Goat producers from any state may consign up to five weanling male goats to the 2010 test. Eligible goats may be of any breed or type, with or without registration papers or eligibility. Half-sibs are recommended. The test is best-suited to meat goat producers who raise their kids mostly on pasture.Goats must have been born between December 15, 2009, and March 20, 2010 (inclusive) and weigh between 35 and 70 lbs. (inclusive) upon delivery to the test site on June 4. They must have been weaned for at least two weeks and have received two vaccinations for CD-T. Hooves should be in proper condition to stand in a foot bath.
A $20 nomination fee is required for each goat. An additional $65 will be due upon delivery to the test site. Health papers are required. Intrastate (Maryland) health papers need to be stamped for approval by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). A copy of interstate health certificates should be forwarded to MDA. Any goats showing signs of disease (including abscesses) and ill thrift will be refused entry to the test.
The carrying capacity of the test site is approximately 70 goats. If more than 70 nominations are received, preference will be given to previous consignors and Maryland residents. A field day, sale, and skillathon will be held on Saturday, October 2, at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center near Boonsboro. Nomination forms and other pertinent documents may be downloaded from http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com. To request a nomination packet through the mail, contact Pam Thomas at (301) 432-2767 x315 or pthomas@umd.edu. For more information about the meat goat performance testing program, contact Susan Schoenian at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu.
Nomination form
Guidelines and protocol
Health requirements
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