Arkansas Extension Small Ruminants

RESEARCH SHARE

Effect of a Topical Formulation on Infective Viral Load in Lambs Naturally Infected with Orf Virus

Orf is a highly contagious eruptive viral disease of the skin and mucosa of sheep and goats. Although vaccination with live or attenuated orf virus is the preferred option for disease control, the vaccine is unavailable in many countries. Treatment of orf lesions involves standard hygiene and in numerous cases, management of presumptive secondary infections with antibiotics, increasing risks of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The wound dressing formulation Tri-Solfen® containing two local anaesthetics (lignocaine and bupivacaine), adrenaline and an antiseptic (cetrimide) in a gel formulation was developed for pain relief in sheep undergoing surgical husbandry procedures in Australia. Recently, TS therapy was found to reduce suffering and enhance recovery in cattle and buffalo with oral and skin lesions due to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus infection. It was noted that TS has a low pH and is potentially viricidal, potentially aiding disease control.

Source: Vet Med (Auckl). 2021 Jun 9

https://www.dovepress.com/effect-of-a-topical-formulation-on-infective-viral-load-in-lambs-natur-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-VMRR

How to build a better, more productive flock: A 5-year genetic improvement program for sheep producers (available at https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/animals-forages/sheep-goats/small-ruminants-blog/posts/genetics-5-year.aspx)
Building a better flock is not a matter of chance, but of choice. This article summarizes a path for genetic improvement, but the core principle remains constant: consistent, goal-oriented selection is the single most powerful force in genetic improvement.
The dividends, however, are paid for years to come in the form of reduced labor, lower input costs, higher productivity, and the deep satisfaction of seeing your careful planning manifest in a healthy, profitable, and resilient flock. Start where you are, use the resources around you, and take the next step. Your better flock awaits.

Department Of Animal Science - UA
Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

Sustainable Control of Parasites in Small Ruminant Production - SARE Sheep and goat production is a viable enterprise, offering opportunities for marketing meat, fiber, and milk, plus grazing services for public agencies, solar farms, and others. Their small size and low cost make them appealing for small farms, including ones with limited resources, and they are ada...

Sheep & Goat Reproduction Training Series (In-Person + Virtual)
Dates: Fri, July 31 – Thu, August 6, 2026 · Location: SMART Reproduction, 1293 Greene 333 RD, Jonesboro, AR 72401
Level up your skills across AI, semen handling, Laparoscopic O**m Pick-Up (LOPU), and embryo work in a focused, small-group series. Choose In-Person (hands-on) in Jonesboro or Virtual Livestream (audit) on the same dates. Training uses synchronized practice animals provided by SMART Reproduction. Supplies provided; bring your own AI kits and/or laparoscopic tools if you have them.
More information:

SMART Repro Summer Training Series Get tickets online for SMART Repro Summer Training Series here.

Join a community of people who share your passion and shape the future of our industry—get involved.

AGPA Board Nominations Are Now Open!

The Arkansas Goat Producers Association is growing, and we're looking for passionate, dedicated members who want to help shape the future of our organization.

This year, all board positions will be up for election. Whether your strengths are in leadership, communication, education, event planning, marketing, finances, technology, or simply a willingness to serve, we encourage you to consider becoming a candidate.

Self-nominations are encouraged!

All candidates must be an AGPA member in good standing.

Board service is an opportunity to:
-Support goat producers across Arkansas
-Create opportunities for youth and families
-Help plan educational programs and events
-Strengthen member services and communication
-Be part of a team working to move AGPA forward

Interested in serving?

Step 1: Submit a nomination form
📋 Nomination Form:
https://argoatproducers.wixforms.com/f/7471583792516301834

Step 2: Candidates will be asked to complete a Candidate Information Form

📖 Candidate Information Form:
https://argoatproducers.wixforms.com/f/7471588251208254467

Be sure to review the attached graphic outlining the responsibilities of each board position before submitting your nomination.

The future of AGPA depends on strong leaders, fresh ideas, and members willing to serve. If you've ever thought about becoming more involved, this is your opportunity.

Nominations will remain open through June 28, 2026.

https://youtu.be/uRIfBgrNcec?is=83aLvm7dzLF4u81C

Thank you, Mid-Missouri Goat & Sheep Solutions Lincoln University for including me in this webinar series.

Topic 1 - June 1, 2026. Sheep and Goat Production and Marketing Introduction and overview Sheep and Goat Production and Marketing Workshop SeriesSession one...

Thank you, MD Rahman (UAPB) for training my team on proper use of equipment and analytical methods. F***s, urine, blood, water quality and much more. It’s a new project that is coming soon to innovate technical assistance and strengthen producer education in Arkansas.

Using goats and sheep for vegetation management is an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and highly efficient alternative to mechanical mowing and chemical herbicides. These animals naturally clear overgrown brush, weeds, and grass in hard-to-reach or ecologically sensitive areas while simultaneously fertilizing the land.

Kansas City has a GOAT in Patrick Mahomes.

But several others are doing their part to make an impression on Kansas City.

STORY >>> https://www.kctv5.com/2026/06/10/40-goats-munching-their-way-through-kansas-city-riverfront/

Save the Date! The 5th Annual LGD Photo Contest runs June 21-27! There will be 5 different categories and 5 subcategories this year! Prizes will be awarded to the contest winners. Please ensure all photos are in focus and include actual LGDs with livestock.

Great option for small ruminants! Pearl millet has low-cost seeds, good germination, high forage yield, and good nutritive quality. Because it grows quickly and uniformly, plan your grazing management in advance to graze it when it is still vegetative. Rotation is recommended. Once the seedhead is up, tillering is dramatically reduced. It can be grazed for three subsequent cycles.

🌾 Forage Friday 🌾
Some forages grow fast, produce well, and handle the heat like a champ, this one checks all those boxes. Just remember, even great forages need a little management know-how.

📸 This week’s feature:
👉 Pearl Millet
⚠️ It can accumulate nitrates under certain conditions, so test before grazing or feeding if you suspect high levels
📍 Found all across the state of Arkansas
💬 For more information check out fact sheet:https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/fsa-2139.pdf