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
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Meat goat test survey
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Carcass evaluation
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
Monday, October 12, 2009
Trends in parasite data
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.
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.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Performance tested bucks sell well
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.
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.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Buck rankings
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Eleven bucks meet performance standards
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.
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
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