Goat newsletter, spring 2012

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Goat Newsletter
Cooperative Extension Program
Langston University
The Newsletter of the E(Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research
From the Director's Desk
grams in collaboration with the
Animal Science Department of
Oklahoma State University),
postdoctoral research associates, and established scientists
on sabbaticals, who are termed
Visiting Scholars. Over the
past six years, we have been
very successful in procuring 13
research grants, 10 extension
grants, and 11 international
grants, which have totaled
more than $4.2 million. I cannot list all of the grants but just
to give you a sampling, I will
list a few titles and objectives
of each type.
One recent research grant
is entitled "Effects of Selected
Nutritional Components on
Immunity to Haemonchus in
Goats." In grazing animals,
internal parasites cause considerable economic losses
world-wide, including the U.S.
Among the major nematode
parasites in goats and sheep
in tropical and subtropical
regions, the blood feeder Haemonchus contortus is the most
pathogenic. The infection of H.
contortus causes anemia and
even death of host animals. At
present, the use of anthelmintic
drugs is an essential measure to
control this parasite. However,
the problem of widespread
We have been working on a
report of the activities of the
Institute over the past six years
that will be published in the
near future. However, I want
to give you a foretaste of the
report. The title of our report
is Expanding Boundaries and
as I read the draft report and
reflect back on the last six
years, I must say that it is very
appropriately titled.
The number of permanent
Institute faculty is not large
in comparison with animal
science departments in many
other Land-Grant universities.
Hence, to achieve a strong
research, extension, and international program, faculty
of the Institute aggressively
seek outside support to provide
funds for equipment, supplies,
and, importantly, support for
graduate students (with pro-
Spring 2012
anthelmintic resistance urges
development of alternative
approaches. One of the potential approaches is to enhance
the immunity of host animals.
Another recent research grant
is entitled "Establishing a
Pilot Tannery and Capability
for Goat Leather Research at
Langston University." Little is
known of the quality characteristics of leather produced from
U.S. goat skins. A pilot tannery
was established at Langston
University and research is
being conducted to evaluate
factors influencing goat skin
quality, such as breed, diet,
and age.
In the extension arena, a
very recent grant is entitled
"Extension Education Delivery
Tools for Dairy Goat Producers: A Web-based Certification
Program and E-book." Dairy
goat production in the U.S. is
a growing industry with the
number of dairy goats having
increased by 11.5% since 2008.
There is no comprehensive
source for information on dairy
goat production. Langston University is partnering with other
institutions in creating a web-
based certification program for
dairy goat producers, a printed
handbook, and an e-book.
The Cooperative Extension Program at Langston University provides educational programs to individuals regardless of race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, age disability or status as a veteran.   Issued in furtherance of Extension work, Act of September 29,
1977, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.