S. Schoenian1
1Area Agent, Sheep and Goats, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Western Maryland Research & Education Center, Keedysville, MD 21756
Most sheep and goat producers are smallscale, owning fewer than 30 females. An obstacle to profitable production is gastrointestinal parasites (worms), the primary health problem affecting grazing small ruminants. Worms have become increasingly difficult to control because of widespread drug resistance. Maryland Cooperative Extension developed an educational program, “Integrated Parasite Management (IPM)” to teach sheep/goat producers modern, practical methods for effective worm control. IPM workshops are coordinated through county extension offices and producer groups. Teaching format is 2 hours lecture/discussion and 2 hours hands-on. Since 2004, seventeen workshops have been held in six states, attracting 334 participants from 10 states. 374 adults and youth participated in educational programs which did not include the hands-on part. Based on the results of pre- and post-tests, producers have increased their knowledge of internal parasites by 30 to 40 percent. 334 producers and extension agents have been certified in the use of the FAMACHA© system. Grant funds, which paid for equipment and travel, are also being used to develop educational materials and fund parasite-related research. As a result of the Maryland IPM program, over 200 producers are using the FAMACHA© eye anemia chart to make deworming decisions. Producers have implemented various other recommended IPM techniques (e.g. fecal egg counts).
This abstract was presented as a poster
at the 4th National Small Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina, October
2005.
Other Abstracts