Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test

2009 Goat Test Summary

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:01:00 +0000

A summary of the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test has been published to the web. The summarizing article, entitled "Illinois buck tops 2009 test," contains links to various tables and graphs that show individual goat performance, as well as averages for all the goats on test. There are also links to pictures of the top 11 performing bucks, as well as carcass pictures of the nine bucks that were harvested.

Download results of 2009 Goat Test

So far, 18 people have completed the goat test survey. Make sure you take the survey so that your opinions will be counted. The goat test committee will be meeting next week to discuss possible enhancements to next year's testing program.

Take the survey

Meat goat test survey

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:41:00 +0000

A survey has been developed to evaluate the Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Testing Program. Results of the survey will be used to improve and expand the testing program and to ensure that the program is meeting the needs of the meat goat industry.

The url for the survey is http://www.surveyshare.com/survey/take/?sid=95954.

Anyone interested in meat goat performance testing is invited to complete the survey: consigners to the test, potential consigners to the test, buck buyers, potential buck buyers, commercial producers, purebred breeders, and anyone else interested in goat performance testing.

Carcass evaluation

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:56:00 +0000

One of the goals of the Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test is to evaluate and compare carcass characteristics of meat goats consuming a pasture-only diet. This year, nine bucks were selected for harvest.

The bucks were transported from the test site to LambCo LLC for humane harvest on October 15. They were weighed immediately before harvest. Live weight (LW) ranged from 62 to 86 pounds and averaged 72 lbs. (37.7 kg).

Hot carcass weights (HCW) were determined soon after harvest and were used to calculate dressing percentages. For the nine goats, dressing percentage ranged from 38.8 percent to 49.2 percent and averaged 43.1 percent. Cold carcass weights (CCW) were used for other calculations.

Kidney and heart fat (KH) was removed from each carcass and weighed. While goats are known for depositing more internal fat than other livestock species, these goats had very minimal internal fat, less than 1% KH fat.

Rib eye area (REA) was measured between the 12th and 13th rib using a grid. Rib eye measurements ranged from 1.45 to 2.20 square inches and averaged 1.79 square inches. Actual measurements were about 0.5 square inches larger than the September 10th ultrasound measurements.

Back fat (BF) was very minimal (less than 0.05 inches) and could not be differentiated between carcasses. Body wall thickness (BWT) ranged from 0.30 to 0.55 inches and averaged 0.40 inches.

The carcasses were completely deboned. Fat and lean were separated from the bones, resulting in separate “piles” of bones, fat, and lean, which were weighed to determine carcass percentages.

The buck with the highest percentage of lean (carcass and live weight basis) was a purebred Kiko consigned by Craig Adams from Litchfield, Illinois. The other goat with outstanding carcass data was a 3/4 Kiko x 1/4 Spanish buck consigned by Wes Pinneo from Kincaid, Kansas.

Next year, we would like to harvest more goats from the test and perhaps incorporate a carcass contest into the performance testing program.

Download PDF file of data
Read full article and view data -- PDF

Trends in parasite data

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Two trends were apparent from this year's Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test. Worm egg counts increased as the test progressed and the percent of worm infection comprised by Haemonchus contortus (barber pole) increased as the test progressed.

On September 26, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 5680 and averaged 1584 epg. On September 10, the barber pole worm comprised 98% of the worm infection.

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.

Parasite resistance was determined by fecal egg count data. Every two weeks a fecal sample was collected from the rectum of each goat. The samples were bagged, labeled, and stored on ice before being shipped overnite to Dr. Dahlia Jackson's parasitology lab at Delaware State University. Individual fecal egg counts were determined by the Modified McMaster procedure.

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).

The pooled sample was not cooled. It was sent via overnite mail in a vacuum-sealed bag to the University of Georgia. Fecal coproculture (larvae ID) was done by Dr. Ray Kaplan's lab in the College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to identifying parasite larvae, a pooled fecal egg count was determined.

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.

Performance tested bucks sell well

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:16:00 +0000

The 2nd annual Western Maryland Goat Field Day & Sale was held Saturday, October 3rd at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center near Boonsboro, MD. The event was well-attended by over 100 people.

As part of the day's activities, the 11 top-performing bucks from the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test were offered for sale via silent auction. The sale also included does that had been nominated by consigners to the test.

The top-performing buck of the test (a purebred Kiko), consigned by Craig Adams from Litchfield, Illinois, was purchased for $750. The buyer was Luke Miller from Huntington, Indiana. The other buck (another purebred Kiko) that met the gold standards for performance and was consigned by John Smith from Petersburg, Virginia, sold to Craig Adams for $825.

The top-selling buck was a purebred Kiko consigned by Craig Adams. It was purchased by Wood Field Farm of Pittstown, New Jersey for $1,050. The nine performance-tested bucks sold for an average price of $514. Excluding the top-selling buck, eight bucks averaged $447.

Nineteen Kiko and Boer does sold for an average price of $269. The top-selling doe was a purebred Kiko consigned by John Smith. It sold for $575. Smith sold another purebred Kiko doe for $525. The buyer of both of the top-selling does was Wood Field Farm.

Craig Adams was presented with awards for having the top-performing buck and top consignment of bucks (best three) in the 2009 test. John Smith was in close contention for both awards. Jeanne Dietz-Band received an award for having the top-performing Maryland buck. Her buck was amongst the top 11.

