Oklahoma Forage-Based Buck and Ram Tests
Each year, the Kerr Center teams up with the OSU Cooperative Extension Service to conduct the Oklahoma Forage-Based Buck Test (formerly the Oklahoma Meat Goat Forage Performance Test). The summer of 2011 was the fifth year for the test.
This free report details the most recent test year results.
Another free report summarizes the findings of the first five years' data from the buck test. It documents the changes made to test protocols over time to fine-tune the buck test as a tool for herd improvement. It also describes the relationships between the bucks' performance and external factors such as weather and parasite loads.
Meat goats are booming in Oklahoma agriculture, and it's important to know which lines perform best on pasture. The forage performance test helps answer that question.
"The rationale behind the Oklahoma Forage-Based Buck Test is to begin to identify individual bucks, as well as their sires and dams, that carry genetics expressing strong traits important in commercial meat goat production," says test manager Mary Penick
"Additionally, this test will allow breeders to compare genetics within their herd to make better management decisions as to herd lines that will produce profitable progeny for future herds. This test will also provide valuable information for all goat producers and the public."
Goat producers wishing to test their bucks' performance on forage are invited to enter bucks in the test, which will runs from mid-July until mid-September.
In 2012 the center will begin a ram test for hair (meat) sheep with similar goals.
Bucks and rams born between Jan. 1-April 15, 2012, will be eligible for these tests. Plan your entries now!
Coming in 2012: Ram test
The Kerr Center will be offering hair sheep producers a chance to test their rams' mettle.
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