The Boer Goat - November/December 2012

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www.abga.org | 3

2012-2013 AMERICAN BOER GOAT ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGION 8 - ERVIN CHAVANA (EC)

REGION 7 - LINDA WEST

President t NFOHFSDSFFL!IPUNBJM DPN

ll-west@sbcglobal.net

REGION 16 - BRAD MACKEY (EC)

REGION 9 - VICKI STICH (EC)

Vice President t CSBENBDLFZ!CNBDLGBSNT DPN

ladyhogger59@hotmail.com

REGION 10 - TRACY DIEFENBACH

REGION 11 - SCOTT HAWTHORN

Secretary t UMEJFG!HNBJM DPN

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REGION 6 - DR. MARK WATKINS

REGION 12 - PAUL KINSLOW (EC)

Treasurer t NEX!CFFDSFFL OFU

paul@muellerauctions.net

REGION 1 - TERRY BROWN

REGION 13 - MARK ANDERSON

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REGION 2 - BOYD WILLOUGHBY

REGION 14 - JOHN MORROW

wbccboers@allwest.net

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REGION 3 - JEFF GIBBS (EC)

REGION 15 - SARA DAVIS

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REGION 4 - KAY GARRETT (EC)

*EC denotes Executive Committee member

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REGION 5 - JOHN EDWARDS eggstx@aol.com

Letter From the PRESIDENT

November/December 2012

Dear ABGA and JABGA Members, With the November/December Kidding issue, comes the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. So, don’t forget to send in your ABGA membership renewals to avoid lapse of membership benefits; Online Premium availability, membership fees, ability to vote in Board elections and The Boer Goat magazine subscription.

I’m pleased to hear there has been quite a lot of discussion lately about the success of those who have tried the ABGA Online Premium process for registering their goats. I would encourage each of you to give it a try, it is definitely the most streamline and fastest way to get your goats registered. If you have not set up your online premium account, call the office to get your account set up.

Remember, the ABGA Premium Online is free to all members.

Included in this issue is a short ABGA Certified Judge / Inspector Survey. If you are interested in becoming an ABGA Certified Judge / Inspector please take a couple of minutes to complete the survey and send it in to the ABGA office or go to the ABGA website www.abga.org and take the survey online.

I would also like to remind you about the great ABGA / JABGA Raffle items that will be given away during the 2013 ABGA National Show in West Monroe, Louisiana.

t +PIO %FFSF $39 (BUPS t +PIO %FFSF 9 .PXFS t +PIO %FFSF ( (FOFSBUPS

Get your tickets now...Tickets are available by contacting your ABGA Regional Director, JABGA Area Director or the ABGA office.

AMERICAN BOER GOAT ASSOCIATION STAFF 1207 S. Bryant Blvd., Suite C | San Angelo, TX 76903 Sandy Smith, Operations Manager, sandy@abga.org Mary Ellen Villarreal, Office Operations Supervisor, mary@abga.org Laurie Evans, Administrative Assistant, laurie@abga.org Belinda Constancio, Registration Support Staff, belinda@abga.org Sonia Cervantez, Accounting, sonia@abga.org Dee Ann Torres, Registration Support Staff, deeann@abga.org Aaron Gillespie, Show Coordinator/Youth Coordinator, aaron@abga.org Miranda Carrillo, Member Services, miranda@abga.org

I cannot encourage you enough to talk with your ABGA Regional Director. If you have any questions, want to voice a concern or share a great idea, please contact your ABGA Regional Director.

These people volunteer their time to represent you, the Member.

The ABGA website has a listing of all the directors and the geographical areas they represent. Get in touch with these individuals and get involved. It’s change and great ideas that will keep this association moving forward. Let’s all work together to continue to make the ABGA the premier Boer Goat association.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ervin J. Chavana, President American Boer Goat Association

4 | THE BOER GOAT

Table of Contents MANAGING YOUR MAIDEN DOE LEARN USEFUL TIPS AND INFORMATION

JABGA: WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE JABGA

KIDDING TIME ADVICE FROM SEASONED EXPERTS

WHAT HAY DO I FEED? FEEDING FACTORS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE COVER

GESTATION TABLE

The cover design is digital artwork created by editorial and graphic designer Allyson McGuire. The autumn colors and fall leaves inspired the color scheme for this issue of The Boer Goat.

ENCORE VISIONS CONTACT Kelli Chapman PO Box 917 Aspermont, TX 79502 Toll Free 877-822-3016 (f) 806-398-9047 info@theboergoatmagazine.com

WANT TO SEE YOUR PHOTO ON OUR COVER?

PUBLISHER Jackie Lackey, INC. Jackie Lackey, Editor-in-chief & creative director jackie@encorevisions.com CREATIVE TEAM Robyn Amthauer Jamie Banbury

LETTER L ETTER F FROM ROM THE THE

Submit your pic to info@theboergoatmagazine.com!

Allyson McGuire Sarah Vachlon

Editor

Fall is in the air and with that comes The Kidding Issue. We know this is a crucial time of year for all of you who raise stock.

We hope this issue brings you useful and interesting information. We also hope you will enjoy checking in on the JABGA and following them through their journey this fall.

