Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
show-ring judging. A few main factors will be briefl y
discussed in the following sections. However, more
detailed information can be found on different goat breed-
ers' association or university extension websites.
of fertility is the scrotal circumference (SC), measured
midway of the scrotum with both testicles descended. This
measurement (larger is more desirable) is an indicator of
the buck's ability to produce semen and is also an indicator
of early puberty in both male and female progeny. The
Small Ruminant Pocket Guide (2006) recommends SC to
be a minimum of 30 cm at 8 months of age, while the
Kentucky Governor 's Offi ce of Agricultural Policy recom-
mends SC of 25 cm or more at the same age.
Size
The size is relative and, in large part, is based on the
environment in which the animals are managed and breed.
The environmental factors such as rainfall, forage avail-
ability, temperature, and the level and skill of management
dictate the production scheme in which animals are main-
tained. Skeletal frame size or weight, and bone and muscle
development are indicators of size. There is a signifi cant
variation among breeds in regards to size. Frame is com-
monly referred to as the height of the animal at the hips.
Larger-framed animals may not always be better animals.
Smaller animals tend to be more effi cient. Larger animals
tend to be leaner and have a faster growth rate. In all cases,
the frame size of the animal is determined by the environ-
ment or production goals. Larger animals tend to be pre-
ferred in show-ring judging.
F
EMALE
Does should be feminine and more refi ned in their features.
Femininity is typically associated with a longer head and
neck coupled with a more refi ned head and muzzle. The
udder should be soft, smooth, well shaped, and balanced.
The female external genitalia should be well developed
and properly structured. An infantile vulva often indicates
a lowered rate of fertility. Femininity, especially in dairy-
type does, is extremely important in evaluation of does in
show - ring judging.
Breed Character
For those breeders with a purebred or seed-stock breeding
program, special emphasis should be placed on enhancing
the breed characteristics that make the chosen breed
unique. Specifi c breeding plans and goals must be consid-
ered. Being familiar with the characteristics that make each
breed unique should be researched and followed. Structural
correctness and ability to adapt to the environment should
not be overlooked. The ability to grow, for meat breeds,
and the ability to produce milk, for dairy breeds, must also
be evaluated. Judges in the show ring place tremendous
emphasis on breed character, because the show ring is the
best opportunity for breeders to showcase their breeding
program. Breed character is also important for maintaining
the characteristics that make each breed unique and dis-
tinct from other breeds.
Volume or Body Capacity
Much emphasis should be placed on the internal dimen-
sion, volume, or capacity of an animal. Volume is impor-
tant as it indicates an expanded internal capability for lungs
(breeding capacity), rumen (feeding capacity), and utero
function (reproductive capacity—easy birthing). Volume
is three-dimensional (for example, length, depth, and
width). Animals with expanded spring or arch of ribs
(broad-chested), long-sided (from shoulder to hip), and
deep - bodied or deep - fl anked are preferred.
Sex Character
M
ALE
Bucks should appear rugged, stout, and masculine.
Ruggedness is associated with stoutness of bone, identifi ed
by a larger circumference of cannon bone and size of
the foot. Width between the eyes and prominence of
jawbone are other indicators of masculinity. Masculinity
is extremely important in evaluation of bucks in show-ring
judging. Bucks must have two large testicles that are well
shaped, equally sized, fi rm to the touch, and hang evenly
in a single scrotum. Bucks with only one testicle have a
condition known as cryptorchidism—a condition in which
the testes fail to descend into the scrotum. Bucks with one
testicle or testicles that hang unevenly, vary in size, are
hard to the touch, or are soft and spongy may be lacking
in fertility or may be subfertile, if fertile at all. An indicator
M
EAT
-
TYPE
G
OATS
When the primary purpose of goat ownership is to provide
meat, the amount of muscling becomes important (Figure
5.1). Muscling should be apparent throughout the body of
the animal. The two primary indicators of muscling are the
back of the animal and the stifl e and thigh regions. Animals
with an abundance of natural muscling are heavy muscled
or “thick topped.” This is evidenced by the bulging of
muscle along the topline of the animal, over the rack,
through the loin, and out the rump to the tail head. The loin
eye muscle, or longissimus dorsi, yields one of the most
tender, highest priced, and most valuable cuts of the goat
carcass. Another indicator of muscling is the bulge of the
