standard operating procedures to conduct research
TRANSCRIPT
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TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY CAPRINE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION UNIT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES TO CONDUCT RESEARCH
Research Faculty Area of Specialization
Nar Gurung Acting Director, Animal Nutrition
Olga Bolden-Tiller Reproductive Biology
Chuck Okere Animal Breeding/Reproduction
Jannette Bartlett Animal Nutrition, Immunology
Errol Rhoden Agronomy, Forages
William Witola Molecular Parasitologist
Byeng-ryel Min Animal Nutrition/Rumen Microbiology
Wendell McElhenney Biostatistics/Animal Breeding
Jesse Jaynes Molecular Biology
Deloris Alexander Molecular Biology
Uma Karki Forage Ecology
Norma Dawkins Food Science
Nii Tackie Agriculture Economics
Initiated: January, 2013 Completed: June, 2013
Approved By:
_____________________________________________________________
Dr. Conrad Bonsi, Associate Director, George Washington Carver Agricultural
Experiment Station
_____________________________________________________________________
Dr. Walter Hill, Vice Provost and Dean, College of Agriculture, Environment and
Nutrition Sciences; Director, George Washington Carver Agricultural Experiment Station
and Administrator, 1890 Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Programs
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TABLE of CONTENTS
SECTIONS Page
OVERVIEW 3
PURPOSE 3
SECTION I. GENERAL PROCUDURES TO CONDUCT RESEARCH 4
A- Prior to Conducting Research 4
B- During the Research 5
C-Facility Equipment Use 6
D- Facility Use 6
E. Sample Storage 7
F. Bio-Security Measures 7
SECTION II. QUARANTINING ANIMALS 8
SECTION III. MANAGING SICK ANIMALS AND DURING EMERGENCIES 9
A. Sick Animals 10
B. Emergencies 10
1. Animal Health Emergency 10
2. Fire Emergency 11
3. Other Emergencies 12
SECTION IV. FORAGE PROGRAM AT THE CAPRINE RESEARCH UNIT 12
SECTION V. MONITORING AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS 13
A. Monitoring 13
B. Corrective Actions 13
C. Verification and Record Keeping 14
SECTION VI. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 15
A. Sheep Research 15
B. Co-grazing Research 15
C. Scrapie Eradication Program in Alabama 15
APENDECIS
A. CAPRINE RESEARCH UNIT FORAGE/PASTURE STATUS 16
B. VISITOR GUIDELINES FOR THE TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY
CAPRINE RESEARCH UNIT 17
C. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES GOVERNING
MANAGEMENT OF SEED HERD 18
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D. OUTLINE FOR BREEDING AND PERFORMANCE TEST 20
E. CAPRINE RESEARCH UNIT SOP ASSESSMENT TEST 23
OVERVIEW
The College of Agriculture, Environment, and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS) and the
George Washington Carver Agricultural Experiment Station (GWCAES) recognized that
the Tuskegee University Caprine Research and Education Unit (TUCREU) needs a
standard operating procedure (SOP) to promote human treatment of animals and the proper
care of the animals used in agricultural research and teaching according to the Institutional
Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook (ARENA/OLAW, 2002), the Public Health
Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS, 2002); to conduct
the highest standard of goat research, outreach and education, as it relates to the Unit.
Therefore, this document was written to ensure high standard and quality within our
research programs, providing standardized guidelines for management, research, outreach,
and teaching activities at the TUCREU. The SOP defines the basic high standards for
quality goat research at Tuskegee University, “showcasing” the university at the regional,
national as well as international level. This SOP will be reviewed and updated as
warranted.
PURPOSE
This document is the “Standard Operating Procedure” (SOP) and is to be used as a guide
for all persons conducting research and other activities at the Tuskegee University Caprine
Research and Education Unit (TUCREU). This document describes the policies and
procedures for planning and implementing research and is designed to inform users of the
standardized procedures to be adhered to while performing routine activities at the
TUCREU. The development and use of this SOP is an endeavor to standardize and
implement quality research procedures as part of the operations of the Unit in an effort to
maintain the integrity of work conducted at TUCREU. This SOP describes the technical
and administrative operational elements of Tuskegee University Caprine Research Unit. In
addition, the SOP details the process that is followed in conducting research at the
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TUCREU. This SOP is designed for the successful conduct of research at TUCREU.