Since last issue, we have also had to opportunity to meet and bounce ideas off of your president, Ervin Chavana and ABGA operations manager, Sandy Smith, and are excited about the 2013 plan we have in place for The Boer Goat. In addition to our editorial plan, we are also excited to offer additional outlets of exposure to our advertisers. With a game plan intact, we have no doubt that 2013 will be the most successful year yet for The Boer Goat.

We appreciate and enjoy your feedback each month- with that said, be sure to check out page 3 for details on our 2013 Boer Goat Magazine photo contest!

Happy Holidays,

THE BOER GOAT Issue 9 November/December 2012 (USPS 000301) is published every two months by EV Creative LLC, PO Box 917, Aspermont, Texas 79502. Periodicals postage pending at Aspermont, Texas and additional mailing offices. Subscription Rates: (U.S.) $35/year Print and Online. Office of Publication is Encore Visions, PO Box 917 Aspermont, TX. Encore Visions limits its liability resulting from any and all errors, misprints and/or other inaccuracies in the advertisements and editorial content. If justified, its liability is limited to the refund the customer his payment for the said advertisement, the printing of a corrected advertisement or editorial correction notice in the issue which follows notice from the customer. Notification by the customer of any error must be made within 30 days of distribution of the magazine. Reproduction or other use in whole or part of the contents without written permission of the editor is prohibited. All unsolicited articles, letter, photographs and other contributions of any type whatsoever shall become the sole property of Encore Visions, which shall have the sole right to determine whether to publish any such contribution. Encore Visions shall have the right to edit, as it shall ini ts discretion deem appropriate, any such contribution which it publishes. Encore Visions shall have the right to refuse any photos used for promotion and advertising that show evidence of image enhancement and shall have no responsibility or obligation for the return of any such unsolicitized contributions. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Encore Visions, PO Box 917, Aspermont, TX 79502.

www.abga.org | 5

AMERICAN BOER GOAT ASSOCIATION

Affiliates Program The ABGA affiliate program is a partnership between regional goat clubs and ABGA. With the rapid growth in the meat goat industry, the local meat goat and Boer goat clubs have an increased role of education, marketing and promotion. These local groups provide an essential role in promoting the industry and educating breeders. In 2004, ABGA began development of a program to aid, assist and work together with local clubs. The objectives of the AGBA affiliate program include: t 1SPWJEF BEEJUJPOBM SFTPVSDFT BU UIF MPDBM DMVCT MFWFM t 1SPWJEF OFUXPSLJOH PQQPSUVOJUJFT GPS UIF MPDBM DMVCT t "UUSBDU BOE SFUBJO HPBU QSPEVDFST t "TTJTU XJUI FEVDBUJPOBM PQQPSUVOJUJFT t 1SPWJEF B NFUIPE GPS HSBTTSPPUT JOQVU GSPN MPDBM DMVCT Piney Woods Boer Breeders Club Calvin Taylor 969 Leon Tilman Road Lufkin, TX 75901 calvintaylor@yahoo.com Serving states: TX, AR, OK, LA Cascade Boer Goat Association Duane Rogers 15675 Eaden Rd Oregon City, OR 97045 becki@coppercreekboers.com Serving states: OR, WA Midwest Boer Goat Breeders Club Cindy Wade 29856 E 2150 N Colfax, IL 61728 cwwade@hotmail.com Serving states: IL, open to midwest states North East Georgia Goat Producers Danny Stoneall PO Box 1082 Toccoa, GA 30577 Serving states: GA

6 | THE BOER GOAT

Tall Corn Meat Goat Wether Association, Inc. Vern Thorp 1959 Highway 63 New Sharon, IA 50207 neverthorp@aol.com Serving states: IA Boer Goat Association of North Carolina Curtis J. Ring Greensboro, NC 27416 kellyclark@triad.rr.com Iowa Meat Goat Association Cathy Van Wyhe 625 472nd Ave Grinnell, IA 50112 Serving states : IA, MO, IL, MN East Texas Goat Raisers Association (ETGRA) Rene McCracken PO Box 2614 Jacksonville, TX 75766 lrmccraken@ag.tamu.edu Serving states: TX

North Arkansas Meat Goat Association Robert Healea 10591 Highway 7 North Harrison, AR 72601 cedarholowfarm@hotmail.com Serving states: AR Ohio Meat Goat Association Mary Morrow 13140 Stoney Point Road New Concord, OH 43762 morrowfarm@aol.com Serving states: OH, PA, NC, IN, MI, TX, KY, CT, WV If you are an officer or a member of a regional goat club, please download an ABGA Affiliate Application for your club today! Forms can be found online at www.abga.org.

Be sure to visit www.abga.com for additional information, updates and a complete year’s calendar of upcoming shows and events.

Don’t see your event listed? Please contact the ABGA at 325.486.2242

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOVEMBER Nov. 3 Nov. 10-11 Nov. 10 Nov. 15

Citrus Classic Azalea Fall Classic LMGA Fall Show NAILE

Live Oak, FL Muskogee, OK Crowley, LA Louisville, KY

Kim Veal Kay Garrett Cliff Hebert Jeff Zinner

918-686-3257 337-370-1673 502-367-5293

Robin Walters

830-305-0161

DECEMBER Dec. 1-2

Hill Country Winter Blast

www.the

boergoa

tmagaz

ine.com www.abga.org | 7

EDITORIAL

by ROBYN SCHERER, M.AGR..

maiden doe

PROPER MANAGEMENT

I

n a Boer goat herd, every year there are does who leave the herd, and those that join. Replacement females are both exciting and scary, and caring for these does properly is very important to their longevity in the herd.

