@article {JRN54922, title = {Controlling one-seed juniper saplings with small ruminants: What we{\textquoteright}ve learned}, journal = {Rangelands}, volume = {40}, year = {2018}, month = {10/2018}, pages = {129-135}, chapter = {129}, abstract = {

Protein supplements and polyethylene glycol increased juniper intake by small ruminants in all seasons except fall, when PSM concentrations were greatest. Terpenes were affected by season and sapling size, and were related to juniper intake by small ruminants. Small sapling browsing occurred most frequently in summer. Debarking of branches on taller saplings was greatest in spring. Ten years later, juniper kill ranged from 5-14\%. Growth suppression was still evident after 10 years; browsed saplings averaged 13 cm shorter than controls. Strategies to target grazing of one-seed juniper are more likely to succeed if aligned with periods when PSM are lowest.

}, keywords = {goats, phenology, plant secondary metabolites, protein supplementation, sheep, targeted grazing}, doi = {doi.org/10.1016/j.rala.2018.07.002}, url = {/files/bibliography/18-018.pdf}, author = {Richard E. Estell and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and S. A. Utsumi and Stricklan, D. and Butler, E. M. and Fish, A. I. and Amy Ganguli} } @article {JRN54560, title = {Defoliation of Flourensia cernua (tarbush) with high-density mixed-species stocking}, journal = {Journal of Arid Environments}, volume = {130}, year = {2016}, month = {04/2016}, pages = {62-67}, chapter = {62}, abstract = {

Interest in shrub use by livestock is increasing along with the rising demands placed on rangelands worldwide. Historically, Flourensia cernua (tarbush) has increased in the Chihuahuan Desert but receives limited use by cattle. Cattle, sheep and goats co-grazed eight 0.6 ha tarbush-dominated paddocks during two periods for up to nine days during two consecutive years. Cumulative tarbush defoliation across periods and years averaged 75.6\%, with a mean increase of 9.3\%/day (P \< 0.0001). Defoliation of individual shrubs varied from 5 to 99\% in 1989 and 0 - 100\% in 1990, indicating highly variable palatability among individual plants. Sheep lost 2.3 - 5.5 kg/hd (P \< 0.0001) across periods and years when forced to browse tarbush. In 1989, goats gained (P . 0.0345) 0.6 kg/hd in period 1, but the gain in period 2 was not significant (P . 0.2934). During 1990, goats lost 3.1 kg/hd (P . 0.0001) across periods. High-density mixed-species stocking of small areas for short time periods resulted in extensive tarbush use, primarily due to browsing by sheep and goats. Targeted use of tarbush for short time intervals may increase use of this highly nutritious forage and potentially serve as a form of biocontrol for this shrub.

}, keywords = {biocontrol, browsing, cattle, goats, sheep, shrubs}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaridenv.2016.03.013}, url = {/files/bibliography/16-008.pdf}, author = {Richard E. Estell and D.M. Anderson and D. K. James} } @article {JRN53932, title = {The changing role of shrubs in rangeland-based livestock production systems: Can shrubs increase our forage supply?}, journal = {Rangelands}, volume = {36}, year = {2014}, month = {04/2014}, pages = {25-31}, chapter = {25}, abstract = {

Projected global increases in ruminant numbers and loss of native grasslands will present a number of challenges for livestock agriculture. Escalated demand for livestock products may stimulate interest in using shrubs on western rangelands. A paradigm shift is needed to change the role of shrubs in rangeland ecosystems. Progress has occurred in identifying mechanisms to increase shrub use, but more solutions are needed to convert woody plants into red meat. Strategies for increasing shrub use could be important for rural communities to adapt to changing climate and shrub cover and for the livestock industry to adapt to predicted growth.

}, keywords = {cattle, goats, grasslands, secondary plant metabolites, sheep, woody plants}, url = {/files/bibliography/14-009.pdf}, author = {Richard E. Estell and Kris Havstad and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and D.M. Anderson and Scott T. Schrader} } @article {JRN53927, title = {Is differential use of Juniperus monosperma by small ruminants driven by terpenoid concentration}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Ecology}, volume = {40}, year = {2014}, month = {02/2014}, pages = {285-293}, chapter = {285}, abstract = {

We examined the relationship between volatile plant secondary metabolite concentrations and Juniperus monosperma herbivory by small ruminants. Two groups of animals (10 goats or 5 goats plus 4 sheep) browsed 16 paddocks (20 x 30 m) containing one-seed juniper for six days during two seasons. Juniper leaves were sampled from 311 saplings on the same day they were browsed. Saplings were categorized by size (short [\< 0.5 m], medium [0.5-1.0 m] or tall [\> 1.0 m]) and browsing intensity (light [\< 33\%], moderate [33-66\%] or heavy [\> 66\%]). Juniper bark was also collected from 12 saplings during spring. Total estimated terpenoid concentrations in leaves and bark were 18.3 \± 0.3 and 8.9 \± 0.8 mg/g, respectively, and the dominant terpene in both tissues was a-pinene (11.1 \± 0.2 and 7.6 \± 0.7 mg/g, respectively). Total terpenoid concentration was greater (P \< 0.001) in spring than summer (20.6 \± 0.5 vs. 16.7 \± 0.3 mg/g, respectively) and lower (P \< 0.001) in short saplings than medium or tall saplings (16.5 \± 0.6 vs. 19.8 \± 0.4 and 19.5 \± 0.4 mg/g, respectively). Total concentration also differed (P \< 0.001) among the three defoliation categories (16.1 \± 0.4, 18.7 \± 0.5, and 21.2 \± 0.6 mg/g for heavy, moderate, and light, respectively). The smallest subset of terpenes able to discriminate (P \< 0.001) between heavy and light browsing intensity categories included eight compounds ([E]-\ß-farnesene, bornyl acetate, \&$\#$39;-eudesmol, endo-fenchyl acetate, y-cadinene, a-pinene, cis-piperitol, and cis-p-menth-2-en-1-ol).

