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In This Issue:From Clause for the Cause......................1Pasture Fertilizers & Health....................2Niche Markets.........................................3Transporting & Introducing Goats.......4-6Copper Oxide wire & Parasites...............5Goat in Honey Recipe.............................72006 Calendar of Events.........................8Is your emergency kit ready?..................9

Volume 5, Issue 1 February 2006

IMGP CONTACTS Clause J. Miller, President RR2, Box 220B Rushville, IL 62681 (217) 322-2811 cjmagmills@yahoo.com

Roy Morrell, Vice President RR 1, Box 60 Camden, IL 62319 (217) 332-4806 wi_rmorrel@winco.net Penny Hamell, Treasurer 1650 E 1600 N Rd P.O. Box 1631 Taylorville, IL 62568 (217) 287-7347

Jennifer Miller, Secretary 1979 C.R. 1100 N. Sidney, IL 61877 (217) 688-2043

R. Derek Hall 2 Chatham Circle Kankakee, IL 60901-5802 (815) 933-2668 rderekhall@yahoo.com

Bernard Swank 21485 N Cameron Road Cuba, IL 61427 (309) 785-5109 David Frueh P.O. Box 45 Alhambra, IL 62001 (618) 887-4855 fruehboy@aol.com Jodie Boen P.O. Box 438 Catlin, IL 61817 (217) 840-1680 jodieb@cooketech.net

Chris Fleming 778th 80 Ave Roseville, IL 61473 (309) 426-1933 ffarms@frontiernet.net

From Clause for the Cause

We had the best annual meeting we have ever had at Shakey’s Restaurant in Springfi eld on Jan. 21. We heard reports from the secretary and the treasurer. I outlined what we did last year and what is in the planning stages for 2006. Last year at this time we had only about 15 members and now at this writing we have 56 members. That gives us a head start on this year and I am excited about it. It has been a long hard struggle from our beginning in 1999. There was quite a bit of discussion about the turmoil in the USBGA going on at this time. We will have to wait and see what comes out of that. Election of three board of directors was held with Jodie Boen and Clause Miller being reelected and Jennifer Miller being elected for the fi rst time, all for three year terms. Al Jarand from Ill. Farm Bureau and RFD Ill. entertained us as the speaker of the day. His understanding of the goat industry was expanded and perhaps that will carry over to the radio stations he is on. The board meeting was held Feb. 4 at Dave Thomas’s. The offi cers for this year are Clause Miller, Pres.; Roy Morrell, V. Pres.; Penny Hamell, Treas.; and Jennifer Miller, Sec. We concentrated on planning the Spring Fling in Clinton April 29 and the Mid America Boer Goat Classic in Pontiac on July 22. Both of these shows as well as the State Fair in August will be ABGA sanctioned. Judges for these shows are Mike Brosch from Ohio for the Spring Fling, Fred Homeyer from Texas for the Mid America Boer Goat Classic and Preston Farris from Texas for the State Fair. One of the things suggested at the annual meeting was to have a meat goat show. It was decided to add meat goat classes to our regular shows. The only papers required for the meat goats are health papers. We formed several committees so that we might better accomplish the goals of the association. These are the present committees and the contact person or chairman: Advertising/promotion- Roy Morrell and Dave Frueh; Website- Derek Hall; Newsletter- Clause Miller; Youth/Education-Jodie Boen and Penny Hamell; Shows-Dave Thomas, Jodie Boen, Jennifer Miller. Now here is where we are asking (begging) you members to help us out on these committees.

... continued on page 7

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From AMGA Newsletter January 2005 Pasture growers are interested in feeding animals. Their main concern is not the appearance of the grass but its yield and nutritional value. A good fertilizer program must therefore address these two requirements. The following information was provided by Agro Services International, Inc.

Yield.

Nitrogen is possibly the most commonly applied nutrient as it is commonly defi cient in pastures that do not contain legumes. Numerous studies have shown high responses to applied nitrogen with yield increases greater than 200 percent being common. Phosphorus and potassium are also important, the extent of the response depends on how serious the defi ciency is. Applications of these nutrients have increased pasture yields by over 100 percent in cases of serious defi ciency. The response to secondary and micronutrients can be as great as or greater than to the macro nutrients. There are records of yield increases of over 80 percent due to magnesium fertilization, 40 percent due to sulfur application and 45 percent due to the application of copper and zinc.

