Weight gains for the final 28 days of the test were disappointing. The goats gained only 0.01 lbs. (4.5 g) per day between August 31 and September 29. Fourteen (14) goats lost weight. As a result of the poor weight gains, average daily gain (ADG) for the entire 112-day test period declined to 0.19 lbs. (86.2 g) per day. Ending weights ranged from 52 (23.6 kg) to 98 lbs. (44.5 kg) The average was 69.3 lbs (31.4 kg). Among individual goats, ADG ranged from 0.036 (16.3 g) to 0.286 lbs. (129.7 g) per day. The top gaining goat was a high percentage Boer that topped the test at 98 lbs. (44.5 kg).
This time, only 5 of the 31 bucks required deworming. These bucks scored 4 or 5 on the FAMACHA© scale and were dewormed with Cydectin® sheep drench. As compared to two weeks ago, FAMACHA© scores improved from 3.26 to 2.83. Body condition scores (BCS) declined from 2.79 to 2.58. The scrotal circumference (SC) of each buck was measured. Measurements ranged from 18 to 28 centimeters.
The pastures are lush, but obviously contain more moisture than during the middle of the summer. The bucks were more sexually active during this period. Both of these factors undoubtably affected gain.
Now that all the data has been collected, the challenge will be to present it in a manner that fairly compares the goats. ADG is not the only performance criteria that producers should consider. Some goats on test required more deworming and attention than others and this needs to be reflected in the final report. There are also age and breed differences to consider.
Images by Jeff Semler
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