}, keywords = {goats, herbivory, one-seed juniper, Oxygenated terpenes, Resource availability hypothesis, sheep, targeted grazing, terpenes}, doi = {10.1007/s10886-014-0389-1}, url = {/files/bibliography/14-006.pdf}, author = {Richard E. Estell and S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and D.M. Anderson} } @article {49867, title = {Effects of adding protein, condensed tannins, and polyethylene glycol to diets of sheep and goats fed one-seed juniper and low quality roughage}, journal = {Small Ruminant Research}, volume = {112}, year = {2013}, month = {04/2013}, pages = {56-68}, chapter = {56}, abstract = {

The biochemical mechanisms that limit voluntary intake of one-seed juniper by browsing ruminants are not well understood. Twelve Rambouillet ewes (78 \± 2.3 kg BW) and 12 Boer-Spanish does (54 \± 1.4 kg BW) were used in a split-plot sequence design to investigate the effects of adding protein, quebracho tannins (QTs), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) on one-seed juniper intake and preference and on ruminal VFA and plasma AA concentrations. Animals received sudangrass hay and isoenergetic basal diets (4 does and 4 ewes/diet) with either rumen degradable (RDP) or rumen undegradable (RUP) protein (12.5\% CP) or no additional protein (control, 5\% CP) during four 15-d periods. The control, RDP, and RUP diets were considered the main plot, whereas the four supplement treatments were analyzed as the split-plot effects. Period 1 allowed for adaptation to basal diets and served as a baseline phase. In periods 2-4, animals were offered juniper leaves and twigs (period 2), juniper plus QT (10\% of basal diet; period 3), and juniper plus QT plus PEG (50 g/animal; period 4). Juniper intake by sheep and goats was not affected (P \> 0.88) by RDP or RUP when animals were first exposed to juniper, but marginally increased (P \< 0.10) in period 4 (QT + PEG) regardless of the basal diet. Prior exposure to juniper did not affect (P = 0.61) the preference ratio for juniper, but goats had higher preference ratio for juniper (P \< 0.01) when receiving PEG (period 4). Concentrations of total VFA tended to increase in sheep (P = 0.10) and goats (P = 0.14) fed protein supplements and molar proportions shifted toward acetate for goats fed RDP and RUP (P = 0.07) and to butyrate for sheep fed RDP (P = 0.01). Initial juniper exposure (period 2) elevated concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate (P \< 0.01), but the effect was extinguished in periods 3 and 4 with addition of QT (P \< 0.05). Supplementation with PEG transiently mitigated the depressor effect of QT on acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentration at 12 h post juniper feeding (P \< 0.01). RDP in goats and to a greater extent RUP in sheep increased plasma concentrations of various AA, especially the branched chained Val, Ile, and Leu (P \< 0.05). Plasma concentrations of several AA, including Met, Cyst, Glu, Gly, Gln, Asn, Thr, Ser, and Phe, decreased with ingestion of juniper (period 2) and juniper plus QT (period 3). Concentrations of some AA that were depressed by ingestion of juniper and QT were partially restored with supplemental PEG (P \< 0.05). Protein, terpenes, tannins, and PEG interacted to influence rumen VFA and plasma AA, which were related to intake of juniper and basal diets.

}, keywords = {goats, juniper, rumen degradabe protein, rumen undegradable protein, sheep, terpenes}, doi = {10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.09.006}, url = {/files/bibliography/13-012.pdf}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and Cheng, L. and Hallford, D.M.} } @article {49882, title = {Increasing shrub use by livestock in a world with less grass}, journal = {Rangeland Ecology and Management}, volume = {65}, year = {2012}, month = {11/2012}, pages = {553-562}, chapter = {553}, abstract = {

Much of the world\&$\#$39;s rangelands are dominated by woody species. Competing land uses and continued encroachment of woody species into non-woody dominated rangelands have reduced grasslands in many parts of the world. Land use conversions to fuel and feed global populations, especially for increasing numbers of middle class people seeking broader, meat-based diets, will certainly continue. Halting and/or reversing further encroachment of woody species into grasslands is slow, expensive, and in some cases, not possible. Yet, global livestock numbers continue to increase to meet the growing demand for red meat and other livestock products. How do we reconcile a world with less grass and the concurrent increased demand for forages to feed livestock, either in extensive rangeland production systems or intensive confined feeding systems? Strategies and mechanisms are needed to safely enhance shrub use by ruminants in order to capitalize on a presently underutilized forage resource. Such strategies could provide important means for rural communities to adapt to changing land cover and climate.

}, keywords = {animal behavior, cattle, genetics, goats, plant secondary metabolites, sheep}, doi = {10.2111/REM-D-11-00124.1}, url = {/files/bibliography/12-031.pdf}, author = {Richard E. Estell and Kris Havstad and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and E.L. Fredrickson and D.M. Anderson and Scott T. Schrader and D. K. James} } @proceedings {50010, title = {Characterizing foraging patterns among cattle and bonded and non- bonded small ruminants using spatial point process techniques}, year = {2010}, month = {2010}, pages = {12-35}, publisher = {Kansas State University}, address = {Manhattan, Kansas}, abstract = {

Two mixed-species livestock groups were monitored while foraging on 410 ha of brush-infested Southern New Mexico rangeland during July and August 1988. The groups consisted of crossbred Bos taurus and Bos indicus beef cattle with white-faced sheep (Ovis aries) and mohair goats (Capra hircus).\  The bonded group consisted of small ruminants that had their behaviours modified through socialization with cattle to form a flerd in which small ruminants consistently remained near cattle.\  Small ruminants in the non-bonded group had not been socialized with cattle.\  A subset of animal location data measured during the morning over five days for both the bonded and non-bonded groups was analyzed for spatial patterns.\  Only data for five morning periods (0700-0800 h) are reported because morning and afternoon spatial patterns were similar.\  Distance measures and Monte Carlo simulations for spatial point processes were used to analyze the data.\  Results suggested bonded and non-bonded groups were similar in spatial patterns of intra-specific distances for both cattle and small ruminants.\  However, bonding changed the repulsive relationship observed between cattle and non-bonded small ruminants stocked together to one of inter-specific attraction.\  Bonded small ruminants remained close to and formed inter-specific clusters with cattle.\  In addition, the mean number of bonded small ruminants near an arbitrary cow was consistently high.\  Finally, the spatial pattern of cattle across the paddock did not differ between bonded and non-bonded groups, while bonded small ruminants tended to disperse slightly more uniformly across the paddock than did non-bonded small ruminants. These findings suggest paddock utilization may be positively influenced using flerds compared to flocks and herds.