During the field day portion of the day, Dr. Richard Browning, a research animal scientist from Tennessee State University gave presentations on meat goat breed comparisons and on-farm meat goat performance testing.

The field day also hosted a goat skillathon. Twenty-eight youth participated. Youth from Berkeley County, West Virginia, and Howard County did especially well. Tara Burner was the first place intermediate. Ashley Butler was the first place senior. Kameron Dorsey from Frederick County was the first place junior.

Ten bucks still remain at the test site. They will be harvested on October 16 to collected carcass data. They were checked today to determine any need for deworming.

Thanks to all the consigners and buyers and everyone who helped with the test, sale, field day, and skillathon.

Buck rankings

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:34:00 +0000

The following links provide a complete ranking of the bucks according to growth rate (average daily gain/ADG), parasite resistance (high and average fecal egg counts), and parasite resilience (average FAMACHA scores).

Buck rankings by ADG
Buck rankings by FEC
Buck rankings by FAM scores

It's important to remember that parasites did not pose a significant threat this year. Few goats required deworming and egg counts were not as high as other years.

Eleven bucks meet performance standards

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:37:00 +0000

Of the sixty goats consigned to the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test, 11 met GOLD, SILVER, OR BRONZE standards of performance and minimum standards for reproductive soundness and structural correctness. These 11 bucks will be offered for sale via silent auction on Saturday, October 3rd.

Two bucks met the GOLD standards. The top buck of the 2009 test is a purebred Kiko consigned by Craig Adams from Litchfield, Illinois. Adams is a first-time consigner to the test. Four out of five of the bucks he consigned qualified for the sale. His other buck had the largest rib eye, as determined by ultrasound.

The other buck that met the GOLD standards is a purebred Kiko (a quad) consigned by John Smith from Petersburg, Virginia. Smith has consigned goats to the test every year since the test began in 2006. Three of the five goats Smith consigned qualified for the sale, including a son of last year's top performing buck. Only 0.01 lbs. per day separated the top two bucks in the test.

Four bucks met the SILVER standards of performance. These include two purebred Kiko bucks consigned by John Smith, another buck consigned by Craig Adams, and a 75% Kiko x 25% Boer buck consigned by Kendall and Dana Barnes from Winchester, Kentucky. The Barnes's buck had a FAMACHA© score of 1.0 each time he was checked. His average FAMACHA© score of 1.0 is obviously tops in the test. The Barneses were the top consigner in last year's test.

Five bucks met the BRONZE standards of performance. These include two purebred Kikos consigned by Craig Adams and a purebred Kiko consigned by Sky and Debora Shivers from Prague, Oklahoma. Also qualifying was a commercial Kiko consigned by Merritt Burke from Nassau, Delaware, and a 75% Kiko x 25% Boer consigned by Jeanne Dietz-Band from Keedysville, Maryland.

Competition for the top consignment (best 3 bucks) is tight between Craig Adams and John Smith. Jeanne Dietz-Band has the top-performing Maryland buck.

Though only one of his bucks qualified for the sale, four out of five of Merritt Burke's bucks performed well in the test. One of Burke's bucks was the top gaining buck in the test. Another has the distinction of being the most sexually-aggressive buck in the test. His antics over the final 16 days of the test caused him to lose 10 pounds and drop out of consideration for the sale.

Though no Boer bucks qualified for the sale, five out of six of the Boer bucks in the test had fecal egg counts that averaged less than 500 epg (the gold standard). A Percentage Boer buck consigned by Aaron and Levi Lantz from Oakland, Maryland, had the lowest average fecal egg count in the test: 58 epg. Its highest egg count was only 250 epg. Sherrie Losch's Boer buck (a committee "favorite") had an average fecal egg count of only 156 epg.

Other bucks with extremely low egg counts were Kikos consigned by Warren and Liz Barnes from Missouri and Dick and Sally Rutherford from Illinois.

View pictures and data from the top 11 bucks

More data on bucks

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:28:00 +0000

To meet gold, silver, and bronze standards of performance for the test, bucks are required to meet minimum standards for reproductive soundness and structural correctness.

On September 10, the sixty goats were evaluated for reproductive soundness and structural correctness, and they were ultrasounded for carcass traits.

Jaw defects are inherited and males with significant abnormalities should be culled. Each goat was mouthed to determine the correctness of its bite. Over and underbites were measured. None of the bucks in the test had severe jaw abnormalities.

A buck that is not structurally sound has no place in a breeding program. The goats were evaluated, both while they were standing and while on the move, to determine structural correctness. Feet, legs, pasterns, and hooves were evaluated. Only one buck failed to meet the minimum standards for structural correctness. He had severe hoof problems.

Teats were counted. While breeders have varying opinions regarding multiple teats, a buck with two teats is usually considered most desirable. Cluster teats and fishtail teats are reasons for disqualification in most breeds. The teat structure of each goat was evaluated and abnormalities were noted. No goats were disqualified for teat number or structure.

A metal scrotal tape was used to determine the scrotal circumference (SC) of each buck. The testicles were measured at their widest part. In other species, scrotal size is related to libido (sex drive) and fertility. There is also a correlation between scrotal size and the fertility of the male's daughters.

For the sixty goats on test, scrotal circumference ranged from 15 to 27.5 centimeters (6 to 11 inches) and averaged 22.8 centimeters (9.1 inches). As would be expected, larger and older bucks tended to have larger scrotums.