Quality

High yields are of no value if the pasture cannot provide the nutrients that animals need. A grass with the genetic potential to produce high levels of protein cannot do so without an adequate supply of nitrogen. In one experiment, nitrogen fertilization was shown to increase protein levels from 8.0 to 11.7 percent. Sulfur is a critical component of amino acids and therefore infl uences the quality of protein produced. Sheep fed a low sulfur diet experience loss of appetite, reduced gains, reduced wool growth and shedding wool. In one trial, lambs fed grass without adequate sulfur had weight gains of 46 g per day while those fed grass fertilized with adequate sulfur had weight gains of 144 g per day. Phosphorus and its balance with calcium is critical for animal health. Animals fed with grass grown on phosphorus defi cient soil suffer from loss of appetite,

bone abnormalities, reduced growth, poor fertility, reduced milk production, weakness, and even death. In animals, potassium helps regulate the nervous system, maintain healthy blood vessels, and muscle contractions including the heart. Pasture grass with low potassium levels has been shown to reduce feed intake in sheep. Pasture grown on copper defi cient soil can cause serious health problems in animals. In sheep it causes stillbirths, the birth of small, weak lambs and bone abnormalities. It results in poor general health and causes loss of condition and rough coats in cattle and ill-thrift, infertility and reduced milk production in dairy cows. Grass grown on magnesium defi cient soil leads to low magnesium levels in animal blood. This condition can cause tetany in cattle, a serious disease with symptoms including nervousness, decreased milk yield, staggering, twitching skin, convulsions, coma and death. Because of this, magnesium fertilizer is sometimes applied to pasture even when yield increases are not expected. Improper application of one nutrient in the fi eld can induce imbalances of other nutrients in animals. High levels of potassium or nitrogen fertilization and/or low levels of soil phosphorus reduce the magnesium level in the animal blood and can induce tetany. Excessive amounts of sulfur or molybdenum fertilizers (often applied to legumes) can reduce copper absorption in cows. It is clear that a balanced pasture fertilization program is essential or optimum animal health. This involves the proper application of all of the required nutrients including secondary and micro nutrients. It is also necessary to apply only the nutrients that are needed as excess levels can reduce plant growth and induce imbalances in the animals. It is therefore not surprising that most agricultural institutions promote pasture fertilization based on soil analysis. It is not possible to select the proper amounts of nutrients needed without knowing the nutrient levels in the soil. Fertilizing by guess can have a serious affect on animal health. MGM

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Article courtesy of The Boer Goat

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Article courtesy of The Boer Goat

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Using copper oxide wire particles to control internal parasites in small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, is safe and effective when two grams or less are used. That’s according to a study by the Agricultural Research Service, Louisiana State University, Fort Valley State University in Georgia, and other participants in the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control. The researchers are studying alternatives to conventional treatments for nematode infections because of growing parasite resistance to chemical de- wormers. Their initial fi ndings were announced November 18. Joan M. Burke, an animal scientist with the ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farm Research Center in Booneville, Ark., wants to determine optimal strategies to reduce nematode infection in sheep and goats. Copper oxide wire particles are used overseas in sheep and goats to alleviate mineral defi ciencies, but that problem doesn’t exist here. However, the researchers theorized that copper supplements could improve the immune system, creating a less desirable environment for parasites. Burke and cooperators used copper wire to fi nd the optimal doses for controlling infections of Haemonchus contortus, commonly called barber pole worm, in hair sheep. The treatments must be restricted to avoid copper toxicity. They found no signs of copper toxicity at any dose tested (up to 6 grams). Burke’s colleague James E. Miller, a veterinarian at LSU, recently found success with as little as one-half gram of wire particles for at least a four-week period, resulting in a 60 to 90 percent nematode reduction. Such a small dosage may allow more frequent treatments, especially during the infestation season. The USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension service’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program provide partial funding for this research. According to Burke, future studies will include doses of two grams or less. In the meantime, producers should consult a veterinarian for de-worming advice. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientifi c research agency.

...continued on page 6

by Jim CoreAgricultural Research Service

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Advertising Rates

You can place an advertisement in the IMGP newsletter or on our website! The rates for placing your ad on the website or newsletter

are the same, but they are to be handled separately.

$4 - business card size, $8 - 1/4 page, $16 - 1/2 page, $32 - full page

These rates are monthly, with a 3-month minimum.

To place an ad in the newsletter, please send the ad copy and check to: Clause Miller, RR2 Box 220B, Rushville, IL 62681

To place an ad on the website, please send the ad copy and check to: Tim Miller, P.O. Box 1254, Eagle, CO 81631

If you have some particular expertise/talent in one or more of these areas and you have the willingness and desire to help promote your goat enterprise prosper, won’t you please volunteer? The board of directors was not elected to do all the work but to provide guidance and planning. By working together, we can make this best year we have ever had. We are waiting to hear from you.

I have been directed by the board to complete an application to become an ABGA affi liate. This will in no way close the door on USBGA, International Boer Goat Ass’n., nor does it close the door on the Kiko goats or the Savannah’s. We are still a meat goat association and welcome all types of meat goats.

Registration information for Clinton will be in the April newsletter. The Spring Fling at Clinton will be a show and a wether sale and breeder sale.

