Editor's Blog Initial Weights Recorded in ASU Meat Goat Test
In the 2008 Angelo State University Meat Goat Performance Test, the bucks have all started the test, according to Dr. Mike Salisbury of ASU. All goats were vaccinated and treated for internal parasites at arrival. They received their booster vaccines Friday, June 6, at the initial weigh day.
This year, 157 bucks make up the test group and average initial weight was 55.6 pounds per animal. The initial scrotal circumference was 18.1 centimeters. Next scheduled weigh day is July 2, 2008, at 8:00 am. — actually a 26-day weight since 28 days falls on Independence Day.
Below you will find mean values for the past 8 years and where the current test compares:
Mean Initial Weight, Final Weight, Average Daily Gain (ADG) and Estimated Rib-Eye Area (REA) for the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 performance tests.
| Year | Number on test | Initial Wt. (lbs) | Final Wt. (lbs) | ADG (lbs) | REA (in2) |
| 2000 | 69 | 73.0 | 120.0 | .60 | 2.12 |
| 2001 | 115 | 60.6 | 109.9 | .60 | 1.75 |
| 2002 | 109 | 65.1 | 108.8 | .52 | 1.85 |
| 2003 | 93 | 62.6 | 109.0 | .56 | 2.00 |
| 2004 | 109 | 65.1 | 112.2 | .56 | 1.80 |
| 2005 | 118 | 65.4 | 107.0 | .50 | 1.90 |
| 2006 | 155 | 66.3 | 110.6 | .57 | 1.97 |
| 2007 | 122 | 69.9 | 99.2 | .56 | 1.74 |
| 2008 | 157 | 55.6 | – | – | – |
