71 percent barber pole worm

For the pooled fecal sample collected on June 2, Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) comprised 71 percent of the worm eggs. Sixteen percent of the eggs were Trichostrongylus. The remaining 13 percent were classified as "other."

While tapeworm eggs and coccidia oocytes can be differentiated at the egg stage, strongyle-type worms (Haemonchus, Trichostrongyles, and Teladorsagia) mostly look the same. Only Nematodirus is different, because it is a much larger egg. Thus, strongyle-type eggs have to be hatched for larvae identification. This process is labor-intensive and requires several weeks to complete.

The pooled sample is comprised of feces from random goats.

In previous tests, the first sample collected is always the most mixed sample, though Haemonchus Contortus has always been the predominant parasite, by a wide margin. As the test progresses, the worm load tends to become almost 100 percent barber pole worm.

Pooled fecal samples are collected every 4 weeks in the test. Larvae ID is done by Dr. Dahlia O'Brien's parasitology lab at Delaware State University. In previous years, the larvae ID was done by Dr. Ray Kaplan's lab at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. O'Brien was trained by Dr. Kaplan.

The larvae administered to the goats on June 21 was Haemonchus contortus.

Goats gain well first 14 days

Good weather and grazing conditions and relative "freedom" from worms allowed the goats to perform well during the first 14 days of the test.  Only two of the 49 goats lost weight between June 14-15 and June 28.

For the first 14 days of the test, gain ranged from -3.0 to 11.5 lbs. and averaged 4.7 ± 2.4 lbs. (2.1 ± 1.1 kg).  The median gain was 5 lbs. (2.3 kg).

On a per day basis, average daily gain (ADG) ranged from -0.214 to 0.821 lbs. per day and averaged 0.335 ± 0.174 lbs. (152 ± 79 g) per day.  The median ADG was 0.357 lbs. (162 g) per day.

Bucks grazing cool season grass paddock.

For the first weigh period, the top-gaining goat was a Kiko buck (#5) consigned by Kendall and Dana Barnes from Kentucky. 

FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 3 and averaged 1.9 ± 0.6, slightly better than two weeks ago.  The median FAMACHA© score was 2.  No goat required deworming. As expected, dosing the goats with worm larvae (on 6/21) had no effect on FAMACHA© scores.  FAMACHA© scores are a measure of parasite resilience.

Bucks grazing "summer feast" (millet + rape).

Body condition scores remained unchanged at 2.5 ± 0.3. Scores ranged from 1.5 to 3. The median body condition score was 2.5/5.0. Coat condition scores ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 and averaged 2.1 ± 0.2. The median coat condition score was 2.0/3.0.  Few goats showed any evidence of scouring (diarrhea). Dag scores ranged from 0 to 2 and averaged close to zero. The median dag score was 0/5

A fecal sample was collected from the rectum from each goat.  The individual samples are used to determine fecal egg counts (FECs).  FECs are a measure of parasite resistance. A pooled sample was collected from random goats. The pooled sample is used to determine worm types.  All fecal analyses are performed by Dr. Dahlia O'Brien's lab at Delaware State University.

Some of the bucks in the central lane way

The goats were worked today by Jeff Semler, David Gordon, Mary Beth Bennett, and Susan Schoenian. The goats were weighed by Jeff Semler. Data was recorded by Pam Thomas and a student volunteer.  The goats will be worked next on July 12. Hot weather is expected.

Download July 28 d-14 report

Triple-dosing "eliminates" worms

Fecal egg counts from the samples collected from the goats on June 2 and June 14 demonstrated the effectiveness of the triple-dosing of dewormers.

No more worms
Among the 49 goats in the test, fecal egg count reduction (FECR) ranged from 88.9 to 100 percent and averaged 97.8 ±5.7 percent. The median reduction was 100 percent. FECR was similar for the goats in the pen vs. pasture study.

As of 6/14, the goats were
essentially "free" from worms

On June 14, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 467 epg and averaged 28 ±77 epg. The median egg count was 0 epg. Fecal egg counts on June 2 ranged from 0 to 15,150 eggs per gram (epg) and averaged 2,437 ±3337 epg. The median egg count was 1,257 epg.

On June 2, the goats were dewormed with moxidectin (Cydectin© @ 2 ml/11 lbs.), albendazole (Valbazen© @ 3 ml/50 lbs), and levamisole (Prohibit© at 3 ml/50 lbs.). Each of the dewormers used represented a different chemical class and mode of action. All of the dewormers were administered orally using a dosing syringe with a long metal nozzle. The drug was deposited into the goat's esophagus.