Scrotal circumference (centimeters)

Scrotal circumference is a highly heritable trait (50%). Unfortunately, the goat industry has not established standards for scrotal circumference. As a result, no bucks were disqualified for having small scrotums. The goat with the largest scrotal size (27.5 cm) was a 68-lb. Kiko buck consigned by Wes Pinneo (KS).

Splits in the scrotum were measured. Unusually large splits (over 2 inches/50 mm) are considered undesirable. A buck with a scrotal split can still get does pregnant, but it is not a desirable trait to pass along to the next generation. No goats were disqualified for having unusually large splits.

Jim Pritchard from West Virginia University scanned the goats to determine their back fat thickness (BF) and rib eye area (REA). Back fat ranged from 0.03 to 0.10 inches and averaged 0.043 inches. Rib eye area ranged from 0.6 to1.7 square inches and averaged 1.1 square inches. The goat with the largest REA (1.7 sq. in.) was a 66-lb. Kiko buck consigned by Craig Adams (IL).

Rib eye data are actual and were not adjusted for anything. As with scrotal size, larger bucks tended to have larger rib eye areas. Rib eye area is a moderately heritable trait in other species (40-45%).

Rib eye area (square inches)

Download supplemental data report

Goats lose weight during rut

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:01:00 +0000

7:30 a.m. -- The goats were worked today, during a light rain, by Jeff Semler, Mary Beth Bennett, Shannon Uzelac, Susan Schoenian, and Pam Thomas. Jeff Semler weighed the goats. Susan Schoenian assessed FAMACHA©, body condition, and coat condition scores. Susan and Mary Beth Bennett collected individual and pooled fecal samples. Pam Thomas recorded the data.

Over the past 16 days, the goats lost an average of 3.5 lbs. (1.6 kg) or 0.22 lbs. (99 g) per day. Only one goat gained weight (1 lb.), a Kiko consigned by John Smith (VA). The weight losses were disappointing, but not totally unexpected, as the bucks are in rut. The buck observed to be the most sexually aggressive lost the most weight: 10 lbs. or 4.5 kg. Poorer FAMACHA© scores and declining forage quality may also have contributed to the weight losses.

As a result of the widespread weight losses, average daily gain for the 100-day test period declined to 0.138 lbs. (63 g) per day, compared to 0.206 lbs. (94 g) per day for the first 84 days of the test. For the 100 day test period, weight gain for the 60 goats ranged from -0.03 to +0.28 lbs. (-14 to +127 g) per day. Only one goat failed to gain weight, due to reoccuring respiratory problems.

Fecal egg counts from the September 10 collection ranged from 0 to 2,067 eggs per gram and averaged 664 epg, compared to 634 epg for the August 26 collection. The fecal egg count of the pooled August 26 collection was 1,084 epg and consisted of 91 percent Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) and 9 percent Trichostrongylus. The September 10 pooled sample is still being processed at the University of Georgia.

Over the past 16 days, FAMACHA© eye anemia scores dropped an average of one-half score. They ranged from 1 to 5 and averaged 2.6, compared to 2.1 on September 10. Eight goats required anthelmintic treatment. There were several very pale goats. Prohibit drench (levamisole, 3 ml/50 lbs.) was used for deworming. Not only is levamisole one of the most potent anthelmintics, but it has a short slaughter withdrawal.

Download September 26 report
Download fecal egg count report
Download FAMACHA scores

Thirty-four does consigned to sale

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Thirty-four meat goat does have been consigned to the Western Maryland Goat Sale & Field Day to be held Saturday, October 3, at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center near Boonsboro, Maryland.

The thirty-four does include twenty-five fullblood, percentage and crossbred Kikos and nine fullblood and percentage Boers. There are four yearling does and 30 doe kids. Doe consigners include ALL Boer Goats (MD), Losch's Riverview Farm Boer Goats (PA), Caprine Genetics (VA), Cheyview Acres (KY), Cedar Creek Farm (DE), and Don & Jenny Smith (VA).

Pictures and data from the top-performing bucks (as of September 10) can be viewed on the web. A portion of their back was clipped in order to ultrasound them. The bucks will be worked for the last time on September 26. It's possible some of these bucks will not make the sale due to fecal egg count data or other reasons for disqualification.

In order to be eligible to sell, a buck must meet Gold, Silver, or Bronze standards of performance for growth, parasite resistance (fecal egg coungs), and parasite resilience (FAMACHA scores and anthelmintic treatments), and minimum standards for reproductive soundness and structural correctness.

All of the goats will be sold via silent auction. In a silent auction, bidding is done on paper. The goats are not paraded through a sale ring. A silent auction gives bidders more time to consider their purchases. The bidding period will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The person with the highest bid at 2 p.m. gets the goat.

View doe consignments
Download doe sale catalog
Top-performing bucks (as of 9/10)

Goats gain 0.234 lbs. per day

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:40:00 +0000

8 a.m. -- The goats were worked today by Jeff Semler, David Gordon, Mary Beth Bennett, Shannon Uzelac, Jeanne Dietz-Band, Pam Thomas, Cindy Mason, and Susan Schoenian.

FAMACHA© eye anemia, body condition, and coat condition scores were determined by Susan Schoenian. Data was recorded by Pam Thomas. Individual and pooled fecal samples were collected by Susan Schoenian and Mary Beth Bennett and sent via overnite mail to Delaware State University and the University of Georgia, respectively.