Does are generally not bred until they reach approximately 75 percent of their mature weight, and generally kid for the first time when they are about 85 percent of their mature weight. This is important to keep in mind, because even when first kidding, these does will not be at their full, mature adult size.

When prepping for a maiden doe to kid, the same basic steps should be taken that are used for seasoned does. The does should be dewormed a month prior to their birthing date, and given a vaccination for Clostridium perfringens C and D, and tetanus toxoid.

When the doe is unable to meet the needs of the growing kids, she metabolizes her fat into glucose, which causes ketosis.

Does that are overweight and receive little exercise are at the greatest risk. It’s important to keep does in good condition, but not overly conditioned throughout gestation to help prevent this.

head, repeatedly getting up and down, vocalization, and vaginal discharge. Once the doe has discharge, she will usually kid within the hour. Does may stand up, or lay down to give birth.

A “kidding kit” should be prepared in advance, and will include all the necessary supplies for kidding. This includes, but is not limited to examination gloves, lube, iodine, towels, scissors, rope, milk replacer and electrolytes. Those are the basic necessities, although many producers may include more.

A “kidding kit” should be prepared in advance, and will include all the necessary supplies for kidding. This includes, but is not limited to examination gloves, lube, iodine, towels, scissors, rope, milk replacer and electrolytes.

The does should have their feet trimmed and the area around their tail head clipped roughly two weeks before they are due to kid. This allows them to walk comfortably, and helps the doe stay cleaner when she has her babies.

All does, regardless of age, should be monitored for signs of pregnancy toxemia and ketosis. These two diseases are a result of the high energy demand 8 | THE BOER GOAT

of fetuses in last gestation. Kids require more carbohydrates in the last trimester than either of the first two.

As the does get closer to kidding, they should be moved to an area where they can have shelter and seclusion from other does if wanted. Does should be checked twice a day for signs of labor.

Although not every doe will be the same, most does will display some or all of the signs of immanent birth: fleshy tail

This is where caring for maiden does and caring for seasoned does may be different. Seasoned does generally know what they are doing, and have fewer problems during the birthing process. If possible, a producer should try to be on hand for every maiden birth, just in case she runs into trouble.

Birth can be a scary time for a maiden doe, as she does not really understand what or why something is happening. She knows she is in pain.

Instinct should take over, but sometimes a doe needs a little help.

If a producer can be on hand for the birth, he or she can assist the doe as needed.

The pelvis on a maiden doe may not be as wide as that of a mature doe, because she is

not yet finished growing. This could cause the kids to get stuck, and at that point the doe may need assistance.

Once the babies are born, the mother should begin to clean them off, and initiate the bonding process. Some does are unsure what to do, so taking the kids and placing them near her head can help her to begin that process.

It is ok to partially dry the babies, but if the weather permits it, the does should be allowed to clean the kids. This helps them both to bond, and forces her to use her instincts.

Maiden does may also be unsure about having their teats touched, and this includes the kids nursing. Producers should work with their does prior to kidding on udder touching, but this is not always possible.

If someone is persent at birth, they can help the kid to find and nurse off the teat. If the doe is unsure and keeps “kicking” the kid off, the producer can hold her leg off the ground, therefore allowing the kid to nurse and the doe is unable to kick.

After several minutes the doe should get the idea, and her foot can be gently lowered back to the ground. If possible, a producer should monitor the nursing habits of all kids that are born. Kids should be nursing often, and the first 24 hours after birth this nursing is critical.

All goats, whether maidens or seasoned, will have colostrum when they kid. The first milk produced after birthing, colostrum, contains a concentrated amount of immunoglobulins (IGGs or antibodies), which help the kid to develop immunity.

Kids are born with no immunity, and without colostrum, can become susceptible to disease. It is best that they are nursing within an hour of birth.

Some does produce more milk than others, and the kids should be checked regularly to make sure they are receiving enough milk. Some may need to be supplemented, especially if the doe is a maiden and she has more than two kids.

In some instances, a doe may reject one or more of her kids. If this happens, the

doe should be milked, and the milk fed to the kid so it receives the colustrum.

In rare cases, does can die during labor, leaving their kids without a dam. A doe with a single kid may adopt the abandoned kid, if they are close in age. If this is an option, it should be explored before committing the kid to a bottle.

Bottle feeding a goat is time consuming, and can cause kids to be overly attached to their caretaker. This is usually fine when they are smaller and younger, but as the kids get older they can get very pushy.

It is best to always have milk replacer on hand if needed, just in case. A producer may never use it, but if he or she needs it, then it’s there. Commerical milk replacers may be used, as well as milked goat’s milk.

Many areas have dairy goats, and a Boer goat producer may be able to purchase milk from these kids to feed to orphaned kids. If this is an option, this milk will be better for the kids than replacer. Producers should check to make sure the dairy herd is free from disease first, however.