In this document the TUCREU, CRU or Unit refer to the Tuskegee University Caprine
Research Unit; the Director refers to the Director of Small Ruminant Research Program;
and attending veterinarian refers to any veterinarian working with TUCREU or on a related
project. However, Attending Veterinarian refers to the official Tuskegee University
Attending Veterinarian.
SECTION I: GENERAL PROCUDURES TO CONDUCT RESEARCH
PURPOSE: This SOP serves as a guideline for conducting research at the TUCREU.
SCOPE: The TUCREU provides research opportunities to individuals who are
associated with programs funded through the George Washington Carver
Agricultural Experiment Station (GWCAES), which operates and maintains
the facility, and others.
PROCEDURES
A- Prior to Conducting Research
1. File a Project Outline Form (POF) and submit to the Experiment Station via the Director of
Small Ruminant Research Program (DSRRP). The document must be submitted prior to
the start of each research cycle*. Research cycles begin September 1 or February 1 of each
year. The purpose of POF is follows:
a. To coordinate research at TUCREU,
b. To prioritize research to be done at the TUCREU, and
c. To reduce duplication of research objectives.
*Within two weeks of the start of each research cycle, all persons submitting
projects, the DSRRP, and either the Director or Associate Director of the
GWCAES will review the project outlines to finalize the research activities for
that research cycle (See A.1. above).
2. Researchers are responsible for securing funding for the following:
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a. Experimental animals, feeds, grain, hay, pasture, etc.
b. Supplies such as trashcans, feeders, and medical supplies. However, if supplies
are available at the TUCREU, they can be used upon request from the unit manager.
3. Submit an approved Tuskegee University Animal Care and Use Committee (TUACUC)
form.
4. Upon approval of research activities, the Unit manager (via the DSSRP)
will confirm the following as related to each research project:
a. Secure place in the barn to house research animals.
b. Secure pasture to house research animals.
c. Assist researchers, including securing animals and feed and other services needed for
research.
B- During the Research
1. Researchers and all personnel must follow guidelines for animal care and
SOP; failure to do so may result in suspension of research activities.
2. Attending personnel must be trained for animal care at the TUCREU.
3. Researchers should identify experimental animals, pens and pastures by:
a. Title of research.
b. Name of Advisor/Researcher with contact telephone number.
c. Name of the attending personnel with contact telephone numbers.
d. TUACUC approval number.
e. Attending veterinarian on the project with contact telephone number.
4. Researchers and students are responsible for:
a. Feeding.
b. Sample collection.
c. Cleaning the facilities.
d. Research animal health.
C-Facility Equipment Use
1. All equipment belonging to the Unit will be labeled TUCREU.
2. Unit manager must be informed prior to the use of all TUCREU equipment.
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3. Researchers must complete the Equipment Need form; priority will be
given to graduating student’s research or on a first come first served basis.
4. All equipment purchased for TUCREU by the GWCAES will be housed at
the Unit and cannot be removed from the Unit without prior permission from
the Unit manager or DSRRP.
5. Researchers needing to house specialized equipment not provided by the
unit may do so upon informing Unit manager (necessary for space management
and security).
6. Researchers should inform the Unit manager about equipment and facility
repair needed immediately.
7. Researchers must inform Unit manager to dispose of unused material.
8. All TUCRU equipment and supplies not reserved for use can be used for
research projects upon informing the Unit manager.
D- Facility Use
1. The Director and Unit manager must be informed in advance of all research,
teaching and outreach activities to be conducted at the Unit.
2. Indoor facilities are limited and priority of research will be given to
graduating students’ research whose research projects have been properly
submitted (See Section I. A. 1.).
3. Number of animals used for research in the facility must be minimized.
4. Number of pastures and size are limited and multi pasture use by any one
investigator must be discussed with the DSRRP.
5. Efficient use of resources, collaboration and multi-disciplinary research is
encouraged and favored.
