Tuskegee University Youth Goat Show October 27, 2012

The Tuskegee University (TU) Prevet Club will hold an annual Open Goat Show at the Tuskegee University Caprine Research and Education Unit on October 27 at 1:00 PM.

The show is open to all youth exhibitors under age 19 who are residents of Alabama. Events include breeding classes, market classes and showmanship.

Entry forms must be postmarked by October 22. Entry form and more information about the goat show can be accessed by clicking this link: Entry Form and Other Information

If you have any question, please contact:
Dr. Nar Gurung, TU Prevet Club Advisor at ngurung@mytu.tuskegee.edu. Or call him at 334-727-8457 (Office) or 334-421-8620 (Cell).

Goat Artificial Insemination Training at Tuskegee University

Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program and The Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University are providing a hands-on workshop entitled “Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination (AI) in Goats” at the Tuskegee University Caprine Research and Education Unit on Saturday, October 13, 2012, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The workshop seating is limited to 20 participants. Registration is $25 and includes lunch and all training materials. The deadline to register is Wednesday, October 10, 2012.

This training will allow goat producers to receive instruction on the reproduction of goats, including anatomy, physiology and reproductive management of does as well as the advantages and limitations of using AI. The workshop will also provide hands on training in AI techniques. Participants will learn how to use the controlled internal drug-releasing device (CIDR) that was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to implant progesterone in goats for the purpose of synchronizing estrus.

To participate in this program, please register on time by sending the Registration Form and a check for the registration fee.

For more information or need help to register, contact the AI Workshop Program Assistant, Ms. Hooks, at (334-727-8453 or mhooks@mytu.tuskegee.edu). This event is supported by Southern SARE grant.

Time to Plant Cool-season Forages in Alabama

This is time to plant cool-season forages. Productive winter pastures are essential to minimize the requirements for purchased feeds (hay, commercial feeds, concentrates, etc.). Following are few tips to initiate developing winter pastures. Interested producers must have completed steps 1-5 by now. Now this is time to implement Step 6.


1. Do the soil test.

2. Control weeds.

3. Apply lime based on soil test recommendations. Generally, lime has to be applied 3-6 months prior to scheduled planting so that soil pH is adjusted by the time of planting.

4. Select forage species based on pasture soil, climatic condition of the location, and livestock species.

5. Procure selected quality forage seed from the trusted source and fertilizers based on soil test recommendations.

6. Plant selected forages on time. Most of the winter forages are planted in September or early October. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (as recommended) at the time of planting. Nitrogen fertilizer is needed only for non-leguminous crops (grasses). It should be applied in divided doses since it is the least stable fertilizer. Plants need nitrogen for photosynthesis and green leafy growth. So, its application is effective when grasses (not mixed with legumes) are in active vegetative growth (at the beginning and after each harvest).

7. Follow an appropriate grazing management once the planted forages are well established.   If you need help on which forages to plant this season, please contact your local county agents, forage specialists, or livestock specialists. Here are few examples of cool-season grasses: annual ryegrass, tall fescue (MaxQ tall fescue does not have toxic endophyte), orchard grass, small grains (wheat, oats, barley, triticale); cool-season legumes: white clover, crimsom clover, red clover, arrowleaf clover, berseen clover, hairy vetch, common vetch, bigflower vetch, winter peas, alfalfa, and birdsfoot trefoil. All legumes must be inoculated with specific inoculant just before planting while planting them in the new fields.   PLEASE POST COMMENTS ABOUT THIS ARTICLE: whether it was useful to you or more information is needed. Specify what more information is needed if you post comments that 'more information is needed'.