Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

Grants And Education To Advance Innovations In Sustainable Agriculture

Project Overview

FS16-293
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 2016: $8,955.00
Projected End Date: 03/14/2017
Grant Recipient: farmer
Region: Southern
State: Louisiana
Principal Investigator:
Tiffany Lockhart
Farmer

Dairy Goat Study: Sericea Lespedeza – A Cost Effective Way to Boost Milk Production

Grant closed and funds deobligated 2/2/2018 due to noncompliance of submitting a final grant report.

Commodities

No commodities identified (required to submit report)

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Practices

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Proposal summary:

Nutrition is one factor that affects both the quantity and quality of goat milk production. Targeted access to S. lespedeza may have potential health benefits beyond its anti-parasitic properties. Though it hasn’t been demonstrated, this wonder plant could be a cost-effective means to enhance milk production in goats.

Project objectives from proposal:

To test the effect of S. lespedeza on our milkers, we propose a trial that incorporates S. lespedeza first into our feed plan and then into our pasture management program. Our study will measure milk production levels and composition for a test group of 12 goats who will have access to S. lespedeza. A control group of 12 goats who do not receive the legume will able be measured. The goats will be handpicked to ensure parity between the test and control groups.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.