Small Farm Development (continued)
Small Ruminants
| Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension serves small ruminant producers across Kentucky. We created a data recording and evaluation program known as the Goat Herd Improvement Program (GHIP) that farmers can use to improve selection practices. Workshops are offered on breed choice, selection, health, and management of meat goats and are held across the state. Additionally, a small ruminant herd health appraisal program is in place to help farmers prioritize health issues and develop plans to improve herd health and survival. |
Pastured Poultry
| The phasing out of the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobials in food production and the ever-growing demand for low-priced, healthy and high-quality poultry has led to the popularity of pasture-based poultry systems. Our Extension program focuses on using natural growth-promoting feed additives such as phytobiotics (plant and herbal extracts) and symbiotics (prebiotics and probiotics) to maintain and improve the health, performance and immune status of pastured poultry. Results of this research will be extended to local farmers online and through workshops, fact sheets and online resources. Local farmers will be educated and encouraged to embrace pasture-based poultry production in order to diversify their family incomes. Farmers are able to process their pastured poultry at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm utilizing the university’s Mobile Processing Unit for poultry, fish, and rabbits. This allows them to market directly to consumers. |  |
Contact:
Frederick Bebe, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Professor/Principal Investigator
frederick.bebe@kysu.edu
(502) 597-6584