Small Ruminant Research

Beginning in 2021, our group, in collaboration with the Animal Sciences department, started an annual performance test in rams consigned by producers. We evaluate growth performance and resistance to gastrointestinal parasites during an 84-day period. Data is analyzed to identify potential phenotypic evidence of genetics associated with parasite resistance, daily gain weight, and carcass quality.

Beginning in 2024, our group, in collaboration with the Animal Sciences department, started an annual performance test in bucks consigned by producers. We evaluate growth performance and resistance to gastrointestinal parasites during an 84-day period. Data is analyzed to identify potential phenotypic evidence of genetics associated with parasite resistance, daily gain weight, and carcass quality.

This ongoing project is in collaboration with Dr. Peter Hansen’s lab within the UF Animal Sciences department. This project was performed initially in beef cattle to evaluate choline’s effects on embryogenesis and the resultant offspring with relation to growth and performance parameters. Currently, through this project we are evaluating if there are similar outcomes in sheep.

The Florida Native sheep (FNS) is recognized primarily due to their natural adaptation to harsh parasitic and environmental conditions. The aim of this research is to establish FNS female and male reproductive seasonality and age to puberty to improve production and management practices as well as contribute to long-term genetic improvement and preservation of the FNS breed.

This project focuses on a multi-center study, including 10 referring veterinary hospitals across the US. The objective of this study is to describe the incidence of various reproductive
conditions in pregnant does admitted to referral hospitals, such as dystocia, uterine tear/rupture, uterine prolapse, periparturient hemorrhage, retained fetal membranes, and metritis.