First work day

7:30 a.m. -- The goats were worked today by Jeff Semler, David Gordon, Shannon Uzelac, Jeanne Dietz-Band, Pam Thomas, and Susan Schoenian. Individual fecal samples were collected from the rectum of each goat. The pooled sample was created from fecal samples taken from every third goat that was worked.

The goats were weighed by Jeff Semler. The data was recorded by David Gordon. Starting weights ranged from 25 to 70 lbs. (11.4 to 31.8 kg). The sixty buck kids averaged 48.1 lbs. (21.9 kg). During the 12-day adjustment period, the goats gained an average of 1.2 lbs. or 0.10 lbs. per day (45.5 g). Weight gain/loss ranged from -9 lbs. to + 11 lbs.

Susan Schoenian assessed FAMACHA© scores, body condition scores, and coat condition scores. Pam Thomas recorded the data. As expected (due to the multiple deworming on June 6), FAMACHA© scores improved and no goat required deworming. FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 3 and averaged 1.6. They averaged 1.8 on June 6.

Body condition scores remained unchanged at 2.7. We began assessing coat condition scores (as an indicator of health and vigor) on a scale of 1 to 3, with 3 being the best (healthiest).

For the past few days, the goats have been grazing a tree pasture with mixed forage species, including some warm season grasses. The recently planted two-acre field of dwarf pearl millet and brassicas is coming up nicely. The two acres of chicory is growing back after mowing. The goats are currently grazing cool season grass pastures (MaxQ™ tall fescue and orchardgrass): the vegetative regrowth after a hay crop was removed.

A few goats are being treated for fevers, coughs, snotty noses, and ear tag infections. When a goat requires multiple treatments, it is moved to the new treatment enclosure: a 9 x 7 ft. Super Calf hutch with a 8 x 8 ft. outside pen area. They are fed hay while in the treatment pen. A similar isolation pen is located outside of the pasture and is reserved for goats with potentially contagious diseases (e.g. abscesses).

The next time the goats will be worked is Thursday, July 2.

Download June 18 report

First report

The goats have been on test for approximately one week. Starting weights will be determined on Thursday, June 18, when the goats are worked for the first time. The first 12 days of the test will serve as an adjustment period.

Initial fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 8,500 eggs per gram. They averaged 1,202 epg. Differences are attributed to differences in management prior to the test. Some goats had probably been dewormed one or more times, whereas others were not dewormed until after the first fecal sample was collected.

Initial egg counts are for informational purposes only and do not factor into the test results. Nor do the initial weights.


Download June 6 report

60 goats begin '09 test

Sixty (60) bucks began the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test on June 6 at the University of Maryland’s Western Maryland Research & Education Center in Keedysville, Maryland.

The bucks were consigned by 17 breeders from 11 states: Delaware, 1; Kansas, 1; Illinois, 2; Maryland, 3; Missouri, 1; Ohio, 1; Oklahoma, 2; Pennsylvania, 2; Tennessee, 1; Virginia, 2; and West Virginia, 1. They include 46 New Zealand, purebred, and percentage Kiko; 5 Boer x Kiko crossbred; 6 fullblood and percentage Boer, 2 Composite Tennessee Mountain Meat Goat, and 1 Myotonic.

Upon arrival to the test site, the goats were required to stand in a foot bath (containing zinc sulfate) for ten minutes. They were weighed and ear tagged. FAMACHA© and body condition scores were determined. The goats were dewormed with Cydectin® 1% injectable (1 ml/100) and Prohibit™ drench (3 ml/50 lbs.). In last year’s test, this dual-treatment reduced beginning fecal egg counts by 95 percent.

FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 4 and averaged 1.8. Only one goat would have required deworming based on FAMACHA© scores. The purpose of deworming all of the goats with anthelmintics from different chemical classes is to make sure all the goats begin the test “free” from nematode parasites. Cydectin® and levamisole are used because resistance tends to be less for these drugs.

During the test when a goat requires anthelmintic treatment, Cydectin© is usually given. Towards the end of the test, levamisole is usually the drug of choice due to its shorter withdrawal period. Levamisole is currently unavailable for purchase. Fortunately, the test had purchased several packets of the drench powder last year.

