producers owning 1489 ewes and 2938 lambs are utilizing EBV’s for parasite resistance.

Milestone activities and participation summary

Educational activities:

836 Online trainings

Participation summary:

836 Farmers/Ranchers

Learning Outcomes

786 Farmers/Ranchers gained knowledge, skills and/or awareness

Performance Target Outcomes

Target #1

Target: number of farmers:

50

Target: change/adoption:

Producers will utilize estimated breeding values (EBVs) for parasite resistance.

Target: amount of production affected:

4,200 ewes and 6,300 lambs

Target: quantified benefit(s):

Producers will realize a financial gain of $432,088 over 3 years.

Information Products

    Return to Project Overview
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.