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REGION 13 Troy Veal, President (EC) tvanveal@yahoo.com REGION 8 Ervin Chavana, Vice President /Treasurer (EC) mengercreek@hotmail.com REGION 10 Tracy Diefenbach, Secretary (EC) tldief@fairpoint.net REGION 5 John Edwards (EC) eggstx@aol.com REGION 7 Dennie Clark (EC) hcgoat@hotmail.com REGION 12 Paul Kinslow (EC) paul@muellerauctions.net PAST PRESIDENT Brian Faris (EC) brfaris@ksu.edu REGION 1 Terry Brown capriole@pocketinet.com REGION 2 Boyd E. Willoughby wbccboers@allwest.net
REGION 3 Jeff Gibbs gibbsfarms@aol.com REGION 4 Kay Garrett kewlkay@hotmail.com REGION 5 Doug Widener dcbwidener@valornet.com REGION 6 Kallie York kjkohls13@aol.com REGION 9 Vicki Stich Ladyhogger59@hotmail.com REGION 11 Scott Hawthorn scott@ cedargrovefarms.com REGION 14 John Morrow morrowfarm@aol.com REGION 15 Sara Davis csdavis@oakhollowlivestock.com REGION 16 Brad Mackey bradmackey@bmackfarms.com *EC denotes Executive Committee member
July / August 2011 Dear ABGA and JABGA Members, American Boer Goat Association is pleased to announce some exciting changes happening with The Boer Goat, our official association magazine. ABGA has formed a relationship with Encore Visions, a premier marketing firm that specializes in agricultural and livestock marketing, to become the new publisher of The Boer Goat. With this change, you can expect the magazine to have a new exciting layout, great editorial on emerging topics and industry information. Encore Visions promises to produce a high quality timely publication, still producing 6 issues per year. The Encore Visions staff is more than willing to assist you with all of your advertising needs along the way and is looking forward to getting to know and work with our great members. The July/August issue will be the first produced by Encore Visions. Their staff attended the National Show and met many of you. They are extremely excited about this first issue. While excited about these changes taking place, we cannot go without saying thank you to Billye Viner for all of her hard work through the years. We are grateful for the time she dedicated to ABGA and the magazine. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors.
1207 S. Bryant Blvd., Suite C | San Angelo, TX 76903 Sandy Smith, Office Manager, sandy@abga.org Mary Ellen Villarreal, Office Operations Supervisor, mary@abga.org Laurie Evans, Administrative Assistant, laurie@abga.org Belinda Constancio, Registration Support Staff, belinda@abga.org Sonia Cervantez, Accounting, sonia@abga.org Dee Ann Torres, Registration Support Staff, deeann@abga.org Aaron Gillespie, Show Coordinator, aaron@abga.org Ignacio Corrales, Registration Support Staff, ignacio@abga.org Miranda Carrillo, Member Services, miranda@abga.org Sherrie Cook, Office Support Staff, sherriec@abga.org
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If you have any questions regarding this change or what to expect, we are here. Your main contact at Encore Visions will be Landi Campbell, Chief Marketing and Communications Director, (575) 5209858 or landi@encorevisions.com. Sincerely,
Troy Veal, President American Boer Goat Association
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Hoof rot is called a lot of things, but regardless of what it’s called, it is big trouble for goats.
On day two, I started them on sulfa in the water, at a rate of 1 gram (1,000 mg) per goat. In the summer, a non-lactating goat will drink at least 1.5 gallons/day minimum. I put 100 gallons of water in the trough, and 100 grams of sulfa (Albon or Sulmet). I turned off the float to the trough to prevent dilution of the drug. After all water was consumed, I turned the float back on. The goats were treated for nine more days at 750 mg/day/goat.
Goats with hoof rot can become so crippled they cannot forage, do not retain body condition, and often will not breed or will lose the pregnancy prematurely. Hoof rot is caused by two organisms. Benign foot rot is caused by Dichelobacter nodosus. This is usually a less severe disease, but can become serious if untreated. This infection usually involves the tissue between the digits, but can spread to the underlying hoof tissue. Virulent hoof rot is contagious, and is caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum. This bacteria is an anaerobe, meaning it lives in the absence of oxygen. Many times, hoof rot involves both types of bacteria. Some treatments are effective, however: zinc foot baths; treatment of the animal with antibiotics; and removal of all hoof that contains dirt or pockets of dirt.
