University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering FAMACHA workshops this spring for sheep and goat producers interested in learning more about an internal parasite of small ruminants. The practical workshops will show producers how to determine the degree of infection from the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contorutus) by observing the blood color of the capillaries around the eyes of sheep or goats.
The workshops will be presented by two members of UMaine Extension’s sheep research team: Thomas Settlemire and Richard Brzozowski. Participants will receive an information packet and record sheets. The workshop fee is $20 per farm.
The two-hour workshops are offered three times:
- Sunday, May 19, 10 a.m.-noon, at Northeast Livestock Expo on the Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, Maine
- Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Maine Fiber Frolic on the Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor, Maine
- Saturday, June 15, 2013, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., MOFGA Farm & Homestead Day, Unity, Maine
Settlemire and Brzozowski are experienced in sheep production and applied research in breeding natural resistance to the barber pole worm. When sheep and goat producers learn the FAMACHA technique and apply it to their livestock, they are apt to have a more productive herd. They also save on deworming because of this targeted approach and select those animals for breeding that are resistant.
For more information or to request disability accommodations, call 207.781.6099 or 1.800.287.1471 (in Maine only).
A blade shearing school is planned for April 5 & 6 at Shaker Village, 707 Shaker Road in New Gloucester, Maine. Participants will be shearing a flock of Romney sheep. The instructor for this hands-on school is renowned blade shearer, Kevin Ford of Massachusetts. The cost of the school is $85 per person and includes reference materials and lunch.
FAMACHA workshops are designed to equip sheep and goat producers with the skills and knowledge to determine the degree of infection of Haemonchus contorutus (barber pole worm) in sheep and goats using blood color of the capillaries around the eye. The barber pole worm is a blood sucking internal parasite that is a common cause of death and poor-doing in small ruminants. The workshops will be presented by Dr. Thomas Settlemire and Dr. Richard Brzozowski. Participants will receive an information packet, record sheets and a FAMACHA card. The fee to participate in a FAMACHA workshop is $20.00 per farm. The microscope-use workshop is free. One or more individuals from each farm are welcome to participate.
Caseous Lymphadentis (CLA)