NATIONAL SHEEP INDUSTRY IMPROVEMENT CENTER Date Submitted EIN 56 6000756 Grant Application 9 12 16 Legal Name of Applicant North Carolina State University Name Address Carrie L. Pickworth 2710 Sullivan Drive; Admin. Services III; Box 7514 City Raleigh State North Carolina ZIP County Wake Congressional District NC 004 27695 7514 Project Title Impact of Weaning Age on Flock Productivity Person to be contacted about application Name Sherrie Settle Phone 919 515 2444 Email sps@ncsu.edu Project Abstract (250 400 words) Include Problem or Opportunity There are 3.97 million head of breeding sheep in the United States, which is up 1% since 2015. The market lamb industry has also seen growth over the past year. Meanwhile the lamb crop rate and sheep death loss remained unchanged or increased, respectively. With an increasing demand for the sheep industry, production aspects to increase fertility and ewe longevity in the flock will be progressively important. In order for individual producers to remain profitable, they must take advantage of best practices to promote flock productivity. Project Objectives The objective of the proposed research is to investigate how age of lambs at weaning affects productivity of the sheep flock. Specific objectives include the impact of weaning age on: 1. Growth performance of lambs after weaning. 2. Age in which ewe lambs breed for the first time. 3. Fertility of ewe lambs during first breeding season. 4. Parasitism rates of lambs. 5. Mastitis rates in associated dams. 6. Flock productivity impacts on economics of management. Description of efforts Anticipated results The research contained herein seeks to enhance flock productivity through investigation of the routine management practice of weaning that every sheep producer has to develop a strategy for each year. Weaning is the second most stressful event in a lambs life, thus resulting in numerous physiological changes in additional to nutritional ones. By comparing the reproductive and health impacts of weaning age in both fall and spring lambing flocks, researchers hope to make recommendations to the industry that will promote optimal fertility and health of both the current lamb crop but also the dams as well. The potential to facilitate spring born ewe lambs reaching puberty earlier, breeding early in the breeding season, and being able to give birth as yearlings has the ability to dramatically improve the lifetime productivity of the ewe.
Amount requested from NSIIC Applicant Matching Funds Local/State/Federal Funds previously awarded for project TOTAL $ 28,249 $ 24,358 $ 0 $ 52,607 Type of Expenditure Personnel list each Relationship to Project Number of Hours Rate of Compensation Total Masters Student NCSU data collection 50% time $ 10,000 / yr $ 10,000 Undergraduate 1 Lincoln data collection 15 hrs/wk for 40 wk $ 10.00 / hr $ 6,000 Click here to enter Click here to enter. Click here to enter Click here to enter Click here to enter. Click here to enter Equipment Purpose Cost Click here to enter. Click here to enter. Click here to enter Click here to enter Infrared Thermometer Measure udder temp $ 85/each 2 $ 170 Ultrasound service fee Maintain ultrasound $ 1,000/each 2 $2,000 Breeding supplies Marking harness $ 25/each 4 $ 100 Travel Per Diem Number of Days Number of Personnel National Meeting Airfare, hotel, meals 5 1 $ 2,500 Regional Meeting Airfare, hotel, meals 4 2 $ 4,000 Extension Talks Mileage 4 2 $ 360 Other Related Expense Fecal Egg Count Supplies $ 1,000 Overhead NCSU overhead 7.5% Click here to enter Click here to enter. $ 2,085 Click here to enter Click here to enter. Click here to enter Click here to enter. Click here to Provide a qualitative summary, or justification for budget expenditures: (200 word or less) enter The budget will include salary+fringe ($5,956) and tuition ($4,044) support for 1 graduate student at NCSU for 1 semester to oversee sample and data collection, data analysis, and presentation of results. The hourly paid undergraduate student (salary+fringe) will assist with sample and data collection at Lincoln University. The infrared thermometers will be used to take udder temperatures to help diagnose mastitis in addition to visual assessments. Ultrasound service fees are for maintenance of the machine and probes. Fecal egg count supplies include McMaster slides, fecal solution, strainers, cups, and stir rods. Principle Investigators and students will present the results of these investigations at Regional and National Scientific meetings and at a minimum of four state sheep extension program events across North Carolina and Missouri.