In addition to the normal data collection, the goats were scanned by Jim Pritchard from West Virginia University to determine back fat thickness and rib eye area. The image scans are being analysed by the Central Ultrasound Processing (CUP) Lab at Iowa State University.

The goats were also evaluated for structural correctness (feet, legs, and hooves) by David Gordon and reproductive soundness (bite, scrotal circumference, scrotal splits, and teat structure) by Shannon Uzelac and Susan Schoenian. Data was recorded by Cindy Mason and will be shared in a later blog entry.

The goats were weighed by Jeff Semler and David Gordon. For the previous 15-day period, weight gain ranged from 1 to 7 lbs. (0.45 to 3.2 kg) and averaged 3.5 lbs. (1.5 kg) or 0.234 lbs. (106 g) per day. No goats lost weight during the past 15 days.

For the period, the fastest gaining goat was a Kiko x Spanish buck consigned by Wes Pinneo (KS). It gained 7 lbs. (3.2 kg) or 0.467 lbs. (212 g) per day. Five bucks gained 6 lbs. (2.7 kg) or 0.400 lbs. (182 g) per day: three from John Smith (VA), one from Sky and Deborah Shivers (OK) and one from Ruble Conatser (TN).

For the first 84 days of the test, weight gain has ranged from 1 to 35 lbs. (0.45 to 15.9 kg) and is averaging 17.3 lbs. (7.9 kg) or 0.206 lbs. (94 g) per day.

As of today, the top gaining goat is a Kiko buck consigned by Merritt Burke (DE). It is gaining 0.417 lbs. (190 g) per day. Of the 11 top-gaining bucks, four are consigned by Craig Adams (IL), three by Merritt Burke, two by John Smith, one by Kendell and Dana Barnes (KY), and one by Sky and Deborah Shivers.

For the August 26 fecal collection, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 2,850 epg and averaged 634 epg. The egg count is higher than the August 13 egg count of 493 epg, but still relatively low. One goat required deworming today. FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 4 and averaged 2.1, compared to 1.8 two weeks ago.

For the past two weeks, the goats have been grazing orchardgrass and MaxQ™ tall fescue pastures. Today, they were given access to paddocks containing chicory and weeds.

The goats will be worked for the last time on Saturday, September 26. The sale and field day will be held Saturday, October 3.

Download September 10 report
Download fecal egg count data

Mid-Week Update

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:09:00 +0000

The 12 top-performing goats are shown in the table below. As parasites have not been an issue so far, the current rankings are based solely on rate-of-gain.

Top 12 performing goats as of 8/26

The top 12 goats include four consigned by Craig Adams (IL), three consigned by Merritt Burke (DE), two consigned by John Smith (VA), two consigned by Dana and Kendell Barnes (KY), and one consigned by Sky and Deborah Shivers (OK). All of the current top 12 goats are either purebred or crossbred Kiko. At the same time, 53 of the 60 goats on test are Kiko or crossbred Kiko.

So far, most of the goats have not required anthelmintic treatment, following the initial double deworming with moxidectin and levamisole on June 6. Fecal egg counts have been significantly lower than in previous years. Coproculture (larvae ID) results show that the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) comprises the majority of the worm infection.

Fecal egg count and coproculture data as of 8/13

Better gains, worms still in check

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:49:00 +0000

6:30 a.m. -- The goats were worked today by Jeff Semler, David Gordon, Mary Beth Bennett, Jeanne Dietz-Band, Pam Thomas, and Susan Schoenian. Weight gains were the best of any period so far, and internal parasites (primarily barber pole worm) continue to be kept at bay.

FAMACHA© eye anemia, body condition, and coat condition scores were determined by Susan Schoenian. Data was recorded by Pam Thomas. Individual and pooled fecal samples were collected by Susan Schoenian and Mary Beth Bennett and sent via overnite mail to Delaware State University and the University of Georgia, respectively.

The goats were weighed by Jeff Semler and David Gordon. For the previous 13-day period, weight gain ranged from -2 to +10 lbs. (0.9 to 4.5 kg) and averaged 4.3 lbs. (2 kg) or 0.327 lbs. (147 g) per day.

For the period, the fastest gaining goat was a Kiko buck consigned by Merritt Burke (DE). It gained 10 lbs. or 0.769 lbs. (350 g) per day. One of Craig Adams's (IL) Kiko bucks gained 9 lbs. or 0.692 lbs. (315 g) per day.

For the first 70 days of the test, weight gain has ranged from -5 to +30 lbs. (-2.3 to 13.6 kg) or -0.07 to 0.435 lbs. (-32 to 198 g) per day. The top-gaining goat is a Kiko buck consigned by Merritt Burke. It has gained 30 lbs. or 0.435 lbs. per day while on test.

Four out of five of Craig Adams's goats are gaining over 0.30 lbs. (136 g) per day. Merritt Burke has three goats that are gaining more than 0.30 lbs. per day. John Smith (VA) has two goats that are averaging more than 0.30 lbs. per day.

The next best goats are gaining 0.29 lbs. (132 g) per day. There are three of them: two consigned by Dana and Kendall Barnes (KY) and one consigned by Sky and Deborah Shivers (OK). All of the top gaining goats are Kiko or percentage Kiko.

