Western Maryland Pasture-Based
Meat Goat Performance Test
A pasture-based meat goat performance test was initiated at the University of Maryland's Western Maryland Research & Education Center in 2006. The test is sponsored by Maryland Cooperative Extension.The purpose of the test is to measure genetic differences in male goats consuming a pasture-only diet with natural exposure to internal parasites. The test also provides the opportunity to evaluate the performance of meat goats under typical Mid-Atlantic production conditions.
Each year, up to 50 male goats, of any breed or breed cross, are tested at the Western Maryland facility. While on test, the goats are evaluated for growth performance, parasite resistance (FEC) and resilience (FAM), and carcass merit. They are managed as a single group on pasture from early-June until early-October. They do not receive any supplemental feed, other than free choice minerals containing Deccox™.
The pasture resource consists of five, two-acre paddocks composed primarily of orchardgrass, Max Q™ tall fescue, chicory, and pearl millet. The goats always have access to a central laneway containing port-a-hut shelters, mineral feeders, water, and a handling system. The goats are handled every 14 days to determine their body weights, FAMACHA© scores, and body condition scores.
The nomination period for the 2008 test is April 1 - May 15, 2008.
Visit the blog at http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com -- See images of the 2007 test at Flickr™
DOWNLOAD FORMS
2008 Nomination Form
2008 Guidelines and Protocol
2008 Health Regulations for Livestock Exhibited in Maryland
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (intrastate) and Self-Certification Form
2007 Reports
June 22 report
July 6 report
July 20 report
Fecal egg count report - day 28
August 3 report
Fecal egg count report - day 56
August 17 report
August 29 report
September 12 report
Fecal egg count report - day 96
ADG rankings (September 12)
September 26 report (rank by ADG)
Fecal egg count graphs
Ultrasound scan report
2006 Results
July 7 report
August 4 report
August 31 report
Ultrasound scan report
September 29 report
ADG by number of anthelmintic treatments
Contact a member of the goat test committee for more information about the testing program: Susan Schoenian (MCE), Jeff Semler (MCE), Willie Lantz (MCE), Mary Beth Bennett (WVU), Dr. Jeanne Dietz-Band (MCE), Dr. Niki Whitley (UMES), Dr. Dahlia Jackson (DSU), and Dr. Kevin Pelzer (VA Tech). The test is open to goat breeders from any state.
