
In previous years of the test, egg counts peaked earlier in the test (July or August). In addition, despite high egg counts towards the end of the test, few goats required deworming as indicated by FAMACHA© eye anemia scores. The need for deworming peaked on September 26 when 8 goats were dewormed. Of the 10 goats that await slaughter at the test site, four were dewormed on October 8.
The Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test places heavy emphasis on internal parasite resistance and resilience. Goats that gain well, but have poor resistance or resilience data do not make the sale. Furthermore, just because a goat doesn't require deworming (has good FAMACHA© scores) doesn't mean he's suitable as a breeder. A breeding buck should also have low egg count data, so he and his progeny don't continuously contaminate the pastures with infective worm larvae.

An additional fecal sample was collected randomly from every third goat. The additional samples were combined into a single pooled sample. Samples from goats with poor FAMACHA© scores and/or loose stools were also favored for the pooled sample, as they would be more likely to have higher fecal egg counts. Fecal coproculture could not be performed on the sample from June 18, as the egg count was insufficient (only 33 epg).

Since the test ended on September 26, an additional set of individual fecal egg count data was received. Fecal coproculture data has been completed through September 10. One more set of data is expected.