17th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Performance Testing in Young Male Goats
Chelsea O. Gerrish* and Jane W. Wayland
Dr. Charlie Apter and Dr. Thomas E. Marshall, Faculty Mentors
Sixteen bucks from Missouri and Ohio participated in the 2003 Missouri Buck Test. Birth dates of entries ranged from November to March (2003). The test ran for 83 days. We sought to determine genetic differences in weight gain and other physical characteristics; by placing bucks in a common environment with common management, environmental effects were minimized. Bucks were weighed every seven days. Body measurements were recorded at the end of the test. Loin eye area (LEA) and back fat were measured ultrasonically. Large differences between individuals existed. Average daily gain ranged from 0.29 to 0.67 lb per day, with an average of 0.49 lb per day. Average LEA, after adjustment for age, ranged from 1.52 to 2.35 square inches with an average of 1.83 square inches. A strong correlation (.89) exists between LEA and the easier to measure physical characteristic (heart girth).
Keywords: Missouri Buck Test, Male goats, performace testing, bucks
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 10-1
Location: VH 1432
Time: 8:30