Two-Phase Test Proposed

At the recent consignor's meeting in Virginia, it was decided to split the 2014 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test into two phases.

After a 13-day adjustment period, the bucks would face an internal parasite challenge in the first phase of the test (days 0-42). They would graze cool season grass pastures that are pre-infected by untreated sheep. At the end of the first phase (day 42), all of the goats would be given a 0.5 g bolus of copper oxide wire particles.

Phase I (day 0-42):  parasite challenge

In the second phase of the test (day 42-84), the goats would be challenged for growth. They would graze clean, taller, annual pastures. The central laneway would still provide an opportunity for re-infection, but the lower overall risk of parasite re-infection should provide a better opportunity for growth.

Beginning with day 42, the goats would also be limit fed a good quality grass hay. Hay would be fed at a rate of approximately 2% of body weight (about 1 lb. per goat).  Feeder space would be adequate to allow all goats to eat at one time.

While forage quality and quantity are usually not lacking in the test, dry matter intake is a limiting factor and some goats simply do not consume enough dry matter to meet their nutritional requirements for growth. With regards to growth (ADG), energy (TDN) is probably the most limiting nutrient.

Phase II (day 42-84):  growth challenge

Several other changes were proposed to the test. It was suggested that the minimum weight be increased to 40 lbs. It is currently 35 lbs. This change will not take effect until the 2015 test.  However, for the 2014 test, the minimum starting weight of 35 lbs. will be strictly enforced. Goats weighing less than 35 lbs. will be refused entry to the test.

When selecting goats for the 2014 test, producers will want to select goats that will weigh a minimum of 35 lbs. upon delivery to the test site. This means that they should probably weigh at least 40 lbs. to allow for shrink and scale differences.

It was suggested that the minimum weight for sale bucks be 50 lbs. This suggestion was not implemented.

A requirement for on-farm performance testing was also discussed. It was suggested that only bucks with adjusted weaning weight ratios above 100 percent be consigned to the test. Many producers are currently sending their on-farm data to Kentucky State University or Oklahoma State University for tabulation. This idea will be explored further in the months ahead.

Predominantly Haemonchus

Pooled fecal samples were collected during the 2013 goat test to determine what type of (strongyle) worms were infecting the goats. Upon arrival to the test site, a fecal sample was collected from each consignment. Every four weeks thereafter, a pooled fecal sample was collected from random goats.

The pooled fecal samples were sent to Dr. Dahlia O'Brien's lab at Delaware State University for analysis. The eggs in the feces were allowed to hatch and the worm species were determined by examining the larvae.

For the final pooled sample collected on August 22, the worm load consisted of 72 percent Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm), 25 percent Trichostrongylus, and 3 percent other (e.g. Oesophagostumum).

Throughout the duration of the 2013 test and in every other test year, Haemonchus contortus has comprised the majority of the worm load.

The primary symptom of barber pole worm infection is anemia, as determined by packed cell volume (PVC), and estimated by FAMACHA© scores. The primary symptoms of Trichostrongylus and other stomach worms are production loss and scours (diarrhea).

The Five Point Check©, which is used to make deworming decisions in the test, includes evaluation criteria for all of the worms that commonly affect goats.

Three Bucks Top $1000

Three of the fourteen top-performing bucks sold for more than $1,000 at the Mid-Atlantic Small Ruminant Extravaganza, held September 21 in Chatham, Virginia. A fourth buck brought $950.

John Weber's top-gaining buck brought $1350.

The top-selling buck was the top-gaining buck consigned by John Weber from Illinois. It brought $1350. Weber also had the second high-selling buck. It brought $1200.

The top-performing buck consigned by Sam Burke from Delaware sold for $1100. John Smith sold his top-performing buck for $950.

Another Weber buck brought $1200.

Craig Adams (Illinois) sold two bucks for over $500. P.J. Murphy (New Jersey) also had a $500 buck. Jarred Dennison's (Kentucky) top-performing buck brought $700.

Burke's top-performing buck brought $1100.

 
Thanks to all of the buyers of this year's top-performing bucks.

Award Winners

For the second year in a row, Sam Burke from Delaware had the top-performing buck in the Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test. The top buck had an average daily gain of 0.190 lbs. per day, was not dewormed throughout the test, had an average fecal egg count of  944 epg, and never had an egg count above 1,500 epg.