Technical Objectives Responsiveness to NSIIC Stated Priorities (from web site) Improving the productivity and health while maintaining profitability of a flock is a priority of all sheep producers. By investigating how weaning age affects not only the productivity of the current lamb crop, but also it s potential for longevity in the flock, and impacts on dam health; investigators seek to enhance sustainability of the ewe flock. This research will be conducted in both spring and fall lambing systems with hair and wool based ewe breeds to provide national application of results. The findings from this research will be used to develop recommendations to be shared with producers through extension resources and programming across the nation through extension education workshops. Prior USDA or other Federal Support No prior USDA funding or other federal supports have been provided to the principle investigators to support the outlined research project. Identification and significance of the issue being addressed Early weaning of lambs at 35 60 days of age onto concentrate diets can help producers spare pastures when forages are limited in the summer months. However, early weaning can create physical, psychological, and immunological stress in lambs (Schichowski et al., 2008; Orgeur et al., 1997). Early weaning does however, provide the opportunity to accelerate lamb growth rate on concentrate feeds to promote earlier puberty for lambing as yearlings. Peak lactation in ewes occurs around 30 days, thus weaning at this time may predispose ewes to mastitis. No data on ewe mastitis related to weaning age could be located. On the other hand, delayed weaning at 90 120 days of age can result in slower rates of gain and delayed puberty in ewe lambs (Lupton, 2008). Delayed weaning can provide ewe lambs advantages of improved health and increased parasite tolerance. Thus, the researchers seek to investigate how age of weaning impacts ewe mastitis, ewe lamb growth, age at breeding, and overall fertility, as well as an economic analysis of the management factors associated with each weaning age. What are the goals to be achieved with this grant funding? The goal of this grant request is to develop a two state collaboration to investigate the impact of management strategies on reproductive and health performance of ewe lambs and their associated dams and overall impact on flock economics. The research project objectives would be replicated at two locations using a combination of wool and hair sheep breeds in both a spring and fall lambing flock. By partnering two universities the scope and application of the research findings is greatly expanded. Both institutions have strong undergraduate education, research, and extension programs and producer stakeholders seeking knowledge on methods to enhance their flock productivity and profitability. The research program will contribute to the educational development of several graduate student and undergraduate research projects. The findings of the research projects would then be translated into scientific publications and presentations at regional and national animal science meetings as well as extension education fact sheets, resources and producer education talks.
Work Plan Task, Methodology, Individual responsible, and location where work will be done. Approximately 60 ewes per location will be assigned into weaning treatment at lambing based on breed, litter size, and offspring gender to be weaned at 45 days (early) or 90 days (late) post lambing. At weaning, ewes will be placed on a lowgrain dry off ration and monitored for mastitis using thermal imaging of the udder daily for 28 days. Ewe lambs will be weighed, have FEC, and FAMACHA scores done every 7 days until 5 months of age then every 28 days until pregnancy status determination. Ewe lambs will be exposed to a ram with a marking harness the following August October breeding season. Mounting dates will be recorded daily. Pregnancy rates, embryonic/fetal counts and estimated date of conception will be determined via ultrasonography at approximately 30, 45, and 90 days post breeding. Related Research or other efforts in this area of which you are aware, including an analysis of the competitive landscape if the award is for a commercial application. A thorough review of literature has been conducted to assess the needs for a sheep research program associated with weaning strategies. Very little research has been conducted on weaning strategies in sheep or goats in the United States or in countries with similar breeds and/or management systems. Through informal needs assessments when working with sheep producers, weaning management is consistently a topic of interest. Potential Post application in this area of development of research or commercial endeavor Following the completion of the initial research proposal results will be published in a peer reviewed scientific journal and presented at scientific meetings. In addition, the results will be translated into producer recommendations to be disseminated through extension bulletins and presentations at industry producer meetings. This research on production efficiency and economics will serve as the foundation to establish new research programs and collaborations to further enhance the sheep industry. Background and rationale (citation of publications if any) The process of weaning lambs results in numerous physiological changes within an animal s body in addition to social stressors. Limited research is available on the impact of weaning age on growth rate (Palma and Galina, 1995; Norouzian, 2015), parasitism of lambs (Schichowski et al., 2010), or production traits (Godfrey and Weis, 2016). Therefore there is little support for current industry practices. Thus understanding how weaning affects reproductive efficiency and health of both the dam and ewe lambs is vital. Relationship to industry, including technical, economic and social benefit All sheep producers have to make the decision of when is the best time to wean their lambs each year. This decision is often based on convenience, forage resources, or lamb markets; and not on reproductive efficiency or health of the flock. Conducting research on these topics has the potential to grow the profitability of ewe flocks across the United States. Further, results of this research may inform producers on the impacts of weaning practices on the resulting productivity of ewe lambs. Animal welfare is becoming a large animal production concern, thus it is imperative that research is done on the effects of industry practices on animal welfare and well being. Cost benefit analysis Funds requested and matching funds are allocated to the labor of conducting the research studies, management of sheep flocks, and support the education of both graduate and undergraduate students, pregnancy, parasitism, and mastitis determination, and for the presentation of data at scientific and producer meetings. The potential return on the investment through advancement of knowledge which could improve reproductive efficiency of flocks would be advantageous. In addition, the training of students with an interest in furthering studies within the sheep industry may lead to other advancements for the industry as well.