}, keywords = {animal disribution, animal locations, cattle, flerds, goats, mixed-species stocking, sheep}, url = {/files/bibliography/10-046.pdf}, author = {D.M. Anderson and Murray, Leight M. and Sun, P. and E.L. Fredrickson and Richard E. Estell and V.B. Nakamatsu} } @conference {50147, title = {Weed management using goats: Effects on water infiltration rate}, booktitle = {Society for Range Management}, series = {62nd Society for Range Management Annual Meeting}, year = {2009}, month = {February 8-12, 2}, pages = {75-7}, publisher = {Society for Range Management}, organization = {Society for Range Management}, address = {Alb., NM}, abstract = {Goats are used increasingly for weed control, fire fuel reduction and ecological restoration. The high stocking rates typical of these applications have been reported to decrease the rate of water infiltration in goat pastures. The hypothesis that annual goat browsing for weed control decreases infiltration rate was tested in the Rio Grande River floodplain near Socorro, New Mexico (mean annual rainfall 200.9 {\textpm} 60.82 mm). Soils were coarse-loamy, mixed (calcareous), thermic Typic Torrifluvents with sandy loam surface texture. One plot (0.17-1.6 ha) from each of six pairs of plots was browsed at the end of the summer growing seasons. The 400-630 Boer/Spanish meat goats browsed the plots for 1-3 days at a mean stocking rate of 3.2{\textpm} 2.4 goat h m-2. Vegetation cover was measured using line point-intercept transects. Water infiltration rate was measured using a standardized saturated single-ring infiltration method. After four years of annual goat browsing and regrowth of vegetation, the rate of water infiltration was faster (P=0.036) in browsed areas (mean 1024 mm hr-1) than in unbrowsed areas (mean 896 mm hr-1). The increased cover of grasses and forbs, plus decreased cover of shrubs, increased mean infiltration rate in the browsed plots. Infiltration rate increased in unvegetated areas, probably due to disruption of the soil crust. The effects of goats on infiltration rate are probably influenced by climate, soil and vegetation characteristics, as well as season and stocking rate. The possible effects of goats on infiltration should be considered when designing weed management programs.}, keywords = {goats, management, SRM, water infiltration, weed}, author = {S. Tartowski and D. K. James} } @article {50150, title = {Seasonal changes in one seed juniper intake by sheep and goats in relation to dietary protein and plant secondary metabolites}, journal = {Small Ruminant Research}, volume = {81}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/02/19}, pages = {152-162}, abstract = {Seasonal variation in plant secondary metabolites (PSM) can influence voluntary intake levels of one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma Englem. Sarg.) of sheep and goats. Supplemental nutrients could mitigate the deterrent effects of juniper PSM. We determined the concentration of mono-and sesqui- terpenes, total phenolics and condensed tannins in one-seed juniper leaves in summer, fall, winter, and spring, and tested their effects on juniper intake of 12 Western White Face ewes (74.9 {\textpm} 1.23 kg) and 12 Boer-Spanish does (46.7 {\textpm} 1.25 kg) fed isoenergetic diets (1.6\% BW) with no supplemental protein (Control, 5\% CP) or with addition of a rumen degradable (RDP, 12.5\% CP) or undegradable (RUP, 12.5\% CP) protein supplement. Animals were fed unrestricted amounts of freshly harvested juniper branches for 30 min and short-term juniper intake was determined for 10 d per season. Total terpenes, total phenolics, and condensed tannins varied across seasons (P<0.05), and were positively correlated to each other (P<0.05). Juniper intake was greater for goats than sheep (P<0.05), and twice as high for supplemented vs. control animals (P<0.05). Juniper intake in the fall, when levels of plant secondary metabolites were highest, was 41, 58, and 52\% less than in summer, winter, and spring (P<0.05), respectively. Supplements with RDP and RUP promoted different patterns of juniper intake among seasons (P<0.05), herbivores (P<0.05), and individual animals (P<0.05). This study suggests that supplemental protein can increase voluntary intake of one-seed juniper of small ruminants during seasons when plant secondary metabolite levels are low. Proteins of different degradability appear to affect seasonal patterns of juniper intake differently.}, keywords = {goats, journal, juniper, protein supplements, ruminant, secondary metabolites, sheep}, url = {/files/bibliography/09-006.pdf}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and D. VanLeeuwen} } @conference {50292, title = {Effects of one-seed juniper and polyethylene glycol on intake, rumen fermentation, and plasma amino acids in sheep and goats fed supplemental protein and tannins.}, booktitle = {Journal of Animal Science}, volume = {86}, number = {(E-Supple. 2)}, year = {2008}, month = {July 7, 2008}, pages = {224}, abstract = {We tested the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on juniper and total intake, rumen fermentation, and plasma amino acids (AA) of 12 does and 12 ewes fed sudangrass and basal diets containing 10\% quebracho tannins with no protein supplement (Control; 5\% CP) or high rumen degradable (RDP 15\% CP) or undegradable (RUP 15\% CP) protein supplement. After 15 days of exposure to non-restrictive amounts of juniper leaves, sudangrass, and basal diets (period 1), animals received an additional 50 g of PEG for a second 15-d period. Blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected on the last 2 d of each period to determine AA and VFA ({\textmu}M). Analyses followed a split-plot design with periods with or without PEG treated as a sub-plot factor. Juniper intake did not differ between species (P > 0.05) or supplements (P > 0.05), but increased with addition of PEG in period 2 (Period 1 vs. 2: 4.3 vs. 10.8 g/kg 0.75; P < 0.01). Total intake and intake of sudangrass and basal diets were higher for sheep than goats (P < 0.01) and differed between supplements and periods (supplement x period, P < 0.05). Polyethylene glycol stimulated higher intakes of basal diet for Control and RDP, and of sudangrass for RUP. Total VFA was higher for sheep than goats (P < 0.05) and decreased from period 1 to period 2 with supplemental PEG in sheep (70.6 vs. 62.1; species x period, P < 0.05) and with RDP (67.3 vs. 58.6; supplement x period, P < 0.05). Acetate and propionate differed between periods with or without PEG in the same manner as total VFA. Total AA and some individual AA differed between species (sheep > goats), supplements (RUP = RDP > Control), and periods (P < 0.05). Increased juniper intake with PEG in period 2 was associated with lower plasma GLY, THR, SER, ASP, MET, GLU, PHE, CYST, GLN, ORN, LYS, HIS, and TRP. Polyethylene glycol increased juniper intake and decreased several plasma AA when tannin-rich foods with varying CP were fed.}, keywords = {abstract, goats, one-seed juniper, polyethylene glycol, rumen, sheep}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and Hallford, D.M.} } @conference {50290, title = {Effects of one-seed juniper on intake, rumen fermentation, and plasma amino acids in sheep and goats fed supplemental protein}, booktitle = {Journal of Animal Science}, volume = {86}, number = {E-supple. 