ThA 2
Animal Systems 

Thrust Area 2: Animal Systems - Goats and Sheep

• A Research-Extension Goat working group, led by LaU, collaborated with multiple universities to address the issue of unreliable livestock information on the internet. They developed a science-based online platform to provide reliable educational content and a Quality Assurance Program.

• The group created certification websites for Dairy Goat Producer and Meat Goat Producer Certification, offering comprehensive training modules.

• Over the years, the certification programs saw significant enrollment and mobile device usage for accessing science-based information.

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Thrust Area 2: Animal Systems - Cattle

• Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU) initiated a new Beef Cattle Extension/Research working group to establish a database for beef cattle research and extension.

• Tuskegee University's virtual and face-to-face beef cattle events resulted in increased knowledge gained regarding beef production, feeding, and herd health for attendees.

• TSU joined Thrust Area 2 in 2022 and conducted studies on Dexter cows' hair shedding impact on fertility and calf performance, as well as the benefits of crossbreeding with the Sanga (Mashona) breed.

• A collaboration between TSU and USDA-ARS was formed to conserve and assess the genetic diversity of the rare Zimbabwean Mashona cattle breed in the US.

• The TSU beef cattle herd, consisting of heritage Irish Dexter and rare Zimbabwean Mashona breeding stock, focuses on heat-tolerant phenotypes in small-scale cattle production, providing valuable insights for small-farm producers in the southeastern region.