Maiden does generally do not produce as much milk as a seasoned doe, and her feed intake will be especially important to combat this. Maiden does are still growing, and so their energy needs include growth, lactation and reproduction. The does will generally partition their energy first to lactation and then to growth, so if a doe does not receive adequate nutrition, she may stunt her growth.

This nutrition is also very important to rebreeding in does. A doe that does not meet her energy demand for lactation and growth will likely not breed back. Since most producers make money off of the kids that they sell, rebreeding is critical.

If managed properly, maiden does can be fairly easy to care for. If they are bred at the right time, and all of their nutrition needs are met, they can become productive members of a herd. It’s important to pay special attention to these does, because of the risks they face, but also because of their value to a herd.

what is

TOXEMIA

by KELLI CHAPMAN

?

Pregnancy toxemia is a metabolic condition that occurs in the final weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms of a doe experiencing toxemia include: decrease in food intake, depression/inactivity, down and unable to rise, tremors, wobbly balance, weakness, circling, grinding of the teeth and if not treated could cause death of the animal .

Toxemia is seen more commonly in does that are carrying multiply fetuses, however can also occur in does carrying only one. It is developed from a reduced ability for the doe to consume enough energy from her diet to both her and her fetuses energy requirements. Does who are overweight or very underweight are at greater risk of developing toxemia.

It is recommended to ultrasound the animal at 30-70 days of pregnancy to determine the expectant mother carrying multiple fetuses, and in turn pay closer attention to these animals. Other ways to prevent toxemia include providing the animal with adequate nutrition for her and her fetuses and plenty of space for the animal to exercise. Additionally, controlling the environment for the animal could also be beneficial, as leaving this uncontrolled could result in reduced feed consumption, or increased energy demand (i.e. parasitism, mastitis, foot-rot).

Feeds high in energy (cereal grain and alfalfa) are recommended. It is recommended that animals carrying 3-4 fetuses are fed 1-2 pounds of grain per day during the final 30 days of pregnancy.

SOURCE: OSU Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

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Introducing...

THE 2012-2013 AMERICAN BOER GOAT ASSOCIATION

BOARD of DIRECTORS BACK ROW FROM LEFT: Paul Kinslow, Reg 12; Brad Mackey, Reg 16, Vice President, EC; John Edwards, Reg 5; Vicki Stich, Reg 9, EC; Scott Hawthorn, Reg 11; Jeff Gibbs, Reg 3, EC; Boyd Willoughby, Reg 2; Troy Veal, Past President, EC; Ervin Chavana, Reg 8, President, EC FRONT ROW FROM LEFT: John Morrow, Reg 14; Linda West, Reg 7; Terry Brown, Reg 1; Tracy Diefenbach, Reg 10, Secretary; Dr. Mark Watkins, Reg 6, Treasurer; Kay Garrett, Reg 4, EC; Mark Anderson, Reg 13 NOT PICTURED: Sara Davis, Reg 15

10 | THE 10 | THE BOER GOAT

LLGG Forever Lady

LLGG Total Impact

SAG Flashing Magic

Parson Creek Farms ~ Lloyd, Linda, & Sheldon Guilford 25599 Berry Dr ~ Meadville, MO 64659 Phone: 660-938-4133 ~ www.guilfordsparsonscreekfarms.com

www.abga.org | 11

12 | THE BOER GOAT

2 ecember 201 November/D ish all the bers, uld like to w o w I es JABGA Mem ch a in 2013. quickly appro ional Shows n eg so R ea e S v fi w o st h o rS members BGA will h As the Winte . All JABGA luck. The JA A d G o B o will g JA s e er th b information orted by p re p o su JABGA Mem m s d a an te the websi are funded please check These shows d an d n te at ed to are encourag GA is ble. zine, the JAB la a ai ag av M e at m o o G bec ed and if f the Boer atly appreciat vious issue o re g re p is e rt th o p in p su Director.

As mentioned e ABGA. All A or JABGA th G B h it A r w u e o y ffl in a ra ase contact participating formation ple in re o 12 National m e k cap of the 20 re a you would li r fo k o lo e JABGA y issue, please ent along with some of th ion and ar ru eb /F y ssociat g this ev In the Januar moting the a l be attendin ro il p w I in . n A o G ti B en for the JA FFA Conv a great event is is Th . rs to Direc ccess in breed. n and great su so ea S ay also the Boer d li a Happy Ho h everybody is w to e k li I would e show ring. and out of th Sincerely,

lespie Aaron Gil

inator Youth Coord , ie sp le il G n Aaro ociation oer Goat Ass American B

www.abga.org | 13

EDITORIAL

by LYNN ALLEN

Kidding Time K

ADVICE FROM SEASONED EXPERTS

idding time – it doesn’t matter if it’s one pet doe, a dozen show does for a FFA project, or five hundred head of commercial does - it’s tough on everybody.

care if you’re in east Texas brush browse or North Dakota’s belly deep summer grass, you need to know what the strengths and weaknesses are of your natural feeds and supplement them for prime production.”

Jeanette Larson, currently of Mountain Home, Ark, has been in the business for decades in various climates around the United States. First she ran registered dairy does then diversified into meat and fiber when other genetics became available.