The triple-dosing achieved its objective:  virtual "elimination" of worms (a few worms will always survive a treatment). For the comparisons in a performance test to be valid, all of the animals must start the test equally.  The test officially started on June 14-15, when starting weights were determined and initial scores were collected. The 12-day adjustment period also allowed enough time for the goats to be cleared of worms.

Artificial dosing
Today, June 21, the test goats were dosed with 1,000 third stage (L3) larvae of Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm). The larvae were mixed with water and given in the same manner as the dewormers. The larvae were provided by Dr. Anne Zajac's lab at Virginia Tech.

Artificial dosing with worm larvae

The purpose of the artificial dosing was NOT to challenge the goats (it's not enough larvae, plus the goats are "clean"), but rather to SEED the pastures with infective larvae; in other words, increase the probability that the goats will face a sufficient parasite challenge during the testing period. The larvae used are susceptible to all of the commonly-used anthelmintics.

As stated in previous blog entries, we cannot identify resistant and susceptible bucks unless the bucks are sufficiently challenged by parasites. A wide variation in fecal egg counts and FAMACHA© scores is necessary to get separation among the bucks. Lower egg counts are meaningless unless there are also high egg counts among many of the goats.

The goats will be worked next on June 28.

Download FECRT report

New faces

The 2012 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test welcomes two new faces:  Erin Canfield and Dr. Mara Mullinix.

Erin takes care of the goats on a daily basis. She will also feed the goats in the pen vs. pasture study and keep records.  Erin is a former 4-Her and is a college student.  She raises sheep, goats, and cattle and operates a livestock hauling business.

Erin Canfield

Mara Mullinix is the new consulting veterinarian for the goat test. Dr. Mullinix has a mixed veterinary practice in Monrovia, Maryland. She has considerable experience working with small ruminants and is a native of Nebraska.

Dr. Mara Mullinix

Some consigners may have met Dr. Mullinix at least year's field day and sale. She wrote health papers for the sale animals.

Starting weights determined

Starting weights were determined this week. The goats were weighed on June 14 and June 15 (same time each day - early am) and their starting weights were determined by averaging the two weights. For the 49 goats in the test, starting weights ranged from 29.0 to 64.5 lbs. and averaged 46.4 ±8.3 lbs. (21.1 ±3.8 kg). The median weight was 47 lbs. (21.4 kg).

FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 5 and averaged 2.1 ±0.7, virtually unchanged from June 2.  For the sample collected on June 2, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 15,150 eggs per gram and averaged 2,437 ±3,337 epg. The median egg count was 1,257 epg. The large standard deviation is indicative of a wide variation in fecal egg counts. In fact, the genetic variability of fecal egg counts makes selection for parasite resistance very promising.

Goat "playground"

Two thousand eggs per gram (2,000 epg) is considered to be of clinical significance for the barber pole worm, according to one source. Goats that have fecal egg counts over 2,000 (after June 2) will not meet the gold, silver, or bronze standards of the test.

A fecal sample was collected from each goat on June 13. This sample will be compared with the sample collected on June 2 to determine the effectiveness of the triple deworming (moxidectin + albendazole + levamisole).

Kiko buck consigned by Sam Burke (Delaware)

If eggs counts have been sufficiently reduced, the goats will be dosed with 1,000 Haemonchus contortus stage 3 larvae next week. The purpose of giving larvae is not to challenge the goats, but rather to get some more infective larvae on the pasture. Low egg counts and good FAMACHA© scores are meaningless unless the goats are sufficiently challenged by worms.

Body condition scores averaged 2.5 and were unchanged from June 2.  Coat condition scores averaged 2.1 compared to 2.2 on June 2. Only four of the goats had positive dag scores.  Last year, 44 percent of the goats showed some evidence of scouring during the adjustment period.

Grazing a new paddock

Grazing conditions are ideal.  Forage is plentiful and of good quality. Temperatures have been balmy, usually in the 70's and 80's. Rainfall has been ample, without stressing the goats. The goats have adjusted extremely well to their new environment and test mates.

During the adjustment period (June 2-June 14), they gained an average of 6.3 ±3.1 lbs. That works out to an average daily gain (ADG) of almost 0.5 lbs. per day. We hope they continue to gain that well throughout the test.

