This study compares the carcass characteristics of pasture-raised versus pen-fed meat goats, finding that pen-feeding generally yields better carcass outcomes, including higher dressing percentage and rib eye area. Over a 112-day feeding period, data indicated significant differences in weights and fat content between the two groups. A more comprehensive investigation is planned for 2012 to further assess the economic viability and performance differences in these feeding systems.

1. Carcass characteristics of
pasture vs. pen-fed meat goats
S. G. Schoenian1*, J.W. Semler1, D. L. Gordon1,
M.B. Bennett2, and D.J. O’Brien3
1Universityof Maryland College Park
2West Virginia University
3Delaware State University

2. Background
• There is a lack of data
pertaining to the
performance, carcass
characteristics, and
economics of finishing
meat goats in
different production
systems.

3. Procedure
• Consigners to the 2011
Western Maryland
Pasture-Based Meat Goat
Performance Test were
asked to provide an
additional goat for pen-
feeding.
• The same consigner
provided a second buck
from the pasture test for
slaughter comparison.

4. Procedure
Pen-fed (n=9) Pasture-raised (n=9)
• 4.9 m2 zero grazing pen • Rotationally-grazed among six
• Unlimited access to grass hay 2-acre paddocks of cool and
• Limit-fed grain once per day warm season grasses
– Avg. 1 lb. per head per day • No supplemental feeding
• Free choice minerals • Free choice minerals w/Rumensin®
w/Rumensin®

5. Data (6/10-9/15)
• Bi-weekly
– Body weights
– FAMACHA© scores
– Body condition scores
– Coat condition scores
– Dag scores
– Fecal egg counts
• October 1
– Ultrasound
• Backfat
• Rib eye area

6. Procedures
• After 112 days of consuming their
respective diets, the goats were harvested
to collect carcass data.
• Live weights were determined prior to
transport to a custom-exempt slaughter-
house (60 km away) for same day
slaughter.
• Hot carcass weights were determined
immediately after slaughter.
• Cold carcass weights were determined 6
days later when the carcasses were
processed for data collection.

7. Procedures
• Kidney and heart fat was
removed from the carcass
and weighed.
• Carcasses were split between
the 12th and 13th rib.
•
Body wall thickness was
measured with a metal ruler.
• Rib eye area was measured
using a plastic grid.

8. Procedures
• Carcasses were
completely deboned
and separated into
bone, fat, and lean,
which were weighed
to determine carcass
percentages.
• A sample of the rib eye was sent to the meat lab at
Ohio State University for analysis.

9. Data
MEASURED
CALCULATED
• Hot carcass weight (HCW)
• Dressing percentage
• Cold carcass weight (CCW) HCW ÷ Live weight
• Rib eye area (REA) • Percent KH fat
• Body wall thickness (BWT) KH ÷ CCW
• KH fat (KH) weight • Percent Bone
Bone ÷ CCW
• Fat weight
• Percent Fat
• Bone weight Fat ÷ CCW
• Lean weight • Percent lean
Lean ÷ CCW
• Yield
Lean ÷ Live weight

10. Results
Trait Pasture Pen
LW, kg 26.0 ±0.94a 28.8 ±2.16a
HCW, kg 10.3 ±0.52a 12.9 ±1.23a
DP, % 39.4 ±1.15a 44.4 ±1.57b
CCW, kg 9.4 ±0.49a 12.3 ±1.25b
%KH 1.45 ±0.008a 2.64 ±0.025b
BWT, cm 0.41 ±0.04a 0.62 ±0.09b
REA, cm2 8.06 ±0.51a 10.11 ±1.11a
U-REA, cm2 6.42 ±0.23 7.91 ±0.82
% Fat 2.14 ±0.08a 4.34 ±0.26b
% bone 42.28 ±1.10 37.15 ±1.56
% Lean 54.80 ±1.16a 57.87 ±1.51a
Yield, % 19.78 ±0.09a 24.49 ±1.49b

11. Live and carcass weights (kg)
30.0
25.0
20.0
p < 0.05
15.0
10.0
5.0 a a a a a b
0.0
Live weight Hot carcass weight Cold carcass weight
Pasture Pen-fed

12. Dressing percentage, %
Pasture-raised Pen-fed
55.0%
50.0%
45.0%
40.0%
35.0%
30.0%
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Each number on the horizontal axis represents two goats from the same consigner.

13. Dressing percentage, %
44.4
45.0
43.0
41.0 39.4
39.0
37.0
a b
35.0
Pasture-raised Pen-fed
p < 0.02

14. Carcass yields, %
p < 0.001
4.5%
4.0%
p < 0.001 b
3.5%
3.0%
2.5% b
2.0%
1.5% a
1.0% a
0.5%
0.0%
% KH % Fat
Pasture-fed Pen-fed

15. Carcass yields, %
60.0%
55.0%
50.0%
45.0%
40.0%
35.0% p < 0.02
30.0%
25.0%
20.0%
15.0% a a a a a b
10.0%
% Bone % Lean Yield, %
Pasture-raised Pen-fed

16. Rib eye area, cm2

17. Rib eye area, cm2
Pasture-fed Pen-fed
11.00
10.00
9.00
8.00
7.00
6.00 a a
5.00
Carcass Ultrasound

18. Carcass vs. ultrasound
Carcass Ultrasound
11.00
10.00
9.00
8.00
7.00
6.00
a b a b
5.00
Pasture Pen
p < 0.05

19. Conclusion
• Pen-feeding
improved the carcass
yield of meat goats in
this preliminary study,
but the economics of
pen-feeding will
vary by operation.
• A more formal study will be conducted in 2012 to
evaluate the performance, carcass traits, and
economics of pen vs. pasture feeding.

20. Thank you for your attention.