Goat Breeding and Grazing Habits

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the breeding season for dairy goats?

Between April and July

Any time of the year

Between August and March (correct)

Only in the winter months

Why do dairy goats require more attention during kidding in cold, rainy weather?

They lack subcutaneous fat (correct)

They need more food during that time

They have difficulty giving birth

They are more prone to illnesses

What percentage of brush do goats consume when given a choice?

40 to 60 percent (correct)

30 to 50 percent

60 to 80 percent

10 to 20 percent

Why do goats consume a wider range of plants compared to cattle?

They have prehensile lips Signup and view all the answers

In what type of pastures do goats consume much larger amounts of grasses?

Improved pastures Signup and view all the answers

Why do goats need a higher forage intake as a percentage of body weight compared to cattle?

Their higher rate of passage through the alimentary tract Signup and view all the answers

Why are goats considered effective in controlling weeds and brush when grazed with cattle?

They help eliminate troublesome plant species that cattle do not eat. Signup and view all the answers

What is a suitable strategy for utilizing goats for clearing pasture areas of weeds and brush?

Rotational stocking to allow recovery time for the species. Signup and view all the answers

What dietary requirement is essential for does in late pregnancy and early lactation, as well as for growing kids marketed for meat?

A diet with at least 14 percent protein. Signup and view all the answers

Which plant species are avoided by goats according to the text?

Marestail and horsenettle. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does Sericea lespedeza have on small ruminants like goats?

It reduces internal parasite levels due to its tannins. Signup and view all the answers

Why might rotational stocking be necessary when using brush, vines, and weeds as a long-term resource?

To allow time for these resources to recover. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key preventive measure against parasite infestation in goats?

Allowing pastures to rest between grazing periods Signup and view all the answers

Which plant species is mentioned as excellent for goat pasture due to reduced ground contact during grazing?

Pearl millet Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the natural suppression of internal parasites in small ruminants like goats according to the text?

Consumption of sericea lespedeza with condensed tannins Signup and view all the answers

What poses a significant challenge to goats in terms of predation?

Feral or neighborhood dogs Signup and view all the answers

Why are parasites such as the barber pole worm becoming more problematic for goats?

Increased resistance to dewormers Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective strategy for reducing internal parasite egg numbers in feces of small ruminants?

Consumption of sericea lespedeza forage with condensed tannins Signup and view all the answers

What supplement is needed for perennial grasses in the summer due to an increase in lignin content?

Energy and protein supplements Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is the most dependable summer pasture option with high nutritive value over much of the South?

Grazing-tolerant alfalfa Signup and view all the answers

What management practice can enhance new leaf growth in bermudagrass for satisfactory early season performance?

Close mowing to 2 or 3 inches Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is one of the best choices for dependable, nutritious deer pasture in the lower Coastal Plain?

Perennial peanut Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for successful sheep production in the humid Eastern U.S.?

Parasite and predator control Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the annual feed requirements for sheep can be provided from forage?

~75% Signup and view all the answers

What breeds are mentioned as better suited to the climate of the Southern U.S. for sheep production?

Suffolk, Hair sheep breeds, Hampshire Signup and view all the answers

'Late pregnancy and early lactation are the times when ewes have the greatest energy requirements.' What does this imply for sheep production?

'Providing adequate nutrition during these periods is crucial for sheep.' Signup and view all the answers

'A profitable sheep operation depends on providing as much grazing through the year as possible.' What does this statement emphasize?

'Continuous grazing availability is essential for profitable sheep farming.' Signup and view all the answers

'Usually, 30 to 35 ewes plus a ram are considered to be the minimum economical size for a sheep flock.' What does this indicate about sheep flock size?

'The economic threshold favors mid-sized flocks.' Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of a late winter or early spring lambing program in the Southern U.S.?

Lambs can be weaned at 90 days of age or less. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable difference between late winter/early spring lambing and autumn lambing programs?

Late winter/early spring lambing is less profitable. Signup and view all the answers

How do donkeys, llamas, and guardian dogs contribute to sheep farming?

They help control predators such as dogs and coyotes. Signup and view all the answers

Why is periodic worming necessary for sheep?

