Diagnostic Tool Identifies Sheep, Goat Infections
BY ROBERT KELLY,
Elkhart County Purdue Extension Educator
ELKHART COUNTY — Many sheep and goat producers have challenges with keeping worms and parasite under control in their herds. FAMANCHA is a diagnostic tool to help sheep and goat producers identify parasite infections in their herds.
The tool is a chart that matches eyelid color to the anemia level of the animal, which is an indicator of a parasite infection. By using this type of tool, producers are able to target and treat those animals who need it and effectively reduce the amount of dewormers and treatment needed for their herds. This will help producers significantly reduce the likelihood of causing parasites to become resistant to dewormers.
Purdue Extension Elkhart County will be hosting a hands on interactive workshop to train producers on the FAMANCHA system on Nov. 23. The workshop will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and take place in AG Hall on the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Grounds located at 17746 CR 34, Goshen.
Topics for the workshop include: How to effectively control parasites, FAMANCHA Scoring- Hands on training, and body condition scoring. The cost of the workshop is $20 per a participant, which includes a notebook with presentation materials and handouts, FAMANCHA Scorecard, and refreshments.
This workshop is limited to the first 20 paid participants. To find out more about the FAMANCHA workshop go to https://extension.purdue.edu/Elkhartor to register please call the Purdue Extension-Elkhart County office at (574) 533-0554.