E. Sample Storage
1. All samples must be properly labeled – date/name of principal
investigator/name of student/type of sample.
2. Samples may not be stored longer than 12 months and must be removed to
a permanent location at the end of each research project as defined on the
project outline.
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3. The Director will inform the researchers in writing to remove samples
stored for more than 12 months. After three attempts, they will be removed
by Unit manager and dispose of properly.
F. Bio-Security Measures
Bio-security measures are necessary to protect animals and persons working
with animals from harm.
1. Protective measures for persons while working with animals include:
a. Protective attire (proper work clothes (uniform), lab coats,
coveralls, boots, gloves, masks, etc) should be worn at all times
when working with animals.
b. Work clothes should be washed and can be housed in assigned
lockers at the TUCREU laundry facility.
2. Protective measures for animals include:
a. Limiting animal contact from non-TUCREU personnel
b. New animal arrivals should be quarantined for at least 21 days before adding to the herd
(See Section II). The quarantine facilities should be designed to minimize the risk of
introducing or transmitting diseases agents within the same species or between species.
c. Use foot-baths before entering TUCREU barn or pastures.
d. Use separate equipment for outreach activities, especially when visiting/working on other
farms if possible. All common use equipment must be thoroughly disinfected before
returning to the TUCREU.
e. Clean and disinfect equipment used for transportation of animals after each use.
f. Clean and disinfect ALL common equipments to prevent contamination between users
within the unit.
SECTION II: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR QUARANTINING ANIMALS
BROUGHT TO THE TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY CAPRINE RESEARCH AND
EDUCATION UNIT
PURPOSE: To ensure that the Caprine Research Unit maintains a healthy environment
free from diseases and parasites, when goats are brought in from an external source,
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strict measures (outlined below) should be taken to prevent bringing harmful
microorganisms to the Unit. The use of sheep for research or for teaching purpose
at the TUCREU shall follow the similar guidelines.
SCOPE: Researcher(s) are responsible to follow these procedures:
PROCEDURES
A. Goats coming to the Caprine Research Unit from an outside source should have a
certificate showing the last physical examination (deworming, vaccinations, any other
health problems, etc.) from the producer (whether done by a veterinarian or the
producer himself/herself) and must be accompanied by a health certificate from a
certified veterinarian. This certificate may also be obtained from the TUCREU
attending veterinarian upon examination of the animal(s) while under quarantine.
Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Administrative Code 80-3-6-.18
now also requires all goats and sheep to be identified with official Scrapie ID prior to
change of ownership or transport to fairs, exhibitions or across state lines.
B. Goats should be free from diseases and other illnesses before use at the research
site. There should be no obvious signs of any health problems.
C. Goats should be placed in a separate holding facility, designated the “quarantine
area,” away from the barn and any other goats already present at the Unit.
1. The holding facility can be a pasture (more than one) set
aside for quarantine purposes only, or
2. A building constructed at least 200 yards from the main barn for
Quarantine purposes only.
3. New arrivals must have access to suitable quality feed and adequate supply
of clean water.
D. Within the first week of entering the quarantine facility, animals should be
evaluated by an attending veterinarian and treated if needed. The following should be
taken into consideration:
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1. Body temperature,
2. Body condition score,
3. Eye color,
4. Physical deformities,
5. Deworming if necessary,
6. Vaccinations if necessary, and
7. Others as needed.
E. Ill animals as determined by physical examination by the TUCREU attending
veterinarian, should immediately be removed and placed in an area set aside for
sick animals only (“sick bay” area). These animals should be treated separately
until they are well enough to join the rest of the group.
F. Complete paperwork from the veterinarian doing the physical examination
should be maintained at the TUCREU facility.
SECTION III: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR MANAGING SICK ANIMALS
AND DURING EMERGENCIES
PURPOSE: To prepare an appropriate contingency plan for the TUCREU for effective
implementation of the guidelines to provide an appropriate standard of care for the sick
animals, and during emergencies, including disasters and evacuations.
SCOPE: This procedure applies to all TUCREU personnel and users.