Until next time. Clause Miller, President

For SaleSeveral excellent Billies starting at $300

Yield 4 servings

1/2 lb (250 g) lean boneless goat1 tablespoon hosin sauce (available from Chinese stores)

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil2 tablespoons cornstarch (cornfl our)3 tablespoons groundnut peanut oil

For the seasonings:

1 tablespoon light soy sauce1 teaspoon brown vinegar

1 teaspoon Shaoxing rice wine (available at Chinese stores) or dry sherry1 teaspoon ginger juice (use a garlic press)

1 teaspoon honey2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (cornfl our)

Slice the goat across the grain into thin slices. Place in a dish and mix well with the hoisin sauce and sesame oil. Dust with the cornstarch to coat the meat pieces evenly. Heat the groundnut oil in a preheated wok until moderately hot. Stir-fry the goat for 1-2

minutes, stirring constantly to separate the slices. Remove and drain well.

Pour off the oil, leaving 1 tablespoon behind, and stir in the seasonings ingredients. Bring to a boil. Return the goat to the wok and stir quickly over maximum heat until the seasoning ingredients coat the goat slices. Serve immediately.

by Krista DarnellOn the BoerGoats.com website

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We are now taking reservations for spring kids!!

Sweet Victory Farm Give us a shot at your next herd improvement. Select from full blood or percentage kids with excellent genetics. We

have special incentives for 4-H and FFA members. We will have good quality bucks, does, and wethers for your approval. We are looking forward to traditional and

colored kids. These animals will be correct according to USBGA breed standards.If you are increasing your herd, starting a new herd, or just out looking-- give us a call and schedule a visit. We would

love to introduce you to our new RED herd sire from Louisiana, NDR Cha Cha Rouge!

Jodie L. Boen & Angela M. RyanLocated in Alvin, IL.Call (217) 840-1680

(217) 446-0358E-mail: jodieb@cooketech.net

Web: http://www.boer-goats-for-sale.com

Spring Fling - April 29 - Clinton, IL

Henry County Fair Boer Goat Show - June 23 - Cambridge, IL

Mid-America Goat Classic - July 22-23 - Pontiac, IL

Illinois State Fair - August - Springfi eld, IL

Du Quoin County Fair - September 4

Stars Over Southern Illinois - September 16 - Harrisburg, IL

Illinois Sale and Seminar - October 21 - Arthur, IL

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Are you ready for a natural or manmade disaster? For livestock owners, an emergency medical kit is as necessary as hay and bedding. “I use a little canvas toolbag with two handles that I got from Harbor Freight. It has pockets along the side,” said Connie Wimmer. “It’s easy to carry and I keep it in the fridge. It has everything in it I need to help a goat in stress." "I have those see-through plastic boxes with handles on the lids," said Sandy Kilgore. "I put bandages, ointments and stuff that doesn’t need to be kept cold in one. That one also has a small clear plastic box with syringes and needles in it. The other one has all the antibiotic and stuff that needs to be kept cold in it." "I keep mine in Ziploc bags in a fi ve gallon bucket with a good lid," said Scott Bailey. "That way I have a clean bucket if I need it." Every medical kit has items unique to that farm. "I keep a blindfold in mine," Jody Davis said. "Sometimes the only way an animal will move is if it can’t see." "I keep lots of those cheap little refl ective blankets," Wimmer said. "They only cost about 98 cents and they can save a wet, cold goat." "I want my dehorner handy in case I need to cauterize something," said Sandi Banister. "I don’t want to burn something, but it is better than letting them bleed to death." Due to the Federal Drug Administration rules, many items now require a prescription. Contact a veterinarian for details. This list was compiled from the recommendations of goat owners:

*Needles and syringes *Antibiotic *B-complex injectable *Dexamethazone for shock *Sterile water *Thiamine *Antihistamine *Iodine, Betadine or other wound cleanser *Peroxide *Bandaging materials including: feminine napkins, gauze, self adhesive wrap and tape *Sharp scissors *Dewormer *Probiotics *Vitamin paste *Veterinarian recommended pain killer *Insect repellent *Lightweight emergency blankets *Duct tape *Cloth to clean wounds *Small, self-sealing containers *Wire cutters *Small tarp or towel to make a clean place for the animal to stand

Every farm’s medical kit is going to be unique because of the needs of that farm’s animals and the experience of the owner. Most kits will contain many more items than the ones listed. Have your veterinarian help create your kit. Ask for a demonstration of any tool you are unfamiliar with. Discuss the dosing and usage of all drugs.

by Lynn AllenSpecial to Goat Rancher

Newsletter for February 2006Volume 5, Issue 1

Illinois Meat Goat ProducersClause MillerRR 2 Box 220BRushville, IL 62681

Illinois Meat Goat ProducersMembership Information

Membership dues are $35.00 for the 1st quarter; $27.00 for the 2nd quarter, $18.00 for the 3rd quarter, and $9.00 for the 4th quarter (per family and individual). Dues are renewable yearly in January. The due amount provides membership in the Illinois Meat Goat Producers.Members Name _

Farm Name _

Address City State Zip _

Phone ( ) - Fax ( ) - E-mail _ Check One: New � Renewal � Please send this application to:Penny Hamell, Treasurer1650 E 1600 N RdP.O. Box 631Taylorville, IL 62568

Clause Miller, PresidentR.R.2 Box 220BRushville, IL 62681

OR