Nominations open for Western Maryland buck test

The nomination period for the 2012 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test is now officially open. Nominations will be accepted until May 15. There is a $20 nomination fee for each goat nominated to the test.

All nominations will be treated the same regardless of when they are received, so long as they are received by the nomination deadline. In the event that nominations exceed test capacity, preference will be given to previous consigners and Maryland residents. This has only happened in one year.

Test capacity is approximately 80 goats. This includes the 15 pastured goats for the pen vs. pasture study, but does not include the 15 goats that will be kept in the pen (for the study).  

It is not necessary to identify specific goats at the time of nomination.  Consignors should simply indicate the number of goats they plan to consign.  There is an additional form to indicate a commitment to provide bucks (n=2)  for the pen vs. pasture study. The buck information sheets are due June 2, the day the goats are delivered to the test site.

Goats should be delivered to the Western Maryland Research & Education Center (in Keedysville) on Saturday, June 2. Consigners may make arrangements to deliver their goats to the test site prior to June 2, but goats cannot be brought to the test site after June 2.

Eligible bucks must be born between December 20, 2011, and March 20, 2011, and weigh between 35 and 70 lbs. upon delivery to the test site on June 2. Bucks weighing between 40 and 45 lbs. are preferred. Bucks born after March 20 may be considered for the test, if they meet the weight requirement.

Any breed of goat may be consigned to the test. All breeds will be grazed together and be subject to the same performance standards.

For complete details and nomination forms, visit http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com/.