​Maryland Small Ruminant Page

2016 was the biggest year ever, as 142 bucks were consigned to the test. The mostly Kiko bucks were consigned by 38 breeders from 17 states (Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia). Fourteen were first-time consignors. Twenty-four had consigned to one or more prior tests.  Consignments were reduced to 100 goats. Ninety-seven bucks were delivered to the test site on June 23-24. Ninety-six (96) started the test on July 7-8. Eighty-three (83) finished the test on September 15. Four died and nine were removed from the test, due to their inability to adapt to test conditions.
 

Upon arrival, the bucks were sequentially dosed with anthelmintics from all three anthelmintic classes: albendazole (Valbazen® @ 2 ml/11 lbs), moxidectin (Cydectin® @ 2 ml/11 lbs.) and levamisole (Prohibit® @ 3 ml/50 lbs.). The reason for the sequential deworming was to make sure all the bucks started the test equally and "free" from worms.  Fecal egg counts from June 23-24 and July 8 were compared to determine the efficacy of the sequential dosing. For the fifteen goats that had fecal egg counts >1000 epg, the sequential dosing reduced egg counts by an average of 84 percent.  If the odd data point is eliminated (one goat had only a 1% reduction in FEC), the average fecal egg count reduction in these goats was 90%. Several goats with low initial fecal egg counts experienced substantial increases in fecal egg counts after the sequential dosing, indicating a resistant population of immature worms upon arrival.

While on test, the bucks were evaluated for growth performance (ADG), parasite resistance (FECs), and parasite resilience. They were handled every two weeks to determine body weights, FAMACHA©, body condition, coat condition, dag, and fecal consistency scores. FAMACHA© scores and the Five Point Check© were used to make deworming decisions.  Weight gain and fecal egg counts were also factored into deworming decisions for goats with FAMACHA© scores of 3. It was often necessary to administer at least two dewormers to alleviate the symptoms of clinically-parasitized goats.  Fecal samples were collected from each buck every two weeks to determine individual fecal egg counts. Pooled samples were collected twice for larvae ID and the DrenchRite® test.

While on test, the bucks were managed as a single group on pasture.  They were rotationally grazed among six paddocks, with continous access to a central laneway, containing port-a-hut shelters, mineral feeders, water troughs, environmental enrichment, and a handling system. The pasture system consists of five, 2-acre paddocks, along with a 2.5 acre silvopasture (walnut and mixed hardwood trees).  Half of the pasture is planted in perennial cool season grasses: MaxQ™ tall fescue and orchardgrass. Half of the pasture is planted in warm season annual grasses and legumes. This year's annual plantings included dwarf pearl millet and Sunn Hemp.

There was a 13-day adjustment period, followed by an 70-day test period. The test was stopped at 70 days, due to an outbreak of respiratory disease. The first 42 days of the test served as a "growth challenge." The bucks grazed "clean" warm season forages. The second half of the test served as a "parasite challenge." The bucks grazed cool season grass paddocks that had been previously infected with worm larvae by grazing sheep.

During the test period, the goats were supplemented daily with whole barley. Previous data had shown the test goats' pasture-only diet to be deficient in energy.  Barley was introduced to the diet slowly and gradually increased according to appetite. The maximum consumpion of barley was approximately 1 lb. per head per day. Depending upon the weight of the goats, this ranged from 1.25 to 2.5 percent of body weight.