Juniper Consumption Does Not Adversely Affect Meat Quality in Boer-Cross Goats

Menchaca, Matthew W.; Scott, Cody B.; Braden, K.W.; Owens, Corey J.; Branham, L.

doi:10.2111/rem-d-10-00139.1

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Grazing is a long-term sustainable solution for biomass control. It is highly recommended that research is undertaken to validate that goats can also be preconditioned to increase the intake of Juniper communis [ 56 ], which will likely represent no problem regarding meat quality [ 64 ]. Goats may make an important impact.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Fire Revealing Coastal Norway’s Wildland–Urban Interface Challenges and Possible Low-Cost Sustainable Solutions

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Gjedrem

2022

IJERPH

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The Calluna vulgaris L. that dominated coastal heathlands of Western Europe were for millennia managed by regular burning cycles for improved grazing. Most places in Norway this practice has, however, been neglected over the last 5–7 decades, resulting in accumulation of above ground biomass including degenerated Calluna and successional fire-prone species, e.g., native juniper (Juniperus communis) and exotic blacklisted Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis). Today, in dry periods, the heathland represents a fire threat to the increasing number of homes in the wildland–urban interface (WUI), as exemplified by the June 2021 Sotra Island WUI fire. The fire burned 700 ha of encroached heathlands, destroyed three buildings, and threatened settlements. In the present study, the Sotra fire was investigated to understand the fire development and analyse possible risk reducing measures. Photographic material obtained during the fire, weather conditions prior to and during the fire, involved fire fuel, fire spread mechanisms, firefighting response, and possible consequences under slightly changed circumstances were analysed. Compared to previous fires in coastal Norway, the Sotra fire represents a step change in fire development including, e.g., pyrocumulus-like clouds, fire whirls, and fire spread 270 m across a fjord. Preventive measures based on the local context are analysed, including engaging voluntary communities to remove fire-prone fuel, e.g., juniper and Sitka, to create defensible space. Moreover, strategic fire breaks in the terrain, e.g., well-managed heathland strengthening existing fuel breaks, e.g., lakes, cultivated fields, naked rock, and roads, are recommended. Mechanical cutting is suggested as a short-term measure while fenceless grazing may represent a long-term solution to prevent regrowth. During a period of record high energy prices, this may provide free of charge firewood and make way for future local food production, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while reducing the fire risk.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Goats in groups can also be carefully conditioned to eat more juniper [ 56 ]. By feeding Boer-cross breads 0% to 30% redberry and ashe juniper, no statistical changes were observed regarding meat quality and overall acceptability among treatments [ 64 ].…”

Section: Possible Solutions To the Increasing Wui Fire Riskmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Fire Revealing Coastal Norway’s Wildland–Urban Interface Challenges and Possible Low-Cost Sustainable Solutions

Log

Gjedrem

2022

IJERPH

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“…The interviewees had several suggestions for improvements which are recommended for future studies. Preconditioning goats for consuming more Juniper communis, as has been done with other junipers in the USA [52,53], and been shown not to adversely affect meat quality [57], may be a good suggestion for improved juniper grazing. Just making juniper branches with green foliage available may be sufficient for the preconditioning during weaning.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Virtually Fenced Goats for Grazing Fire Prone Juniper in Coastal Norway Wildland–Urban Interface

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Gjedrem

Metallinou

2022

Fire

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For millennia, the coastal heathlands of Western Europe were managed by regular burning cycles for improved grazing. In recent decades, this practice has generally been neglected. In Norway, the result is accumulation of degenerated heather and highly combustible Juniperus communis (juniper) encroachment, i.e., an increasing fire threat to a rising number of homes in the wildland–urban interface (WUI). In the present study, goats grazing a 1.2 ha site partly encroached by fire-prone juniper were studied in a living lab approach. Twelve wethers (castrated male goats) wearing solar-powered Nofence GPS collars were virtually fenced to protect villa gardens bordering the site during eight weeks from 18 April 2022. Besides some early operator errors, tree shadows and cloudy days limiting battery charging, the system worked well. Photographs taken prior to and after the grazing revealed that only 39% of the junipers had 90+% remaining foliage while for 41%, the foliage was reduced to below 10%, making them far less fire-prone. The goats were frequently visited by neighborhood residents of all ages, school classes, and kindergartens. Moreover, local newspapers and TV stations broadcasted the initiative. Although divided regarding debarked deciduous trees, the neighbors stated that the goats were well accepted. Despite some limited loss of garden plants, all interviewed residents bordering the site were positive about the goats “bringing life to the forest” and, if possible, welcomed them back for other grazing periods. Virtually fenced grazing goats may represent a sustainable solution for reducing fire hazards in the WUI also elsewhere.

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Juniper Consumption Does Not Adversely Affect Meat Quality in Boer-Cross Goats

Cited by 2 publications

References 22 publications

A Fire Revealing Coastal Norway’s Wildland–Urban Interface Challenges and Possible Low-Cost Sustainable Solutions

A Fire Revealing Coastal Norway’s Wildland–Urban Interface Challenges and Possible Low-Cost Sustainable Solutions

Virtually Fenced Goats for Grazing Fire Prone Juniper in Coastal Norway Wildland–Urban Interface

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