For the August 13 collection, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 3,133 eggs per gram and averaged just 493 eggs per gram. Two weeks prior, eggs counts averaged 663 eggs per gram. No goats required anthelmintic treatment today. FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 3 and averaged 1.8, the same as two weeks ago.

The goats have been and are currently grazing tall fescue. All of the fescue at the test site is MaxQ™. As such, it does not contain the toxic endophyte.

The goats will be worked next on Thursday, September 10th. In addition to the regular data collection, the goats will be scanned to determine their rib fat and rib eye area. Scrotal measurements will be taken. Scrotal splits will be noted and measured. Teats will be counted and evaluated. The goats will also be evaluated for structural correctness (mouths, feet, legs, etc.)

Download August 26 report

Weed or feed?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:35:00 +0000

by Jeff Semler
Extension Agent, Washington County

A plant can be the apple of one person’s eye and the bane of another. One needs to remember that a weed is simply a plant out of place. When it comes to livestock producers, whether a plant is a weed will depend on what type of animal the producer is raising.

To a dairy farmer, fescue can be a weed, but to a beef producer it is high quality winter feed. When it comes to small ruminants such as sheep and goats, the weed designation gets even more unclear. However, if you ask the average farmer if they consider marestail, chicory, lambsquarter and foxtail weeds, the almost unanimous response would be yes. The possible exception would be if you had a goat producer in the group.

Currently at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center, there are 60 goats which are part of the Western Maryland Pasture-based Meat Goat Performance Test. The goats are maintained in a ten acre pasture consisting of five paddocks. The paddocks contain some of the usual suspects such as orchardgrass and fescue, but two paddocks are planted in unusual species.

One paddock contains two annual forages: turnips and pearl millet. The other paddock was seeded to perennial forage chicory three years ago. Finally, there is a paddock that was seeded to sericea lespedeza this spring and was a complete failure, but that is where things get interesting.

We often look at plants from a human perspective, but when we look at these same plants through the eyes and stomach of a goat, we see something completely different. We see food. What we saw as a crop failure, the goats saw as a buffet of marestail, lambsquarter and foxtail. In the chicory paddock, they ate the thistles first. I ask you weed or feed?

Since this behavior, which was not totally unexpected since goats are really browsers and not grazers, piqued my interest I took some forage samples of these perceived weeds and had them analyzed. I didn’t have the thistles tested, but I will get back to that later.

Below is the analysis of these forages. As you can see these “weeds” are of higher quality than most of the hay that is fed to our test bucks herd mates during the winter. As a matter of fact, the chicory tests higher than alfalfa hay, which would be the envy of every dairy farmer.

Why didn’t I take a sample of the thistles? The goats beat me to them. In the chicory field there is a rock outcropping that was rife with thistles. When the goats were turned into that paddock they ate the thistles first. This I believe had more to do with behavior than with nutrition. The rock outcroppings are the high ground in the paddock, and this was the preferred position for the goats to set up camp. Below you can see the before and after pictures of the rock outcroppings.

So, is that plant a weed or is it feed? I guess it depends on your point of view.

Good gains, still no worm problems

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:35:00 +0000

6:30 a.m. -- The goats were worked today by David Gordon, Mary Beth Bennett, Jeanne Dietz-Band, Pam Thomas, and Susan Schoenian.

FAMACHA©, body condition, and coat condition scores were determined by Susan Schoenian. Data was recorded by Pam Thomas. Individual and pooled fecal samples were collected by Susan Schoenian and sent via overnite mail to Delaware State University and the University of Georgia, respectively.

David Gordon weighed the goats. For the previous 14-day period, weight gain ranged from 0 to +9 lbs. (4.1 kg) and averaged 4.3 lbs. (2 kg) or 0.306 lbs. (139 g) per day. No goats lost any weight. The goats gained better than any previous period. For the period, the fastest gaining goat was a Kiko consigned by Wes Pinneo (Kansas). The buck gained 9 lbs. or 0.643 lbs. (292 g) per day.

For the first 56 days of the test, the top gaining goat is a Kiko buck consigned by Craig Adams (Illinois). It has gained 21 lbs. (9.5 kg) or 0.375 lbs. (170 g) per day since June 18. The next three top gaining goats are Kikos consigned by Merritt Burke (Delaware). The bucks from Burke's consignment of five are averaging 0.303 lbs. (138 g) per day.

For all sixty goats, weight gain (or loss) has ranged from -4 lbs. (1.8 kg) to +21 lbs. (9.5 kg) and averaged 9.6 lbs. (4.4 kg) or 0.170 lbs. (77 g) per day since June 18. Differences in the goats are narrowing, as some goats that had not been gaining well posted some robust gains this period.

FAMACHA© scores saw an improvement of almost a half of a score. Today's scores ranged from 1 to 3 and no goat required anthelmintic treatment. The average FAMACHA© score was 1.8 compared to 2.2 two weeks ago.

During the previous two weeks, the goats had been grazing chicory and orchardgrass. None of the forage is short, so perhaps this is keeping the goats from ingesting large amounts of infective worm larve.

After being worked today, the goats were given access to a 2-acre paddock that was planted with a mixture of (dwarf) pearl millet and turnips. Neither forage species came up well, thus the field is full of volunteer weeds, which the goats relish.

The goats will be worked next on Wednesday, August 26 -- a day early, due to Maryland State Fair commitments.