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Each goat that limped had the offending foot treated with Kopertox every day, until the limping ceased. Hoof trimming was done as needed during the 10-day period.
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The goats were kept penned for 14 days, and the vaccination repeated. As the goats quit limping, they were moved to an intermediate pen. As you move goats to the intermediate area, either inspect hooves, or run them through a foot bath made with 1 pint chlorine per 10 gallons of water. This will help prevent contamination of the intermediate area.
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Every goat that limped after the second vaccination was boostered again, even if it had only been a few days after the last booster. Hooves were scrubbed with chlorine bleach again, and given an extra 1 gram of sulfa.
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By the end of 10 days, all but five older does had quit limping. Treatment continued on that five head and a few that relapsed. Some of the goats were boostered five or six times before the hoof cleared up. One doe had so much tissue between the digits that I cut the tissue out, cauterized it, treated the area with Furazolidone ointment and wrapped with vet wrap for two days. (Note: Furazolidone is no longer approved for food animals. Instead, now use Chlorahexadine ointment.) Sulfa drug at 750 mg/day was continued in the water.
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As goats in the intermediate pen did not limp, I moved them to the pasture and gradually got all of them cleared up. Most were well in 14 days. A few, including the five old chronics, took as long as a month to cure.
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I kept them on that high, dry pasture for the remainder of the summer. They were boostered one more time before winter. All remained well – even the five old chronics. The key is to keep them dry, and keep them vaccinated.
Hoof rot usually occurs when weather conditions are wet and warm. If the bacteria is present, and the skin of the animal’s foot is exposed to the bacteria, infection ensues. Once, I sold goats to a lady who was injured and unable to care for them. She had allowed another person to bring a goat with hoof rot to her premises, and the bacteria was introduced into her soil. I received all of these goats back, and all of them had hoof rot on more than one foot. I treated as follows with excellent results. Keep in mind, the bacteria can only live 10 days without a host, so if you can get the hoof rot cleared up, and get the goats on fresh pasture, you will have this problem solved. •
Prepare a place to isolate the animals for at least 10 days on dry ground.
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Vaccinate for hoof rot. Cattle and sheep vaccines are available, and both will work, in my experience. If using the cattle vaccine, give half the label dose given subcutaneously (SQ).
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Trim the hooves short, and remove all pockets of dirt, even if the animal’s hooves must be quicked. This removes gross infective material from the hoof. With the group of infected goats, I scrubbed the feet with a stiff brush and pure chlorine bleach. (Note: Clorox, it is not pure chlorine.)
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With 100 head of average-sized does in this group, I gave 10 cc penicillin SQ and vaccinated them. They were penned in a dry lot with grass hay, mineral and salt.
Also note, Nuflor is an effective in treatment of hoof rot, if there are only a few individuals to treat. I start with 6 cc/100 lbs. SQ and clean between the digits with iodine. On day two, I treat with 3 cc/100 lbs. SQ and administer Nuflor topically between the digits.
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When writing articles about showmanship, I often discuss the important benefits, the deeper reasons why we have showmanship, and hopefully help generate a greater interest for the showmanship classes.
The last and most important part of switching sides is to never, ever walk behind your goat to switch sides. This must be the biggest mistake of the whole class. The exhibitor must always switch sides around the front of his or her goat.
