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Washington State University

Other Livestock

A catch-all set of resources for goats, sheep, swine, and multi-species livestock operations.

Goats

Animal Care Series: Goat Care Practices (pdf)
The goals of the publication are to explain why, when, and how specific practices are used in goat production systems in California. University of California Extension, May 2000

The Biology of the Goat
This website is devoted to the interesting and often unique biology of the goat and the organisms that call the goat their home.

Outlook for a Small Farm Meat Goat Industry for California (pdf)
This publication presents the current status of the goat industry in the U.S. and California, factors that affect goat meat consumption and the estimated potential demand for goat meat. University of California, February 2006 revised

Agricultural Alternatives: Dairy Goat Production (pdf)
This publication was developed by the Small-scale and Part-time Farming Project. It covers the marketing, production, and nutrition associated with dairy goat production. Penn State Extension, 2008

What to look for When Buying Hay: Assessing Forage Quality
How can you tell if you’re buying good hay? There are several things that you can visibly look for when inspecting the hay that relate to quality. Washington State University Small Farms Team

eXtension: Goats
The Goat Community of Practice consists of a national team of experts that includes state and regional goat extension specialists, research and teaching faculty, veterinarians, regional educators and professionals at Education centers.

 

Sheep

Sheep Production Guide (pdf)
This guide outlines management practices that will help develop a successful sheep enterprise. Topics include flock, lamb, and disease management. Oregon State University, November 2006

Tube Feeding Neonatal Small Ruminants (pdf)
This publication gives a complete overview of the topic of tube feeding neonatal lambs and kids. Relevant anatomy, indications, and techniques are presented. Washington State University, 2005

Feeding Sheep (pdf)
Nutrition plays a major role in the overall productivity, health, and well-being of the sheep flock. This publication covers the five major categories of nutrients required by sheep during development. Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009

 

Swine

Agricultural Alternatives: Swine Production (pdf)
This publication covers the three types of swine production enterprises: farrow-to-finish, farrow-to-feeder, and feeder-to-finish. Penn State Extension, 2001

Consideration in Organic Hog Production (pdf)
Part of the Organic Matters series designed to speed the flow of technical information to those engaged in organic production, this publication focuses on areas of hog production that relate specifically to National Organic Program compliance. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Project, July 2001

Profitable Pork: Strategies for Hog Producers (pdf)
This bulletin showcases examples of alternative ways to raise pork profitably. It features profiles about successful hog producers as well as the latest research. Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, 2003

Caring for New Feeder Pigs (pdf)
This publication briefly discusses housing, feeding, and health. Oregon State University, October 2003

eXtension: Hogs, Pigs, and Pork
The Hogs, Pigs, and Pork Community of Practice is a joint partnership between Cooperative Extension and the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence (USPCE).

 

General Information

Predator Control for Sustainable & Organic Livestock Production (pdf)
This publication examines how to identify livestock predators and how to control them. It focuses primarily on the control of coyotes and dogs through management practices, such as fencing and the use of guard animals. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Project, 2002

Multispecies Grazing (pdf)
This paper discusses the benefits of multispecies grazing, potential problems, and obstacles to adoption. It also offers references and resources. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Project, 2001

Raising and Training a Livestock-guarding Dog (pdf)
This publication provides suggestions for bringing out the best performance in a livestock-guarding dog. Oregon State University, May 2002

Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest (pdf)
The comprehensive resource is for anyone who manages livestock on pastures in the Northwest; this 208-page book offers pasture managers information and tools to enable their pastures and their livestock to reach their maximum production potentials. A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication, May 2010