Utilization of a Small Ruminant Model for Teaching/Learning Scientific Approaches to Nutritional and Reproductive Management.

This study used Spanish Kiko goats as a small ruminant model (SRM) for teaching animal science courses via experiential laboratory-based methods at a small liberal arts college in the Southeastern United State. Perceivably, the SRMs presents an accessible and sustainable teaching tool for undergraduate education at institutions with limited resources, such as cattle facilities. The use of mature (> 3 years old) bucks (male model 1, 2 & 3), does (female model 1 & 2), and kids (kid model 1, 2, 3; 8 months old) as SRMs in 4 courses and resultant learning is reported herein. SRMs were fed, late weaned, and continuously bred to simulate the nutritional and reproductive management practiced in rotationally grazed strictly forage-fed cattle. Growth performances amongst bucks (pre and post pubertal; Figure 1), does (pre- and post-partum Figure 2), and kids (pre and post weaning Figure 3) were recorded and analyzed. Feed intake trials (Figures 4 and 5), fecal analysis, and apparent DMD were conducted. The benefits of continuous suckling and postweaning management of does and kids were realized as 100% of does and kids successfully transited each breeding period. In addition, kids approached market weights (15.53 kg) at 136 days postpartum (Figure 3) and does were rebred at first postpartum estrus (62 days). The use of prebreeding season reproductive tract examinations via ultrasound and BSE in female and male SRMs enabled effective evaluations of the poor reproductive performance of the cattle herd (59.3% pregnancy rate in 2022). The use of SRMs allowed for learning ruminant gastrointestinal and reproductive system physiology. Subsequently, comprehension of the impact of mineral and vitamin deficiencies on the annually declining reproductive performance of rotationally grazed cattle was enhanced. Conclusively, the use of SRMs supported my learning and is recommended for teaching/learning in animal sciences at institutions with limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]