Top-performing and most resistant buck
Sam (L) and Laurence (R) Burke

Burke's top-performing buck was also given the award for being the most parasite resistant buck in the test. This year's parasite resistance award was given to the buck with best combination of data for both parasite resistance and parasite resilience. Among the bucks that were not dewormed (n=6), the Burke buck had the lowest average fecal egg count.

John Weber from Illinois received the award for having the buck with the highest average daily gain (ADG). Weber's buck gained 0.236 lbs. per day, giving it an ADG ratio of 323 percent. This is extraordinary gain given the conditions of this year's test. In fact, all four bucks in the Weber consignment were among the top-ten percent in ADG.

Top-gaining buck
John Weber

The top-consignor award is given to the consignor with the top three bucks in the test. This year it was a tie, and the award was split between two consigners:  Kendall and Dana Barnes from Kentucky and John Weber.  Among the two consignments, the Barnes bucks were more parasite resistant whereas the Weber bucks had higher rate-of-gain. The six goats had similar data for parasite resilience and other traits.

Top consigners
Kendall (L) and Dana Barnes (C) and John Weber (R)

The Barnes's were top consignors in the 2008 test, whereas Weber is a first-time consignor.

Congratulations to all of the award winners in this year's Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test.

A Wormy Summer

Each year, bucks in the test endure different environmental conditions. This year's conditions resulted in a significant parasite challenge. The challenge was early and severe. Fecal egg counts increased rapidly from day 0 to day-28. Thirty-one, 59, and 25 percent of the goats were dewormed, respectively, on days 14, 28, and 42.

In fact, more goats were dewormed this year than in previous years. During the periods in which the parasite challenge was most severe (days 14-42), all goats with FAMACHA© scores were dewormed, usually with levamisole. When the number of animals with FAMACHA© scores of 4 and 5 increases in a herd, it is recommended that animals (especially kids) with FAMACHA© scores of 3 be dewormed. The test followed this recommendation.

The downside to deworming FAMACHA© 3's is that it complicates interpretation of the fecal egg count data. The fecal egg count that follows a deworming is excluded from the data set, giving a treated buck fewer observations. In fact, treated goats tended to have lower average fecal egg counts than untreated goats.

Six goats in the test were not dewormed: 310 (Adams, IL), 363 (Smith, VA), 378 (Wilborn, AL), 382 and 383 (Zink, IN), and 388 (Burke, DE). Of the untreated bucks, 388  had the lowest average fecal egg count.

The goats had a four-week break from parasites while they were grazing forage sorghum. Once this forage resource was depleted, the goats were returned to the infected cool season grass paddocks. Egg counts increased again and approximately 26 percent of the goats were dewormed on day-72.  Only one goat required deworming on the last day of the test, but all of the goats were given 0.5 grams of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) by mouth.

The graphs in this blog entry summarize the parasite data from this year's test. All fecal egg counts were used to calculate averages. Obviously, dewormings had an effect on average fecal egg counts. For most goats, deworming with levamisole greatly reduced the subsequent fecal egg counts. If fecal egg counts from treated goats are removed from the data set, the average fecal counts would be significantly higher than those shown in the graphs. Treatments also improved average FAMACHA© scores.

Fecal egg counts from the goats in the pen vs. pasture study are included as  means of comparison. None of the pen goats were  dewormed and their fecal egg counts were low throughout the duration of the study/test. Their average FAMACHA© scores were also lower (superior).

This year's parasite data is also compared to last year's. Though last year's egg counts got higher, the parasite challenge occurred later in the summer and did not result in a significant clinical challenge (or risk). Last  year's goats were given a small dose (1,000) of infective worm larvae, whereas this year's goats grazed infected pastures (pre-infected by untreated sheep).

This year's goats were also more "naive," (to infection) as evidenced by their low incoming fecal egg counts (avg. 324 epg), whereas last year's goats came in with very high fecal egg counts (avg 2532 epg). Last year's goats also had poorer FAMACHA© scores (avg. 2.2) upon arrival, whereas this year's goats had better FAMACHA© scores (avg. 1.8).

Download final FECreport -- updated 09.19.13
Download FEC rankings -- updated 09.19.13
Download final FAMACHA© report
Download FAMACHA© rankings

Growth (ADG) Summary

For the 70 bucks that finished the test, ADG ranged from -0.027 to 0.236 lbs. (-12 to 107 g) per day and averaged 0.073 + 0.053 lbs. (33 + 24 g)  per day. Only four goats lost weight. The ten top-gaining goats had an average daily gain of 0.165 lbs. (75 g) per day.