When walking or standing, keep distance between you and your goat. One of the purposes of showmanship is to allow the judge to see your goat as well as possible. It is important not only when you’re walking, but also when standing, to keep space between you and your goat. Unfortunately, I believe we have not To begin, always have your goat between you and the judge. seen this as much today as in the past. This is a must to succeed in the ring. Keeping your goat in Visualize this: while standing, put your arm straight out, between you and the judge is a vital and primary step. then bring your arm in about two inches – at about a 70-degree The catch is — and many times I see this — what if the judge angle. This is the distance you should be holding your goat’s is standing directly in front of your goat? For instance, you just collar. This allows the judge to see the goat’s front, increasing the took your goat out of line to walk toward the judge. He or she judge’s ability to watch your goat track soundly, and therefore asks you to stop and then walks directly in front of your goat. enhancing your goat’s potential to move up in the class. What do you do? The answer: stay on the same side you’re on. PLACING YOUR GOAT’S LEGS Regardless if the judge is in front of your goat or just slightly to You must place your goat’s legs as quickly and smoothly the side, you stay where you are, as long as he did not come to as possible, while making sure you get it right. A key point to your side. remember: if the judge will look at your goat’s front first, place his front legs first, and then place his back legs. The opposite SWITCHING SIDES is true, as well. This simply gives you the appearance of being For the sake of simplicity we are going to use the same aware of the judge and being prepared. example. You pull your goat out, walk him to the judge, and stop. When you’re placing your goat’s feet, place them square But this time, the judge walks over to your side and is looking under its body. It should look just like a box, with its hocks at the goat’s front. (Don’t get frustrated, just stick with me.) You just past his tailbone. Try to avoid stretching them out too far still do not switch sides! because this, unfortunately, takes away from the appearance of Why? Because if you switch sides while the judge is looking your goat’s structural soundness, as well as making the animal at your goat’s front, you will be getting in his or her way or view, look weak over the top. which goes against one of the biggest points of showmanship: to A WATCHFUL EYE give the judge the best view of your animal. Keep your eye on the judge, but do not stare the judge down. Now, so we will understand the whole idea of changing This can sometimes be confusing because we often hear, “Don’t sides, let’s finish this maneuver. The judge is still looking at your take your eye off the judge, so you will know what is going on.” goat and is on the same side as you. The second the judge takes The problem is, if you keep your eye on the judge too long, his eyes away, whether to look at another goat in line or to send you lose track of what is happening with your goat. Of course, you back to your place in line, quickly switch sides so that your you need to keep your eye on the judge, but you also want to goat is between you and the judge. routinely check your goat, as well. When the judge is looking at the class, take five seconds to watch the judge, then two seconds Any time the judge is looking at your goat’s front, always to check the position of your goat’s legs. You see the difference: wait until the judge has looked away from your goat before the two seconds keeps you from staring the judge down, and switching sides. However, when the judge is evaluating the allows you to work with your animal. Then, you can bring your goat’s hindquarters and is behind your goat, there is no attention back to the judge. delay in switching sides. The second the judge goes to your side, you switch to the other side, because you will not be Getting back to the basics is an absolute “must,” in order to blocking his view. excel in showmanship. However, for this article, I am taking a step back and providing step-by-step instructions on the starting points of the showmanship class.
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othing truly prepared us for the experience we had in West Monroe, La., at the American Boer Goat Association National Show, June 6-11. We were at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center absorbing every minute of this truly familyoriented show. The competitive yet friendly atmosphere at the National Show is unique and uncommon among national shows for other species. Coming from a diverse livestock backgrounds, the Encore Visions
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team felt extremely welcomed by all of the exhibitors, judges and show staff. The positive attitudes of all involved and the willingness to help was tremendous and very much appreciated. Beyond the people, we were completely impressed with the quality of livestock that was on display at the National Show. We definitely saw the best of the best in the Boer goat world! We are already excited and anticipating the 2012 National Show that will be held in Duncan, Okla.
Judge’s Jargon Amidst their busy schedules, the judges of the 2011 ABGA National Show took time to sit down with us and share their thoughts on the show, Boer goats, and the industry as a whole. This elite group is made up of industry leaders and breeders who have years of experience to back their expertise.
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Alligators on leashes, goats wearing pink boas and spray paint, corgi puppies posing as boer goats, and dollar bills a-flyin’, this year’s Old Timer’s Showmanship contest was a hit! Whether you call it a fundraiser for the youth of ABGA or a chance for the “has beens” to show their superior showmanship skills, it was pure fun and excitement. Brought on by the morning announcement by Kallie York, advisor for the Junior Board, members were lining up outside the show ring to pay their $5 dollar entry fee for that special person. Those entered ranged from exhibitors and ring crew to ABGA staff. Once the entries were confirmed, and the $30 buy-out fee was paid by those Old Timers who felt their skills were too good to share, it was time for the games to begin. The prestigious judges of the event, some being no more than 10 years old and 4 feet high, were easily swayed by monetary bribes from the Old Timers. The more money these officials collected, the better the placing of the Old Timer. Shouts from around the ring, enthusiastic cheering from the stands, and open wallets, made this year’s Old Timer’s Showmanship second to none. When the dust settled and the last “bribe” was taken, the amount of money raised for the Junior American Boer Goat Association was an astounding, $1,712. Thank you to everyone who participated in such a great cause!
