Starting (on-test) weights ranged from 32.4 to 78.8 lbs. and averaged 49.6 ± 8.9 lbs. The median starting weight was 48.5 lbs. During the adjustment period, gain (or loss) ranged from -8.3 to 9.7 lbs. and averaged 2.2 ± 3.4 lbs. The median gain was 2.5 lbs. Average daily gain (ADG) period ranged from -0.593 to 0.693 lbs. per day and averaged 0.156 ± 0.244 lbs. per day. The median ADG was 0.179 lbs. per day. The adjustment period data is provided for information purposes only and does not factor into the test.
FAMACHA©
From the standpoint of FAMACHA© scores, the sequential dosing with albendazole (Valbazen® @ 2 ml/25 lbs), moxidectin (Cydectin® @ 4.5 ml/25 lbs) and levamisole (Prohibit® @ 3 ml/50 lbs) seems to have been effective, at least from a clinical perspective. FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 3 and averaged 1.7 ± 0.6. The median FAMACHA© score was 2.
Upon arrival, FAMACHA© scores ranged from 1 to 5 and averaged 1.9 ± 0.8. On July 7, one goat was dewormed in accordance with the new protocol. It had a FAMACHA© score of 3 and lost weight during the previous two weeks. All goats with FAMACHA© scores of 3 will be dewormed if they lose more than 0.1 lbs. during the previous two weeks. They will also be dewormed if they have poor body condition, scours, rough hair coat, high fecal egg count (two weeks prior), and declining scores, especially FAMACHA©. If more than 10 percent of goats have FAMACHA© scores of 4 or 5, all goats with FAMACHA© scores of 3 will be dewormed.
Other scores
Body condition scores remained unchanged, ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 and averaging 2.2 ± 0.3. The median BCS was 2.1. Coat condition scores remained unchanged, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 and averaging 2.1 ± 0.2. The median coat condition scores was 2. Dag scores and fecal consistency scores were unchanged, as only a few goats showed evidence of diarrhea (scours). The median dag score was 0 (no soiling). The median fecal consistency score was 1 (normal fecal pellets).
Fecal egg counts
Fecal samples were collected from the goats on June 23 and 24. Fecal egg counts ranged from 0 to 21550 eggs per gram (EPG) of feces. The average egg count was 1207 ± 3201 epg. The standard deviation (STD) was more than twice the mean (AVG), indicating a wide variation in egg count data. The median fecal egg count was only 100 epg. Few goats had high egg counts. The pooled sample is still being analyzed for larvae identification.
The bucks are now grazing the summer annual mix of BMR pearl millet, Sunn hemp, cow peas, brassicas, and chicory. They still have access to the silvopasture, as it offers a cooler place for grazing. It also contains some browse, which the goats relish.
The next work day is July 21 (day 14).
Download July 7-8 (Day 0) Report