None of the goats have gotten sick and required special treatment. In previous tests, some of the goats usually experience respiratory symptoms as they adjusted to their new environment. While a couple of goats still have poor FAMACHA© scores, they appear vigorous and have put on weight.

New pasture coming up (millet + rape)

A few goats were issued new ear tags, in order to correct some tagging mistakes.

The goats were weighed by Jeff Semler and David Gordon. Susan Schoenian determined FAMACHA©, body condition, coat condition, and dag scores and collected fecal samples. Pam Thomas and David Gordon recorded data. A student volunteer assisted with fecal sample collection.

Somebody's got to be on top.

The goats will be worked next on June 28. They will receive the worm larvae on June 21 via an oral drenching syringe.

Download June 14 report
View images on Flickr™

About the bucks

22.4 percent (n=11) of the bucks were born in January. 32.7 percent (n=16) were born in February.  44.9 percent (n=22) were born in March.  The three oldest bucks were born on January 20. The two youngest were born on March 17. The average age of the bucks on June 2 was 107 ±18.1 days. The median birth date is February 16.

Eighty-three percent (n=41) of the bucks are multiple births. Over 18 percent (n=9) are triplet-born and there is one quad birth (a Myotonic) among the group of 49 test bucks.

Ninety percent (n=44) of the bucks in this year's test are Kiko or Kiko-influenced.  In addition to the Kikos, there are two Boer bucks, two Myotonic bucks, and one Spanish buck.

30.6 percent (n=15) of the bucks were creep-fed.  69.4 percent (n=34) were not.  69.4 percent (n=34) of the bucks' dams were fed grain during the nursing period. 30.6 percent (n=15) were not.  30.6 percent of the bucks were 100 percent pasture-raised prior to arriving at the test site.

90 percent the bucks are Kiko or Kiko-influenced.
This Kiko buck was consigned by Hannah Zitta (Virginia)

Age
January-born (11) - 22.4 percent
February-born  (16) - 32.7 percent
March-born (22) - 44.9 percent

Average age - 107 ±18.1 days
Median age - 111 days
Average birth date - February 16

Birth type
Singles (8) - 16.3 percent
Twins (31)- 61.2 percent
Triplets (9) - 18.4 percent
Quads (1) - 2 percent

Percent multiple birth - 83.7 percent

Breed composition
Boer (2)
New Zealand Kiko (12)
Purebred Kiko (7)
Kiko (13)
Kiko x Boer (3)
Kiko x Spanish (2)
Kiko x dairy (3)
Kiko percentage (3)
Myotonic (2)
Spanish (1)

Kiko-influenced - 90 percent

A pair of New Zealand Kiko bucks consigned
by Jarred Dennison (Kentucky)

Nutrition
Dams fed grain during lactation (34) - 69.4 percent
Dams not fed grain during lactation (15) - 30.6 percent

Creep-fed (15) - 30.6 percent
Not creep-fed (34) - 69.4 percent

Percent 100 percent pasture-raised (15) - 30.6 percent

Download buck info report

The good life

If you're a goat, the conditions couldn't be any better. Pasture quality is excellent and the weather is balmy, in the 70's.

Starting data for the test will be collected on Thursday, June 14. The goats will be weighed two days in a row. The fecal sample collected on June 14th will be compared to the sample collected on June 2 to determine the effectiveness of the triple deworming.

The goats will be given a very small dose of anthelmintic-susceptible worm larvae (Haemonchus contortus L3) on June 21. The purpose of dosing the goats with a low dose of larvae is to help "seed" the pastures with infective worm larvae. The amount of larvae being given is insufficient to cause clinical parasitism (sickness) in the goats.

Plenty of good quality forage.

Kiko bucks enjoying the nice weather.

A pair of Myotonic bucks.

One of two fullblood Boer bucks in the test.

Taking a break from grazing.

Pictures of this year's test will be uploaded to Flickr™ and can be viewed at any time at http://www.flickr.com/photos/baalands/sets/72157629912394810/.

Pictures of previous year's tests are also available on Flickr™ at  http://www.flickr.com/photos/baalands/collections/72157622671549924/.

49 goats start test on June 2

Forty-nine bucks started the 2012 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test on Saturday, June 2.

Prior to being released onto the pasture, the bucks stood in a footbath containing a zinc sulfate solution. The purpose of the foot bathing is to prevent hoof problems.