PROCEDURES
A. Sick Animals
1. Goats that are obviously sick, injured, or disabled must be immediately
separated from the healthy goats.
2. The TUCREU must have designated pen(s) for sick animals.
3. Sick animals should be handled according to the TUACUC or the Guide
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for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and
Teaching, which is available at the TUCREU office. Equipment should be
used to move non-ambulatory animals within the Unit to prevent undue
suffering.
4. All persons attending sick animals must wear boots or clothing, including
appropriate safety gloves.
5. The unit attending veterinarian should be contacted for appropriate
treatment plans for the sick animals.
6. Do not use sick animal cages or pens as thoroughfares and notify the
TUCREU manager IMMEDIATELY to ensure that proper cleaning
procedures are performed.
7. Do not transport a sick or injured animal where undue suffering will
result or when parturition is imminent. Goats considered suffering
severe distress or injury should be euthanized on site and under no
circumstances should be transported to livestock auction markets or over
long distances to meat packers.
8. When possible, all dead animals should undergo a postmortem
examination by a qualified veterinary pathologist.
9. Disinfect the pens or cages following the removal of the sick animals.
10. Report all problems to the TUCREU manager, DSRRP, attending veterinarian, or the
Director of the Comparative Medicine Resource Center on campus.
B. Emergencies
Disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, disease outbreaks, etc.
can happen at any time. Written plans should be kept in a fireproof safe with the
other important documents for quick accessibility. Procedures are as follows:
1. Animal Health Emergency
a. Any type of serious health problems should be treated as an
“emergency,” and above procedures (See Section III.1.) should be
followed.
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b. The TUCREU manager, DSRRP, Attending Veterinarian or the
Director of the Comparative Medicine Resource Center should be
IMMEDIATELY notified. Emergencies cannot wait until the start
of the next business day, including overnights and weekends.
c. Inform the principal researcher(s) or collaborators by phone.
Phone numbers, including office and emergency contact information
should be posted within the unit.
d. The list of the telephone numbers for the TUCREU manager,
DSRRP, TUCREU attending veterinarian, Tuskegee University
Attending Veterinarian, and the Director of the Comparative
Medicine Resource Center must be clearly accessible within the
unit.
e. Dead goats, placentas and aborted fetuses, offal, etc., must be
removed immediately and disposed of according to appropriate
regulations set by TUACUC or the Guide for the Care and Use of
Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching.
2. Fire Emergency
a. In case of fire, contact the local fire service OR CALL 911.
b. A list of telephone numbers of local, state and federal groups
that could provide assistance should be easily accessible.
c. In case of extended power outage, on duty personnel should
relocate samples stored in refrigerators to a secure area. Dead
carcasses should be emptied from the freezer(s) and properly
disposed of immediately.
3. Other Emergencies
a. Other emergencies may include hurricanes, tornadoes,
earthquakes, and unavoidable facility problems such as temperature
or humidity extremes etc. The following persons should also be
notified immediately: Researchers, Unit manager, DSRRP or the
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Attending Veterinarian or the Director of the Comparative Medicine
Resource Center. Call 911 if appropriate.
b. Assess the prevailing conditions and decide whether to evacuate
or stay in the building in “safe areas.”
c. ”Safe areas” should be identified in advance and employees
should be regularly instructed as to the location of the safe area.
SECTION IV: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE FORAGE
PROGRAM
PURPOSE: To maintain high quality forage and proper herd health at the TUCREU.
Carrying capacity of the Unit and number of animals that will meet the research, teaching,
and outreach needs of faculty, staff and students at Tuskegee University will be
considered.
SCOPE: All goat-pasture related researcher(s) and the goat Unit manager are
responsible for following these procedures.
PROCEDURES
Space availability must be considered when determining use of pastures and maximum
carrying capacity of the pastures (See Appendix A). The TUCREU manager will oversee
the maintenance of forage program and confer with specialists as needed to ensure that
sufficient forage is available for scheduled research.
