PSIX-17 Characterization of goat production systems in Arkansas.

Abstract A self-reported questionnaire survey conducted in October 2023 aimed to characterize pastures, nutrition programs, animal demographics, and management practices of goat farms in Arkansas. Ninety-two producers from 41 (out of 75) state counties participated in the survey. Bermuda grass was the most frequently grown warm-season grass (88% of respondents) followed by crabgrass (51%) and johnsongrass (44%). Of the cool season grasses, tall fescue, and ryegrass were the most common (57% and 49%, respectively), and white clover (72%) and red clover (40%) were the most frequently grown legumes, followed by lespedeza (33%). Rotational grazing was reported as the grazing management practice of 70% of respondents, and 41% reported continuous stocking, indicating that nearly one-third (29%) of producers use both grazing management practices. More than half of respondents supplemented hay (64%) while only 49% produced hay themselves. In addition to hay, textured commercial feeds and pellets were frequently supplemental feed (43 and 33%, respectively) while loose mineral mix and salt (89 and 39%) were the most common mineral supplements. The average herd size consisted of 17 does, and Boer was the most common breed (43% of respondents) followed by crossbred goats (36%), Nigerian dwarfs (29%), and Nubians (26%). The most common criteria for selection were health (93%), reproduction (86%), appearance (75%), maternal traits (68%), growth (62%), and milk production (59%). Natural breeding was used by 95% of respondents while artificial insemination (12%) and embryo transfer (5%) were used to a lesser extent. The culling rate of 74% of respondents was between 1–10%. Approximately one-third of producers indicated a kidding rate below 120%. Interestingly, a quarter of participants selected “I’m not sure” when asked about their kidding rate revealing a need for education on best management practices and record keeping. Kid and mature goat mortality rates were low on most farms, with 65 and 72% of the respective respondents reporting less than 5% for each stock class. Internal parasites were the most common health issue (88%), followed by foot rot/foot scald (45%), and pneumonia (33%). Accordingly, hoof care and dewormer were the most widely used husbandry practices (93 and 91%) followed by vaccination (83%). Hoof care and deworming were done on an “when needed” basis by 75 and 65% of participants, respectively. Moxidectin (75%), ivermectin (61%), and albendazole (54%) were the most widely used dewormers. Of the respondents who practiced vaccination, the CDT vaccine was used by 96% of producers, with all other vaccines being used by 20% or fewer. In conclusion, researchers and extension personnel should focus on conducting trials and providing education to producers on grazing practices, nutrition, record keeping, and health management.