The goats were weighed; however, the June 2 weight will not serve as the starting weight for the test. Starting weights will be determined on June 14-15, after a 12-day adjustment period. The adjustment period will give the goats time to adjust to their new environment, diet, and herd mates.

Initial weights ranged from 24 to 65 lbs. and averaged 40.0 ±8.32 lbs. (18.2 ±3.8 kg). The median weight was 39 lbs.

Jodie & Randy Majancsik (from Kentucky)
are new consigners to this year's test.

Fecals and deworming
A fecal sample was collected from the rectum of each goat to determine the goat's initial fecal egg count (FEC).  It will be used along with with the sample collected on June 14 to determine the effectiveness of the triple deworming.  On June 2, the goats were dewormed with moxidectin (Cydectin drench @ 2 ml/11 lbs), albendazole (Valbazen drench @ 3 ml/50 lbs.) and levamisole (Prohibit drench @ 3 ml/50 lbs.).

The purpose of the triple deworming is to reduce fecal egg counts to as close to zero as possible.  For an anthelmintic treatment to be considered effective, fecal egg counts should be reduced by 95 percent or more.  By using anthelmintics from each of the drug groups, it is hoped that the triple treatment will achieve this.  

A pooled fecal sample was collected from random goats. It will be used for larvae ID.  The only way to identify the types of roundworms infecting the goats is to hatch the eggs and identify the worm species from the larvae.

Scoring
While the goats were standing on an elevated platform, their initial FAMACHA©, body condition, coat condition, dag, and hoof scores were determined.  These scores will always be determined by the same person (Susan Schoenian) for consistency.

FAMACHA© eye anemia scores range from 1 to 5, where 1 is healthy (no anemia) and 5 is very anemic. In the future, only goats with FAMACHA© scores of 4 or 5 will be dewormed. Goats with FAMACHA© scores of 1 or 2 will not be dewormed unless they present with bottle jaw.  Goats with FAMACHA© scores of 3 may or may not be dewormed, depending upon other criteria such as weight loss, body condition score, dag score, etc. On June 2, FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 5 and averaged 2.14 ±0.91. 

A scale of 1 to 5 (including half scores) is used to assess body condition scores in small ruminants, with 1 being emaciated, 3 being average, and 5 being obese. On June 2, body condition scores  ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 and averaged 2.52 ±0.32.  Body condition score is an important indicator of the health and welfare of individual goats.

Dee & David Richhart (from Indiana)
are new consigners to this year's test.

Coat condition scores are another means to evaluate the health and well-being of individual goats. A poor quality hair coat is often indicative of parasitism and other health problems.  External parasites (e.g. lice) can also affect coat condition.  The test uses a scale of 1 to 3 (including half scores) to assess coat condition, with 3 being the healthiest coat. On June 2, coat condition scores ranged from 1.5 to 3 and averaged 2.2 ±0.30.

A dag score is indicative of past or current scouring or loose feces (diarrhea).  A scale of 0 to 5 is utilized, with 0 being no signs of scours and the higher scores indicating increasingly more soiling of the rear end. While not a symptom of barber pole worm infection, dagginess can be a symptom of other internal parasites, especially coccidia.  Few goats had positive dag scores.  Dag scores often increase as the goats adjust to their new diet or when the forage is especially wet.

Hoof scores are new for this year. The test is attempting to evaluate hoof growth and abnormalities. Using a scale of 0 to 5, 0 indicates no need for hoof trimming and the higher scores indicate increasingly more hoof growth. Abnormalities (e.g. pockets, abnormal hoof growth, etc.) will also be noted.

Ear tags and soremouth
Each goat was given an ear tag. If the goat had an ear tag in addition to its scrapie tag, this tag was removed and the test tag was inserted into the same hole. For goats that had only a scrapie tag, a new hole was punched in their other ear and the test tag was inserted. The hole punching was done to help prevent ear infections. Existing ear infections were cleaned and sprayed.

The soremouth vaccine was applied to a scarified area under the tail head of each goat.  Soremouth vaccination was added to the protocol last year, as in the earlier years of the test, goats that were naive to soremouth were at a disadvantage. Vaccination levels the "playing field."

After being worked, the goats were given access to two acres of cool season grasses (orchardgrass + Max Q tall fescue).  For the first five days of the test, the goats will be treated with amprolium (Corid @ 24 oz per 50 gal of drinking water) to prevent coccidiosis.

Special thanks is extended to those consigners (and everyone else) who helped work the goats.

Download initial report