Meat Goat Performance Test Update

Currently, there are 47 male goats participating in the 2nd Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test in Keedysville. The bucks are mostly Kiko and Kiko x Boer crosses. There are three fullblood Boers on test. The goats have been consigned by eleven farms in five states.

Through the first 28 days of the test, the goats gained an exceptional 0.42 lbs. per day. However, due to the worsening drought, the rate of gain over the past 14 days was only 0.16 lbs. Though data is being collected on parasite resistance (fecal egg counts) and resilience (FAMACHA scores), few goats have required deworming.

The top gaining goat in the test is a Southeastern (Kiko) cross buck consigned by Robie Robinson, Bluestem Farms, Amelia, VA. It is gaining 0.52 lbs. per day. Two goats are tied for second highest rate of gain: a purebred Kiko buck consigned by Jeanne Dietz-Band, Many Rocks Farm, Keedysville, MD; and a Kiko x Boer buck consigned by Don Smith, Back 60 Goat Farm, Charlottsville, VA. Both bucks are gaining 0.48 lbs. per day. These are outstanding gains considering the all-pasture diet (no supplementation, except for minerals) and drought conditions.

Many of the bucks in the test are for sale via private treaty. Contact Susan Schoenian at sschoen@umd.edu or (301) 432-2767 x343 for more information.

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