2}, year = {2008}, month = {July 7, 2008}, pages = {223}, abstract = {We tested the effect of feeding one-seed juniper on total intake, VFA profile, and plasma amino acids (AA) of 12 does and 12 ewes fed sudangrass and a basal diet with no protein supplement (Control; 5\% CP) or rumen degradable (SBM; RDP 15\% CP) or undegradable (FM; RUP 15\% CP) protein supplement. After 15 d of adaptation to sudangrass and basal diets (period 1), animals received one-seed juniper leaves in addition to sudangrass and basal diets during a second 15-d period. Each food was fed separately during 3-h periods at 10\% of previous day intake. Blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected on the last 2 d of each period to determine plasma AA, VFA ({\textmu}M), and rumen pH. Analyses followed a split-plot design with periods with or without juniper as a sub-plot factor. Juniper intake did not vary between species (P = 0.54) or supplement treatments (P = 0.93; 4.7 g/kg0.75). Total intake (TI), basal diet intake (BDI), and sudangrass intake (SGI) were unaffected by supplements, were higher for sheep than goats (P < 0.01), and decreased with juniper feeding in period 2 (P < 0.01). Total intake, BDI, and SGI for periods 1 and 2 were 54.9 vs. 47.6, 36.7 vs. 31.5, and 18.2 vs. 11.5 g/kg0.75, respectively. Total VFA, acetate (Ac), and propionate (Pr) increased with juniper in period 2 (P < 0.01; period 1 vs. 2, VFA: 63.9 vs. 79.4; Ac: 47.5 vs. 60.5; Pr: 9.3 vs. 11.7). Rumen pH averaged 6.4 and did not differ between supplements, species, or periods. Total AA and some individual AA differed between supplements (RUP = RDP > Control), species (goats > sheep), and decreased with juniper feeding in period 2 (P < 0.05). Juniper intake in period 2 was associated with decreased plasma ALA, GLY, THR, SER, ASP, MET, GLU, PHE, CYST, TYR, and TRP. These data suggest one-seed juniper in sheep and goat diets depresses intake, but may increase VFA and requirements for certain amino acids.}, keywords = {abstract, goats, juniper, one-seed, sheep}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and Hallford, D.M.} } @conference {50390, title = {Effects of goats on Tamarix spp. and understory vegetation for riparian restoration}, booktitle = {Society for Range Management 60th Annual Meeting and Trade Show}, year = {2007}, month = {02/2007}, pages = {Paper No. 425}, abstract = {Goats were used to reduce Tamarix spp. along the Rio Grande in New Mexico. Seventy 0.1-1.6 ha plots at two locations were either browsed by 400-630 goats for 1-3 days annually, or left unbrowsed. After two annual treatments, nearly every available Tamarix plant in mixed vegetation was browsed (100\%), broken (91\%) or debarked (60\%). Goats reduced the Leaf Area Index of resprouts by about 24\% each year. However, nearly all of the Tamarix biomass that was removed regrew between annual treatments. During the second year, goats reduced the mean height of Tamarix by 8\% and the mean width by 21\% in open-canopy mixed vegetation. Overall, the number of Tamarix decreased by less than 5\% after three years of goat browsing treatments. In large, dense, closed-canopy Tamarix, goats opened up the understory, reduced laddering fuels and improved access, potentially reducing costs of subsequent mechanical or manual clearing. Rusian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) was heavily browsed and cover declined about 10\% per year. Large cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) were not damaged, but small cottonwoods were heavily browsed. Willows (Salix spp.) were browsed and resprouted vigorously. Goats increased the area of bare soil by about 20\% and reduced the cover of most understory plant species, including native perennial grasses, such as Sporobolus spp. The cover of native annual grasses associated with disturbance (Bouteloua barbatus, B. aristoides) increased from less than 1\% to about 20\% one year after browsing, following substantial rainfall. Goats may be useful, in combination with other methods, for controlling Tamarix resprouts or where partial control of Tamarix is desired. Goats may be especially effective in removing understory weeds and preparing the seed bed for vegetation. The use of livestock for land management and ecological restoration, rather than production of agricutlural commodities, offers new economic opportunity for entrepreneurial ranchers.}, keywords = {goats, Rio Grande, riparian, Tararix, vegetation}, author = {S. Tartowski and D. K. James} } @conference {50395, title = {One seed juniper intake by sheep and goats supplemented with degradable or by-pass protein}, booktitle = {Society for Range Management Meeting Proceedings}, year = {2007}, month = {February 9-16, 2}, pages = {Paper No. 448}, address = {Reno/Sparks, NV}, abstract = {Successful prescribed grazing of one seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma Englem. Sarg.) with sheep and goats may depend on identifying times of the year when juniper terpenoid levels are less likely to deter herbivory and could be contingent on the use of protein supplements to help animals detoxify terpenes and boost intake. We conducted pen trials with sheep and goats to determine if individual juniper intake varied seasonally (summer, fall, winter, or spring) or was affected by the amount and kind of crude protein (CP) in the diet. Twelve Ramboullet ewes and 12 Spanish-boer goats were offered a basal diet of sudangrass or bermudagrass hay with either no protein added (Control diet: 5\% CP), or with soybean meal (degradable CP: DCP) or fishmeal (by-pass CP:BPCP) to achieve two treatment diets with 12.5\% CP each. Diets were offered at 1.6\% of body weight (BW) to each animal for 10 days of adaptation and 10 days of data collection in each season. Juniper trials were a 30 min feeding bout on juniper branches (175g) attached to wooden stands (0.8 m height). Juniper intake per unit of BW (J1) varied amoung herbivore species. J1 varied among diets (P=0.02) was highest for animals receiving the DCP and BPCP supplements and lowest for control animals. J1 also varied among seasons, intermediate in spring and summer, and lowest during the fall. Sheep and, especially, goats could be used in prescribed grazing programs to suppress juniper re-invasion. Great suppression could be expected from goats browsing during winter, provided that protein levels are sufficient to allow animals to detoxify terpenoids.}, keywords = {by-pass protein, goats, juniper, sheep}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro} } @conference {50396, title = {Sheep and goats as tool to suppress juniper encroachment: Influence of stocking density and mixed grazing during summer}, booktitle = {Society for Range Management Annual Meeting}, year = {2007}, month = {February 9-16, 2}, pages = {Paper No. 447}, address = {Reno/Sparks, NV}, abstract = {Grazing trials were conducted to evaluate the use of prescribed grazing by sheep and goats to suppress one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma Englem. Sarg.) sapling reinvasion. A 2x2 factorial experiment was conducted with Goats (G) or Goats + Sheep (G+S) at high or low stocking densities (SD). Ten crossbreed Angora nannies (1.1 AU) or 5 nannies of the same breed mixed with 4 Ramboullet ewes (1.1 AU) grazed either 1 juniper invaded plot of 20 x 30 m for 6 days (LD) or 6 similar subplots of 10 x 10 m for 1 day (HD) in each of 2 blocks. Animals grazed from sunrise to sunset, were penned at night and received a protein supplement (45\% CP) at a rate of 0.4\% BW, daily. No effect of SD, herbivore (G, G+S), or their interaction was found on juniper utilization. Animals removed on average 38.3\% of the length of marked juniper sapling branches. Understory grazing intensity differed between G or G+S (P=0.02) and SD (P=0.05) treatments. G+S removed 71.3 \% of the available herbaceous biomass whereas G removed 64.7 \%. Greater understory grazing intensity was observed under LD (70.4 \%) compared to HD (65.0 \%). Goats spent more time feeding on juniper compared to sheep (Goats: 24.5\%, Sheep: 7.7\%, P<0.01), whereas the opposite occurred with herbaceous vegetation (Goats: 76.0 \%, Sheep: 92.3 \%; P< 0.01). Stocking density did not influence time spent feeding juniper or herbaceous understory (P=0.08). Goats in HD and LD grazing treatments spent similar time feeding on juniper (P=0.09). Prescribed high density grazing with goats alone, rather than goats and sheep, could promote acceptable juniper sapling use along with lower damage on herbaceous vegetation. Juniper sapling responses to the treatments imposed in this study will be monitored through time.}, keywords = {goats, grazing, one-seed juniper, sheep}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell} } @article {50500, title = {Role of Species Diversity and Secondary Compound Complementarity on Diet Selection of Mediterranean Shrubs by Goats}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Ecology}, number = {32}, year = {2006}, month = {May 31, 2006}, pages = {1279-1287}, abstract = {

