Abstract :
In 2006, Langston University (Oklahoma, USA) unveiled an on-line training and certification
program for meat goat producers (http://www2.luresext.edu/training/qa.html). The
program consists of 22 learning modules, including herd health, biosecurity and internal
parasite control. In March 2010, an electronic survey was sent to 160 certified producers
to assess impact of the training. Fifty-four surveys were completed for a response rate of
33.7%. Prior to certification, 52.8% of respondents used selective deworming criteria. Current
deworming practices and percentage of responses include: FAMACHA, 43; visual condition,
28; pasture rotation-based, 15; and calendar-based, 14 ( 2 = 19.02, P < 0.001). When asked
if individual animals or all animals in a pasture or pen received anthelmintic when deworming,
76% of respondents said that only animals requiring deworming received anthelmintic
( 2 = 14.52, P < 0.001). The dosage of dewormer given was most often calculated based upon
table guidelines given in the certification course (54%), vs. 35% who relied on veterinarian
instructions and 11% who self-determined dosage amounts ( 2 = 18.22, P < 0.001). Over 60%
of respondents reported that prior to becoming certified they did not consult a veterinarian
for use of drugs extra label. When asked how current withdrawal times for drugs not
approved for goats are determined, 41% of responses reported using veterinarian instructions
with an identical percentage using table guidelines from the certification course; with
19% of responses using information from the Internet ( 2 = 7.32, P < 0.03). Results of the survey
show changes in behavior of certified goat producers when compared with previous
practices in anthelmintic usage. More emphasis on the importance of veterinarian approval
for lawful use of extra-label drug is needed. Changes in production practices noted imply
that an on-line training course can be effective in promoting proper herd health practices
for goat producers.