Download August 13 report

Egg counts low, but climbing

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:49:00 +0000

As of July 30, fecal egg counts (FEC) remain relatively low, despite declines in average FAMACHA© eye anemia scores. However, egg counts are gradually increasing and the weather is ideal for development of the barber pole worm.

On June 6, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 8,500 and averaged 1,202 eggs per gram. Per test protocol, all goats were dewormed with moxidectin (Cydectin® 1% injectable; 1 ml/110 lbs.) and levamisole (Prohibit® drench; 1.5x the sheep dose).

The fecal egg count of the pooled sample collected on June 6 was 533 eggs per gram and was 84% Haemonchus (barber pole worm) and 16% Trichostrongylus.

On June 18, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 300 and averaged 14 eggs per gram. Anthelmintic treatments on June 6 reduced egg counts by more than 95%. There were not enough eggs in the pooled sample (only 33 epg) for coproculture.

On July 1, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 2,400 and averaged 271 eggs per gram. Based on FAMACHA© scores, one goat was dewormed with moxidectin. The pooled fecal sample had an egg count of 300 eggs per gram and was 93% Haemonchus and 7% Trichostrongylus. In the individual fecal samples, the lab technician noted "lots of hookworm and tapeworm eggs throughout the samples.

On July 16, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 2,525 and averaged 335 eggs per gram. Based on FAMACHA© scores, five goats were dewormed with moxidectin. The pooled sample had an egg count of 680 eggs per gram and was 80% Haemonchus and 20% Trichostrongylus. According to the Culture ID Report, there was a significant number of unidentified larvae (approximately 15-20%), possibly Bunostomun (hookworm) or Strongyloides.

On July 30, fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 3,225 and averaged 663 eggs per gram. According to the lab technician, several samples had tapeworm or whipworm eggs. Some had coccidia oocytes. Based on FAMACHA© scores, no goats required deworming.

Fecal egg counts are determined by Dr. Dahlia Jackson-O'Brien's lab at Delaware State University using a modified McMaster procedure. Coproculture (larave ID) is done by Dr. Ray Kaplan's lab at the University of Georgia.

Download July 30 Parasite Report

Day 42

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:41:00 +0000

6:30 a.m. -- The goats were worked today by Jeff Semler, Willie Lantz, Mary Beth Bennett, Jeanne Dietz-Band, and Susan Schoenian.

FAMACHA©, body condition, and coat condition scores were determined by Susan Schoenian. Data was recorded by Pam Thomas. Individual and pooled fecal samples were collected and sent via overnite mail to Delaware State University and the University of Georgia, respectively.

Jeff Semler weighed the goats. For the previous 14-day period, weight gain (or loss) ranged from -6 lbs. (2.7 kg) to +5 lbs. (2.3 kg) and averaged 1.1 lbs. (0.5 kg) or 0.075 lbs. (34 g) per day.

For the period, three bucks tied for having the highest amount of gain: 5 lbs. or 0.357 lbs. per day. The top-performing bucks for the period were consigned by Kendell and Dana Barnes (KY), Jeanne Dietz-Band (MD), and Don Smith (VA).

For the first 42 days of the test, the top gaining goat is a Kiko buck consigned by Merritt Burke (DE). It has gained 17 lbs. (7.7 kg) or 0.405 lbs. (184 g) per day since June 20.

For all sixty goats, weight gain (or loss) for the first 42 days ranged from -10 lbs. (4.5 kg) to + 17 lbs. (7.7 kg) and averaged 5.2 lbs (2.4 kg) or 0.125 lbs. (56.8 g) per day.

Today's FAMACHA© eye anemia scores ranged from 1 to 3 and no goat required anthelmintic treatment. The average FAMACHA© score was 2.2 compared to 2.1 two weeks ago. Weather conditions are "perfect" for development of the barber pole worm. Last year, fecal egg counts, FAMACHA© scores, and the need for anthelmintic treatment peaked on August 30.

We await more parasite data. No new data has been received since the results from the June 18 fecal collections.

Download July 30 report

Day 28

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:19:00 +0000

7 a.m. -- The goats were worked today by Jeff Semler, David Gordon, Mary Beth Bennett, Shannon Uzelac, Nelson Escobar, Susan Schoenian, and Pam Thomas. A veterinary student from Virginia Tech visited the test site to gain experience with meat goats and assessing FAMACHA© scores.

FAMACHA©, body condition, and coat condition scores were determined by Susan Schoenian. Data was recorded by Pam Thomas. Individual and pooled fecal samples were collected and sent via overnite mail to Delaware State University and the University of Georgia.

Jeff Semler weighed the goats. For the previous 15-day period, weight gain (or loss) ranged from -5.0 lbs. (2.3 kg) to +12.0 lbs. (5.5 kg) and averaged 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg) or 0.221 lbs. (100 g) per day.

For the period, the top gaining buck was a Kiko consigned by Merritt Burke (DE). It gained 12 lbs. (5.5 kg) or 0.80 lbs. (364 g) per day. Merritt Burke had another Kiko buck that gained 11 lbs. (5.5 kg) or 0.73 lbs. (332 g) per day. Craig Adams (IL) also had a Kiko buck that gained 11 lbs.

The better gains are attributed to cool weather (mostly in the 80's), low humidity, and preferred forages. During the past two weeks, the goats have been grazing paddocks containing chicory, pearl millet, brassicas, and weeds. They are currently grazing a field in which a sericea lespedeza planting failed. The field contains mostly volunteer weeds which the goats seem to relish.

