Success StoryManaging Parasites in Small Ruminants



Managing Parasites in Small Ruminants

Author: Dee Heimgartner

Planning Unit: Crittenden County CES

Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

Plan of Work: Increasing Knowledge in Agriculture, Home and Community Environment

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Crittenden County ranks second in Kentucky on the market value of sheep, goat, wool, mohair and milk products sold according to the 2017 Ag Census. Parasite control is one of the major issues with maintaining a healthy flock. Local producers had expressed an interest in learning how to conduct fecal egg samples. Crittenden County ANR Agent Dee Heimgartner worked with KY State University Extension Specialist Dr. Jessie Lay to conduct a training on how to do your own fecal egg counts. A class was conducted where 20 producers were trained. One producer commented that it was the best hands on class he had been to. Everyone surveyed said that the class was helpful with 85% saying it was very helpful. Another survey respondent said that they expect to see thousands of dollars saved due not only to medicine costs savings but also the weight gain increase in market animals. A class participant had ordered and received her own microscope and slides within a couple of weeks after attending the class. 






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