The greatest challenge to sustainable sheep and goat production is infection with internal parasites. Fort Valley State University’s (FVSU) research and outreach on the tannin-containing legume sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) as a natural alternative to ineffective anthelmintic drugs has shown improved sustainability and profitability of small ruminant production systems in the United States. This work also provides farmers with a new revenue opportunity through the sale of nutraceutical hay.

NIFA supports this research with Evans-Allen and SARE funding.

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