For the first 28 days of the test, two Kiko bucks are tied for having the highest average daily gain: consignments from Merritt Burke (DE) and Craig Adams (IL). Their bucks have gained 15 lbs. (6.8 kg) or 0.54 lbs. (245 g) per day since June 18.

For all of the goats, weight gain (or loss) for the first 28 days ranged from -9.0 (4.1 kg) to + 15.0 lbs. (6.8 kg) and averaged 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg) or 0.149 lbs. (67.7 g) per day.

Despite limited rainfall in the past month, internal parasites (worms) are starting to become more of an issue. FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 4 and averaged 2.1, compared to 1.7 on July 1. Five goats required anthelmintic treatment and were administered Cydectin® 1% injectable at a dose of 1 ml per 110 lbs. Body condition scores declined slightly. Coat condition scores did not differ.

After working, the goats were given continued access to the weed field. The goats will be worked next on Thursday, July 30.

Download July 16 report

First 13 days

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:10:00 +0000

7 a.m. -- The goats were worked today (a day early due to the July 4th holiday) by Jeff Semler, Mary Beth Bennett, Susan Schoenian, Jeanne Dietz-Band, and Pam Thomas. The goats were weighed by Jeff Semler.

FAMACHA©, body condition, and coat condition scores were determined by Susan Schoenian. Data was recorded by Pam Thomas. Individual and pooled fecal samples were collected and sent via overnite mail to Delaware State University and the University of Georgia.

For the previous 13 days, weight gain/loss ranged from -9 to +6 lbs. (-4.1 to 2.7 kg) and averaged 0.9 lbs. (0.41 kg) or 0.07 lbs. (32 g) per day for the 60 goats on test.

The top-gaining goat for the period was a Kiko buck consigned by Craig Adams from Illinois. It gained 0.46 lbs. (209 g) per day. Merritt Burke (DE) and Wes Pinneo (KS) had Kiko goats that gained 0.38 lbs. (173 g) per day for the 13-day period.

The double-deworming on June 6 continued to keep parasites in check. Only one goat required anthelmintic treatment. All other goats had FAMACHA© scores between 1 and 3. The average FAMACHA© score was 1.7.

Currently, goats with FAMACHA© scores of 3 are not being dewormed. This may change, if and when parasites become a bigger issue. Body condition and coat condition scores remained relatively unchanged at 2.7.

Results of the first fecal coproculture revealed a parasite infection composed of 84 percent Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) and 16 percent Trichostrongylus. The egg count of the June 6th pooled sample was 533 eggs per gram. The egg count of the pooled sample from June 18 was only 33 epg. There were not enough eggs for culture ID.

Since last Thursday, the goats had been grazing chicory, a perennial herb with purported "anthelminic-like" activity. Today, they were given access to a two-acre paddock containing dwarf pearl millet, brassicas, and forbs. The goats will be worked next on Thursday, July 16.

Download July 1 report

First work day

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:02:00 +0000

7:30 a.m. -- The goats were worked today by Jeff Semler, David Gordon, Shannon Uzelac, Jeanne Dietz-Band, Pam Thomas, and Susan Schoenian. Individual fecal samples were collected from the rectum of each goat. The pooled sample was created from fecal samples taken from every third goat that was worked.

The goats were weighed by Jeff Semler. The data was recorded by David Gordon. Starting weights ranged from 25 to 70 lbs. (11.4 to 31.8 kg). The sixty buck kids averaged 48.1 lbs. (21.9 kg). During the 12-day adjustment period, the goats gained an average of 1.2 lbs. or 0.10 lbs. per day (45.5 g). Weight gain/loss ranged from -9 lbs. to + 11 lbs.

Susan Schoenian assessed FAMACHA© scores, body condition scores, and coat condition scores. Pam Thomas recorded the data. As expected (due to the multiple deworming on June 6), FAMACHA© scores improved and no goat required deworming. FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 3 and averaged 1.6. They averaged 1.8 on June 6.

Body condition scores remained unchanged at 2.7. We began assessing coat condition scores (as an indicator of health and vigor) on a scale of 1 to 3, with 3 being the best (healthiest).

For the past few days, the goats have been grazing a tree pasture with mixed forage species, including some warm season grasses. The recently planted two-acre field of dwarf pearl millet and brassicas is coming up nicely. The two acres of chicory is growing back after mowing. The goats are currently grazing cool season grass pastures (MaxQ™ tall fescue and orchardgrass): the vegetative regrowth after a hay crop was removed.

A few goats are being treated for fevers, coughs, snotty noses, and ear tag infections. When a goat requires multiple treatments, it is moved to the new treatment enclosure: a 9 x 7 ft. Super Calf hutch with a 8 x 8 ft. outside pen area. They are fed hay while in the treatment pen. A similar isolation pen is located outside of the pasture and is reserved for goats with potentially contagious diseases (e.g. abscesses).

The next time the goats will be worked is Thursday, July 2.

Download June 18 report

First report

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:16:00 +0000

The goats have been on test for approximately one week. Starting weights will be determined on Thursday, June 18, when the goats are worked for the first time. The first 12 days of the test will serve as an adjustment period.