Goats foraging on Mediterranean shrubs containing secondary compounds (toxins) may consume a variety of shrubs that contain different phytotoxins, thereby increasing shrub intake and avoiding toxicosis. We conducted eight experiments to examine whether goats offered different mixtures of shrubs containing different phytotoxins (tannins and saponins) would consume more shrub biomass than goats offered one shrub a single phytotoxin (tannin or saponin). In the first three experiments, goats fed a mixture of three tannin-rich shrubs (Quercus ilex, Arbutus unedo, and Pistacia lentiscus) ate more foliage than goats offered only one shrub (23.2 vs. 10.7 g/kg BW; 25.2 vs. 13.4 g/kg BW, and 27.9 vs. 7.9 g/kg BW), regardless of tannin concentration in individual shrub species. Goats also consumed more foliage when offered the same three tannin-rich shrubs than when offered the saponin-rich shrub Hedera helix (25.4 vs. 8.0 g/kg BW). However, goats offered a mixture of the same three tannin-rich shrubs consumed less foliage than goats offered a mixture of two shrubs containing tannins and saponins: Quercus and Hedera (21.6 vs. 27.1 g/kg BW), Arbutus and Hedera (21.8 vs. 27.1 g/kg BW), and Pistacia and Hedera (19.7 vs. 22.0 g/kg BW). Comparison of intake of shrubs containing only tannins or saponins to intake of shrubs containing both tannins and saponins indicated that goats consumed more total biomass when fed with shrubs with both classes of compounds than with either tannins or saponins alone. Our results suggest that goats can increase intake of Mediterranean shrubs high in secondary compounds by selecting those with different classes of phytotoxins. Simultaneous ingestion of shrubs containing tannins and saponins may promote chemical interactions that inhibit toxic effects of these phytotoxins in the intestinal tract. In addition to complementary interactions between tannins and saponins, biological diversity within Mediterranean maquis vegetation also plays a positive role in increasing shrub intake by goats.