The following guidelines will be followed:
A. Total animals to be carried on the farm pastures are not to exceed 150.
B. Total animal numbers maybe adjusted according to pasture carrying capacity.
C. All fields must be soil tested in the fall and lime applied according to soil test recommendations.
D. In spring, half of the fertilizer recommended will be applied and remainder by early July.
E. When forage exceeds the consumption of the animals at the Unit, it will be cut and baled.
SECTION V: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING
AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
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PURPOSE: This section deals with monitoring SOP. Failure to follow SOP may result
in delay and suspension of research or lose of privileges of using the
TUCREU.
SCOPE: This will apply to all research conducted at the Unit and includes any
violations of SOP by researchers, staff and students.
PROCEDURES
A. Monitoring
The Director of Small Ruminant Research Program or a trained designee will monitor the
SOP procedures to be followed.
B. Corrective Actions
1. If procedures are not followed, the Director of the Small Ruminant Research
Program will discuss inadequacies with the concerned parties to ensure that the
procedures are followed.
2. Uncorrected inadequacies will be addressed by the DSRRP and will be
communicated with the Associate Director of George Washington Carver
Agriculture Experiment Station and may result in suspension of research activities
for the remainder of the research cycle.
3. Inadequacies related to animal care will be reported to the DSRRP and the TU
Attending Veterinarian.
4. The DSRRP will report ALL problem/s in writing to the Director of George
Washington Carver Agriculture Experiment Station (GWCAES) through the
Associate Director of GWCAES.
C. Verification and Record Keeping
The Director of the Small Ruminant Research Program or a trained designee will record
the inadequacies and any corrective actions taken on the SOP, and will inform Associate
Director of GWCAES.
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SECTION VI. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Sheep Research
Sheep and goats have often similar care and management needs but since they are
different species they have several physiological differences between them. Their
foraging behaviors are very different. Goats are considered browsers while sheep are
termed as grazers. Similarly, their response to fencing is different. Goats are very
agile and curious animals so they are very difficult to contain. While many diseases
and parasites are common to both sheep and goats, there are some important differences
between the two species. Therefore, they should be kept separately during the quarantine phase as
well as while using for research and teaching purposes. The distance between the two species
should be based on the recommendation of the Animal Care and Use Committee.
B. Co-grazing Research
Some research projects require that beef cattle and goats be grazed together. This work
must be done for the minimum amounts of time necessary to accomplish the research
objectives. The livestock species that are used for the projects should be subjected to the
standard quarantine procedures if they are purchased from outside. The cattle
quarantine procedures should be followed according to the Animal Care and Use
Committee guidelines. Cattle that are used for co-grazing research should have calm
dispositions and be adapted to the frequent contacts with animal care takers and
research personnel. The grazing plots should have adequate provision of shades for both
species to minimize stresses from extreme heat and cold. Fresh water must be made
available at all times and water space must be adequate to allow for sufficient room for
all animals to access and benefit from available water.
C. Scrapie Eradication Program in Alabama
A new rule passed recently by the Alabama Department of Agriculture will apply to goat
producers across the state. Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
Administrative Code 80-3-6-.18 now requires all goats and sheep to be identified with
official Scrapie ID prior to change of ownership or transport to fairs, exhibitions or across
state lines. The previous version of the rule only required official ID of all sheep. USDA
and State efforts are underway at this time to educate goat owners and producers about the
rule change. The rule will begin to be enforced on January 1. 2013. Producers can pick up
Scrapie Brochures and tag order forms at most stockyards, some county agent offices, and
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feed stores throughout Alabama. Producers can also call (866)USDA TAG to request the
brochure and tag order form. It takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks for the producer to get
their tags after the tag request is received by the USDA /State Office. Registered goats that
are identified with a legible registry assigned tattoo and the goat is accompanied by a copy
of their registration papers do not have to have a Scrapie tag installed. In some cases
microchips are acceptable as official Scrapie ID.
Alabama Rule 80-3-6-.18
(4) All sheep and goats that move within the state that involves, but not limited to, change
of ownership, shows, fairs, expositions or slaughter shall be permanently individually
identified by method approved in 9 CFR Parts 54 and 79 allowing the animal(s) to be
traced to flock of origin.
Authors: Robert J. Russell, Reginald L. Sorrells
Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §2-15-170.
