Progress report for SMS24-001
Project Information
Sustainable Meat Goat Production in the Southeast will be achieved through the Southeastern Buck Performance Test, which aims to improve the profitability of the meat goat industry in the region by the improvement of meat goat genetics. This test will be conducted in 2024 and 2025 for the 2nd and 3rd time in South Mississippi. Expecting more than 100 bucks to take part, the pilot test of 2023 had 89 bucks from 45 farms from 14 states. Most of the goat meat we eat in the U.S. comes from abroad, with this test, we will hopefully be able to one day help meet the demand for goat meat in the U.S. with domestic products. That means more people coming into this business will have a place for their products. The test has three primary goals: to help identify genetics that produce a salable carcass by feeding forages commonly available in the region; to help improve resistance or resilience to internal parasites, which is the number one challenge for goat producers in Mississippi; and to determine the effect of heat stress. Measuring these important variables will allow meat goat production in the southeast to be more sustainable. Dr. Leyla Rios (PI) and Dr. Barbara Roqueto do Reis will be supervising this experience with farmers as part of their extension and research programs.
- Sustainable Practices for Small Ruminant Farmers: Taking the Lab to the Farm.
- FAMACHA
- Small ruminant workshop
- Train the trainers
- Field day for Kiko Buck test
Advisors
- (Educator and Researcher)
Education
Sustainable Meat Goat Production in the Southeast will be achieved through the Southeastern Buck Performance Test, which aims to improve the profitability of the meat goat industry in the region by the improvement of meat goat genetics. These tests were conducted in 2024 and 2025 for MS and Southeast Goat Farmers from more than 14 different states. All farmers taking part in the test not only receive our weekly reports on the performance of their bucks, but also scientific information carefully explained to them that helps them improve as goat producers in the future. Also, at the end of every Buck test has a field day where they can visit with MSSTATE and get feedback and updated information on relevant topics, which will positively impact their businesses.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Help extension agents and farmers gain knowledge related to sustainable parasite control.
These training sessions are sponsored by Southern SARE in MS for Extension Agents and Farmers
This will have a positive impact on the businesses of small ruminant farmers, reducing animal losses and increasing their revenue. Also, decreasing the global problem of dewormer resistance
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
Face of SARE
SARE is widely promoted to small ruminant farmers in MS and also to other farmers and the general public