Body condition scoring provides another indication for the need for deworming. It is accessed by feeling for fat and muscle over the backbone, ribs, and loin edge. Scores range from 1 to 5, with 1 being emaciated, 3 being average, and 5 being obese. Body condition scores ranged from 2 to 3 and averaged 2.7.

Fecal samples were collected from the rectum of each goat. Individual fecal egg counts (eggs per gram/epg) will be determined by Dr. Dahlia Jackson’s lab at Delaware State University. The pooled samples will be sent to Dr. Ray Kaplan’s lab at the University of Georgia for fecal coproculture (larvae ID).

The bucks are smaller this year, averaging 46.9 lbs., several pounds lighter than last year. Twenty-five percent of the bucks weighed less than 40 lbs. Only 5 weighed more than 65 lbs. The official starting weights will be determined on June 18 after a 12-day adjustment period to give the goats a chance to adapt to their new environment, diet, and pasture mates.

Early in the test, the goats will graze pastures containing orchardgrass and/or MaxQ™ tall fescue. The 2 acre field of chicory was recently mowed, due to plant maturity. The two acre field of pearl millet was recently planted, as was an acre of sericea lespedeza.

77 goats nominated

The nomination deadline for the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test is today, May 15th. Seventy-seven (77) goats have been nominated for this year's test which will begin on June 6.

Nominations have been received from 21 breeders from 11 states: Delaware, 1; Illinois, 2, Kansas, 2; Kentucky, 2; Maryland, 3; Mississippi, 1; Missouri, 1; Ohio, 2; Oklahoma, 2; Pennsylvania, 2; Tennessee, 1; and Virginia, 2.

There are seven new consigners to the test. It is the first year that goats from Tennessee and Ohio have been nominated to the test.

Genetic composition of the nominated goats is Kiko, 55; Kiko x Boer, 11; Boer, 6; Composite Mountain Meat Goat, 3; and Myotonic, 2. It is the first year that Myotonic goats have been nominated to the test.

56 goats nominated

Fifty-six (56) male goats have been nominated to the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test. Up to 70 goats will be accepted for testing. Previous consigners and Maryland residents will be favored in the selection process.

The 56 goats have been nominated by fourteen (14) consigners from twelve (12) states: Delaware (1), Illinois (1), Kansas (2), Kentucky (1), Maryland (2), Mississippi (1), Missouri (1), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (1), Tennessee (1), and Virginia (1). Six consigners are new.

The nominations include 38 Kikos, 10 Kiko x Boer crossbreds, 2 Myotonics, and 3 "Composite Mountain Meat Goats." The Myotonics are the first to be nominated for the Maryland test. The nomination period for the test concludes on May 15.

It is not necessary to list specific goats during the nomination process.

Download nomination form

45 goats nominated

So far, forty-five (45) male goats have been nominated to the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test. Up to 70 goats will be accepted for testing. Previous consigners and Maryland residents will be favored in the selection process.

The 45 goats have been nominated by ten (10) consigners from eight (8) states: Delaware (1), Illinois (1), Kansas (2), Maryland (2), Mississippi (1), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), and Pennsylvania (1). Four consigners are new.

The nominations include 38 Kikos, 5 Kiko crossbreds, and 2 Myotonics. The Myotonics are the first to be nominated for the Maryland test. The nomination period for the test concludes on May 15. It is not necessary to list specific goats during the nomination process.

Download nomination form

Nomination period opens April 1

Nominations for the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test will be accepted April 1st through May 15. Male goats of any breed or breed cross are eligible. Goat breeders from any state may consign up to five goats.

The test will be conducted from June 6 until October 3. A field day and sale will be held on Saturday, October 3 at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center near Boonsboro, MD. Bucks meeting minimum standards for growth, parasite resistance, and resilience will be eligible to sell. Consigners to the test may also nominate does to the sale.

A nomination form and other pertinent documents may be downloaded from the test's web site at http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com/. For information about the test and/or to request a nomination packet, contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 ext. 343 or sschoen@umd.edu or Pam Thomas at ext. 315 or pthomas@umd.edu.

The test is most suitable for meat goat producers who raise their kids mostly on pasture or browse, with little or no grain supplementation. It is recommended that the goats be adapted to a pasture diet before starting the test.

Download 2009 guidelines and protocol
Download nomination form