Her best advice: Make sure your barn is comfortable because you’re going to be spending a lot of time in it.

He recommends forage, water and soil testing.

Sandie Banister has been raising goats in Colorado for twenty years, and is well known in her area for her ability to save “hopeless” kids and keeping granny goats going. Banister is a nurturer at heart and her goats can feel it.

Rich and Gloria Smythe moved from Texas to North Dakota following his oil job. Their small herd of club kid producers went along.

“I think we adjusted better than they did,” said Gloria. “The cold really bothered them the first year, but I think we have less stress and problems kidding in the cold than we did the heat. Texas heat can kill a kid in a hurry.”

Rich may be an oilfield roughneck, but his passion is nutrition.

“Yeah, I know,” he said. “I look like the last guy in the world to be worried about cobalt and iodine content in a goat ration, but nutrition is your first, cheapest and best defense against all health problems. I don’t 14 | THE BOER GOAT

“You probably only need to do your water once, and a good soil test will tell you what isn’t in the ground and that doesn’t change a lot unless you go into some expensive intensive chemical management. The grain and forages, those can change a lot from year to year.

It’s worth the $20 to get them tested.”

“Make sure your barn is comfortable because you’re going to be spending a lot of time in it. ”

Jeanette Larson Once he has his numbers, he then works with a local feed mill to create a mineral mix and grain supplement for his herd.

He has one grain mix for growing, one for pregnancy/lactation, and the bucks get mostly corn.

“They (bucks) just need energy!” he laughed. “But the girls, they really need that nutrition to make good kids for you.

You can get by with bags off the shelf I suppose, but why guess when you can get it right.”

Banister and Larson agree that nutrition is the front line for a healthy herd, though neither goes to quite the lengths Smythe does. Larson added that her does have an easier time kidding if they are doing a lot of walking, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

“It worked for me, and it works for them,” she said. “If you can set things up so they have to either forage for the majority of their feed or have to walk between feed, water, and shed, or just make them walk around the pen for thirty minutes a day, it will help make kidding a lot easier on your does.”

Kidding pens and sheds are wide open to debate. Yes, goats have been kidding out in the weather for centuries, but the fatality rate is high.

“And it’ll be your best doe and the three kids that would have made champion club kids that always die!” warned Gloria.

A dry place out of the wind is best for kidding. Some sort of bedding helps protect kids from cold ground and bacteria that can make them sick. It also keeps the doe’s belly and udder cleaner so kids don’t ingest dirt, debris and bacteria. A stall keeps kids corralled so they can’t crawl away from momma and get lost.

“I like my pens 4 by 6 or 4 by 8”, said Banister. They have enough room to move around. Stalling also prevents does from stealing each other’s kids and leaving you with a bunch of unclaimed orphans.”

The signs of pending delivery are sunk in lines on each side of the tail head, dilation

and a full udder. Once a doe starts grinding her teeth and digging holes with her front feet delivery is within a few hours.

her when you have to medicate or trim hooves or show her if she has bonded with you in the kidding pen.”

“If nothing is happening within four hours of a doe starting to dig and grind, you need to find out which kid is positioned wrong because you are going to lose the doe and kids if you don’t intervene.

After kidding, Banister gives all her does warm water with three tablespoons of molasses per gallon.

Something is wrong,” said Banister.

“Because goats have more than one baby at a time, you have a much higher risk of there being kids tangled up in there or presented wrong. If you don’t get in there and untangle them… well, you’re going to be digging a hole.”

Larson has purchased a lot of does in her career which aren’t always gentle. She recommends being there to help a doe the first time she kids on your property and to let her lick and clean the “kid” off of you too.

“There are a lot of expensive supplements out there that are really good, but we do just fine on molasses water. I try to give them some moist beat pulp and sweet feed mix for their first meal after kidding.

These old granny does don’t have much extra energy and it’s very important not to ask them to spend any more than they have to.”

She recommends not letting a kid ever get cold and she insists each one gets a small amount of colostrum from their dam before they are even dried off.

“They are bonding at that time,” said Larson.

“That way I don’t have to wonder later if they actually did eat,” she said. “I know they ate and they are safe for about four hours after that.”

“Take advantage of that. If you get some of that kidding fluid on your hands and let her lick it off, she will ‘claim’ you too and she will be easier to handle. Don’t get upset at her if she licks or pulls on your clothes and shoes. You will have less trouble with

Because Banister specializes in old does, she has a lot of orphans because the does just can’t take care of all of their kids. She has found a commercial calf milk formula works fine if she adds a bit of live-culture yogurt and some molasses.

She continued to explain that a few drops of vegetable oil can prevent constipation.

“They die quicker from constipation than they do from scours, but don’t use it every feeding or you’ll coat their gut and they can’t digest anything.”

Banister’s own deteriorating health encouraged her to install cameras that included microphones in her kidding barn.

“I can check my girls from the comfort of my bed,” she said, motioning to a bank of monitors above the foot of her bed.

“And with the sound on, I can hear them.

A doe in labor makes unique sounds and I can wake up instantly from a deep sleep when I hear it. It saves me hours of walking back and forth to the sheds at night.”