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Well, being back to the National Show in West Monroe, La., after a semi-four year retirement from working with the youth, I must admit I was nervous. I came back in March, and got back to work with the, Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) board of directors and Tracy Diefenbach, who really helped get me up to date. So, here comes nationals, and time for the real test of two months of preparation. Arriving at 3 a.m. after my daughter’s graduation, we begin unloading with the JABGA board and youth who volunteered and wanted to be a part of the action. I was in awe, right off the bat. That would be one of the many firsts for this trip. Later that morning, everyone got checked in with the help of the office staff, Vicki Stich and JABGA Secretary Allie Kinslow. We set up our largest photo contest in our history, and the ladies of the IKE Hamilton Center and the Visitor’s Bureau of West Monroe judged the photos and scrapbooks. They said the entries were amazing. The pictures were creative, smart and beautiful, and they exhibited the amazing talents these youth possess. Look out, People magazine, here they come. The next day was a big one, being the JABGA junior national breeding show. Jackie Edwards, Stephenville, Texas, was our judge, and we appreciate her time and efforts. Hoegger Show Supply and Andy Ivey came through in a big way for the junior show, donating prizes for 2nd- through 5th-place winners. This was our first time to work with them, and I am looking forward to working with them more in the future. This was one of the largest junior shows, in both total entries and new youth, and it was the first year for a bred-andowned division. Eight youth in the JABGA Youth Builder Program qualified for laptop computers. It was fabulous seeing their faces, realizing this opportunity was possible with hard work and ambition. We also distributed 11 $1,000 scholarships to JABGA seniors and recognized our outgoing board members. Showmanship began later that night, with the wether goat judge for the next day, Barney Fowler, Andrews, Texas, serving as 26 | The Boer Goat
judge. This was a large, tough showmanship competition, especially in the junior division. These youth have come a long way. The wether show began the next day, and Barney got through it quickly. Thanks, Barney, for your help in working with the youth. During the goat judging contest, and I listened to the senior division talk reasons. There were senior kids at every level, but still I heard some really neat sets, and got to see how talented some of these youth really are. I was honored and had fun, and I hope they did, too. The public speaking contest had a great turn out. And the youth’s speeches were creative, polished and amazing to watch. I loved them all. I would like to thank judges Becky Word, Kim Veal and Jana Wilmore. We appreciate all that helped with the chaotic boot scramble and goat scramble, and donated the goats. I missed writing every placing, so if you could let me know your placings, I’ll post them immediately. Thank you, also, to those of you who donated and bid on items in the silent auction. We couldn’t have done it without you. I really enjoyed seeing the kids get involved in the JABGA meeting, and witnessing the new JABGA board work together and lead the meeting. The youth gave some new ideas, and will work to make those ideas happen. The final, most entertaining junior event was the Old Timers Showmanship, established eight years ago. Many were signed up to compete – not necessarily out of the love of someone’s heart. The pee-wee division (ages 30 and under) tried to set the
bar high with feathers and frills. The junior division (ages 31-40) came out with drench guns, sprays and fitting equipment. But the senior division (ages 40+) included all of these elements, in addition to an alligator and bribery money. Joetta Boyd collected money from around the ring. But J.R. Patterson captured the win, donating $200 from his own pocket. In all, the youth raised more than $1,700 in this competition. My heart is always with the youth, and I am glad to be back. Thanks to J.D. and Rodde for the live auctioneering, and a special thanks to the parents, grandparents, agents, and staff. Also thanks to my family, Brian Faris and everyone else that
makes this possible. To the JABGA board of directors, I am proud of you for working together, and I am excited about our coming year. Also, youth, please begin collecting pictures of your wins and candid shots, and, of course, your photos from the photo contest. Why? Well, the September/October issue will be going with me to the National FFA Convention, and I would like to use these pictures for the slide show in our booth. So, please send them to me. Also, I look forward to receiving your suggestions for the year at anytime. Thank you for everything.
