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 (WMREC) in 2006. The test is sponsored by Maryland Cooperative Extension (MCE).The purpose of the test is to measure genetic differences in male goats consuming a pasture-only diet with natural exposure to internal parasites, primarily Haemoncus contortus (the barber pole worm) . The test also provides the opportunity to evaluate the performance of meat goats under typical Mid-Atlantic production conditions.
Each year, 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, a shade structure, 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. Low stress livestock handling techniques are used.
The nomination period for the 2009 test is April 1 - May 15, 2009.
Visit the blog at http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com -- See images of the 2008 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
Contact a member of the goat test committee for more information about the program: Susan Schoenian (MCE-WMREC), Jeff Semler (MCE-Washington County), Willie Lantz (MCE-Garrett County), David Gordon (MCE-Montgomery County), Mary Beth Bennett (WVU-Berkeley County), Dr. Jeanne Dietz-Band (MCE), and Dr. Dahlia Jackson-O'brien (DSU). The test is open to goat breeders from any state.
Page lasted updated 16-Jan-2009 by Susan Schoenian.
