The 2007 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test will start on June 9 and conclude on October 6. Up to 50 male goats will be accepted from consigners from any state.
Goats must be born between December 15, 2006, and March 15, 2007 (inclusive). They must be weaned for at least two weeks and receive two vaccinations for clostrium perfringins (overeating disease) prior to the test. Health papers issued within 30 days of the start date are required. Goats with abscesses, sore mouth, foot rot, or signs of any other contagious disease will be refused entry to the test.
Management and data collection will be the same as last year. Goats will be handled every two weeks (for body condition and FAMACHA scoring) and weighed every 28 days. One of the paddocks containing Kentucky 31 tall fescue (endoyphte-infected) will be replaced with Max Q® tall fescue. An acre of pearl millet will be planted to provide better summer grazing.
The Western Maryland Meat Goat Performance Test is sponsored by University of Maryland Cooperative Extension. For information, contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu.
