S. Schoenian1, M. Bennett2, J. Deitz-Band3, W. Lantz4, W. Lemaster5, and J. Semler6.
1Area Agent, Sheep and Goats, University
of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Western Maryland Research & Education
Center, Keedysville, MD 21756
2 Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, West Virginia University
Cooperative Extension, Berkely County Extension Office, Martinsburg, WV 25401
3Many Rocks Farm, Keedysville, MD 21756
4Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland
Cooperative Extension, Garrett County Extension Office, Mt. Lake Park, MD 21550
54-H Animal Science Specialist, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University
of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Washington County Extension Office, Ellicott
City, MD 21042
6Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland
Cooperative Extension, Washington County Extension Office, Boonsboro, MD 21713
A pasture-based meat goat performance test was initiated at the Western Maryland Research & Education Center in Keedysville, MD (39.5N, 77.7W), on June 10, 2006. The purpose of the test was to measure genetic differences of meat goats consuming a pasture diet with natural exposure to internal parasites. Thirty-five Boer (n=6) , Kiko (n=17), Boer x Kiko (n=11), and Genemaster (n=1) buck kids, 3 to 6 months of age, from six states were consigned to the inaugural test. The goats were rotationally grazed for 112 days among five 2-acre paddocks composed of tall fescue, orchardgrass, chicory, Birdsfoot trefoil, clover, and various forbs. The goats did not receive any supplemental feed. They always had access to a central laneway containing port-a-hut shelters, minerals, water, and a handling system. While on test, the goats were evaluated for growth performance, parasite resistance, and carcass merit. They were handled every 14 d to determine FAMACHA© and BCS’s and the need for selective deworming. They were dewormed at the start of the test and fecal samples were collected at 0, 28, and 56 d. The goats were weighed every 28 days. Thirty-one goats finished the test (four were eliminated for health reasons). Fifty-one anthelmintic treatments were administered to the 31 goats for an average of 1.65 treatments per animal, excluding the initial deworming. Four goats did not require deworming during the testing period. Thirteen were treated once. Seven were dewormed twice. Only seven goats required 3 or more anthelmintic treatments. ADG was 0.258, 0.202, 0.293, and 0.01 lbs. per day for the four 28-day periods. Overall gain averaged 0.19 lbs. per day. A blog (http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com) was established to enable consigners and other interested persons to follow the progress of the test. Next year’s test will start on June 9, 2006; up to 50 goats will be accepted from consigners from any state.
This abstract was presented at the Annual
meeting of the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science, Mobile,
Alabama, February 6, 2007.
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