APPENDIX A
CAPRINE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION UNIT FORAGE/PASTURE STATUS
1. Total paddocks at the time of finalizing this SOP (January, 2013)) are 38 with
additional paddock may be constructed as needed.
2. 14 plots are about 2 acres each while 24 plots are 0.5 acres each.
3. Total area for pasture/browse at present time is 36 acres with additional 12 acres
constructed last year
4. Assuming carrying capacity of 5 goats per acre, the total number of animals on
Pastures/browse will be equal to 180 animals. However, we have set our
maximum capacity of 150 animals.
5. Six paddocks are reserved for seed herd development.
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APPENDIX B
VISITOR GUIDELINES FOR THE TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY CAPRINE RESEARCH AND
EDUCATION UNIT
The Tuskegee University Caprine Research Unit attracts many visitors (producers,
researchers, students, etc.) every year. The unit is open to the general public if prior
approval is obtained from the unit manager or DSRRP. While the majority of visits to the
unit will be problem-free, there are various safety issues to be considered. For the safety of
the visitors and animals, we request that the following guidelines be strictly followed:
o All individuals and groups visiting the unit must obtain prior approval from the unit
manager or director.
o For your safety, please do not make any sudden movements, which may startle and
frighten goats.
o For your safety, shouting, screaming, running and touching animals is strictly
prohibited.
o Don't touch any machinery at the unit.
o Please wash your hands if you touch anything at the unit.
o Don't let children pick up and eat anything that's fallen on the ground, such as
apples or other fruits.
o Eating and drinking at Caprine Research Unit is strictly prohibited except in the
designated areas.
o Don't drink water from taps, unless they are marked for human use.
o Visitors are not allowed to bring animals onto the Tuskegee University Caprine
Unit without permission from the unit manager or director and absolutely NO
VISITING ANIMALS will be allowed onto the Caprine Research Unit Facilities.
o Visitors must wear proper gear, including gloves, masks and eye protection, prior
entering Caprine Research Unit Facilities if requested by the unit manager or
his/her designee.
o The manager or his/her designee must accompany visitors at all times.
Failure to adhere to any of the rules may result in permanent banishment from the
Caprine Research and Education Unit.
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES GOVERNING MANAGEMENT OF SEED HERD
Pre-determined number of goats of specific breeding will be maintained at the TUCREU as
a seed herd. Present seed herd consists of 10 purebred Boer doelings, 8 purebred Kiko
doelings, 2 purebred bucks one of each breed and two companion wethers. Seed herd is
maintained on six paddocks with no cross contamination with commercial herd and serves
for breeding purposes only. No invasive research will be conducted with seed herd except
for those designed for management practices. Following applies to seed herd:
● Seed herd will be bred and used for breeding purposes and for increasing the herd number.
● Purebred animals will be maintained at the Unit at all times.
● Pre-determined cross breeding will be practiced on seed herd to produce composite breed
for future purposes.
● Seed herd will be kept separately from rest of the commercial herd at all times.
● Animals purchased for seed herd will be quarantined in separate areas than those used for
commercial herd.
● Commercial herd will be used for research and purebreds will be used for research if
available. If seed herd animal is used for research with commercial herd it will be
considered commercial herd and will not return to the seed herd.
● Seed herd will not graze areas that have been predisposed to commercial herd.
Health Monitoring
● Seed herd will be monitored for parasite control by checking fecal egg counts and
FAMACHA eye color chart system every 3-4 months or as needed.
● Seed herd will be maintained with proper vaccinations at all times.
● Pasture rotation will be practiced to maintain proper forage quality and animal
performance. Extra forage will be bailed as hay.
Performance Monitoring
● Performance of seed herd will be monitored every 4 weeks.
● Animals should be weighed every 4 weeks.
● Average daily gain should be monitored.
● Feed intake should be monitored if possible.
● Amount of grain or hay fed per group should be recorded.
● Stocking rates and days grazing a specific paddock should be recorded.
● Feed efficiency should be monitored.
● Animals should receive fresh water and mineral mix at all times.