All of her does are kidded in a shed that includes heat lamps and even a wood stove. And Banister’s easy chair. “I spend a lot of time out there!” she laughed. “I have a coffee pot on that woodstove and my end table beside my chair. It’s a quiet happy place away from the hectics of life!”

Everyone has a few things that they specifically prefer but this is a good place to start. You don’t want to be making a midnight trip to town for any of these things so have them on hand before that first doe starts digging.

The Kidding Kit OB gloves for extracting tangled up kids Betadine soap for cleaning up does before extracting kids Iodine for navels Stomach tube for tube feeding (seek experienced help the first few times you tube a kid) Energy/electrolyte supplement (molasses) Heating pads/lamps for cold or weak kids Uterine boluses for retained placenta Colostrum – preferably natural and frozen, but powdered if nothing else Kid nipples for bottle feeding Towels

“But don’t get fooled!” she warned.

“Most of those yogurts aren’t really live culture. If you can’t make more yogurt from regular milk with that yogurt, it’s not really live culture!”

SYRINGES

1 cc – Vitamin B complex for weak kids 6 - 12 cc – Medicating does 40 cc – For flushing or using on stomach tubes 16, 18, 20 Gauge needles

MEDICATIONS

Vitamin B complex Anti-inflammatory Anti-biotic Pain management medication

Talk to your veterinarian about these. Different states have different rules and some people like herbal alternatives to medications. Check out all your options and choose what works best for you. Within a few years you will have a good idea of what works and what doesn’t in your situation.

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EDITORIAL

by KELLI CHAPMAN

What hay

do I feed?

S

upplementing a goats feeding ration with hay is a great way to customize a diet. Nutrients coming from a roughage source are important for maximizing an animals efficiency, as hay is generally a rumen stimulator, increasing effectiveness of overall digestion.

A good rule of thumb when deciding the best variety of hay to feed is that the varieties which are high in fiber are lower in digestibility, and vice versa. However those varieties that are high in fiber are good for an animal that may be supplemented with the needed outside nutrients.

Keeping in mind, however, that with extremely rapid digestion comes the possibility of wasted energy and the risk of acidosis. The best choice of hay for you herd will depend on the diet of your animals.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING ON THE BEST HAY FOR YOUR HERD

nutrients (TDN), alfalfa is commonly used in dairy operations where alfalfa helps deliver high protein and calcium needed for intense milk production. The majority of meat, fiber and hobby goats however do not require these high levels of protein.

Unneeded protein can be converted into energy to a certain extent, but this is a very costly way to provide energy. Most excess protein is ultimately converted into urea

keep in mind the amount of the calcium to phosphorus ratio in the goat’s diet.

In many cases, a mineral supplement is needed to ensure that a healthy balance is maintained to avoid urinary stones.

Coastal/Bermudagrass On average, Coastal Bermudagrass hay tests out at roughly 10-12% crude protein and 55% TDN on the dry matter base.

However , poorly fertilized or overmature hay can contain much lower nutrient values while well fertilized hay that is properly harvested at the vegetative stage can deliver even higher nutritional values. In comparison to alfalfa, it possesses a less dense nutrient profile, but carries a higher roughage content (however a lower roughage content when comparing hay grazer).

The best choice of hay for you herd will depend on the diet of your animals.

Alfalfa Alfalfa hay is generally highest in protein, however it is worth noting that with roughage high in fiber comes the risk of urinary calculi in bucks. Good quality alfalfa yields 15-20% crude protein at an average of 55-60% total digestible 22 | THE BOER GOAT

and excreted in the urine. In cases the animal may me fed too much alfalfa, and in turn, too much protein, kidney damage can occur. Another disadvantage of alfalfa hay is that the leaves (where the nutritional value is) can be easily lost if hay is too dry or carelessly transported or stored. Since alfalfa is relatively high in calcium and low in phosphorus, a feeder should also

Hay Grazer Hay grazer is a very stalky, less dense nutrient profile yielding 7-14% crude protein. Hay grazer, a lower nutrient and higher fiber roughage, is a good way to prevent digestive disorders such as acidosis.

It is the better roughage choice if the animal has its required nutrients coming from an outside source in that hay grazer slows

ALFALFA HAY

(Source: E and R Quality Feed)

COASTAL HAY

(Source: Co-Lin Feed and Seed)

down the digestive process, therefore these nutrients aren’t as easily wasted.

As a nutrient source, hay can be more cost effective than concentrate source (i.e. steam flaked corn). However, concentrated sources are digested and utilized more effectively.

In regards to pregnant does, begin increasing the nutritional levels of her diet about 6 weeks before she is due to kid. This is done to ensure she has been getting the nutrients required for lactation when the time comes. When lactation begins, her protein requirement will more than double. Because of this, alfalfa hay is strongly encouraged during lactation.

The maturity of the grass when it is baled and hay quality are inversely related; the younger the grass, the higher quality the hay will be. It is important to consider that feeding high quality forage is of higher importance than feeding the desired variety. Also, generally speaking, the smaller the particle size, the higher the nutritious value and the more readily the roughage will be digested for the animal. So, when deciding what hay to feed, this question can best be answered after deciding what your goat is in need of and what forage is available to you.

