The Texas A&M University Research and Experiment Station, now called Texas AgriLife Research Center, issued a press release Feb. 1 stipulating that the annual Angora buck test would occur this year only if a minimum 50 entries were received. I think with the interest shown recently from existing Angora breeders they’ll make the minimum. Apparently the concern producers had back in November when they met with TAMU researchers was warranted. Following is the press release in full.

Feb. 1, 2008

Angora Goat Test Deadline Feb. 8

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Contact: Dr. Dan Waldron, 325-653-4576, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

SONORA — Plans are being finalized for the 2008 Angora Goat Performance Test at the Texas AgriLife Research Center at Sonora.
The center is 28 miles south of Sonora on U.S. Hwy. 55.
Dr. Dan Waldron, AgriLife Research geneticist at San Angelo and the test’s coordinator, said at least 10 different breeders must enter a minimum of 50 bucks altogether for the test to occur. Breeders should notify the center at Sonora of their intent to enter goats by Feb. 8 by calling 325-387-3168.
If the required number of animals are entered, then the test will start with the delivery of animals to the station on Feb. 25-26.
The cost for the producer to put bucks on this year’s test is $210 per head.
Waldron said the test lets breeders and prospective buyers look at the individual animal’s mohair quality, production and growth rate.
Individual breeders can enter no more than 12 animals, except by special permission. A minimum of four animals per owner and sire group is suggested but not required, according to Waldron.
Bucks are scheduled to be shorn March 4 and then weighed on March 5 to start the test. The goats will be weighed again on April 30, then weighed and sheared a final time on June 25-26. The annual field day and potential sale is set for July 24.
The $210 testing fee is due when the goats arrive at the station. The fee goes toward feed, shearing and laboratory work on the fleeces.
Test entry forms and other information can be found at http://sanangelo.tamu.edu.
For more information, contact Waldron or Drs. Frank Craddock or Chris Lupton
at 325-653-4576, or e-mail Waldron at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .