Summary of North Carolina Small Ruminant Producer Performance Record Collection Questionnaire

Abstract Growing interest and demand for small ruminant production in the Southeastern United States has garnered the need for improved productivity and greater Extension education programs. To better understand North Carolina small ruminant producer performance record collection, a needs assessment questionnaire was conducted. An online questionnaire was sent to sheep and goat producers via Extension email lists and state producer organizations. Producers were given nine weeks to respond to the survey and provided three email reminders. All responses were anonymous. The survey reached approximately 1200 producers. Of those, 131 agreed to the consent form, indicated they owned sheep and/or goats, and completed subsequent questions. A portion of respondents did not answer all questions. Of the 76 goat producers, 75.0% had 25 or less mature breeding females. Of the 75 sheep producers, 58.7% had 25 or less mature breeding females. Twenty producers had both sheep and goats. The portion of producers recording birth (62.6%) and rear (42.7%) type data on their entire flock was numerically greater than those recording birth (29.0%) and weaning (16.8%) weights on their entire flock. In terms of FAMACHA scores, 19.8% record data on their entire flock compared to 41.2% that record some data and 22.1% with no records. 45.8% of producers indicated no fecal egg count (FEC) records with 27.5% recording some FEC data. In terms of genetic selection tools, 41.2% of producers had not heard of estimated breeding values (EBVs) compared to 39.7% that indicated a basic understanding and 3.8% that use EBVs. This aligns with the 44.3% of producers that have not heard of the National Sheep Improvement Program and 38.2% that have a basic understanding. These data indicate the need for greater collection of performance records and participation in genetic evaluation programs among small ruminant producers in North Carolina.