The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) announced on May 9 that its livestock farm has expanded with the addition of eight donated goats. The animals are currently cared for by livestock farm technician Bernard Wooten, along with student workers participating in the UAPB Discovery Farm Educational Center.
Shortly after their arrival, the herd grew when a buck named Jasper was born on April 20. Erika Jackson, a senior animal science major graduating in May, was present for the birth. Jackson said she plans to become a veterinary technician and is gaining practical experience working with the animals, which she described as essential preparation for her future career.
Dr. Ryan Nedd, an extension specialist at UAPB, said the donation will be used to support academic programs. “The overall aim of this contribution will be for research and teaching purposes,” he said. “The intent is educational, focusing on student interaction with animals to support the livestock farm’s goal of conducting animal science research on goat production and husbandry.”
Students involved in the program will receive training in goat care practices such as safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and pest management. The goats will also be used in collaboration with the UAPB Small Farm Program to provide hands-on training during workshops and outreach events. Animal science faculty member Dr. Emmanuel Asiamah will lead related research initiatives while daily care remains under Wooten’s supervision.
Dr. Nedd said integrating these goats into both research and teaching activities demonstrates UAPB’s commitment to experiential learning in agriculture.
UAPB competes as the Golden Lions in athletics—including football—and supports community development through outreach programs aimed at diverse populations; it operates within the University of Arkansas System and maintains a faculty-to-student ratio of 15 to 1 according to the official website.
