Ten Years of the Western Maryland pasture-Based Meat Goat PerformancE TESt

Ten Years of the Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance TestSUSAN SCHOENIANSheep & Goat SpecialistUniversity of Maryland Extensionsschoen@umd.eduhttp://mdgoattest.blogspot.com

The role of central performance testsA central performance test is where animals from different herds are brought to one central location where performance is recorded. The rationale is that observed differences are more likely due to genetic differences, which will be passed onto offspring, rather than environmental differences, which will not be passed onto offspring. The goal of a central performance test is to identify genetic differences among animals.

Dr. Dan Waldron, Texas A&M University

In a central performance test, you can only compare animals in the test to each other (not to animals in other test years or on other farms).

Purpose of Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance TestTo have a common environment and unbiased evaluation of economically-important traits of potential meat goat sires.To evaluate the post-weaning growth performance of bucks and evaluate their resistance and resilience to gastro-internal parasites, primarily the barber pole worm.To offer an alternative to traditional feed and pen-based performance tests.To promote the use of performance-tested bucks in the meat goat industry.

LocationWestern Maryland Research & Education CenterKeedysville, Maryland

One of several regional research & education centers affiliated with University of Maryland.

500 acre farm

Test site ~12.5 acres

Pasture resource

PaddockSize2016 forage species A2 acresCool season perennialsMaxQ tall fescueOrchardgrassB2 acresC1 acreD2 acresWarm season annualsBMR pearl milletSunn HempCow peasRapeChicoryE2 acresF1 acreG2.5 acresSilvopastureMaxQ tall fescue

Supplemental feedingFrom 2006 until 2014 (midway through test), goats did not receive any supplemental feed other than free choice minerals.In 2014 and 2015, pooled fecal samples were submitted to the Grazing Animal Nutrition (GAN) Lab in Temple, Texas, to determine diet quality (prior 36-48 hours).NIRS data showed that goats diet was likely deficient in energy; for cattle, a DOM/CP ratio of less than 4 is outside the ratio for positive rumen efficiency.Starting second half of 2014 test, goats have received supplemental feed while grazing.2014, 2015 - soy hull pellets (up to 1 lb. per head)2016 - whole barley will be fed (up to 1 lb. per head)

In 2015, supplementation seemed to improve resilience to internal parasites.Through d-422014 - 17 Tx2015 - 5 Tx Due to nutritional supplementation (?)

Central lanewayHoop house (48 x 30 ft)Handling systemPort-a-hut sheltersTreatment penMineral feedersWaterEnvironmental enrichment

Isolation pen (outside of pasture)Pen for feeding (16 x 16 ft)

HandlingTest utilizes DS Livestock Equipment corrals and handling system with elevated work deck (Billy Buster) and weigh platform.Aim to use low-stress livestock handling techniques (minimal handling by horns).Starting in 2016, goats will be weighed first, released, and run through handling system a second time for scoring.

Eligibility: peopleOpen to goat producers from any state, who may consign up to five goats to test.Minimum of 2 recommendedHalf sibs recommended.If nominations exceed test capacity, preference is given to Maryland producers (not many) and previous consigners, without excluding new consigners.

Eligibility: goatsGoats may be of any breed or breed cross, with or without registration or eligibility.They must have been born between January 1 and March 15 and weigh 40-70 lbs. upon delivery to the test site.They must have been vaccinated twice for CDT and have been weaned for at least two weeks. Health papers and official scrapie ID are required.Zero tolerance for abscesses.

TimelineNomination period: April 15-June 1Nominations packets mailed to previous consigners (past two years and upon request).All pertinent documents can be downloaded from blog at http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com$20 per head nomination fee (usually refundable)All nominations received by deadline are treated equally.Deliver to test site: end of June (June 24, 2016)Adjustment period: Test starts after 13 day adjustment period (July 7)Test lasts for 84 days (ends September 30, 2016) At end of test, goats must be picked up or test will facilitate commercial sale (no longer sale of top-performing bucks).

Protocol: upon arrivalStand in footbath of zinc sulfateWeighedScored (FAMACHA, BCS, etc.)Health check, e.g. abscesses, liceSequentially dewormed moxidectin + albendazole + levamisoleGiven injection of antibiotic (LA-200)Ear taggedVaccinated for soremouthTreated (in water) for coccidiosis (for 5 days)

WeighingGoats are weighed upon arrival.After a 13-day adjustment period, starting weights are determined.Goats are weighed bi-weekly.Ending weights are determined on day-84.Goats are weighed two days in a row to determine starting and ending weights (average of two weights).Starting in 2016, all goats will be weighed before any scoring, treatment, or fecal sampling.

ScoringUpon arrival and every two weeks, goats are scored for the following:FAMACHA score (1-5)Body condition score (BCS, 1-5)Coat score (1-3)Dag score (0-5)Fecal consistency score (1-4)

Scoring is done by same person.

