2009 Oklahoma Meat Goat Forage Buck Performance Test

New Blog for the Buck Test

Please go to the new site for the 2010 blog on the buck test.
http://kerrosubucktest.blogspot.com/

Weights & FAMACHA from 10-8-09

Please click on either the PDF or excel workbook to see the latest weights, ADG and FAMACHA scores. The ADG has leveled off considerably for two reasons- mistakes and rut. It was pointed out by one breeder that his bucks weight fluctuations during the middle of the test were considerable. After looking at the records I discovered the problem and re-entered all weights for this excel workbook. Tip for any one interested- all ways keep your hand records, because if you're as talented as me with the computer you will invariably screw up.

Also the bucks are entering rut. Maintaining their weight will now be the goal. The weather has been just plain crummy . The bucks look good and while I wish for greaterADG, I am pleased with their progress.

I will be posting info about the Field Day later in the week. I don't expect it to be a big event what with the Cream of the Crop Sale the following week and the great Meat Goat program being put on inBooneville , AR the same day. The preliminary plans are to talk about the test, answer questions the producers have, allow locals and anyone interested to look the bucks(possibly arranging for private sale) and award the winners. I know most will have a very busy week of travel so we will keep it short and sweet.
Mary
Download Records 10-08
Download Records 10-08

FAMACHA Scores and Fecal Tests

Below is the link for the latest fecal and FAMACHA scores. We did not fecal test those bucks that scored a 1 or 2 on the FAMACHA scale. I have also included the scores of the bucks that we had to worm a few weeks ago. It looks like most everyone has recovered well. Those bucks that scored a 4 or 5 this weigh in were taken out of the pastures and wormed. We will be returning those bucks who have recovered on Monday.
Mary

Download Records

New Weights and FAMACHA Scores

Below is the link for the records from Friday. I have the weights, ADG and FAMACHA scores recorded. I will be working on the fecal scores this afternoon and tomorrow morning. If your buck scored a 4 or 5 on the FAMACHA scale, we have wormed him and are treating him for the anemia. We have been very pleased with the results we are seeing so far. Be looking for the fecal results to come later in the week.

Mary

Download 9_18_records

New Data

Posted below are the latest numbers we have for the buck test.
On the Fecal Egg Counts, those bucks that scored a 1 or 2 on their FAMACHA score, we did not collect a fecal. Those that scored a 4 or 5 on their FAMCHA have been taken out of the test and wormed. You will notice that the weights were not as strong as the last time. This is in part due to the weather but most of all to the forages dropping off in protein content. We have switched our ration to a protein based feed that stimulates the bucks to eat more and have rotated them to a new pasture. We will be working the bucks again on the 16th of September.
Mary
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Latest Fecal Egg Counts

Below I have attached the results from 8-17-09 for the FEC's. We really saw some reductions. This could be due to several factors- dewormers finally working, bucks getting over shipping stress, or possibly the lespedeza that the bucks are chowing down on right now. Any which way it is, I am glad to see reductions in worm loads and hope that the trend sticks. I will take pics next week and put them up.
Hope everyone had a great Friday,
Mary

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Mistake in the last post

To all
 The ADG on the link provided in the below post is wrong. Please see the records download in this post for the correct info.
Mary

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8-17-09 Weights

Below is the link for the weights taken today. I will be starting the fecals tomorrow and expect that they will take a few days. The ADG are looking up.
MaryDownload Records

This years test

We are half way through the 2009 Buck test and I am just now getting it up and going. Below you will find the links for the last weights and fecal results. We took weights again today and I will be posting those shortly. Look for the new photos that I have posted. More to come soon!

Download Records

Test Results

Download 2008_rank102_day.pdf

I will be working on a post and report in the next few days and will share further information about our year.

Mary