Thursday, July 26, 2012

Goats gain

Weight gain for this period (July 12-26) ranged from -5 to 9 lbs. and averaged 3.2 ± 2.6 lbs. The median weight gain was 4 lbs. Average daily gain (ADG) ranged from -0.357 to 0.643 lbs. per day and averaged 0.232 ± 0.189 lbs. (103 g ± 86 g) per day. The median ADG was 0.286 lbs. per day.

The top-gaining buck for the period was #12, a Kiko x Boer buck consigned by Merritt Burke (DE). It gained 9 lbs. Verlin Garber had a Kiko x Spanish buck (#22) that gained 8 lbs. for the period. Randy & Jodie Majancsik had a Kiko buck (#25) that gained 7 lbs. Garber (TN) and Majancsik (KY) are both new consigners.

A place to play

For the first 42 days of the test, ADG ranged from -0.036 to 0.393 lbs. per day and averaged 0.202 ± 0.104 lbs. (92 g ± 47 g) per day. Only two goats have failed to gain weight during the first 42 days of the test. The average weight of the bucks in the test is currently 54.9 ± 9.1 lbs. (24.9 ± 4.1 kg).

The top-gaining buck in the test remains the #5 Kiko buck consigned by Kendall and Dana Barnes (KY). It is gaining 0.393 lbs. per day. The second best performer is the Garber buck at 0.381 lbs. per day. Two consigners have bucks that have gained 0.369 lbs. per day:  Jill Zink (IN) and Merritt Burke.

In the field of millet and rape

FAMACHA© scores continued to strengthen. They ranged from 1 to 3 and averaged 1.49 ± 0.51. The median FAMACHA© score was 1.  No goat required deworming. [from Susan:  hopefully the increasing fecal egg counts will lead to a clinical parasite challenge for the goats.]

Body condition scores had a narrow range, 2-3, and averaged 2.41 ± 0.25. The median score was 2.0. It was difficult to assess coat condition scores as the goats had wet coats. The average and median score was 2, based on a scoring system of 1-3.  Only one goat had a positive dag score (1) and this goat had completely recovered from scours. A few goats had loose stools.

Growing conditions are good.

The goats were worked partially in the rain by David Gordon, Mary Beth Bennett, Erin Canfield, and Susan Schoenian. David weighed the goats. Susan scored the goats.  Pam Thomas and a student helper recorded data. The goats will be worked next on Thursday, August 9.

Download July 26 (d-42) report -- updated 07.26.12