Initial fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 8,500 eggs per gram. They averaged 1,202 epg. Differences are attributed to differences in management prior to the test. Some goats had probably been dewormed one or more times, whereas others were not dewormed until after the first fecal sample was collected.

Initial egg counts are for informational purposes only and do not factor into the test results. Nor do the initial weights.

Download June 6 report

60 goats begin '09 test

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:48:00 +0000

Sixty (60) bucks began the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test on June 6 at the University of Maryland’s Western Maryland Research & Education Center in Keedysville, Maryland.

The bucks were consigned by 17 breeders from 11 states: Delaware, 1; Kansas, 1; Illinois, 2; Maryland, 3; Missouri, 1; Ohio, 1; Oklahoma, 2; Pennsylvania, 2; Tennessee, 1; Virginia, 2; and West Virginia, 1. They include 46 New Zealand, purebred, and percentage Kiko; 5 Boer x Kiko crossbred; 6 fullblood and percentage Boer, 2 Composite Tennessee Mountain Meat Goat, and 1 Myotonic.

Upon arrival to the test site, the goats were required to stand in a foot bath (containing zinc sulfate) for ten minutes. They were weighed and ear tagged. FAMACHA© and body condition scores were determined. The goats were dewormed with Cydectin® 1% injectable (1 ml/100) and Prohibit™ drench (3 ml/50 lbs.). In last year’s test, this dual-treatment reduced beginning fecal egg counts by 95 percent.

FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 4 and averaged 1.8. Only one goat would have required deworming based on FAMACHA© scores. The purpose of deworming all of the goats with anthelmintics from different chemical classes is to make sure all the goats begin the test “free” from nematode parasites. Cydectin® and levamisole are used because resistance tends to be less for these drugs.

During the test when a goat requires anthelmintic treatment, Cydectin© is usually given. Towards the end of the test, levamisole is usually the drug of choice due to its shorter withdrawal period. Levamisole is currently unavailable for purchase. Fortunately, the test had purchased several packets of the drench powder last year.

Body condition scoring provides another indication for the need for deworming. It is accessed by feeling for fat and muscle over the backbone, ribs, and loin edge. Scores range from 1 to 5, with 1 being emaciated, 3 being average, and 5 being obese. Body condition scores ranged from 2 to 3 and averaged 2.7.

Fecal samples were collected from the rectum of each goat. Individual fecal egg counts (eggs per gram/epg) will be determined by Dr. Dahlia Jackson’s lab at Delaware State University. The pooled samples will be sent to Dr. Ray Kaplan’s lab at the University of Georgia for fecal coproculture (larvae ID).

The bucks are smaller this year, averaging 46.9 lbs., several pounds lighter than last year. Twenty-five percent of the bucks weighed less than 40 lbs. Only 5 weighed more than 65 lbs. The official starting weights will be determined on June 18 after a 12-day adjustment period to give the goats a chance to adapt to their new environment, diet, and pasture mates.

Early in the test, the goats will graze pastures containing orchardgrass and/or MaxQ™ tall fescue. The 2 acre field of chicory was recently mowed, due to plant maturity. The two acre field of pearl millet was recently planted, as was an acre of sericea lespedeza.

77 goats nominated

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:13:00 +0000

The nomination deadline for the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test is today, May 15th. Seventy-seven (77) goats have been nominated for this year's test which will begin on June 6.

Nominations have been received from 21 breeders from 11 states: Delaware, 1; Illinois, 2, Kansas, 2; Kentucky, 2; Maryland, 3; Mississippi, 1; Missouri, 1; Ohio, 2; Oklahoma, 2; Pennsylvania, 2; Tennessee, 1; and Virginia, 2.

There are seven new consigners to the test. It is the first year that goats from Tennessee and Ohio have been nominated to the test.

Genetic composition of the nominated goats is Kiko, 55; Kiko x Boer, 11; Boer, 6; Composite Mountain Meat Goat, 3; and Myotonic, 2. It is the first year that Myotonic goats have been nominated to the test.

56 goats nominated

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Fifty-six (56) male goats have been nominated to the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test. Up to 70 goats will be accepted for testing. Previous consigners and Maryland residents will be favored in the selection process.

The 56 goats have been nominated by fourteen (14) consigners from twelve (12) states: Delaware (1), Illinois (1), Kansas (2), Kentucky (1), Maryland (2), Mississippi (1), Missouri (1), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (1), Tennessee (1), and Virginia (1). Six consigners are new.

The nominations include 38 Kikos, 10 Kiko x Boer crossbreds, 2 Myotonics, and 3 "Composite Mountain Meat Goats." The Myotonics are the first to be nominated for the Maryland test. The nomination period for the test concludes on May 15.

It is not necessary to list specific goats during the nomination process.

Download nomination form

45 goats nominated

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Schoenian) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:08:00 +0000

So far, forty-five (45) male goats have been nominated to the 2009 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test. Up to 70 goats will be accepted for testing. Previous consigners and Maryland residents will be favored in the selection process.

The 45 goats have been nominated by ten (10) consigners from eight (8) states: Delaware (1), Illinois (1), Kansas (2), Maryland (2), Mississippi (1), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), and Pennsylvania (1). Four consigners are new.

The nominations include 38 Kikos, 5 Kiko crossbreds, and 2 Myotonics. The Myotonics are the first to be nominated for the Maryland test. The nomination period for the test concludes on May 15. It is not necessary to list specific goats during the nomination process.

Download nomination form