This document summarizes a central performance test for meat goats grazing on pastures in Western Maryland between June and September each year. The goals of the test are to evaluate goat performance on a pasture-only diet while exposing them to internal parasites, and to identify bucks that are more resistant or resilient to internal parasites. Goats are rotationally grazed on different forage types and supplements are provided if needed. Data collected includes weights, body condition, fecal egg counts, and other health measures. Top performing bucks are eligible for sale at the end of the test.

1. Characterizing the parasite challenge of meat goats grazing summer pastures in Western Maryland SUSAN SCHOENIANSheep &Goat SpecialistWestern Maryland Research & Education Centerwww.sheepandgoat.com – sschoen@umd.edu

2. Western Maryland Pasture-based Meat Goat Performance Test Established in 2006 to evaluate the performance of weanling goats on a pasture-only diet with natural exposure to internal parasites. Early June through late September

3. Central performance testing “A central performance test is where animals from different herds are brought to one central location where performance is recorded. The rationale is that measured differences are more likely due to genetic differences, which will be passed onto offspring, rather than environmental differences which will not. The goal of a central performance test is to identify genetic differences among animals.” Dr. Dan Waldron Texas A&M University 2010 top performing buckConsigned by Craig Adams (IL)Sold for $1,350 to PA

4. Maryland buck testOne of our most important goals is to identify bucks that are more resistant to internal parasites. Resistance = InfectionFecal egg counts (FECs) Resilience = TolerancePacked cell volume (FAMACHA©) H2 = 20 to 50 percent H2 = 10 to 20 percent

5. Male goats of any breed or breed cross, born between December 15 (previous year) and March 20 (test year) and weighing 35 to 70 lbs. at the start of the test. Up to 5 goats per consigner (any state). Eligibility

6. Number of goats tested Five year consignersDon Smith [L] from VirginiaJeanne Dietz-Band [R] from Maryland

7. 10-acre pasture systemFive 2-acre paddocks for rotational grazing

8. Cool season grasses Orchardgrass MaxQ™ tall fescue

9. Warm season grass Dwarf pearl millet (annual)

10. ChicoryHerb with “anthelmintic-like” properties

11. Weeds Relative feed value of good alfalfa hay is 170 or higher.

12. Silvopasture

13. Extremes in forage conditionsconsiderable seasonal and annual variation in forage quality and quantity

14. June-September 2006-2010Keedysville, Maryland Monthly and annual rainfall (in)

15. In the event of severe drought conditions Nutritional tubs Grass hay

17. Body condition score

18. Coat condition score

19. Dag score

20. FAMACHA© score

21. Fecal egg count

22. Larvae ID

23. Stand in footbath

24. Ear tag

25. Dewormed with anthelmintics from two different chemical classes (usually moxidectin + levamisole)

26. Delouse

27. 3-day treatment for coccidiaData Treatments

28. Every 14 daysLow-stress livestock handing Weigh FAMACHA© score Body condition score Coat condition score Dag score Health checkTreat as necessary Collect individual fecal sample Collect pooled fecal sample Five Point Check©

29. Growth performance June September

30. Fecal egg counts (eggs per gram of feces) Determined by Delaware State University using the modified McMaster procedure. Fecal egg counts are a measure of parasite resistance (infection). Resistant animals shed fewer eggs onto the pasture. June September

31. Individual egg counts It is estimated that 20% of the animals in a herd shed 80 percent of the eggs. In sheep, the pathogenic burden of the barber pole worm is ~2,000 epg. Individual goats

32. FAMACHA© eye anemia scores FAMACHA© scores are an estimate of packed cell volume (PCV), which is an indication of parasite “resilience” and the need for deworming. June September

33. Anthelmintic treatments FAMACHA©scoring 1 – no Tx2 – no Tx3 – ?4 – Tx5 – Tx June September

34. Fecal coproculture (larvae ID) The worm burden has been almost all barber pole worm, especially as the summer progresses. Other worm species in fecal samples: Trichostrongylus*, Oesophagostomum, Nematodiris, Eimeria, and Moniezia June September

36. Sell does via private treaty

37. Participate in carcass evaluation2007 top consignersKendall and Dana Barnes from Kentucky

38. Thank you for your attention. Questions? Susan Schoenianwww.sheepandgoat.com http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com sschoen@umd.edu Small Ruminant Program