2009 Oklahoma Meat Goat Forage Buck Performance Test

Heat

Just an update on weather here in southeast Oklahoma- We are hot! Not to mention high humidity values and the weather doesn't look to break anytime soon.

The Oklahoma Mesonet has a site here on the ranch so you can see up to date conditions. Click the link here- http://www.mesonet.org/cgi-bin/public/mcdshow.cgi?stid=WIST&year=2008&month=7&FORMAT=html

We have discovered that we have some heavy coccidiosis in a few of the bucks and so are treating the whole herd. I can say that myself and our herdsman Andy are wathcing this very closely. We are treating the bucks by medicating the water with Corid.

I do hope to have some pictures today so check back in a few days.

Just wanted to let everyone know!

Mary

Beginning Weights

The 2008 buck test began on Monday, July 14th. This year we had a two week warm up period before we took any weights or fecals so that the bucks could acclimate themselves to their new home.

On Monday, we weighed bucks, took FAMACHA scores, and trimmed hooves. Click the link below for buck rankings. No foot scald was present at this time but will be checked everytime we work goats.

Fecals will be taken and run in two weeks along with FAMACHA scores. Weights will be taken at 56 days on September 8.

The weather has been hot with heat indexes well over 100 degrees. The humidity stayed low over most of the week but has increased today.  I am watching for signs of heat stress.

The forages are still growing with most of the grasses being 8 -10 inches in height. This is keeping the bucks from grazing at the level where worms are most prevalent.

I don't have pictures yet but hope to have them soon. Our camera is not working properly and is being worked on.

Mary Download 2008_buck_results.xlsx Download 2008_buck_results.pdf