Reproductive Performance
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● Duration of time that animals were exposed to buck should be monitored.
● Pregnancy rates should be recorded.
● Number of kids/doe and kids’ weight should be recorded every 4 weeks.
● Weaning weight should be recorded.
● Number of kids weaned per doe should be recorded.
● Average daily gain for kids should be recorded.
Kid Health Monitor
● Kids should be weighed at birth.
● Kids should be vaccinated with proper vaccines as recommended by veterinarian.
● Dehorn at less than 1 month of age for ease of the procedure and effectiveness of removing
all of the horn bud (AG Guide, 2010). Cautery with heat should be the method of choice
when possible, although surgery, freezing, and an acidic paste are other options)
● Castrate if needed when kids are between 24 h and 7 d of age. This is a common
recommendation. Detailed descriptions of castration procedures are available in various
publications (ASIA, 2002; Greiner and Wahlberg, 2003; Faerber, 2004)
● Make sure the doe accepts her kid (s) for nursing.
● Be prepared to feed colostrums if needed. You may purchase ready colostrums for orphan
kids. Or you may milk the doe for first 3 days and feed it to kids.
● Have some kid bottles ready if needed.
PLEASE READ “SIMPLY MEAT GOATS” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
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APENDIX D
OUTLINE FOR BREEDING AND PERFORMANCE TEST
I. Inventory
A. Add does and bucks to inventory and ID the does leaving the herd and reason for disposal
II. Breeding
A. Record input
i. Sire
ii. Dates bred or time exposed
iii. Date or result of pregnancy tests
B. Record analysis output
i. Expected kidding dates
ii. Percent of bred to those exposed for each buck and entire herd
III. Kidding
A. Record input
i. Birth date
ii. Birth weight
iii. Kidding ease
iv. Kid ID
v. Buck and Doe ID
B. Record analysis output
i. Adjusted birth weight and ratio
ii. Kidding ease (separate for first kidding doelings and older does)
iii. Gestation length adjusted for doe age and sex of kid
iv. Proportion of kidding for each 21 days of kidding season
v. Percent kid crop of those exposed
vi. Birth weight and kidding ease
vii. Kidding interval
IV. Weaning (kid age range of 84-133 days)
A. Record input
i. Date weighed
ii. Kid weight
iii. Contemporary group average weight
iv. Doe weight, hip height and condition score
v. Doe pregnancy status
B. Record analysis output
i. Adjusted 108 day weaning weight and ratio
ii. Repeat of kidding information
iii. Herd mate difference
V. Yearling (Age range of 330-390 days)
A. Record input
i. Dates weighed and measured
ii. Weight, hip height and scrotal circumference
iii. Contemporary average measurements
B. Record analysis output
i. Adjusted yearling weight ratio
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ii. Repeat of kidding and weaning
C. Selection decisions
i. Select bucks by comparing the breeding values for each trait for sire and yearling
ii. Cull doelings that are structurally unsound and too extreme in frame (large or small)
VI. Contribution to commercial herds
A. Record input
i. Production costs for weaned kids
ii. Carcass weight, selection grade
iii. Measures of tenderness and palatability
B. Record output
i. Breakdown prices for weaned kids
ii. Expected progeny difference for carcass weight
iii. Expected progeny difference for quality measurements
C. Selection decisions
i. Select bucks that progeny excel in low breakdown price
ii. Select bucks whose progeny excel in optimum carcass weights and quality
KIDDING EASE SCORES
1. No difficulty, no assistance
2. Minor difficulty, some assistance
3. Major difficulty, usually mechanical assistance
4. Caesarean section or other surgery
5. Abnormal presentation
ADJUSTED WEANING WEIGHT
Adjusted 108 day wt. lbs. = Actual Weaning Wt. – Birth weight x 108 + Birth Wt.+ Age of
Age in days doe adjustments
AGE OF DOE ADJUSTMENTS for BIRTH WT. and WEANING WEIGHT
Age of Doe Birth Wt. Adj. WW. Adj (lbs.)
