This presentation by University of Maryland Extension Sheep & Goat Specialist Susan Schoenian discusses the University of Maryland's meat goat performance testing program.

1. Developing a meat goat performance-testing program in Maryland S. Schoenian1, J. Semler1, J. Dietz-Band1, D. Gordon1, W. Lantz1, M. Bennett2, and D. O’Brien3 1University of Maryland2West Virginia University3Delaware State University

2. The meat goat industry continues to grow. 2002  2007 Ag Census42% growth in Maryland One limitation to profitability is poor-performing goats. Most selection and breeding decisions are based on visual appraisal of non-fitness traits. Introduction

3. To assist meat goat producers in identifying genetically- superior bucks and developing more profitable meat goat enterprises. Overall objectives

4. Central performance test 100-day pasture-test Annual Field Day & Sale Sale of top-performing bucks Educational program Invitational doe sale Youth skillathon Carcass evaluation Materials and methods

5. The Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test was initiated in 2006 at the University of Maryland’s Western Maryland Research & Education Center (WMREC) in Keedysville, MD. It is the only pasture-only small ruminant performance test in the United States. Central performance test

6. Open to consigners from any state. Accept up to five weanling male goats per consigner. Any breed or breed cross. With or without registration papers or eligibility. Half-sibs recommended. Born between December 15 and March 20. Weigh between 35 and 70 lbs. (16-32 kg). Weaned for at least two weeks. Vaccinated twice for CD-T. Eligibility Nomination period: April 1 - May 15

7. Test protocol: management Pasture-only diet. Managed as a single group. 12-day adjustment period. Rotationally-grazed among five two acre paddocks composed of orchardgrass, MaxQ™ tall fescue, chicory, dwarf pearl millet, and misc. forbs. Goats always have access to a central laneway containing port-a-hut shelters, a shade structure, water, minerals, and the handling system. Free choice minerals with a coccidiostat.

8. 2009

9. Test protocol: data collection Goats are handled at the start of the test and every two weeks. Body weights Body condition scores Coat condition scores FAMACHA© scores Treatment records Individual and pooled fecal samples Fecal egg counts Larvae ID End of test Ultrasound carcass measurements Reproductive soundness Scrotal circumference and splits Teat number and structure Structural correctness

10. Meet Gold, Silver, and Bronze standards of performance: Growth rate (ADG) Parasite resistance (high and avg. fecal egg counts) Parasite resilience(FAMACHA© scores and # anthel. Tx) Meet minimum standards: Reproductive soundness Structural correctness Additional data provided Ultrasound BF and REA Scrotal circumference and splits Teat number and structure Top-performing bucksEligible for sale

11. Top-performing bucks 2009 Standards

13. In 2009, nine goats were harvested at a USDA-inspected plant in New Windsor, Maryland (LambCo). Carcasses were separated into fat, bone, and lean. Goats were sold prior to slaughter (plant’s USDA certification is for carcasses only) Carcass evaluation www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/GoatTest/2009/09carcassevaluation.pdf

14. All results are shared via a blog. Reports and other documents can be downloaded from the blog. Information can be mailed upon request. http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com 2007

15. Consignment fees Currently $85 per goat Internal (extension) grants Mini-grants Leveraging grants Northeast SARE funds SARE grants and funds Science and education grants Speaker funds In-kind and solicited donations Mineral companies Individual producers Industry Small Ruminant Extension Program Funding

16. Results: testing program

17. Results: field day and sale

18. Impacts 2006  2009 195 goats from 17 consigners from 11 states have been evaluated. Program participation is increasing. The demand for performance-tested bucks has increased as evidenced by prices. Electronic survey results 80 percent of visitor’s to meat goat test blog would prefer to purchase a performance-tested buck. 90 percent of producers agree with the emphasis the test places on parasite traits. Other states are developing forage-based small ruminant performance tests.

20. Teamwork among extension and research colleagues in different counties and states.

22. More forage analyses. Compare performance of offspring from top and bottom-performing bucks in test . Compare carcass characteristics of goats finished on different diets. Make it a progeny test. Future plans: Research

23. Fecal egg countsDr. Dahlia O’Brien’s lab at Delaware State University Larvae IDDr. Ray Kaplan’s lab at the University of Georgia Carcass ultrasoundJim Pritchard from West Virginia University Carcass evaluationJoe Kavanaugh, LambCo LLC, New Windsor, MarylandDr. Scott Updike from the University of Maryland The “Goat Team”Susan Schoenian, Jeff Semler, Jeanne Dietz-Band, Mary Beth Bennett, David Gordon, Willie Lantz, Shannon Uzelac, Dahlia O’Brien, and E. Nelson Escobar. Administrative supportPam Thomas and Cindy Mason The WMREC farm crewTim Ellis, Doug Price, and Dave Wyand Acknowledgements