Enhancing sheep health and productivity trainings

Project Overview

ONC24-159
Project Type: Partnership
Funds awarded in 2024: $21,697.00
Projected End Date: 08/31/2026
Grant Recipient: South Dakota State University
Region: North Central
State: South Dakota
Project Coordinator:
Jaelyn Whaley
Email
South Dakota State University

Information Products

Commodities

  • Animals: sheep

Practices

  • Animal Production: animal protection and health, genetics
  • Education and Training: demonstration

    Abstract:

    This project consisted of five field days across the North Central region followed by one-on-one consultations. Traditional sheep breeds and management systems have relied solely on phenotypic selection. Recent developments in breeding technology have demonstrated that genetics provide a more accurate way to improve the sustainability of sheep operations and the resources they utilize. Seedstock breeders use the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) to generate estimated breeding values (EBVs) for a variety of traits, such as growth, litter size, parasite resistance, and carcass merit. This technology has been proven to work in other livestock species across the world. However, the US sheep industry has been slow to adopt this technology. Thus, to increase awareness and adoption, we will host five field days spread across the North Central region at innovative sheep farms to demonstrate how to couple genetics with phenotypic selection and management to optimize their flock to fit their environment. After the field days, SDSU extension sheep specialists will offer one-on-one consultation for a personalized experience in determining which data to collect and how to accurately utilize the genetic information returned. Deliverables will also include a fillable data management checklist and calendar. 

    Project objectives:

    This proposal addresses 4 major objectives:
    1. Educate sheep producers on how to capture and utilize emerging genetic technologies to improve animal health and performance for their unique operation. 
    2. Educate sheep producers on how to match genetic potential of sheep and sustainable flock management strategies, such as multispecies grazing, targeted nutrition, selective deworming, rotational grazing, and flock performance data management, to optimize the entire farming system.
    3. Demonstrate genetic technologies and production practices that have been successfully applied by farmers throughout the North Central region.
    4. Increase the level of use by sheep producers of available genetic information for flock improvement. 

    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.