}, keywords = {biodiversity, goats, Maquis, Mediterranean shrubs, saponins, secondary compounds, tannins}, doi = {10.1007/s10886-006-9084-1}, url = {/files/bibliography/06-023.pdf}, author = {Rogosic, J. and Richard E. Estell and Skobic, D. and Martinovic, A. and Maraic, S.} } @conference {50512, title = {One Seed Juniper Intake by Sheep and Goats Supplemented with Degradable or By-Pass Protein}, booktitle = {14th Wildland Shrub Symposium}, year = {2006}, month = {June 6-8, 2006}, abstract = {Suppression of one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma Englem. Sarg.) re-invasion into previously cleared woodlands is an increasingly challenging endeavor for New Mexico ranchers. Prescribed burn regulations are becoming more stringent, herbicide application is often costly, and demands by the general public to conduct management perceived as being environment-friendly are increasing rapidly. Prescribed grazing with sheep and goats is an alternative suppression method that could be used within the land management constraints described above. A successful prescribed grazing plan, however, may depend on identifying times of the year when juniper terpenoid levels are less likely to deter herbivory and may be contingent on the use of supplements to help animals detoxify terpenes and boost intake. We conducted a pen experiment with sheep and goats to determine if individual juniper intake varied seasonally (summer, fall or winter) or was affected by the amount and kind of crude protein (CP) in the diet. Twelve Ramboullet ewes and 12 Spanish-Boer goats were offered a basal diet of sudangrass hay with either no protein added (Control diet: 5\% CP), or with soybean meal (degradable CP: DCP) or fishmeal (by-pass CP: BPCP) to achieve two treatment diets with 12.5 \% CP each. Diets were offered at 1.6\% of body weight (BW) to each animal for 10 days during each season. Overnight fasting (10 h) was applied prior to juniper browsing trials that were conducted during the morning hours. Juniper trials consisted of a 30 min feeding bout on juniper branches (175g) attached to wooden stands (0.8 m height). Juniper intake ({\textpm} 1 g) was calculated as the difference between pre- and post- trial juniper biomass corrected by the water loss of 5 control juniper stands. Juniper intake per unit of BW (JI) varied among herbivore species and was greater for goats than sheep (Goats: 0.54g kgBW-1 vs. Sheep: 0.23g kgBW-1). JI varied among diets and was highest for animals receiving the DCP (0.5g kgBW-1) and BPCP (0.41g kgBW-1) supplements and lowest for control animals (0.25g kgBW-1). JI also varied among seasons and was highest in winter (0.54g kgBW-1), intermediate in summer (0.38g kgBW-1) and lowest during the fall (0.23g kgBW-1). Sheep and, especially, goats could be used in prescribed grazing programs to suppress juniper re-invasion. Greater suppression could be expected from goats browsing during winter, provided that protein levels are sufficient to allow animals to detoxify terpenoids.}, keywords = {ewes, goats, juniper, prescribed burn}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and Ross, T.T. and S. Ivey and M.K. Petersen and Biacomini, M. and S.H. Cox and M. Rubio} } @conference {50514, title = {One Seed Juniper Intake by Sheep and Goats Supplemented with Degradable or By-Pass Protein}, booktitle = {New Mexico Section Range Science Winter Meetings}, year = {2006}, month = {January 12-13, 2}, address = {Las Cruces, NM}, abstract = {Re-invasion of one seed juniper previously cleared woodlands is a concern of range managers throughout the southwestern United States. Prescribed browsing with sheep and goats could be used as a juniper control method. Success with this tool may depend on improving the herbivore{\textquoteright}s ability to detoxify plant terpenoids in order to induce levels of herbivory that are likely to suppress juniper growth and recruitment. Our objective was to test the effect of two kinds of protein supplementation on juniper consumption by sheep and goats. One seed juniper intake was compared in sheep and goats fed diets varying in amount and quality of crude protein during three seasons (summer, fall, and winter). Goats consumed significantly more juniper than ewes and protein supplements more than doubled juniper intake by both sheep and goats. Goats aggressively defoliated juniper branches, while sheep consumed leaves in a more selective manner. In summary, sheep and goats have potential for use to suppress juniper sapling encroachment. Goats consumed more juniper and protein supplements had a stronger influence on juniper intake of goats.}, keywords = {goats, juniper, protein, sheep}, author = {S. A. Utsumi and Andr{\'e}s F. Cibils and Richard E. Estell and S. Soto-Navarro and Ross, T.T. and S. Ivey and Giacomini, M. and M.K. Petersen and S.H. Cox and M. Rubio} } @conference {50590, title = {Application of Emission-Excitation Fluorescence Spectrum for the Determination of Plants in Goat Diets}, booktitle = {Pittsburg Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy}, year = {2005}, month = {February 26-Marc}, pages = {70}, address = {Orlando, FL}, abstract = {The use of goats for the selective control of invasive shrub in grassland is environmentally desirable. To amplify any genetically based preferences for specific plant species it is necessary to determine the presence of targeted plants in the animals{\textquoteright} diets. Currently there are two proposed techniques for analysis of composition of post- and pre- digested diets, near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) and fluorescence spectroscopy. Although NIRS has been successfully used to determine the botanical composition of animal feed, it is limited to the availability of training samples that closely match the animals{\textquoteright} diets. We have proposed the use of multidimensional fluorescence measurements as a detection technique that may be less-sensitive to animal diet variations. Fluorescence intensity response surfaces as functions of both excitation and emission wavelengths have been generated for buffered saline extracts of both feed and fecal samples from a study directed toward the identification of juniper species within goat diets. Classical chemometric techniques have been applied to these data that include multi-way principle components analysis (MPCA) and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The results of these studies will be presented. The implications of those results to the use of fluorescence spectroscopy for the identification of plants in goat diets will be discussed.