To control internal parasites which can be a severe problem. Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is important in the diet of llamas according to the text?

Calcium Signup and view all the answers

How do llamas differ from sheep in terms of feeding behavior?

Llamas tend to be browsers more than grazers. Signup and view all the answers

Why should alfalfa and clovers be avoided for pasture or hay for llamas?

They cause obesity and overheating in llamas. Signup and view all the answers

Why are guardian animals like donkeys or llamas recommended for protecting goats?

They help in attacking predators. Signup and view all the answers

How can goats be trained to electric fences?

By exposing them to mild electric shocks. Signup and view all the answers

What makes farm-raised venison higher in quality compared to wild venison?

Healthier nutrition and care. Signup and view all the answers

Which country is the major venison producer?

New Zealand Signup and view all the answers

Which type of deer is not well suited for venison production on intensive pastures?

White-tailed deer Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of farmed deer species compared to beef cattle in terms of breeding season flexibility?

Deer do not match nutritional needs with the breeding season. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major expense related to deer farming according to the text?

Special handling facilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal nutrient composition required in pastures for deer from mid April until the breeding season?

64 percent TDN and 16 percent CP Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why cattle have an advantage over deer according to the text?

Adjustable breeding seasons Signup and view all the answers

Why are electric polywire tapes often used in deer farming?

For cross fencing pastures Signup and view all the answers

What is the ready-for-slaughter age range for birds raised for meat?

10-14 months Signup and view all the answers

Which bird species has a digestive tract more similar to that of a chicken than an ostrich?

Emu Signup and view all the answers

Which elements contribute significantly to the 'greenhouse effect' mentioned in the text?

Carbon dioxide and pollutants Signup and view all the answers

Why are alfalfa and annual ryegrass considered desirable pasture species for ostrich?

They provide high nutritional value Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for adult ostrich being best suited to continuously stocked pastures?

Territorial behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which practice can provide substantial benefits when forages are used in crop rotations according to the text?

Deep root penetration of forage crops Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to increase calcium in the diet prior to the onset of breeding for ostrich females?

To strengthen eggshells Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the necessity of internal parasite treatments in the Southern U.S. for ostrich?

Low relative humidity Signup and view all the answers

'Photosynthesis' mentioned in the text primarily involves the consumption of which gas and release of which gas?

$CO_2$ intake, oxygen release Signup and view all the answers

'Climate change discussions have resulted in much focus on carbon sequestration.' What does 'carbon sequestration' refer to?

$CO_2$ transfer from the atmosphere to soil, plants, and other life forms Signup and view all the answers

Why is energy conservation a concern for environmentally-minded individuals?

To lower energy inputs in grassland systems compared to row crop production. Signup and view all the answers

How do grazing animals contribute to nutrient recycling in grassland systems?

Their bodies are composed of air and water nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

How did Indians in the Southern U.S. enhance wildlife populations with forage plants?

By burning patches of woodlands, encouraging native grasses. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the benefit of wildlife populations with a mixture of crops, pasture, and woodland on a farm?

Wildlife benefits when different habitats are present. Signup and view all the answers

Why is improper management of pastureland a concern with regard to water quality?

It causes increased nutrient runoff in water sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why soil erosion is a concern for farmers and landowners?

It leads to the creation of gullies and rills on farmlands. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does good management practices have on water quality with regard to pastures?

It ensures reduced soil sediment pollution in water bodies. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Soil Conservation Service (NRCS) aim to reduce soil erosion?

By being effective in reducing soil erosion through its federal programs. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the loss of topsoil due to erosion affect the remaining soil negatively?

The remaining eroded soil is lower in organic matter and fertility than the lost topsoil. Signup and view all the answers

Why do native grasses favor many types of wildlife according to the text?

Because they stimulate open areas by burning woodlands periodically. Signup and view all the answers

How do animal manure or organic wastes contribute to water quality problems?

By directly contaminating water sources with nutrients and contaminants. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key benefits of using cover crops mentioned in the text?

Reducing erosion during winter Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern regarding water quality mentioned in the text?

Nutrient contamination like nitrates Signup and view all the answers

How do forage crops help in reducing water pollution according to the text?

