Goat Breeding and Grazing Habits

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105 Questions

What is the breeding season for dairy goats?

Between August and March

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

They lack subcutaneous fat

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

40 to 60 percent

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

They have prehensile lips

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

Improved pastures

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Marestail and horsenettle.

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

It reduces internal parasite levels due to its tannins.

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.

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

Allowing pastures to rest between grazing periods

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

Pearl millet

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

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

Feral or neighborhood dogs

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

Increased resistance to dewormers

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

Consumption of sericea lespedeza forage with condensed tannins

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

Energy and protein supplements

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

Grazing-tolerant alfalfa

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

Close mowing to 2 or 3 inches

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

Perennial peanut

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

Parasite and predator control

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

~75%

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

Suffolk, Hair sheep breeds, Hampshire

'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.'

'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.'

'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.'

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.

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

Late winter/early spring lambing is less profitable.

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

They help control predators such as dogs and coyotes.

Why is periodic worming necessary for sheep?

To control internal parasites which can be a severe problem.

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

Calcium

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

Llamas tend to be browsers more than grazers.

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

They cause obesity and overheating in llamas.

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

They help in attacking predators.

How can goats be trained to electric fences?

By exposing them to mild electric shocks.

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

Healthier nutrition and care.

Which country is the major venison producer?

New Zealand

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

White-tailed deer

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.

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

Special handling facilities

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

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

Adjustable breeding seasons

Why are electric polywire tapes often used in deer farming?

For cross fencing pastures

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

10-14 months

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

Emu

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

Carbon dioxide and pollutants

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

They provide high nutritional value

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

Territorial behavior

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

Deep root penetration of forage crops

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

To strengthen eggshells

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

Low relative humidity

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

$CO_2$ intake, oxygen release

'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

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

To lower energy inputs in grassland systems compared to row crop production.

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

Their bodies are composed of air and water nutrients.

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

By burning patches of woodlands, encouraging native grasses.

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.

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

It causes increased nutrient runoff in water sources.

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.

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

It ensures reduced soil sediment pollution in water bodies.

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

By being effective in reducing soil erosion through its federal programs.

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.

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

Because they stimulate open areas by burning woodlands periodically.

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

By directly contaminating water sources with nutrients and contaminants.

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

Reducing erosion during winter

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

Nutrient contamination like nitrates

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

By forming dense root systems that act as filters

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

To prevent pathogenic bacteria contamination

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

Nutrient contamination from pastures

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

To prevent excessive nutrient contamination

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

By facilitating deeper rooting

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.

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

Planting perennial grass sods.

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

On slopes greater than 5 percent, especially with fine-textured soil.

How can livestock contribute to erosion?

By forming traffic paths where no plants can survive.

Why are riparian areas considered environmentally sensitive zones?

Because livestock traffic can enhance bank erosion and washouts.

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.

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

Because of overgrazing and poor plant vigor.

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.

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

Greatly reduced productivity for many years.

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

They help stabilize these areas over time.

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

Spreading on forage crops

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

It releases readily available nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus

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

Using waste as a nutrient source for pasture production

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

Due to their high yield potential and nitrate absorption capabilities

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

Providing nutrients for pasture growth

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

As a result of the complementary relationship with poultry farms

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

Exposure to successful examples

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

To build appreciation for various forms of culture

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

Productivity and value appreciation

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

For their productivity and nutritive value

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

By leading to efficient, profitable operations

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

Protecting the environment

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

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

The temperature and humidity levels

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

Avoid feeding hay on steep slopes

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

How can livestock producers help reduce soil erosion losses effectively?

Planting buffer vegetation strips along riparian areas

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

The slope of the pasture

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

To minimize opportunities for erosion due to livestock trails

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

To filter out nutrients, bacteria, and soil sediment

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

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

By preventing livestock trails on steep slopes

Test your knowledge on the breeding habits and grazing preferences of Spanish (or bush) goats commonly grown for meat in the southeastern U.S. Learn about the seasonal breeding patterns of dairy goats and their gestation period. Understand how goats select higher quality leafy forage compared to cattle.

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