Upon arrival, the 70 bucks ranged in weight from 27.0 to 68.6 lbs. and averaged 43.1 + 9.3 lbs. After the 13-day adjustment period, weights ranged from 29.4 to 67.2 lbs. and averaged 44.2 + 9.0 lbs. After the 84-day test period, final weights ranged from 31.7 to 75.5 lbs. (14.4 to 34.3 kg) and averaged 50.3 + 9.9 lbs (22.9 + 4.5 kg). The minimum starting weight for the test is 35 lbs. The maximum is 70 lbs.


The ten top-gaining goats are shown in the table below.  All but one, were selected for the sale. If you consider the eleven top-gaining goats, all of the bucks in Weber consignment were top-gainers. John Weber is a first year consigner from Illinois.

Weber's top-gaining buck (#375)

This year's growth rates were less than previous years. There are many possible explanations:  wet weather, heavy parasite burdens, and low dry matter (in forage). Each year of the test, the bucks face different environmental conditions and challenges. The bucks in one year cannot be compared to bucks from another year or in another test.

Download ADG report (by consigner)
Download ADG report (by rank)

Online Sale Catalog

Pictures and data from the sale bucks has been posted to the web at http://www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/GoatTest/2013/2013salebucks.html. The page is a "work in progress" and is not completed, but can be shared with perspective buyers.

Sale Bucks Chosen

Fourteen bucks have been chosen for the sale on September 21 in Chatham, Virginia. Seven of the bucks meet the Bronze standards of performance for growth rate, parasite resistance, and parasite resilience. An additional seven bucks have been chosen for the sale.

Sale Rank	Test ID	Consigner	State	Level
1	383	Burke	DE	Bronze
2	303	C. Adams	IL	Bronze
3	368	Barnes	KY	Bronze
4	361	Richhart	IN	Bronze
5	359	Richhart	IN	Bronze
6	304	C. Adams	IL	Bronze
7	328	Dennison	KY	Bronze
8	375	Weber	IL	none
9	363	Smith	VA	none
10	312	Barnes	KY	none
11	376	Weber	IL	none
12	383	Zink	IN	none
13	306	D. Adams	IL	none
14	342	Murphy	NJ	none

The additional seven bucks have disqualifying data (e.g. high egg count), but are included in the sale for various reasons. For example, the buck with the highest average daily gain was chosen for the sale. Two bucks that were not dewormed during the test were added to the sale roster. The biggest buck with the best weight per day of age (WDA) was also included.

Fecal egg count data is based on a maximum of five observations. Fecal egg counts from May 31 and June 13 are not included in the data set. Any time a goat was dewormed, the next fecal egg count was excluded, as the resulting egg count would be due to the anthelmintic treatment and not necessarily the goat's ability to resist infection. Some goats have missing fecal egg count data because samples could not be obtained. Most goats had four observations for fecal egg count.

As in previous years, the Bronze standards of performance permit a goat to be dewormed. Five goats were not dewormed during the test. Three of them have been chosen for the sale.  Many of the other sale bucks were dewormed when they had FAMACHA© scores of 3. Due to the severity of this year's parasite problem, goats with FAMACHA© scores of 3 were usually dewormed. Since these are not mandatory treatments, they are not considered the same as dewormings due to having FAMACHA© scores of 4 or 5.

Download Sale Buck Data

Final evaluation

On September 5, the goats were evaluated for structural correctness and reproductive soundness. To be eligible for the sale, bucks must meet minimum standards for these two criteria.

Scrotal circumference was determined using a measuring tape. Scrotal Measurements ranged from 14.0 to 28.5 centimeters and averaged 22.4 + 3.7 centimeters. The median scrotal circumference was 23.0 centimeters.

Since weight has a large effect on scrotal circumference, the bucks were divided into weight groups in order to evaluate their scrotal measurements. A ratio was determined for each buck by dividing the buck's scrotal circumference by the average SC in his weight group. For example, a 57-lb. buck with a SC ratio of 114 percent has a scrotal measurement that is 14 percent larger than the average buck in his weight group (50-59 lbs).

While minimum requirements have not been established for bucks of different breeds and ages, it is generally recommended that bucks with larger scrotums be favored for breeding. In other species, scrotal circumference is correlated with ovulation rates in female progeny. None of the bucks in the test were determined to have testicle abnormalities.

