Small Ruminant 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 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.

Research

Research addresses animal health, including parasite control, which is the biggest challenge to goat farmers in North Carolina.

Engagement

Meat goat and sheep farmers engage in workshops during Small Farms Week, which is in the spring.

Contact

Coordinator: Blake Thompson, jbthompson@ncat.edu, 336-398-8681