Policy or decisions affected by results Results of this research program should serve as a starting point to advise sheep producers across the country as to how weaning programs affects the health and productivity of the flock and serve as a reference to make recommendations for altering management schemes to increase the reproductive, health, and growth efficiencies of flocks across the country. Future study directives related to weaning management will be sought upon the successful completion of the proposed research to promote greater knowledge on production traits, health, and welfare. Bio Sketch of each principal person Dr. Carrie Pickworth Assistant Professor of Animal Science North Carolina State University Publications: 7 manuscripts in print in Journal of Animal Science, Theriology, American Journal of Veterinary Research, Applied Environmental Microbiology Grants: 17 funded grants totaling $211,544 through NC Cattlemen s Grants, CALS VT Dean s Grant, ATI RCOSA Grants, OARDC Seeds Research Grants Presentations: 18 scientific presentations at local, regional, and national meetings Teaching: Beef Cattle Management, Animal Feeds and Nutrition, and Applied Ruminant Nutrition, Advanced Beef Production, Sheep Production, Beef and Sheep Production, Principles of Animal Nutrition, Agricultural Advocacy, Companion Animal Biology, Practical Leadership and Practicum in Beef and Sheep Production, and Beef and Sheep Internship Awards: Ohio Sheep Industry Distinguished Service Award Active research include: Economics of different hay feeding systems, parasite control mechanisms, fescue toxicity, pasture finished beef, and advancements in educational pedagogy. Dr. Aimee Busalacki (maiden name Wurst) Associate Professor of Biology Lincoln University Adjunct Assistant Professor of Animal Science University of Missouri Publications: 3 published manuscripts in Theriogenology and Sheep and Goat Research Journal, more than 15 abstracts at professional meetings (available upon request), and multiple extension bulletins and programs Grants: 4 funded grants totaling $915,565 through USDA Evans Allen, NIH, and NSF Teaching: Principles of Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Reproduction in Farm Animals, Scientific Reading and Writing, Companion Animal Management, Sheep Production Active research includes current studies on embryonic and fetal losses in small ruminants, roles of integrins in ruminant placentation, and small ruminant care and management. Further, Dr. Busalacki has a keen interest in undergraduate learning and has conducted research in science education. Dr. Busalacki has also served on several grant panels and editorial boards in her discipline area. Financial Feasibility (i.e., Is the budget proportionate to the endeavor, and will the outcome have a financial benefit to the industry in the near term or will additional funding be required?) The budget is a conservative budget for the oversight of a two state research collaborative to investigate the specific management practice of age at weaning. The matching funds provided through the host universities to support the care and nutrition of the sheep are a vital asset to the research program. Additional funding will be sought to expand upon research outcomes and to build the extension applications of the current project.
Business Soundness (i.e., Are project participants qualified and experienced) Drs. Pickworth and Busalacki have extensive training in experimental design, research methodologies outlined herein, sheep flock management, data collection and analysis, presentation of scientific data, and presenting to producer groups. Dr. Pickworth has been involved in sheep production for nearly 20 years and has been a part of sheep research teams focused on nutrition for 11 years. Dr. Busalacki also has over 10 years of research experience working with reproduction of small ruminants. All research protocols will be approved by the respective university s Animal Care and Use Committees prior to commencement of the research trials. Undergraduate and graduate students will be mentored by their faculty supervisors to ensure that all research is conducted with the highest integrity. The research study outlined investigates practical management considerations that are common to all breeding sheep farms and seeks to answer scientific questions with industry applications. Management Ability (i.e., Are project participants qualified and experienced) Drs. Pickworth and Busalacki have managed numerous research projects including budget management, experimental design, data collection oversight, student training, and data presentation. Teaching and research flock managers at North Carolina State University and Lincoln University have experience in practical ewe flock management as well as research data collection. These flock managers are prepared to oversee daily management of the flocks according to the research protocols and assist the faculty in accurate data collection. Student labor has been included in both grant budget and matching funds to support the hours of additional labor required for data collection and flock observations for mastitis, parasitism, breeding marks, and overall health and welfare on the animals throughout the weaning and breeding processes. Standardized protocols will be developed to ensure uniform management across the two locations and breeding seasons. Potential Industry Impact (i.e., How can the industry be expected to benefit in both qualitative and quantitative measures?) At the present time, breeding ewe lambs so that they lamb as yearlings is relatively common in farm flocks with variable success, but this practice has not been adopted in the range operations due to delayed puberty associated with later weaning ages. This research has the potential to assess the financial, health, growth, and reproductive implications of various age of weaning strategies. A cost benefit analysis will be conducted to compare input costs associated with weaning age as well as potential profit gains due to greater success of lambing spring born yearling ewes resulting in an additional lamb crop per ewe. Industry Support (i.e., What data or other information is available to substantiate industry s need or desire for this project?) In 2008, Lupton completed an overview of the impacts of animal science research on sheep production in the United States and predicted research needs for the future. Reproductive efficiency, as measured by the pounds of weaned lamb per ewe exposed, was identified as a major factor affecting profitability in most sheep operations. Research advancements over the past 100 years have been associated with artificial insemination, ultrasonography determination of multiples, genetic selection, and maternal nutrition. However, there is still a lack of information associated with weaning strategies and their impacts on reproductive efficiency based on its impact on the dam and the female offspring. The research proposed herein seeks to fill this void and provide valuable information to sheep producers.