SOURCES: Jackie Nix, Sweetlix Livestock Supplement System; Dr. Rick Machen, Associate Professor & Extension Livestock Specialist Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Uvalde

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ABGA SURVEY ŏđŏāĂĀĈŏ ċŏ .5 *0ŏ (2 ċČŏ 1%0!ŏ Čŏ *ŏ *#!(+Čŏ ŏĈćĊĀăŏđŏĨăĂĆĩŏąĉćġĂĂąĂŏđŏ 4ŏăĂĆġąĉćġĂćăĈŏđŏ333ċ ċ+.#

MARKETING | EDUCATION | GENETICS | COMMERCIAL | YOUTH | SERVICE

ABGA CERTIFIED JUDGE/INSPECTOR PROGRAM SURVEY In an effort to better serve ABGA members, please complete the following short survey and return it to the ABGA office via mail, fax or email (see end of survey).

Name:

Member #:

Address:

Phone:

City:

State:

Zip:

Email:

Ƒ Check here if you are not a member of ABGA, but are interested in membership.

1. What is your age?

Ƒ 18-25

Ƒ 26-45

Ƒ 46-60

Ƒ 61+

2. As a member exhibitor in the show ring; which of the following is most important?

Ƒ Judging based on confirmation of the ABGA Breed Standards

Ƒ Judge’s ability to verbally communicate placing reasons

Ƒ Both of the above are equally important 3. As a member spectator at a show; which of the following is most important? Ƒ Judging based on confirmation of the ABGA Breed Standards

Ƒ Judge’s ability to verbally communicate placing reasons Ƒ Both of the above are equally important 4. What is your current level of judging experience? Check all that apply. Ƒ FFA/4-H Ƒ Collegiate Ƒ Other ___________________ 5. Do you breed and show “BOER” goats? Ƒ Yes

Ƒ No Ƒ Yes

Ƒ No

7. Are you interested in becoming an ABGA Certified Inspector? Ƒ Yes

Ƒ No

6. Are you interested in becoming an ABGA Certified Judge?

IF YOU ANSWERED “YES” TO QUESTIONS 6 AND/OR 7 PLEASE CONTINUE SURVEY. In an effort to better determine the demographics in need of ABGA Certified Judges and/or Certified Inspectors, please answer the following: 8. Are you willing to travel for training to become an ABGA Certified Judge? Ƒ Yes Ƒ No

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9. Are you willing to travel for training to become an ABGA CertiďŹ ed Inspector? Ć‘ Yes Ć‘ No IF YOU ANSWERED “YESâ€? TO QUESTIONS 8 AND/OR 9 PLEASE CONTINUE SURVEY. 10. What area(s) of the United States are you willing to travel to accomplish you endeavor to become an ABGA CertiďŹ ed Judge/Inspector? Ć‘ Northwest Ć‘ North Central Ć‘ Northeast Ć‘ Southwest Ć‘ South Central Ć‘ Southeast 11. What is the maximum distance you are willing to travel by air to accomplish your endeavor to become an ABGA CertiďŹ ed Judge/Inspector? Ć‘ Less than 500 miles Ć‘ 501-1000 miles Ć‘ 1001-2500 miles Ć‘ 2501 + miles 12. What is the maximum distance you are willing to travel by personal vehicle to accomplish your endeavor to become an ABGA CertiďŹ ed Judge/Inspector?

Ć‘ Less than 200 miles Ć‘ 201-750 miles Ć‘ 751-2500 miles Ć‘ 2501 + miles 13. What is the maximum time excluding travel you are willing to spend to accomplish your endeavor to become an ABGA CertiďŹ ed Judge/Inspector? Ć‘ 1 day Ć‘ 2-3 days Ć‘ 4-5 days Ć‘ 6-7 days 14. What is the maximum fee excluding travel, meals and lodging that you are willing to pay to accomplish your endeavor to become an ABGA CertiďŹ ed Judge/Inspector?

Ć‘ $100-$200 Ć‘ $201-$300 Ć‘ $301-$400 Ć‘ $401 + 15. Please tell us anything else that we can do to help you accomplish your endeavor to become an ABGA CertiďŹ ed Judge/Inspector. (please print legibly)

Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ?ĂăČĹ?Ä‚Ä€Ä Ä‚Ä‹ American Boer Goat Association ATTN: Survey 1207 S. Bryant Blvd, Suite C San Angelo, TX 76903 FAX: 325-486-2637 Attn: SURVEY EMAIL: survey@abga.org www.abga.org | 25

Recent SALE HIGHLIGHTS 2012 PLATINUM ALLIANCE SALE The 9th annual Platinum Alliance Sale was held August 18, 2012 at the Shelby Co. Fairgrounds in Sidney, OH. The sale was broadcasted by DV Auction with auctioneer Roger Hunker. Consigners were A Bar Boer Goats of Snyder Texas, Blue Gainey Ranch, Merkel, Texas, Buckey-Ililni Genetics of Washington CH, Ohio and Nebraska Boer Goats of Scottsbluff, NE. Highest Selling Doe was an A Bar Consignment, BSA Hella Bella (DCW Bo-Jangle, ennobled x RRD Crown Jewel, ennobled). She was a full sister to the 2012 ABGA National Grand Champion Buck, BSA Check My Swag. She sold for $4500.00 to William Brassfield, of San Angelo, Texas. Highest Selling Buck was an A Bar Consignment, BSA Cool Bullet (BSA Bo-Beast x Eggs Z255) He sold for $4000.00 to David Wengerd of Dalton, Ohio.Highest Selling Percentage Doe was an A Bar Consignment, BSA Holly Jolly, (BSA Check My Swag x S2 Chic to Chic, doe of excellence). She was sold for $2300 to Jake Eier of New Carlisle, Ohio.

