Ninety-seven (97) mostly Kiko bucks began the 2016 Western Maryland
Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test on June 23-24. There were
originally 142 goats nominated for the test, but nominations had to be
reduced.
The goats were consigned by 34 goat breeders from 17 states. Kentucky is the state with the most goats and consigners. Two Maryland breeders consigned 8 goats to the test.
While on test, the goats will consume a pasture-based diet and be evaluated for growth, parasite resistance, parasite resilience, and carcass muscling. After a 13-day adjustment period, the test will span 84 days. Starting weights will be determined July 7-8. The goats will be handled bi-weekly for data collection.
A Performance & Carcass Contest is being held in conjunction with this year's test. Fifteen goats were entered into the contest. The contest goats will consume a hay-grain diet, with a goal of moderate gain. At the end of the feeding period, they will be harvested to collected carcass data.
To follow the progress of this year's test and contest, visit the blog at http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com.
It is the 11th year of the test and the 1st year of the contest. Both are sponsored by the University of Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program and held at the University of Maryland's Western Maryland Research & Education Center in Keedysville.
The goats were consigned by 34 goat breeders from 17 states. Kentucky is the state with the most goats and consigners. Two Maryland breeders consigned 8 goats to the test.
 |
| Some of the bucks in the test |
While on test, the goats will consume a pasture-based diet and be evaluated for growth, parasite resistance, parasite resilience, and carcass muscling. After a 13-day adjustment period, the test will span 84 days. Starting weights will be determined July 7-8. The goats will be handled bi-weekly for data collection.
A Performance & Carcass Contest is being held in conjunction with this year's test. Fifteen goats were entered into the contest. The contest goats will consume a hay-grain diet, with a goal of moderate gain. At the end of the feeding period, they will be harvested to collected carcass data.
To follow the progress of this year's test and contest, visit the blog at http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com.
It is the 11th year of the test and the 1st year of the contest. Both are sponsored by the University of Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program and held at the University of Maryland's Western Maryland Research & Education Center in Keedysville.
2 comments:
Cute goats! Can't wait to hear the results!
Good luck with the bucks!
Post a Comment