By forming dense root systems that act as filters Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to restrict animal access to streams according to the text?

To prevent pathogenic bacteria contamination Signup and view all the answers

What problem can be reduced by planting buffer strips along streams?

Nutrient contamination from pastures Signup and view all the answers

Why is over-fertilization not recommended in agriculture according to the text?

To prevent excessive nutrient contamination Signup and view all the answers

How do cover crops create root channels that benefit row crops?

By facilitating deeper rooting Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested solution to prevent soil erosion while maintaining economic production in areas prone to erosion?

Use proper tillage methods for crop production in non-erodible areas only. Signup and view all the answers

What can reduce soil erosion losses effectively, according to the text?

Planting perennial grass sods. Signup and view all the answers

Where is erosion most likely to occur based on the text?

On slopes greater than 5 percent, especially with fine-textured soil. Signup and view all the answers

How can livestock contribute to erosion?

By forming traffic paths where no plants can survive. Signup and view all the answers

Why are riparian areas considered environmentally sensitive zones?

Because livestock traffic can enhance bank erosion and washouts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of planting a cover crop on summer row crop land according to the text?

To stabilize the soil until the best adapted perennial forages have an opportunity to dominate. Signup and view all the answers

Why do many pastures in certain areas have high erosion potential?

Because of overgrazing and poor plant vigor. Signup and view all the answers

How do grassed waterways, grassed terraces, strip cropping, and long-term rotations help with soil erosion?

By serving as examples of effective methods to reduce soil erosion losses. Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a significant consequence of serious erosion damage?

Greatly reduced productivity for many years. Signup and view all the answers

How do proper management and time contribute to disturbed or critical areas?

They help stabilize these areas over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of disposing of animal waste produced in the Southern U.S.?

Spreading on forage crops Signup and view all the answers

Why can the application of organic waste to pastures potentially jeopardize water quality?

It releases readily available nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus Signup and view all the answers

What is an economically feasible practice for livestock producers to utilize waste materials?

Using waste as a nutrient source for pasture production Signup and view all the answers

Why are hybrid bermudagrasses mentioned in relation to waste disposal areas?

Due to their high yield potential and nitrate absorption capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What complementary relationship exists between beef cattle and poultry on the farm?

Providing nutrients for pasture growth Signup and view all the answers

Why has the number of beef cattle increased in areas with rising broiler production?

As a result of the complementary relationship with poultry farms Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in developing a keen appreciation for forage crops?

Exposure to successful examples Signup and view all the answers

Why is exposure to different types of music, art, or food important according to the text?

To build appreciation for various forms of culture Signup and view all the answers

What is a seldom-mentioned aspect of forage/livestock enterprises?

Productivity and value appreciation Signup and view all the answers

Why do knowledgeable persons appreciate forage crops beyond their visible beauty?

For their productivity and nutritive value Signup and view all the answers

How does an appreciation for beautiful, productive forages benefit producers according to the text?

By leading to efficient, profitable operations Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is essential in agricultural production besides productivity?

Protecting the environment Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid applying waste materials at extremely high rates or in sensitive areas?

To reduce the potential for runoff and water contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that influences the loss of nitrogen from applied waste materials?

The temperature and humidity levels Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the steps livestock producers can take to minimize environmental hazards according to the text?

Avoid feeding hay on steep slopes Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to locate new animal working facilities on level sites and away from surface water?

To minimize soil sediment runoff into surface water Signup and view all the answers

How can livestock producers help reduce soil erosion losses effectively?

Planting buffer vegetation strips along riparian areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when using a no-till seeder for chicken forage stands?

The slope of the pasture Signup and view all the answers

Why should livestock be removed from steep pastures during wet weather?

To minimize opportunities for erosion due to livestock trails Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of planting buffer vegetation strips along riparian areas according to the text?

To filter out nutrients, bacteria, and soil sediment Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to apply waste materials at times of the year when high rainfall storms are less likely?

To reduce water contamination risks due to runoff Signup and view all the answers

How do rotational stocking practices help minimize environmental impacts according to the text?

By preventing livestock trails on steep slopes Signup and view all the answers