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