The teat structure of each buck was examined. Most of the test bucks have two functional teats. Only a few bucks have extra teats or teat defects.  While producers and breed associations may differ in their opinions regarding extra teats, it is generally recommended that bucks with two "functional" teats be retained for breeding. Teat number and structure are heritable traits in goats.

Bites (mouths) were also examined. All of the bucks had normal (N) bites. Bucks with over- or undershot jaws should generally not be retained for breeding. Slight jaw defects are usually not problematic, although bucks should always be held to a higher standard than does.

The hooves of each buck were examined for hoof growth, color, and morphology. Hoof growth was evaluated using a scale of 0 to 5, with 0 representing no growth and 5 representing excessive growth. Hoof growth ranged from 0 to 2, with most of the bucks having minimal hoof growth.

Some bucks had "pockets" in their hooves. Pockets can provide an entry point for disease-causing bacteria. One buck had extremely large pockets on his front hooves and should not be retained for breeding. Only one buck was noted having for abnormal hoof growth.

In sheep, light-colored hooves grow faster and seem to be more prone to hoof ailments, while dark-colored (black) hooves are harder and less disease-prone. The color of each buck's hooves is noted in the report.

The bucks were scored for overall structure and conformation (feet and legs) by observing them while they were standing and moving. Most of the bucks were considered to have average conformation, with no functional defects. A few bucks were noted as having "good" structure. A few bucks were cow-hocked.

USDA Selection 2

For the first time, bucks in the test were given a frame score. The frame scores used were small, medium, and large. They serve as an estimate of a buck's final frame size, with large frame bucks expected to reach a larger mature size than medium frame bucks and medium-sized bucks expected to achieve a larger mature size than small-framed bucks. It usually takes three years for a buck to reach his full mature size.

For the first time, the test bucks were assigned a USDA grade. The USDA grades are Selection 1, 2, and 3. They are essentially a muscle score, with number 1 goats having superior muscling, number 2 goats having average muscling, and number 3 goats having inferior muscling. At sale barns, there can be a considerable price differential among Selection 1, 2, and 3 goats.

Most of the goats in the test were graded Selection 3. There were a few bucks that could slip into the number 2 grade. A few bucks were deemed unfit for market. They received a grade of U (unthrifty). USDA grading is subjective. If the bucks were on a higher plane of nutrition, it would be possible for many of them to achieve a grade higher.

The rib eye areas, as determined by ultrasound, are probably a better indication of carcass muscling.  While ultrasound measurements may not accurately predict the size of the rib eye muscle in an individual goat, they seem to be accurate for making comparisons.

Download supplemental report

End of Test

The 2013 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test ended on Friday, September 6, when the goats were weighed for a final time. The weights recorded on September 5 and 6 were averaged to determine the final weight of bucks in the test.

Final scores (FAMACHA©, body condition, coat condition, dag, and fecal consistency) were recorded on September 5. The last individual fecal sample was collected on September 5.

On September 5, the goats were also evaluated for structural correctness and reproductive soundness. Two new evaluations were done this year. Each goat was assessed for frame size and USDA grade.

For the final 15 days of the test, the bucks lost an average of 1.1 lbs. The standard deviation was 2.4 lbs. The median loss was -0.9 lbs. Weight loss/gain ranged from -7.0 to 3.3 lbs. For the final weigh period, the top-gaining buck was #370 (Tirella, MD). It gained 0.22 lbs. per day.

Weber had top-gaining buck
For the 84-day duration of the test, average daily gain (ADG) ranged from -0.032 to 0.236 lbs. per day and averaged 0.072 + 0.054 lbs. per day. The median ADG was 0.063 lbs. per day. The top gaining buck in this year's test was #375 (Weber, IL). In fact, all four of the bucks in the Weber consignment were top-gainers. Weber is a first-time consignor from Illinois.

Other top-gaining bucks were #388, (Burke, DE), #312 (Barnes, KY), and #306 (Adams, IL). The Burke and Barnes bucks both gained 0.19 lbs per day, while the Adams buck gained 0.18 lbs. per day. Four out of five goats consigned by David Adams (IL) were top-gainers.

Due to the continued risk of barber pole worm infection, the FAMACHA© scores of the goats were checked an additional time, on August 30. Twenty-two goats, mostly with FAMACHA© scores of 3, were dewormed with either levamisole or moxidectin.

