The goats posted moderate gains for the previous 14-day weigh period. Gain ranged from -3.0 to +7.0 lbs. and averaged 2.3 lbs. ADG ranged from -0.21 lbs. per day to +0.5 lbs. per day and averaged 0.161 lbs. per day.
Only six goats lost weight during the previous 14 days. Twelve goats maintained their weight. More than three-quarters of the goats in the pasture test gained weight from August 18 until September 1.
Top-performers
The top-gaining goat for the weigh period was a Kiko buck consigned by Jarred Dennison (KY). It gained 7 lbs. or 0.5 lbs. per day. Five goats gained 6 lbs. or 0.428 lbs. per day. These top-gaining goats were consigned by Craig Adams (IL), Luke Miller (IN), P.J. Murphy (NJ), Mike and Lorie Renick (WV), and Mark Sweitzer (PA).
As of day-84, the top-gaining buck is a Kiko x Boer buck consigned by Luke Miller. It is gaining almost 0.3 lbs. per day (0.298). The buck with the second highest rate-of-gain is a Savanna x Spanish buck consigned by Janet and Stephen Garrett (VA). It is gaining 0.262 lbs. per day. These two crossbred bucks have been the top-performers throughout the test.
Day-84 ADG ranged from -0.071 to +0.298 lbs. per day and is averaging 0.136 lbs. per day. Only one goat in the pasture test has failed to gain weight. Despite failing to gain weight, this buck is healthy and vigorous and has posted excellent scores for parasite resistance and resilience.
Four goats in the pasture test were dewormed with either moxidectin or levamisole. FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 3 and averaged 1.81 compared to 1.56 on August 18. Higher FAMACHA© scores make sense as egg counts increased by about 500 epg between August 4 and August 18.
Body condition and coat condition scores remained stable. No goat had a body condition or coat condition score below 2.0. Only one goat in the pasture test had a positive dag core. Only one goat was actively scouring. A pooled fecal sample was collected from random goats. The sample was sent to the University of Georgia for larvae ID.
Additional data
In addition to the normal data and sample collection, the goats were scanned by Jim Pritchard from West Virginia University to determine rib eye area and back fat. The ultrasound scan data was sent to Iowa for processing.
The bucks were evaluated for reproductive traits and structural soundness. Scrotal size was determined using a scrotal tape. Teats were counted and teat structure was noted.
The hooves of each goat were trimmed and evaluated to determine hoof growth and abnormalities. The feet and leg structure of each goat was evaluated. Unlike evaluation in the show ring, only "functional" structure and mobility problems are noted. All of these data will be reported in a later blog entry.
The goats will be worked for a final time on Thursday, September 15. Sale bucks will be identified after this final day of data collection.
Grazing conditions are good. Moisture has vastly improved. Hurricane Irene had no effect at the test site. After working, the goats were given access to the chicory field. After grazing there for a few days, they will be returned to the pearl millet and/or cool season grass paddocks.
Pen goats
All of the goats being fed in the pen gained weight. Gain ranged from 3 to 8 lbs. and averaged 4.7 lbs. The goats in the pen are eating more grain. Two that have been doing poorly are looking much better and are actively gaining weight. ADG for the goats in the pen has ranged from -0.036 to 0.369 lbs. per day and is averaging 0.333 lbs. per day. The penned goats were also scanned to determine back fat and rib eye area.
Download d-84 (Sept 1) report
Only six goats lost weight during the previous 14 days. Twelve goats maintained their weight. More than three-quarters of the goats in the pasture test gained weight from August 18 until September 1.
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| Top-performing buck as of d-84 Kiko x Boer buck consigned by Luke Miller |
Top-performers
The top-gaining goat for the weigh period was a Kiko buck consigned by Jarred Dennison (KY). It gained 7 lbs. or 0.5 lbs. per day. Five goats gained 6 lbs. or 0.428 lbs. per day. These top-gaining goats were consigned by Craig Adams (IL), Luke Miller (IN), P.J. Murphy (NJ), Mike and Lorie Renick (WV), and Mark Sweitzer (PA).
As of day-84, the top-gaining buck is a Kiko x Boer buck consigned by Luke Miller. It is gaining almost 0.3 lbs. per day (0.298). The buck with the second highest rate-of-gain is a Savanna x Spanish buck consigned by Janet and Stephen Garrett (VA). It is gaining 0.262 lbs. per day. These two crossbred bucks have been the top-performers throughout the test.
Day-84 ADG ranged from -0.071 to +0.298 lbs. per day and is averaging 0.136 lbs. per day. Only one goat in the pasture test has failed to gain weight. Despite failing to gain weight, this buck is healthy and vigorous and has posted excellent scores for parasite resistance and resilience.
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| Relaxing after being worked |
Four goats in the pasture test were dewormed with either moxidectin or levamisole. FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 3 and averaged 1.81 compared to 1.56 on August 18. Higher FAMACHA© scores make sense as egg counts increased by about 500 epg between August 4 and August 18.
Body condition and coat condition scores remained stable. No goat had a body condition or coat condition score below 2.0. Only one goat in the pasture test had a positive dag core. Only one goat was actively scouring. A pooled fecal sample was collected from random goats. The sample was sent to the University of Georgia for larvae ID.
Additional data
In addition to the normal data and sample collection, the goats were scanned by Jim Pritchard from West Virginia University to determine rib eye area and back fat. The ultrasound scan data was sent to Iowa for processing.
The bucks were evaluated for reproductive traits and structural soundness. Scrotal size was determined using a scrotal tape. Teats were counted and teat structure was noted.
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| Late-August grazing |
The hooves of each goat were trimmed and evaluated to determine hoof growth and abnormalities. The feet and leg structure of each goat was evaluated. Unlike evaluation in the show ring, only "functional" structure and mobility problems are noted. All of these data will be reported in a later blog entry.
The goats will be worked for a final time on Thursday, September 15. Sale bucks will be identified after this final day of data collection.
Grazing conditions are good. Moisture has vastly improved. Hurricane Irene had no effect at the test site. After working, the goats were given access to the chicory field. After grazing there for a few days, they will be returned to the pearl millet and/or cool season grass paddocks.
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| Penned goats enjoy their once-a-day grain diet |
Pen goats
All of the goats being fed in the pen gained weight. Gain ranged from 3 to 8 lbs. and averaged 4.7 lbs. The goats in the pen are eating more grain. Two that have been doing poorly are looking much better and are actively gaining weight. ADG for the goats in the pen has ranged from -0.036 to 0.369 lbs. per day and is averaging 0.333 lbs. per day. The penned goats were also scanned to determine back fat and rib eye area.
Download d-84 (Sept 1) report
