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Parasite Challenge
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.
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Parasite Challenge
- 1. Characterizing the parasitechallenge of meat goats grazing summer pastures in Western MarylandSUSAN SCHOENIANSheep &Goat SpecialistWestern Maryland Research & Education Centerwww.sheepandgoat.com – [email protected]
- 2. Western Maryland Pasture-basedMeat Goat Performance TestEstablished 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“Acentral 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 University2010 top performing buckConsigned by Craig Adams (IL)Sold for $1,350 to PA
- 4. Maryland buck testOneof 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 percentH2 = 10 to 20 percent
- 5. Male goats ofany 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 goatstestedFive year consignersDon Smith [L] from VirginiaJeanne Dietz-Band [R] from Maryland
- 7. 10-acre pasture systemFive2-acre paddocks for rotational grazing
- 8. Cool season grassesOrchardgrassMaxQ™ tall fescue
- 9. Warm season grassDwarf pearl millet (annual)
- 10. ChicoryHerb with “anthelmintic-like”properties
- 11. WeedsRelative feed valueof good alfalfa hay is 170 or higher.
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- 13. Extremes in forageconditionsconsiderable seasonal and annual variation in forage quality and quantity
- 14. June-September 2006-2010Keedysville, MarylandMonthlyand annual rainfall (in)
- 15. In the eventof severe drought conditionsNutritional tubsGrass hay
- 16. Upon arrival totest siteBody weights
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- 25. Dewormed with anthelminticsfrom two different chemical classes (usually moxidectin + levamisole)
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- 27. 3-day treatment forcoccidiaDataTreatments
- 28. Every 14 daysLow-stresslivestock handingWeighFAMACHA© scoreBody condition scoreCoat condition scoreDag scoreHealth checkTreat as necessaryCollect individual fecal sampleCollect pooled fecal sampleFive Point Check©
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- 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.JuneSeptember
- 31. Individual egg countsItis 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 anemiascoresFAMACHA© scores are an estimate of packed cell volume (PCV), which is an indication of parasite “resilience” and the need for deworming.JuneSeptember
- 33. Anthelmintic treatmentsFAMACHA©scoring1 –no Tx2 – no Tx3 – ?4 – Tx5 – Tx JuneSeptember
- 34. Fecal coproculture (larvaeID)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 MonieziaJuneSeptember
- 35. Recruiting for the2011 testNomination periodApril 1- May 15Testing fee$20 nomination fee$65 due upon delivery$85 total cost per goatDelivery datesJune 3-4Sale, field day, and skillathonSeptember 24 or October 1Top bucks eligible for sale
- 36. Sell does viaprivate treaty
- 37. Participate in carcassevaluation2007 top consignersKendall and Dana Barnes from Kentucky
- 38. Thank you foryour attention. Questions?Susan Schoenianwww.sheepandgoat.comhttp://[email protected] Ruminant Program