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My love of Boer Goats began at age 10. I first noticed a Boer Goat on a book on the magazine rack in our local tractor supply store here in Northern California. My fascination made me drag my mother over to look at what I thought to be such a phenomenal creature. I handed her the book and said “Look! Aren’t these goats fantastic?” My family has always been horse and cattle people, so her reaction was less than enthusiastic as she said, “It’s a goat, honey,” and then she walked away. Needless to say I was relentless and soon my folks purchased a buck and four does to get me started. Mom thought I’d soon grow out of the phase; but, I proved her wrong and did all my parents asked of me. I fed, watered, kept records of shots, watched them kid out, and much more. By age 13 I wanted to see what it would be like to show these wonderful Boer Goats. I begged mom to take me to watch an ABGA show. She took me but figured I’d never do this because I was rather shy. At the end of the day I announced I wanted to show and I said, “I can do this!” Mom threw up her hands and said, “Oh my, now I have to buy show goats!” We did and a couple of months later at my first show I won overall showmanship. At my second show my FB Doe was overall grand champion. Boy was I hooked! Now my whole family is involved with Boer Goats. This year of 2011 my greatest joy was to see my FB Buck CSB WILDSHOT become the JABGA National Champion in West Monroe, Louisiana. Being 17 now, I look forward to so many more years of loving and showing these wonderful Boer Goats. I want to thank everyone who has made my success possible and Circle Star Boers for allowing me to own this wonderful National Champion Buck of mine. Great genetics, hard work, with sincere dedication pay off. I’m living proof of that. I want to encourage all of our JABGA members to continue to strive for success, work hard and you can achieve your goals. www.abga.org | 29
Awards Appreciation Dinner Beyond Graphics, Inc. Billye Viner Maumelle, AR Hoegger Supply Company Andy Ivey Fayetteville, GA Vendors Will Rogers Production Sale Dennie Clark Rockwall, TX Sydell, Inc. Kyle Christiansen Burbank, SD Blingalicious LLC Kay Garrett Muskogee, OK Outback Laboratories David Deskin Lexingon, OK Bonham Pipe and Steel Bobby Mack Banham, TX Agri Buckle / The Leather Box George Benjamin Jr. Kissimmee, FL D-S Livestock Equipment Dennis Schoenian Frostburg, MD KNK Tack & Supply Tony Kennedy Stanton, TX Swanky Beads Linda Merrell Wilsonville, AL Breeders’ World/The Goat Factory Luke Vickrey Warren, IN Independent Scentsy Consultant Kate Hawthorn Arkadelphia, AR Hoegger Supply Company Andy Ivey Fayetteville, GA Sponsor Tables Sunshine Boer Goats Sheryl Pearcy Parsons, TN
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Menger Creek Ranch Ervin Chavana Boerne, TX
M&K Xtreme Boers Mike & Kim Cothran Wellston, OK
Bmack Farms LLC Brad Mackey Kinston, NC
Fuller Farms/Veal Farms Kim & Troy Veal Ambrose, GA
Ward’s Boer Goats Pete and Lance Ward Soso, MS
Southern Sky Ranch/Delca Ranch Ana Stewart & David Chillon Southwest Ranches, FL
Bills and Sunbelt Boers Heath White Moultrie, GA
JMT Boers / Windy Acres Jack & Mary Talley Terry & Sue Taylor Ira/Smyer, TX
Newton Farms Marge Newton Lakeville, IN 2 Bit Boer Ranch Margie Turner Bartlett, TX Circle Star Boers Dr. Mark and Sherrie Watkins Fredericksburg, TX Cowboy Classic Sale Darrell Mueggenborg Yale, OK Cedar Grove Farms Scott & Jennifer Hawthorn Arkadelphia, AR High C Goat Ranch Dennie & Sherri Clark Rockwall, TX Word Ranch Boer Goats Wayne and Becky Word Alvin, TX Blue Gainey & Lazy S T Ranches Joetta; Randy & Cindy Boyd; Dusek Merkel San Angelo, TX Diamond B Boers Mike Beets Novice, TX RM Ranch Roger McSwain Cherryville, NC Detwiler Farms Kylie Detwiler Urbana, OH A Bar Boer Goats Shana May & Aryn Proctor Snyder, TX
