Animal Systems

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SMALL RUMINANTS PROGRAMS

Small Ruminant Outreach & Technical Assistance

The overall objective of VSU's Small Ruminant Program is to conduct current, relevant, and integrated small ruminant production and management applied research and extension programming for small-scale farmers in Virginia. Technical assistance is available in many county offices. Find the Extension office nearest you if you'd like an on-site or telephone consultation about small ruminants.

Small Ruminant SHORT COURSES

VSU's Small Ruminant Short Course brings together a range of educational programs designed to support both beginning and experienced sheep and goat producers. Programming includes comprehensive training for new producers covering enterprise startup, breed selection, nutrition, health, marketing, and farm business considerations; focused training on sheep and goat health such as internal parasite management, fecal egg counting and FAMACHA© certification and integrated control strategies; and targeted courses on improving reproductive efficiency through advanced reproductive technologies, estrus synchronization, and pasture-based lambing and kidding. Hands-on components in all short courses further strengthen producer skills. See the events section for upcoming programs.

wEBINAR SERIES

VSU's Webinar Series offers accessible, research‑based educational programming for livestock producers across Virginia and the region. This recorded webinar series covers key topics such as production, health and management, and enterprise development, with content designed for beginning, transitioning, and experienced producers alike. Webinars are available on demand, allowing producers to learn from VSU Extension specialists and partners at their own pace.

ONLINE SMALL RUMINANT INTEGRATED PARASITE MANAGEMENT COURSE

This is an integrated virtual/online course in sustainable approaches for parasite control in sheep and goats. Infection with internal parasites, especially the barber pole worm (*Haemonchus contortus*), is the number one health problem affecting sheep and goats. Traditionally, producers relied on chemical treatments (dewormers) to control infections. However, due to mis-use and over-use, internal parasites have developed resistance to multiple classes of available dewormers. There is now an urgent need for producers to adapt sustainable integrated control strategies for parasite control to reduce reliance on chemical dewormers and prolong their efficacy on farms. To complete this course and to receive your free FAMACHA© card and certificate in the mail, visit https://www.wormx.info/onlinefamacha and complete 4 simple steps.

SMALL RUMINANT RESOURCES