Male Female
2 yrs and under 0.8 6 5
3 yrs 0.5 4 3.5
4 yrs 0.2 2 1.5
5-10 yrs 0.0 0 0
Older 0.3 2 1.5
WEANING WEIGHT RATIO
RATIO % = Adjusted Weaning Weight of Kid X 100
Average Adj. WWt. Of Contemporaries
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ADJUSTED YEARLING WEIGHT
Obtain data on 100- 150 days of post weaning gain
Adjusted 365 days weight = Actual final wt.- Actual weaning wt. x 257 + Adj. Weaning Wt.
Number of days in between
YEARLING WEIGHT RATIO
Yearling wt. Ratio % = Adjusted Yearling weight . x 100
Ave. Adj. Yearling
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CAPRINE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION UNIT SOP ASSESSMENT TEST
MULTIPLE CHOICES: Choose most appropriate answer.
1. ________The TUCREU SOP does which of the following: a. Serves as a guide for all persons conduct research and other activities at TUCREU.
b. Serves as a guide for all persons conduct research only at TUCREU.
c. Is designed to inform users of the standardized procedures to be adhered to while performing
routine activities at the TUCREU.
d. None of the above. e. A and C only.
2. ________Which of the following is a bio-security protective measure for animals?
a. Limiting animal contact from non-TUCREU personnel b. Do not use foot baths before entering barns and pastures.
c. Add new animal arrivals directly to the working herd if they look healthy. d. None of the above.
e. A and C only.
3. ________Concerning research animals and facilities during active research projects, the unit
manager and unit personnel are solely responsible for which of the following:
a. Feeding. b. Sample collection.
c. Cleaning the facilities.
d. Animal health. e. A, B, and C only.
f. None of the above.
4. ________Which of the following is not a priority of the Research Project Outline which should be
submitted prior to conducting research. a. To coordinate research at TUCREU
b. To prioritize research to be done at the TUCREU
c. To reduce duplication of research objectives d. All of the above.
e. A and C only.
5. ________ Within the first week of entering the quarantine facility, animals should be evaluated for
which of the following: by an attending veterinarian.
a. Body temperature b. Body condition score
c. Eye Color
d. Physical deformities e. All of the above
6. In case of an emergency, such as a fire, who should be contacted? a. TUCREU manager
b. DSRR
c. Attending Veterinarian/Director of the Comparative Medicine Resource Center d. Campus operator
23
e. Security
f. 911 g. Inform the principal researcher(s) or collaborators
h. All of the above.
i. A and F only. Emergencies cannot wait until the start of the next business day, including
overnights and weekends. TRUE/FASE
7. ________ There is a specific set of guidelines for all visitors (non-personnel) to the TUCREU.
8. ________ Serious health issues do not need to be considered as “emergencies” and it is okay to
wait until the next business day to notify the principle investigator or other appropriate personnel.
9. ________Sick or injured animals may remain with healthy animals as long as they are being
properly medicated.
10. ________A high quality forage program is important for maximizing capacity at the TUCREU.
11. ________ Failure to following the SOP may result in suspension of research activities.
12. ________New animal arrivals MUST be quarantined for at least 21 days.
13. ________ Within the first week of entering the quarantine facility, animals should be evaluated by
an attending veterinarian.
14. ________ The “quarantine area” must be at least 100 yards away from the barn and any other goats
already present at the Unit and may be a pasture or a building.
15. ________ The sick bay refers to the holding area for ill animals as determined by the attending
veterinarian.
References:
1. ARENA and OLAW. 2002. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook. Department
of Health and Human Services. Washington. DC.
2. ASIA (American Sheep Industry Association). 2002. Sheep Production Handbook. ASIA.
Centennial. CO.
3. Faerber, C. W. 2004. Small Ruminant Production Medicine and Management: Sheep and Goats. 3rd
Ed. Animal Health Publications. Preston. ID.
4. Greiner, S. P. and M. L. Wahlberg. 2003. Newborn Lamb Management. Virginia Cooperative
Extension Publication Number 410-026. September 2003. http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/sheep/410-
026/410-026.html. Accessed January 10, 2013.
5. PHS. 2002. Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
Department of Health and Human Services. Washington. DC.