Getting Started in the 4-H Meat Goat Project

Knowledge

• Breed Information
• Management
• Anatomy
• Genetics
• Market Values
• Breeder Information

Before you decide to purchase a goat, these things mentioned above are essential to keep in mind. All of these areas can be researched to find the goat and breeder that is right for you and your home. These areas are also questioned when showing in showmanship.

Breed Information

• Some examples of breeds:

Breed: Boer	Breed: Spanish
Breed: Tennessee Meat Goat	Breed: Kiko

For more pictures and information on breeds of meat goats go to:

Oklahoma State University
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/goats/

Breeder Information

It's important to receive a goat from a clean healthy breeder's stock. It is vital for the purchaser to know the breeder's vaccination program, feeding program, and procedures on how he manages his herd.   This will be important in keeping your animal healthy and productive throughout your project. One also needs to keep in mind on a breeder that is willing to help you throughout your project. Breeders can be a useful tool to making your project a success.

Management

• Gestation length of goats is 150 days.
• Kid goats will gain about 0.5 pounds per day.
• The two biggest management problems to watch for and care for are foot rot and parasites.
• The estrus cycle in goats lasts 18-22 days.
• Removing the horns from kids is called disbudding.
• Goats are weaned at about 60-90 days of age.
• Goats will normally give birth to twins.
• The normal dressing percent for goats is 45-48%.

Anatomy

• Know the parts of the goat:

Brisket	Forearm
Hock	Rump

Knowing all the parts of your goat allows you to understand the comments made by the judge when showing. It also helps when talking to your veterinarian about your goat's health and progress. Judges will also ask where parts are located when exhibiting in showmanship.  

Genetics

• A record of a goat's ancestors is known as a pedigree
• When a ½ blood doe is mated to a full-blooded buck, the resulting kids are ¾ %.

When showing breeding stock, is it important to understand the genetic background of your goat, so you can select a sire that works well with your particular blood line.

Market Values

• When getting started in the meat goat project one really needs to look at and know what the average price is for a meat goat and for breeding stock. A show quality Boer goat wether will generally start around $150. Then, when you look at breeding stock prices, does usually start at $200 for a show quality percentage doe. Full blood does will begin usually around $500. This varies among breeders. It is also useful to know what the market price of goat is currently at when exhibiting your goats and when purchasing. Keep in mind that this may also be a question that the judge would ask in showmanship competition.

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