Continued rutting behavior didn't prevent the goats from posting good average daily gains. For the past 14 days, the 47 goats averaged 0.392 + 0.12 lbs. per day (178.2 g). Among individual goats, gain ranged from 0.143 (65 g) to 0.712 lbs. (324 g) per day. This was the highest average daily gain (ADG) since the first time period (6/22-7/20).
Average daily gain over the 98-day test period (6/22-9/26) is 0.253 + 0.037 lbs. per day (115 g). Among individual goats, ADG has ranged from 0.143 (65 g) to 0.367 lbs. (167 g) per day. Six goats have gained more than 0.3 lbs. (136 g) per day. Nineteen gained between 0.25 and 0.3 lbs. and sixteen gained between 0.2 and 0.25 lbs. per day.Only six goats gained less than 0.2 lbs. (91 g) per day. Last year, ADG averaged 0.19 lbs. (86 g) per day, as the goats did not realize any gain during the last 28-day period.
FAMACHA© scores continued to be strong, averaging 1.68 + 0.58, compared to an average of 1.79 two weeks ago. No goat required anthelmintic treatment. Over the duration of the test, only four goats have been dewormed, excluding the initial treatment with moxidectin. Body condition scores remained relatively constant at 2.79 + 0.16. Body condition scores between 2.5 and 3 are probably most desirable.
Scrotal measurements (SC) ranged from 22.0 to 32.0 centimeters and averaged 26.2 + 1.5 centimeters. These measurements were not adjusted for age, weight, or breed. Research indicates that scrotal circumference is highly related to improved semen quality and quantity and reproductive success.The research center has not experienced much rainfall for a few weeks, but plenty of forage remains. The goats continue to have access to the entire 10-acre grazing system.
