Small Ruminant Research Unit
Meat goat production is North Carolina’s fastest growing livestock industry, and the state ranks eighth in the nation in meat goat production. In addition to serving as a classroom for students in the Department of Animal Sciences, the Small Ruminant Research Unit serves the needs of the growing numbers of small ruminant farmers. It houses the major small ruminant meat breeds that are raised in North Carolina, including Boer, Spanish, BoerXSpanish and Pygmy goats and Katahdin sheep.
Learning
Students seeking more information about education in small ruminants should check the animal sciences curriculums in the Department of Animal Sciences in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Research
Research addresses animal health, including parasite control, which is the biggest challenge to goat farmers in North Carolina. Click Here for more about goat research at the University Farm.
Engagement
Meat goat and sheep farmers engage in workshops during Small Farms Week, which is in the Spring. Visit the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences homepage for information.
Contacts
Coordinator: Garry Summers, glsummer@ncat.edu, (336) 256-2217
For farmers seeking more information about goat farming in North Carolina, contact Dr. Ralph Noble, rcnoble@ncat.edu