Website Banners Newton Farms Marge Newton Lakeville, IN Sydell, Inc. Kyle Christiansen Burbank, SD Cowboy Classic Sale April 9 Darrell Mueggenborg Yale, OK Will Rogers Production Sale Dennie & Sherri Clark Rockwall, TX Bosque Valley Reproduction Center Rena & Cody Lynch Hamilton, TX Hoegger Supply Company Andy Ivey Fayetteville, GA Class Sponsor - ABGA Fullblood Does 2 Bit Boer Ranch (3) 2M Boer Goats (3) B Bar B (2) Bosque Valley Reproduction Center Buckles and Banner Sale Diemer’s Hill Top Boer Goats Dolly’s Goat Ranch F & H Ranch (2) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats (2) Newton Farms Sunshine Boer Goats Texas Boers & More Zap-Tex Boer Goats Class Sponsor - ABGA Fullblood Bucks 2 Bit Boer Ranch B Bar B (3) Bear Creek Boers Blue Gainey Ranch Bosque Valley Reproduction Center F & H Ranch (2)
High C Goat Ranch Jester Boer Goats (3) Martin Farms Newton Farms RLE Boer Goats Rocken 3E Boer Goats S and S Farms Boer Goats Sunshine Boer Goats Zap-Tex Boer Goats Class Sponsor - ABGA Percentage Does 2 Bit Boer Ranch Blue Gainey Ranch Bosque Valley Reproduction Center Jester Boer Goats Outlaw Acres (8) RLE Boer Goats Rocken 3E Boer Goats Class Sponsor - JABGA Fullblood Does A Bar Boer Goats (3) Bosque Valley Reproduction Center Elk Creek Boer Goats (5) Florence Farms Boer Goats Jester Boer Goats Mazurek Family Ranch Windy Acres Boers Word Ranch Boer Goats Zap-Tex Boer Goats Class Sponsor - JABGA Fullblood Bucks A Bar Boer Goats Bosque Valley Reproduction Center Clear Creek Farms Elk Creek Boer Goats In Memory of Dr. Gale Dressler Jester Boer Goats S and S Farms Boer Goats Windy Acres Boers Word Ranch Boer Goats Zap-Tex Boer Goats Class Sponsor - JABGA Percentage Does Blue Gainey Ranch (4) In Memory of Berta Gipson (2) John Kroeker Newton Farms River Valley Boers (9) Class Sponsor - JABGA Wethers Blue Gainey Ranch Dolly’s Goat Ranch (2) Florence Farms Boer Goats Kickin K Boer Goat Ranch Mocassin Creek Farm (6) JABGA Specials A Bar Boer Goats High C Goat Ranch (#) denotes number of classes sponsored in listed division.
Starting in 2012, Quality Counts verification will be required for all youth exhibiting livestock (market and/or breeding) at major livestock shows in Texas (including the Ft. Worth Livestock Show, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Star of Texas Fair in Austin, San Angelo Livestock Show, Sandhills Stock Show in Odessa, State Fair of Texas in Dallas, and Heart O’ Texas Fair in Waco). The verification process will require junior exhibitors to pass an online test that measures their knowledge on quality assurance and character education content items. The Quality Counts Program has now been in existence statewide for six years. Over this time, it has reached an average of 30,000 youth per year through the 4-H and FFA Programs. The program outcomes clearly demonstrate youth being more knowledgeable of best management practices associated with livestock projects. More importantly, the program’s impact has demonstrated positive changes in personal character attributes as well as adoption of livestock best management practices. Over these six years, Quality Counts has been supported and endorsed by every major livestock show in Texas. These livestock shows have been instrumental in helping market the program statewide and have also been a strong partner regarding the educational content developed for the Quality Counts Program. In addition, these livestock shows have fully endorsed this verification process. Starting in May, youth are able to go online to take the test and become verified. A verification number will need to be provided at the time of making an official entry into a Texas major livestock show. Thus, youth will need to have completed and passed the test before the major livestock show’s entry deadline. A passing score has been determined to be 80%. Youth educators and the major livestock shows in Texas believe strongly in Quality Counts. Collectively, they are confident that this significant step of requiring youth to be “Quality Counts Verified,” starting in 2012, will strengthen and enhance the youth livestock program in Texas. For more information, please contact your County Extension Agent or Agriculture Science Teacher. To learn more about Quality Counts including the verification process, please visit: http://qualitycounts.tamu.edu/.