}, keywords = {diets, emission-excitation, goats}, author = {Pezzotti, C. and Sisk, C.N. and S. Obeidat and G.D. Rayson and D.M. Anderson} } @booklet {50608, title = {Browsing the Bosque}, howpublished = {Network News}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, year = {2005}, month = {May 30, 2005}, pages = {7}, publisher = {Newsletter of the Long Term Ecological Research Network}, abstract = {Invasive Salt Cedar (Tamarix spp.) occupies riparian zones throughout the Western United States and has been reported to increase evapotranspiration, increase fire frequency, reduce habitat values, and replace native plant species. Herbicides and mechanical clearing are the main methods used to remove salt cedar. We are conducting the first study of the use of goats to control salt cedar. Goats readily browsed salt cedar and Russian olive in replicated 1-3 acre plots along the Rio Grande, while maintaining weight and health. Nearly every salt cedar plant was damaged by browsing, breaking branches or stripping bark. Goats had an especially severe impact on resprouts, removing about half of the vegetation in the first year of browsing. Goats had much less impact on large dense salt cedar , but cleared out the understory, reducing laddering fuels, improving access for recreation and reducing costs for mechanical or manual clearing. After two years of goat treatment, the width of salt cedars was reduced by about 35\%, but only about 4\% of the large salt cedars were killed. It may take five years of goat browsing to deplete the root reserves of salt cedar sufficiently to increase tree mortality. Goats browsed desirable native plants as well as salt cedar, but most of the understory vegetation recovered during the following growing season. Large cottonwoods were not damaged and browsed willows resprouted vigorously. Grass cover, especially native grama grasses (Bouteloua barbatus and B. aristoides), increased from less than 1\% immediately before goat browsing to about 20\% one year after goat browsing.}, keywords = {Bosque, goats, New Mexico, salt cedar}, author = {S. Tartowski} } @conference {50612, title = {Livestock as land management tools: weed control using goats}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Quivira Coalition}, year = {2005}, month = {January 13, 2005}, abstract = {Livestock can have both desirable and undesirable impacts on vegetation and rangeland. Use of livestock to rehabilitate range and riparian ecosystems represents one aspect of the broader role of ranchers as land managers, rather than the more narrow role as livestock producers. Invasive species are a significant problem on western rangelands and salt cedar is a particularly damaging species that has infested riparian areas throughout the Southwest. Traditionally, chemical and mechanical methods are used to control salt cedar, but biological control methods are being developed and applied at several sites in New Mexico. The use of goats for the biocontrol of weeds is expanding rapidly, with new opportunities for commercial goatherders. This workshop will describe the effects of goats used to control salt cedar in an experimental project at San Acacia on the Rio Grande. This is the first study to quantify the damage done to salt cedar as well as the impact on other plant species. The details of managing goats for weed removal, including stocking rate, control of herd movements, timing of browsing and protection of desirable species will be presented. Management of livestock for commercial weed control and business aspects of ranchers contracting as land managers will be discussed by Sarah Harris of Western Weedeaters, a successful commercial operation. Guidelines and advice for initiating use of goats for weed control will assist both ranchers and land managers in deciding whether and how to use goats to control weeds in specific situations.}, keywords = {goats, land management tools, livestock, weed control}, author = {S. Tartowski and Harris, S.} } @booklet {50609, title = {Livestock as Tools for Ecological Restoration: Using Goats to Control Salt Cedar}, howpublished = {Jornada Trails}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {October 2005}, pages = {2}, address = {Las Cruces, NM}, abstract = {Salt Cedar (Tamarix spp.) has invaded riparian areas throughout the Western United States and has been reported to increase evapotranspiration, increase fire frequency, reduce habitat values, and replace native plant species. Herbicides and mechanical clearing are the main methods used to remove salt cedar. Goats readily browsed salt cedar, Russian olive and undesirable weeds in experimental plots along the Rio Grande, while maintaining weight and health. Nearly every salt cedar plant was damaged by browsing, but goats had an especially severe impact on resprouts, removing about half of the above ground vegetation. Goats had much less impact on large dense salt cedar, but cleared out the understory, reducing laddering fuels, improving access for recreation and reducing costs for subsequent mechanical or manual clearing. After two years of goat treatment, the width of salt cedars was reduced by about 35\%, but only about 4\% of the large salt cedars were killed. It may take several more years of goat browsing to deplete the root reserves of salt cedar sufficiently to increase tree mortality. Grass cover, especially native grama grasses (Bouteloua barbatus and B. aristoides), increased from less than 1\% before goat browsing to about 20\% after goat browsing.}, keywords = {ecological, goats, livestock, salt cedar}, author = {S. Tartowski} } @conference {50613, title = {Use of Goats for the Control of Salt Cedar}, year = {2005}, month = {January 9, 2005}, address = {Sevilleta, NM}, abstract = {Fire, flood, herbicide, manual, mechanical and insect biocontrol methods have all been used to remove invasive salt cedar. Each method has advantages and disadvantages in particular circumstances. We used goats to browse replicated 1-3 acre plots in salt cedar near San Acacia and San Marcial along the Rio Grande. Goats damaged nearly all the salt cedar in the browsed areas. The width of salt cedars was decreased by 33\% -36\% in mixed vegetation. In areas where salt cedar was removed mechanically, then allowed to regrow for 4 years, goats reduced the LAI by about 37\%. Goat browsing was less effective in dense stands of large salt cedar, with LAI decreased by about 27\%. The number of salt cedar decreased by only 4\% after the second year of treatment. It may take more than 5 years to kill individual salt cedars with repeated goat browsing. Goats browsed desirable native plants as well as salt cedar, but most of the vegetation recovered during the following growing season.