Publications
Below is a list of Small Ruminant Livestock publications available. Publications can be obtained by contacting a county Extension office or clicking on a title below for an online version of the publication.
Health
- New Information on Deworming for Small Ruminants
- Proceedings Paper - Anthelmintic Resistance and Management of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminants: An Update
- A Suggested Health Program for Club Goats
- Common Diseases in Goats
- Goat Herd Health Calendar
Forages
- Hay Calculator Spreadsheet and Instructions
- Forage Production and Grazing Browsing Management - YouTube
Management
- Meat Goat Selection Carcass Evaluation and Fabrication
- Goat Gestation Table
- Livestock Weight Calculator Spreadsheet for Youth Livestock Projects
- Publication 2781 – Meat Goat Management
- Publication 2782 – Meat Goat Selection
- Publication 2798 – Small Ruminent Budgeting and Marketing
Mississippi Goat Memos - Archives
The Meat Goat Memos are published throughout the year to address issues and events of importance to meat goat producers and youth project participants. Links to the most recent and archived issues appear below.
Youth Livestock
- A Quick Guide to Club Goat Selection
- A Quick Guide to Club Lamb Selection
- Goat Conformation
- Powerpoint Presentation The Junior Livestock Program
- Purchasing and Managing Your Market Lamb Project for the Show Ring
- Managing Your Club Goat Project and Preparing for the Show Ring
- Publication 2211 - Lamb Showmanship
- Publication 2264 - Club Goat Guide
- Publication 2263 - Club Goat Showmanship
- Publication 2477 - Market Lamb Project Guide: Health Care Management
- Publication 2478 - Market Lamb Project Guide: Nutrition
- Publication 2479 - Market Lamb Project Guide: Show Lamb Selection and Development
- Publication 2289 - Mississippi 4H Livestock Judging Manual - Sheep
Publications
News
LEAKESVILLE, Miss. -- Most goat meat sold in the U.S. is imported, but a group of Mississippi meat goat producers wants to see that change. A first-of-its-kind test in the state is underway to help them meet that goal. The Southeastern Buck Performance Test aims to improve the profitability of the meat goat industry in the region by improving meat goat genetics.
Some people use lamb and sheep interchangeably to identify the animal, but they aren’t exactly the same thing. So, what’s the difference between them? Yes, lambs are baby sheep -- that’s the main distinction. But here are some other differences between the two:
RAYMOND, Miss. -- Not so long ago, goats were niche livestock animals in Mississippi. But these small ruminants have grown in popularity in recent years, especially dairy goats. Farmers who have limited acreage or want to diversify their livestock operations often choose goats. Others want goats for their meat or milk. Regardless of the purpose, people who want to join the ranks of goat owners should understand some important aspects of goat ownership before bringing one home.
VERONA, Miss. -- Producers come across issues each season that need to be addressed, whether they require new research on a problem or a commodity specialist who can help identify timely solutions.
For those people, February is the month to speak up. Specialists and scientists with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station are available specifically for them at three different MSU Research and Extension Center locations throughout the state during annual Producer Advisory Council meetings.
RAYMOND, Miss. -- Agricultural producers and industry professionals met with Mississippi State University personnel in the coastal region to discuss research and education priorities at the 2022 Producer Advisory Council meeting. The annual event aims to help clients improve their productivity. Attendees gathered in small commodity groups at each event to share their ideas with agents, researchers and specialists with the MSU Extension Service and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.