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For many Boer goat producers, July and August are the prime breeding months, especially if the goal is for show prospects. However, many factors should be considered before breeding the Boer doe herd. SEASONALITY Goats are seasonal breeders, with the optimum breeding time being in the fall. The change in day length is what brings on estrous; and goats, like sheep, are short-day breeders. July and August breedings can be challenging because the days are still long, and the goats may not naturally come into heat. However, keeping does separated from bucks during the summer, and then introducing a buck through fence-line contact can help bring a doe into heat earlier than normal. The other option is to use a prostaglandin, which will stimulate the goat to jump-start her estrous cycle. Dr. Kraig Peel, an animal scientist at Colorado State University, recommends administering 2 mls, four to six hours apart, to bring the doe into heat in a few days. PRE-BREEDING Prior to the breeding season, a producer should decide
what buck to use on his does. It is best to keep does in separate pastures with only one buck if you plan to register your stock, as you’ll know the sire for your kids. You should also have no more than 20 or 30 does per buck. When choosing a buck, seek a quality buck with great confirmation and good bloodlines. It may also be beneficial to have a breeding soundness exam performed on your buck prior to the breeding season, to ensure he will be capable of breeding your does. The price you pay for a buck will be dependent on his quality. Ensure leased bucks come from Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis/Tuberculosis/ Brucellosis (CAE/TB/Brucellosis) free herds, and are in good condition and healthy. Before artificially inseminating (AI) your does, ensure you are familiar with the procedures and be sure you have the semen – or at least have it booked. Goats can be challenging to AI, which is why the majority of goat breeders use an on-site buck. When choosing does for breeding, you must determine if the doelings are ready. Doelings should be at least 60-75 percent of their mature weight at breeding. If they are not, their growth will most likely be stunted permanently, and they
Doelings should be at least 60-75% of their mature body weight before their first breeding. This March doeling will not be big enough to breed this year. 34 | The Boer Goat
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBYN SCHERER
can be poor dams for their first kidding. It is also important that both your does and bucks are up to date on vaccinations, are wormed, and are in good health, as this will help to increase conception rate. It is also a good management practice to keep your herd free of disease. It has been shown that “flushing” helps increase ovulation. Dr. Stephan Wildeus, a reproductive physiologist at Virginia State University, says good nutrition is critical for does at pre-breeding. “Two or three weeks prior to breeding, does should be placed on a gaining plane of nutrition to stimulate higher ovulation rates,” he says.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBYN SCHERER
BREEDING THE DOES When the does do finally come into heat, it is important for producers to monitor that heat, in order to calculate a kidding date. Does tend to come in heat every 17-24 days, and can stay in heat for 16-50 hours, with ovulation occurring 30-36 hours from the onset of heat, Wildeus says. Signs of heat will include increased vocalization, slight swelling and reddening of the vulva and vaginal discharge. The most commonly recognizable sign is “flagging,” which is when the doe waves her tail back and forth. Does in heat will also pace or stand near a fence where a buck is penned. It is important to note when does are recognized to be in heat, and if a breeding is witnessed. You can also use a harness on your buck, which deposits paint on the back of the doe when the buck breeds her. It is advisable to leave bucks with does for at least two heat cycles, which will range from 34 to 48 days. A producer needs to decide how long he or she wants the kidding season to last, in order to determine when to pull bucks and ship open does. If you note that a doe has been bred, watch for signs of heat in 17-24 days, and if heat is not observed, your doe may be bred. POST-BREEDING After you pull out your bucks, you can figure out which does are bred using a couple of methods. The first is the “wait and see” method, which is waiting for five months after breeding (the gestation period), and see if she kids. The second method is to ask your veterinarian to perform an ultrasound. Above: “Flushing” can help increase ovulation. Flushing is when does are placed on a gaining plane of nutrition 2-3 weeks prior to breeding. If you are pen breeding and watched the does be bred, you should be able to determine if a doe is bred by checking Below: Robyn Scherer is a livestock producer from Colorado and an to see if she comes back into heat. However, ultrasound is a ABGA member. She runs Champion Livestock, a show livestock business much more reliable method. specializing in Boer, Alpine and Nubian goats as well as Hampshire and crossbred hogs. Proper management of the Boer doe herd is crucial to the profitability of any operation. If does are healthy, of proper age to breed and nutritionally cared for, conception rates should be high. It is important to keep meticulous records and pay attention to details in your operation. With proper management, a Boer doe herd should thrive.
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