Project Overview
Annual Reports
Commodities
- Animals: goats, sheep
Practices
- Animal Production: parasite control, herbal medicines
- Education and Training: extension, on-farm/ranch research, participatory research, workshop
- Production Systems: holistic management, organic agriculture
Proposal abstract:
The objectives of the proposed research are: 1) to determine the efficacy of non-chemical/natural means of parasite control (pumpkin seeds, garlic, ginger, and papaya seeds) in small ruminants, and 2) to educate producers about natural dewormers and integrated parasite management (FAMACHA, fecal egg counting, and pasture management). The project will be conducted at Delaware State University's Farm and also on producer farms in DE and MD.
In year one and two at DSU (in collaboration with Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore), naturally infected crossbred goats (n=96) and crossbred hair sheep lambs (n=96) will be fed diets containing plant ingredients (pumpkin seeds, garlic, ginger, and papaya seeds) and levels of parasitism and growth monitored. The influence of effective natural dewormers on nutritional, composition and meat quality will also be determined. Cost analysis will be conducted comparing effective natural deworming and chemical deworming strategies. In addition, workshops will be held during both years to educate small ruminant producers on the efficacy of natural dewormers and integrated parasite management techniques.
During year three, two on-farm studies will be conducted in DE and MD and follow-up will take place via phone calls, farm visits, and interviews. On-farm sessions will be held on all farm sites in order to demonstrate results and usage of effective natural dewormers to producers and extension agents. Fact sheets and newsletter articles will be published as well as posted on DSU's extension website and that of the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (www.wormx.org). Fifteen small ruminant producers will decrease reliance on chemical dewormers via use of one or more effective natural plant dewormers in combination with the use of FAMACHA and fecal egg counting for parasite control in their flocks.
Performance targets from proposal:
Fifteen small ruminant producers will decrease reliance on chemical dewormers through the use of an alternative natural dewormer and/or other IPM practices such as the use of FAMACHA and fecal egg counting for parasite control in their flocks.