Copper oxide wire particles

Copper boluses
On September 5, FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 5 and averaged 2.3 + 0.7. The average FAMACHA© score was  unchanged from two weeks ago. Only one goat required deworming. However, all of the goats were given a 0.5 g bolus of copper oxide wire particles (COWP). Research has shown that COWP can effectively control barber pole worm infections in the face of anthelmintic resistance.

The average body condition score declined slightly from two weeks ago, from 2.2 to 2.0.  Twelve goats were given a body condition score of 1.5. Goats with body condition scores of 1.5 are very thin. Their bones are easily felt and their health is threatened by their condition.

Twenty-two bucks are being considered for the sale in Virginia. They were put into a pen for feeding. The feeding consists of free choice bromegrass hay. The bucks will also be started on some grain. They are being offered a pelleted meat goat feed manufactured by ADM (Goat Power).

A challenging year
On the surface, the performance of this year's bucks may seem disappointing.  But it shouldn't. This year's bucks faced a significant parasite challenge and weather conditions that limited their opportunity to grow.

With the exception of a few weeks of grazing sorghum grass, the bucks were constantly ingesting infective worm larvae. It rained throughout the test. The wet weather caused scours in many goats and probably resulted in some low level respiratory infections. It most certainly limited dry matter intake (DMI).

#388 (Burke, DE) was a top-performer throughout the test.

Regardless of their data, the goats that finished the test thrifty have proven their genetic worth. The goats with the best data have truly proven their worthiness as potential breeders. In fact, this is the best year to buy a buck from the Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test. Any goat can thrive in good conditions, it's what they do in adverse conditions that really matters.

As for what the bucks look like coming off test, it's a reflection of their environment not their genetics. In fact, the goats in this year's pen vs. pasture study clearly demonstrated the effect of different production environments and feeding programs.

In a central buck test, all you can do is compare the performance of the bucks in the test. It is unfair to compare the performance of this year's test bucks with the performance of bucks in other tests and in other test years. It makes no sense to compare the performance of bucks in a central performance test with the performance (or appearance) of bucks on a farm. It is important to understand the difference between genetics and environment.

Download September 6 (d-84) report

Fecal Egg Count Data is Complicated

For the fecal samples collected on August 21, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 13625 epg and averaged 897 + 1913 epg, compared to 1096 + 1239 on August 8. The median was 320 epg, compared to 625 epg two weeks ago. Only six goats had egg counts above 2000 epg.

Since 2008, these have been the performance standards that have been used to determine which bucks meet Gold, Silver, or Bronze standards for parasite resistance (fecal egg counts):

As of August 21, seven bucks are meeting the Gold standard for parasite resistance:  #'s 304 and 388 (Adams, IL); #328 (Dennison, KY); #334 (Majancsik, KY); #'s339 and 343 (Murphy, NJ);and  #359 (Richhart, IN).  Four are meeting the Silver standard and 12 are meeting the Bronze standard.  So far, fifty-one (69%)  bucks have disqualifying fecal egg count data.

Two factors complicate the interpretation of this year's fecal data:  scours and deworming. It is difficult, if not impossible to obtain a fecal sample from a goat that has liquid feces. At the same time, a goat with scours is more likely to have a high egg count, as scours can be a symptom of Trichostrongylus and Teladorsagia.

Without a fecal sample, it is impossible for a goat to have a disqualifying egg count (> 2000 epg). Goats with fewer egg counts (observations) have less chance of having disqualifying egg counts.

The increased number of dewormings is also problematic. An effective deworming will reduce fecal egg count by 95 percent or more. Even a less effective treatment will cause the subsequent fecal egg count to go down. For this reason, the fecal egg count that follows a deworming is not factored into the calculation of a buck's average fecal egg count. Deworming generally does not have an effect on reinfection.

The more often a goat is dewormed, the less likely it is to have a disqualifying fecal egg count. For this reason, goats with FAMACHA© scores of 3 probably have an advantage over goats with FAMACHA© scores of 1 or 2, as 3's were usually dewormed with levamisole or moxidectin.

Consider goat #310. This buck was never dewormed. However, it has two "disqualifying" fecal egg counts (> 2000 epg) and a "disqualifying" average fecal egg count of 1408 epg. Had it been dewormed once or twice, like many goats with FAMACHA© scores of 3, it may not have had any disqualifying fecal egg count data.

It goes without saying that selection of this year's sale bucks will be more complicated than in previous years. Please contact Susan at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu, if you have any questions about the fecal data. One more fecal egg count will need to be factored into the test results.

Download August 21 FEC Report -- updated 09.11.13