CERTIFICATION To the best of my knowledge and belief, all data in this application is true and correct. The document has been duly authorized by the governing body of the Applicant and the Applicant will comply with all Grant requirement if the assistance is awarded. Signature Name of authorized representative: Sherrie Settle Date 9 12 16 Title Director of Sponsored Programs Email Phone sps@ncsu.edu 919 515 2444 Return this application to: stevelee@nsiic.org If you prefer to send hard copies: Steve Lee, Executive Director and Program Manager National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Box 646 Rockland, Maine 04841 207-236-6567 For FedEx or Other Delivery Services: 32 Gleason St Thomaston, ME 04861 Download form to your computer, complete it and save it to your computer prior to submitting to the Sheep Center. Additional Information for Applicants: Matching funds: In order to leverage funds available, NSIIC will assign 10 points to any application in which a match of cash or in-kind labor is contributed. In-kind matches may only account for 50% of the total match. Additionally, salaries or other expenditures that will be made by the applicant or the applicant's employer, irrespective of a potential grant award, cannot be used as a match. A subtraction of 10 points will be made from the total score of any application that includes an overhead budget of more than 7.5% of the total grant request. Request for capital expenditures are discouraged, and may not exceed 20% of the total budget in any event. Please justify any requested funding for equipment or other capital expenditures.
Notification to Applicants: Applicants will be notified via e mail that their application has been received within a day or two of receipt: After Review, all applicants will be sent a notice to the e mail of the person listed as the contact person on the application. That notice will be one of three possible responses: 1)Your application did not score high enough for funding consideration 2) Your application scored high enough for funding as submitted 3) Your application scored high enough for funding but with modifications needed in the budget. You will be given the opportunity to make those modifications for funding or you may reject the modifications in which case the grant funding offer will be withdrawn. Instruction will be included in the notice. Please note that the Review Committee will not provide feedback to applicants however in some cases the Board may elect to encourage re submission with certain specific changes (i.e. those the Board feels were good causes but poor application preparation or those with a good idea but not sustainable as presented). In some instances the Board may want to provide a written statement, with the understanding that no further discussion is available. Please note that proposals submitted more than twice will not be evaluated. The NSIIC Board request that applicants refrain from communicating with Board Members specifically about the project (i.e. Lobbying your project). Under no circumstances will applications arriving past the deadline for submission be considered
North Carolina State University is a land-grant university and a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science 123 Polk Hall Campus Box 7621 Raleigh, NC 27695-7621 September 1, 2016 919.515.2755 919.515.6316 (fax no.) Dr. Carrie Pickworth Department of Animal Science Box 7621 NCSU Campus Raleigh, NC 27695 RE: Matching support for (non-federal dollars) Impact of Weaning Age on Flock Productivity for submission to the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. Dear Dr. Pickworth: The NC State University Department of Animal Science is interested in participating in and supporting your project proposal Impact of Weaning Age on Flock Productivity being submitted by the university. To support our activities within the project, we will offer the following budget match (non-federal) by waiving to you the following animal care costs associated with this project at the research farm: Item Amount Cost Total Ewe Maintenance feed 13,200 lb $0.125 /lb $1,650 Lamb Grower 3375 lb $0.1475 / lb $498 Animal Care (student labor) 488 hr $10 / hr $4,880 Total Match $7,028 We enthusiastically endorse this proposal and look forward to working with you should this proposal be funded. Please let us know as soon as you learn of the potential award so that we can work together. Sincerely, Dr. M. Todd See, Professor and Head tsee@ncsu.edu