2009 WIU MIDWEST BUCK TEST

The 2009 Midwest Buck Test is being designed and overseen by a consortium of midwestern meat goat associations (Illinois, Indiana,
Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin) under the auspices of the American Meat Goat Association (AMGA) and administered by the Western Illinois
University Department of Agriculture in Macomb, IL.  The dates for the 2009 test to be held at the WIU Agricultural Research facilities in Macomb, IL                                                                            will be from buck delivery at the test station on Saturday, July 18th and the test conclusion on October 16th.

The MIDWEST GOAT PRODUCERS is a participant in the 2009 test. The contact from our group is Vicky Wetzel, vicky@deerhavenfarms.com or (618)318-0516.

The 2009 test will evaluate and compare test bucks in a common environment for average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), scrotal
circumference, rear leg circumference, and ribeye area (REA). In addition, the test will add parasite load evaluation (via fecal egg
count and FAMACHA scoring) and a trial effort to objectively measure hoof growth.

Test candidates will be recently weaned bucks with birth dates during the interval February 20th and April 20th. Based on previous data sets,
the recommended ideal weight for the start of the test is 50 lbs. Minimum weight is 40 lbs at the start of the test.

The test interval is a total of 90 days comprising 6 days of adjustment followed by 84 days of testing divided into approximately 21 day quarters. During this
period of time the bucks will be provided with free-choice, complete pelleted feed test rations; clean potable water; and free-choice salt
(with trace minerals). The test animals will be subjected to handling only during data gathering at the completion of each test division.

The WIU test facility is equipped with a FIRE (Feed Intake Recording Equipment) system that allows continuous recording of individual buck
feed intake for a current maximum of sixty-six animals. (This is the system that allows feed efficiency to be determined for each buck.)

The link to the WIU Buck Test page is http://www.wiu.edu/goattest/

Click here for a nomination form.