HIGH SELLING DOE BSA Hella Bella Consigned by A Bar Boer Goats

HIGH SELLING BUCK BSA Cool Bullet Consigned by A Bar Boer Goats

2012 LABOR DAY CLASSIC

New Column Alert!

DON’T SEE YOUR SALE HERE? To be included in future issues of The Boer Goat in the “Recent Sale Highlights” column, submit your sale report to:

kelli@encorevisions.com

We want to hear from you!

The 3rd Annual Labor Day Classic sale was held Saturday September 1rd, at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma. It was standing room only as eleven consignors offered the best from their herds. Buyers from 13 states attended the sale.

Bidding was as hot as the 100 degree weather as the sale started off strong and competitive bidding continued throughout the sale.

Lots were purchased from Oregon to Maryland and Connecticut.

Consignors for this year were 2 Bit Boers, Bar None Meat Goats, Blue Top Farms, Diamond B Boer Goats, Elk Creek Boer Goats, Windy Acres Boers with guest consignors Harmony Hill, River Valley Boer Goats, Florence Farms Boer Goats, B4 Boers and 4-L Boer Goats completing the lineup for the sale.

The sale kicked off with the buyers and consignors enjoying homemade burgers and all the trimmings before the sale cooked by Blue Top Boer’s Gerald Peterson

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and Louis Bridges of B-4 Boers. Thanks to JR Patterson of Essential Feeds for their contributions of feed and supplements.

Raymond DePalma from Evanston, Wyoming purchased the high selling buck consigned by 2 Bit Boers Ranch. Pat Lyons from Oklahoma purchased the high selling doe consigned by Windy Acres Boer.

Special thanks to all the Labor Day Classic consignors for setting up a fundraiser for the Cheyanne Dollins Family. The donation doe was donated by Jennifer Keys, Harmony Hill Farm, and all consignors for The Labor Day Classic graciously donated to this fund. The doe was purchased by Rex Dodd, E3 Farm, and donated back to the cause where the amount was matched by Margie Turner, 2 Bit Boers, who then donated the doe back , with the final buyer receiving the doe was Shayla Sprague, Kincaid. Kansas.

Thanks to all for a great sale and we hope to see you next year!

2012 HEART OF MISSOURI SALE The ninth annual Heart of Missouri Production Sale, held October 6th in Sedalia Missouri, started off with a bbq goat meal provided by the producers. The sale started promptly at one with 64 head of goats having an average selling price of $772. The high selling full blood doe, JBI LLGG Calypso A188, was consigned in partnership by JBI Boer Goats and Parson Creek Farm, and purchased by Josie Lonning of Bode, Iowa for $2200. The high selling full blood buck, Sherwood Farms LLGG Mancini, consigned by Sherwood Farms, was purchased by Michael Harmon of Hull, Iowa for $1700.

The high selling percentage doe, Amarugia Glitter, consigned by Luchini Boer Goats, was purchased by James Newton of Dallas City, Illinois for $950. Thank you for all who attended in person and on line, we hope you enjoy your new purchases and they bring you continued success.

HIGH SELLING DOE LLGG Calypso A188 Consigned by JBI Boer Goats & Parson Creek Farm

HIGH SELLING BUCK LLGG Mancini Consigned by Sherwood Farms

2012 BUCKLES & BANNERS SALE The offerings of The Buckles and Banners Sale held on September 15, 2012 in Shawnee, Oklahoma was of excellent quality, diverse genetic packages and backed by a successful group of breeders who excelled in the show ring this past year. Selling was brisk and viewed nationwide. There were approved online bidders of 120, and registered onsite bidders of 50.

High selling buck was a M&K Extreme Boers Consignment and went to Jack Mauldin of Texas. The high selling doe was a Windy Acres Consignment and went to Mike Beets of Texas. Volume Buyer was Paul Morgan of Indiana.

JR Patterson of Essential Feeds was on hand to provide Feed and supplements for Buyer door prizes. We Thank Mr. Patterson and his company for their generous contribution. The consignors want to thank all those who attended and joined us online for their continued support and we wish all the best with their purchases. Exciting changes are in store for 2013; the consignors will prepare a formal announcement in the very near future.

HIGH SELLING DOE Consigned by Windy Acres Consignment

2012 SHOWSTOPPER SALE XIII The 8th annual Showstopper Sale offered 150 lots of show and breeding quality Boar Goats. The sale was held on August 11, 2012 it the Ike Hamilton Arena in West Monroe, LA. The sale was broadcasted by DV Auction, as well an a complementary dinner served Friday evening. Consigners in the sale includes E.G.G.S. of Stephenville, Tex., Sunshine Boer Goat of Pearcy, Tenn. and Rocking R Boer Goats in Tylertown, Miss. www.abga.org | 27

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