The LSU AgCenter will conduct a small ruminant field day at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine on May 19. The Southern University Ag Center is cosponsoring the event.

The field day will feature scientists from both ag centers discussing topics of interest to producers of small ruminant animals, according to LSU AgCenter extension veterinarian Christine Navarre.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m.

Topics on the program include udder health and milk quality, improving reproductive efficiency, parasite update, an update on the status of small ruminant animals in Louisiana and the nation, information on the LSU AgCenter’s MarketMaker and agritourism programs, and management and marketing goat products.

Participants will have the opportunity to be certified through FAMACHA training, which is a system developed in South Africa to manage parasites.

Other topics include basic health issues of small ruminant animals and USDA opportunities for producers.

Navarre said lunch is included in the $5 registration fee, and an additional $10 fee will cover the FAMACHA certification and training materials.

Johnny Morgan