Judging meat goats

wendle · #1 09/04/08, 11:48 AM

Last Wednesday I took my lambs to the sale barn, telling myself I wouldn't pick up anything. I saw a nice looking group of Boer doe kids, and couldn't resist bringing them home. I'd like to hopefully let my daughter take a few for showing in 4H. Problem is I'm not a very good judge of what a good meat goat looks like. Are there any good sites or books out there where one can educate themselves a little on this?

sungirl · #2 09/04/08, 12:05 PM

http://www.t4ranch.com/selecting.html

hoofinitnorth · #3 09/04/08, 04:01 PM

You might try looking at the various meat breed associations for their standards and pointers.

copperpennykids · #4 09/04/08, 06:59 PM

The USBGA has an excellent booklet on evaluating Boer goats, including lots of pictures of ideal, good, and no-nos. Even a section on teat configurations and what is legal and what is not.

I think the book is $10.00 but well worth the money.

Also try to visit a Boer ranch or a show and see what they have. See if you can get your hands on the goats - feel for length, width and thickness of loin. Look at how they walk - do they track correctly (back foot in alignment with front foot that just left).

How do they look when they walk? Plodders, throw out the legs, elegant? You want excellent muscling, most easily seen as they are walking (think of an Olympian vs. someone who just mows the lawn once a week).

The more you see, (and feel) the more you will come to know a good animal and also recognize the type of animal that appeals to you. Good luck.

Camille

wendle · #5 09/04/08, 07:35 PM

Thanks everyone for the tips. My daughter showed some cross breed dairy goats for her first time last year. She's just starting to get the idea of how to show. I have to say the 4H goat show folks are a nice crowd, helpful, and easy to be around. It was a great first experience for her. She's hooked.