Small ruminant quality assurance (SRQA) – considerations and practices

There are multiple quality assurance programs in existence for livestock industries in the United States. This includes the Beef Quality Assurance program and Pork Quality Assurance Program. Although technically a Sheep Safety and Quality As­surance program does exist through the American Sheep In­dustry Association, it is not as nationally known or recognized compared to programs featuring major food animal species. No formal quality assurance programs exist for goats in the United States. This proceeding will discuss aspects of small ruminant (sheep and goat) management, preventive medicine and medi­cal treatment that influences quality assurance..