PR-GOSHEPI - PHASE II. Hands-on Training in Best Management Practices for Sustainable Small Ruminant Production

Commodities

Practices

It has been documented that over the last 10 years, Puerto Rico has been experiencing one of the worst economic crises in its history. Hurricanes, storms, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 outbreak have increased this crisis. Although this series of events has weakened our fragile food security, a persistent and growing interest in small ruminant production has been observed. Lamb and dairy goat producers have seen an opportunity to enhance their production systems and improve marketing strategies for edible products.  In addition, a program sponsored by SARE – Educational Program on 2021, EDS21-29, “PR PR-GOSHEPI “Puerto Rico – Goat and Sheep Educational Program Initiative” has been conducted with great acceptability and success among producers.  PR-GOSHEPI enhanced the interest of current sheep and goat producers to improve their enterprises, and it attracted new producers and current and former livestock producers (i.e., cattle and swine) for raising small ruminants. In addition, because of PR-GOSHEPI activities, great interest in goat and sheep production has developed during the last 2 years among students attending Agricultural Vocational Schools. Although local production of lamb meat and goat milk has increased in recent years, Puerto Rico continues to import these foods for domestic consumption at higher prices than local products. Written information and a recorded webinar have been developed as part of our current PR-GOSHEPI Grant; however, there are knowledge gaps on proper sheep and goat best management practices thus leading to a total sustainability challenge.  It is imperative that the local producer continue to have access to the necessary tools to improve their competitiveness and promote the development, expansion, and sustainable production of the animal industry and the subsequent production of locally produced lamb and goat edible products.  To increase small ruminant productivity, sustainability, and profitability, more programs need to be developed to aid producers with appropriate educational materials. Also, hands-on training of best management practices for sustainable small ruminant production in tropical areas, specifically in Puerto Rico and the continental USA, is limited. This fact limits the accessibility of hands-on training in the best management practices for sheep and goats. Therefore, developing educational and practical opportunities in this clientele’s native language is necessary. The objective of this proposal is to create the Puerto Rico Goat and Sheep Producer Educational Program Initiative (PR-GOSHEPI) PHASE II that will target members of the DA-SRPF, independent producers, Vocational Agricultural schoolteachers, and other clientele, and to educate them on 1) Physical Examination and How to Perform Body Condition Score, 2) FAMACHA Certification, 5 Point Control Check, and Fecal Egg Count 3. Principles of Animal Health: Prevention, Diagnostic, and Treatment of Disease, 4). Hoof Trimming, 5) Pregnancy Detection, 6) Semen Collection and Evaluation, and 7). Shearing, 8) Body Weight and Dry Matter Intake Estimation, 9). Basic Ration Formulation, 10) Elaboration of Nutritional Blocks, 11). Rotational grazing, and 12). Mortality Compost. The PR-GOSHEPI will be using webpages and radio talks, as its main delivery methods. As part of the proposal, illustrated handouts on best management practices will be developed for every training section.

To continue the Puerto Rico Goat and Sheep Educational Program Initiative (PR-GOSHEPI) PHASE II to develop activities to enhance sustainable small ruminant production on the island. Specific objectives include:

1. Create a hands-on training program in Best Management Practices for Sustainable Small Ruminant Production.
2. Development: Illustrate Educational Material on Best Management Practices for Sustainable Small Ruminant Production
3. Assessment of the impact of PR-GOSHEPI – PHASE II on knowledge on sustainable small ruminant production