Fecal samplesFecal samples (2-4 g) are collected from the rectum of each goat.Upon arrival and every two weeks.Two attempts are made to collect fecal samples from individual goats.Pooled fecal samples are collected upon arrival (each consignment) and every 4 weeks (random) for coproculture (larvae ID).Fecal analysis is done by Dr. Dahlia OBriens lab at Virginia State University (previously Delaware State University and the University of Georgia (larvae ID).

Deworming protocolGoats with FAMACHA scores of 4 or 5 are dewormed.Goats with FAMACHA scores of 1 or 2 are not dewormed.Goats with FAMACHA scores of 3 may or may not be dewormed.

Deworming protocol: FAMACHA 3The decision to deworm goats with FAMACHA scores of 3 is based on criteria of the Five Point Check.FAMACHA scoreBottle jaw (sub-mandibular edema)Body condition score (BCS, 1-5)Dag score (0-5)Coat condition (1-3)Goats with FAMACHA scores of 3 will also be dewormed if they have one of more of the following risk factorsWeight lossDecline in FAMACHA scoreLast (2 weeks ago) FEC > 2000 epgScours (fecal consistency score of 1/4)> 10% test goats with FAMACHA scores of 4 or 5Beginning in 2016, goats with FAMACHA scores of 3 will be dewormed if they lose more than 0.1 lbs. during the previous 2 week period.

Protocol: near end of testUltrasound scanningLoin eye areaLoin depthBack fat

Visual appraisalStructural correctnessConformationFeet and legsHooves (growth and abnormalities)Mouth (bite)Reproductive soundnessScrotal circumferenceTeat number and structureUSDA grade (Selection 1, 2, 3)

Top-performing bucksTop-10 or Gold, Silver, Bronze-performing bucksSelection criteriaGoldSilverBronzeHigh fecal egg count< 1000 epg< 1500 epg< 2000 epgAverage fecal egg count< 500 epg< 750 epg< 1000 epgFAMACHA score< 3< 3< 3# dewormings00< 1Average daily gain (ADG)variesvariesADG ratio > 100No structural or soundness issues. No health treatments.SC, teats, and ultrasound data for informational purposes only.

Information and communicationMeat Goat Test Bloghttp://mdgoattest.blogspot.comMeat Goat Test listservlistserv@listserv.umd.edusubscribe meatgoattestE-mail group (consigners only)Information sent via mail upon request.

ParticipationYearNo. goatsNo. consignersNo. states20063195200747117200857201020096017112010722012201181231120124920102013812311201477231120158425122016100361773910020

Participation: Five or more yearscounting 2016 nominationsConsignerState# years# bucksJohn SmithVirginia1041Kendall & Dana BarnesKentucky935Sam Burke*Delaware837Jarred DennisonKentucky733Jeanne Dietz-BandMaryland633Wes PinneoKansas626Waldo NelsonMaryland620Craig AdamsIllinois526P.J. MurphyNew Jersey523Don SmithVirginia527Mike RenickWest Virginia516

ResultsYearTop performing buckTop consigner2006Not awardedJeanne Dietz-Band (Maryland)2007Not awardedDon Smith (Virginia)2008Kendall & Dana Barnes (Kentucky)John Smith (Virginia)2009Craig Adams (Illinois)Craig Adams2010Craig AdamsCraig Adams2011Sam Burke (Delaware)Luke Miller (Indiana)2012Jodie & Randy Majanczik (Kentucky)Sam Burke (Delaware)2013Kendall & Dana Barnes John Weber (Illinois)Sam Burke2014Jodie & Randy Majanczik Brent Ballinger (Kentucky)Jodie & Randy Majanczik2015Jodie & Randy MajanczikDavid Peters (North Carolina)

Average fecal egg counts

Average daily gain (lbs./day)

Famacha scores and treatments

Multi-state, multi-institutionalThe Goat TeamSupportSUSAN SCHOENIANSheep & Goat SpecialistWestern Maryland Research & Education CenterJEFF SEMLERAgricultural Extension AgentUniversity of Maryland-Washington Co.DAVID GORDON4-H/Ag Extension AgentUniversity of Maryland-Montgomery Co.MARY BETH BENNETTAgricultural Extension AgentWest Virginia University- Berkeley Co.PAM THOMASAdministrative Assistant Western Maryland Research & Education CenterFecal egg analysis and larvae IDDr. Dahlia OBrienVirginia State UniversityUltrasound scanningJim PritchardPreviously West Virginia UniversityUniversity of Maryland Eastern ShoreDr. E. Nelson EscobarVeterinariansDr. Kevin Pelzer, Virginia Tech (consulting)Dr. Mara Mullinix (2013-2015)Dr. John Ludwig (2016)

Funding $$$$$$$$$$$$PrimaryConsignment fees (per goat)Currently $120/goatInfrastructureNortheast SARE via University of Maryland Eastern ShoreUniversity of Maryland Extension (internal grants)OtherConsigners (donations)

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Questions?Comments?Thank you for your attention

SUSAN SCHOENIANSheep & Goat SpecialistUniversity of Maryland Extensionsschoen@umd.eduwww.sheepandgoat.com

https://mdgoattest.blogspot.com