Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Bucks for sale via private treaty

Many of the 47 goats that are participating in the Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test would make suitable bucks for breeding. Breed types include Boer, Kiko, Boer x Kiko, Kiko x dairy, and South East X (Boer x Kiko x dairy).

Many of the bucks on test are for sale via private treaty from their owners. Contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu for owner contact information.

goat from testWhile on test, the goats have been evaluated for growth performance and parasite resistance and resilience. Scrotal measurements will be taken on September 26. We're hoping to have the goats scanned for backfat thickness and ribeye area, as well. Scheduling of this is pending.

The purpose of a central performance test is to determine genetic differences in livestock, as opposed to differences which result from different feeding and management programs. Several states conduct central performance testing programs for small ruminants. These are excellent places to purchase males.

The other value of central performance is that it allows producers to select males on the basis of their performance, as opposed to just how they look, which gives little indication of how their offspring will perform.

The goats will be at the research station until October 6.