AMGA Range Performance Test 2005-2006

The American Meat Goat Association will be conducting a 200-day range performance test for buck and wether goats. The test will be open to all goat producers who wish to participate. Due to current range condition we are limiting the number in the test to 150 head of animals. Animals will be received October 31st and November 1st, 2005, at the Marvin F. Shurley Ranch - 4.5 miles South of Sonora, Texas on Hwy. 277. Weigh-in is November 1, 2005. Goats must weigh at least 80 lbs. in order to be admitted to the test. There is no maximum weight limit or age limit. The cost for entering a buck or wether into the test is $75.00 per head. Animals will be run in a two pasture rotational grazing system. Pasture (1) One contains 393 total acres and Pasture (2) Two contains 434 total acres. All animals will be inspected prior to admission into the test station and unsound or unhealthy animals will not be permitted entry. Upon acceptance, animals will be ear-tagged with an A.M.G.A. test tag. All goats will be weighed and given initial vaccinations against enterotoxemia, caseous lymphadinitis, and pneumonia. Goats will also be treated for internal and external parasites, such as stomach worms and lice, at the time of admission.

Goats will then be weighed at 50-day intervals. Average daily gain will be computed after each weighing and at the end of the test for each animal. A ranking will then be assigned them in relation to the group's performance. This will give goat producers a perspective on animal performance under a true commercial type management system.

The second test weight will be taken and recorded on December 20, 2005 (day 50) and booster shots for enterotoxemia, caseous lymphadinitis and pneumonia will be administered. Fecal sampling will also be done and should egg counts dictate it necessary, anthelmintics will be administered for control of internal parasites.

The third weight of the test will be taken and recorded on February 8, 2006 (day 100), and again fecal samples will be analyzed and anthelmintics administered if necessary. This will be determined by the egg count in fecal samples through microscopic examination.

The fourth weight of the test will be taken and recorded on March 30, 2006 (day 150). Again at this time fecal samples will be collected and subjected to microscopic examination to determine parasite load, and if necessary anthelmintics will be administered for control of internal parasites.

Following each weigh day the average daily gain (ADG) will be calculated for the preceding 50 days and the entire preceding test period in two separate reports to be issued to participants. Upon conclusion of the test at day 200 a final summary showing overall ADG will be compiled with animals ranked according to their individual performance. Goats may be picked up after 1 pm on the 19th of May, 2006.

Dr. Frank Craddock is the Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist for the Texas Cooperative Extension of the Texas A & M University System and will be inspecting animals to determine their qualification for testing, supervising all weight days, and conducting educational programs concerning the outcome of the test.

Marvin F. Shurley will be the primary manager of the test.

The test will be limited to the first 150 goats entered, so please let us know the number of goats you will be entering. Payment may be made on the day of delivery of your goats to the test station, or mailed to AMGA, P.O. Box 676, Sonora, Texas 76950.

Entries must be postmarked no later than 15 October 2005.