}, keywords = {goats, salt cedar, Sevilleta}, author = {S. Tartowski} } @booklet {50614, title = {Use of Goats to Control Salt Cedar}, howpublished = {The Nature Park News}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, year = {2005}, month = {May 15, 2005}, pages = {3}, publisher = {Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park}, address = {Las Cruces, NM}, abstract = {Invasive Salt Cedar (Tamarix spp.) occupies riparian zones throughout the Western United States and has been reported to increase evapotranspiration, increase fire frequency, reduce habitat values, and replace native plant species. Herbicides and mechanical clearing are the main methods used to remove salt cedar. We are conducting the first study of the use of goats to control salt cedar. Goats readily browsed salt cedar and Russian olive in replicated 1-3 acre plots along the Rio Grande, while maintaining weight and health. Nearly every salt cedar plant was damaged by browsing, breaking branches or stripping bark. Goats had an especially severe impact on resprouts, removing about half of the vegetation in the first year of browsing. Goats had much less impact on large dense salt cedar , but cleared out the understory, reducing laddering fuels, improving access for recreation and reducing costs for mechanical or manual clearing. After two years of goat treatment, the width of salt cedars was reduced by about 35\%, but only about 4\% of the large salt cedars were killed. It may take five years of goat browsing to deplete the root reserves of salt cedar sufficiently to increase tree mortality. Goats browsed desirable native plants as well as salt cedar, but most of the understory vegetation recovered during the following growing season. Large cottonwoods were not damaged and browsed willows resprouted vigorously. Grass cover, especially native grama grasses (Bouteloua barbatus and B. aristoides), increased from less than 1\% immediately before goat browsing to about 20\% one year after goat browsing.}, keywords = {goats, salt cedar}, author = {S. Tartowski} } @article {50625, title = {Effects of methods of exposure to Eastern red cedar foliage on cedar consumption by Boer crossbred wether goats}, journal = {Small Ruminant Research}, volume = {54}, number = {3}, year = {2004}, month = {September 1, 200}, pages = {197-212}, abstract = {Twenty-four crossbred Boer yearling wethers (23.5 {\textpm} 2.31 kg initial BW) were used to determine effects of stepwise increases in dietary level of Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) foliage (CF), compared with a constant relatively high level and subsequent availability of low-quality forage, on present and later consumption of CF. Animals were penned individually in Phases 1 (8 wk) and 3 (2 wk), and during Phase 2 (6 wk) wethers were kept in a pasture not containing cedar trees and were fed wheat hay. In Phase 1, a concentrate-based diet (CBD, 12.6\% CP and 35.5\% NDF) was offered at approximately 85\% of the maintenance energy requirement alone (Control) or with weekly stepwise (Step) increases in level of substitution of CF for CBD (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25\% in wk 1-8, respectively; DM basis) or substitution of 25\% CF in wk 2-8 (Set). In Phase 3 (2 wk), all wethers were offered the diet of 75\% CBD and 25\% CF as previously, without or with separate free-choice access to low-quality grass hay. CF was harvested weekly, refrigerated and hand-mixed with CBD prior to feeding. In Phase 1, intake of CF as a percentage of that offered was greater (P < 0.05) for Step vs. Set in wk 3-8 (wk 3: 86 and 48; wk 4: 89 and 56; wk 5: 90 and 71; wk 6: 96 and 81; wk 7: 93 and 63; wk 8: 96 and 84), although CF intake as g/day was greater (P < 0.05) for Set vs. Step in all but wk 7 and 8. In Phase 3, CBD intake was similar among treatments, and hay intake when offered averaged 149, 134 and 124 g/day for Step, Set and Control, respectively. For wethers not receiving hay, CF intake as g/day for Step was greatest among treatments (P < 0.05) but was not different from treatments with offered hay (67, 37, 30, 55, 53 and 56 g/day for Step, Set and Control without and with hay, respectively; SE = 7.1). Similarly, CF intake as a percentage of that offered ranked (P < 0.05) Step > Set > Control without hay, but was not different between Step without hay and treatments with hay (78, 41, 34, 61, 57 and 60\% for Step, Set and Control without and with hay, respectively; SE = 7.6). Concentrations of various blood constituents at the end of Phases 1 and 3 did not indicate adverse health effects of CF consumption. In conclusion, gradual increases in dietary level of CF deserve further research as a potential means to elevate present and future CF consumption with attention also directed to effects of type and level of other feedstuffs offered.}, keywords = {eastern red cedar, feed intake, goats, methods of exposure}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg\&_imagekey=B6TC5-4BG8V3T-3-K\&_cdi=5161\&_user=1496926\&_orig=browse\&_coverDate=09\%2F30\%2F2004\&_sk=999459996\&view=c\&wchp=dGLbVzb-zSkWW\&md5=d6a246153066668c3324bf74bafee0be\&ie=/sdarticle.pdf}, author = {Animut, G. and Goetsch, A.L. and Merkel, R.C. and Detweiler, G. and Dawson, L.J. and Puchala, R. and Sahlu, T. and Richard E. Estell} } @article {51532, title = {Diet selection of cattle and bonded small ruminants grazing arid rangeland}, journal = {Sheep Research Journal}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, year = {1992}, month = {1992}, pages = {11-18}, abstract = {

Cattle, sheep and goats, when together on the same range are referred to as grazing in common, or as being managed under mixed grazing (Allen, 1991). Most mixed grazing schemes are designed to take advantage of dietary differences among livestock species. Grazing strategies involving more than one animal species should promote more uniform forage utilization and greater livestock production than is possible under single species grazing (Anderson et al., 1985).

}, keywords = {goats, grazing behavior, liveweight, microhistological analysis, Mixed stocking, sheep}, url = {/files/bibliography/389.pdf}, author = {Clarence V. Hulet and D.M. Anderson and V.B. Nakamatsu and L. W. Murray and Pieper, Rex D.} }