Goats

               

 Below you find resources for your goat project:

MARKET GOAT
Junior Market Goat Record Book  
Senior Market Goat Record Book


DAIRY GOAT
Senior Dairy Goat Record Book
Junior Dairy Goat Record Book

 BASIC NEEDS
  • Space
    • 20-25 sq. ft. of enclosed housing area
    • 0.2-0.3 ares of pasture area
    • Enclosed barn with removable side panels or windows set back 50 ft. 
    • Electric woven wire fencing
  • Nutrition
    • Forage
    • Pasture provides the majority of forage during the growing season
    • Pasture with high concentration of clover or legumes can lead to digestive issues
      • Supplement with dry hay reduces this risk
    • High quality hay
      • Alfalfa may be fed during the winter
    • Grain
    • Free choice mineral with added vitamins
  • Health
    • Parasite control (treat for internal worms and coccidia)
      • Goats should be "drenched" immediately after purchase and 3 weeks later
      • Talk to your veterinarian about parasite control as it is necessary to use a parasite control regimen that will prevent resistance from occuring
    • Dehorning or horn tipping
    • Hoof trimming and teeth floating when necessary
    • Vaccinations and Disease Prevention
      • A vaccination for Tetanus should be given to the goat (Clostridium perifingens types C and D and Tetanus [CDT])
      • Act quickly if you notice signs of bloody diarrhea, weakness, and dehydration in your goat in order to prevent Coccidiosis
      • Soremouth is a virus that produces scabby sores on the mouths and lips of goats (a vaccine may be available for your goat so check with your veterinarian)
      • Use a ringworm prevention program such as the feed supplement Fluvicin or use Novasan to spray on goats and equipment
        • Or spray equipment and surfaces with 10% bleach to prevent the spread of this disease at show grounds
See for more information:
Housing and Space Guidelines:
    Mid-Atlantic 4-H Market Goat Project Guide
    Guide to Raising Healthy Goats
    Goat Guide: Texas Agricultural Extension Service: 

     SELECTING A PROJECT ANIMAL
    • You will need to make the choice whether you would like to show a dairy goat or a market goat
    • If you choose to show a market goat:
      • Check show rules to determine when your goat should be born; our show requires that your goat must be less than 1 year old and still have his or her baby teeth
      • The goat must weigh at least 45 lbs. by the date of the show
      • Goats of any breed or cross breeding can be sold as market goats for meat
      • Common Market Goat Breeds:
    • If you choose to show a dairy goat, it must not have horns (they must either be disbudded, dehorned, or naturally polled/hornless). Meat/market goats may have tipped horns.
    • Be aware of how big/small the goat is and keep in mind what age the goat needs to be for showing
    • Consider these factors when selecting a goat:
      • Structural Correctness
        • The neck should extend out of the shoulders, and the goat's head should be erect
        • The goat should stand wide and straight on both front and back legs with the legs placed squarely under the body
        • The goat's topline should appear strong and level
        • The goat should have a long rump with a slight slope (not to steep)
        • The goat should have strong pasterns 
      • Muscle
        • When viewed from behind the widest part of the legs should be the stifle area
        • A broad thick back is good
      • Volume and Capacity
        • Goats should be long bodied and have good depth around the ribs
      • Style and Balance
        • When viewed form the side, the goat should have a smooth shoulder, level top, and straight legs
        • Look for a goat with overall balanced proportions
      • Growth and Production Potential
        • Larger framed goats will generally grow faster to a larger size to be competitive in the show ring
    See for more information and videos:
    Mid-Atlantic 4-H Market Goat Project Guide
    Market Goat Breeds-NC State
    Common Registered Breeds: American Dairy Goat Association
    Selecting a Show Goat Video
    What a Judge Looks For Video
    Buying a Milk Goat

    KEEPING RECORDS
    • Registration with the breed association
      • Registration may need to be transferred to the exhibitor's name
      • Eligible animals may need initial registration
    • If you don't own the animal:
      • You may need to complete a lease application through 4-H or the breed association
    • It may be a good idea to join the respective breed's junior association
    • Accurate Health Records
      • Vaccination dates, date of dehorning, application of parasite control
    • Keep a record of growth
      • Ensure the animal meets benchmarks for growth
    • Make a budget and document expenses
    See for more information:
    Mid-Atlantic 4-H Market Goat Project Guide
    Market Goat Reference Guide-Keeping Records: Penn State Extension Agency 

    DAILY CARE
    • Feeding recommended and adjusted amount for animal
    • Keep access to clean water at all times
    • Halter breaking/Walking for exercise
    PRE-SHOW PREPARATION

    • Work with goats several times a week at least one month before the event
    • Goats may be halter broken or trained to lead with a collar
    • Use a rope halter for halter breaking
      • The lead will extend from the animal's left side
      • Teach your goat by using the pull and release method 
    • Train the goat to walk when you pull on the halter or show chain
      • It may be helpful to get a friend to push the goat from behind when halter or show chain breaking
    • Sensitize your goat to having its feet and legs touched and moved while holding at its head
    • Train your goat to allow you to place its feet squarely
    • Practice showing at home
    • About 1 week to 10 days before the show, wash your goat with mild soap and a scrub brush
      • Avoid getting water in the goat's ears
      • Clean underneath the flanks well
      • Remove wax and dirt from the ears using a damp rag
      • Wash the goat again before the day of the show
    • Tip the goat's horns unless it was already dehorned shortly after birth
      • If horns will be removed, removal must occur within 10-14 days of age
      • Horns must be tipped 4-6 weeks before the show to allow time for the goat to heal properly
      • Dehorning and tipping rules are in place to keep exhibitors safety
      • Talk to your veterinarian for more information about dehorning and tipping
    • Clip your goat and trim the hooves at least one week prior to the show
    • Know all of the parts of the goat, as well as information about your goat such as the age
    • Hauling arrangtments
    • Preparations should begin several months in advance
    See for more information and videos:
    Mid-Atlantic 4-H Market Goat Project Guide
    Showmanship Tips
    Market Goats-NC State
    Fitting and Grooming-University of Arkansas
    Goat Show Prep

     KNOW INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR GOAT
    • Know the parts of the goat
    • Be prepared to answer questions about the age, breed, etc. of your goat
    • Know information about the goat industry (you will be expected to learn more about the goat industry as you progress in goat showing and become and experienced exhibitor)


    See for more information:
    Mid-Atlantic 4-H Market Goat Project Guide
    Dairy Goat Judging Guide-Florida State
    Market Goat Reference Guide-Keeping Records: Penn State Extension Agency 

    HALTER BREAKING
    • Training ideally begins when the animal is young
    • Make training a positive experience
      • The animal should not feel like it is being chased
    •  Use an appropriately sized nylon halter for training
    • The adjustable side of the halter always goes on the left side of the animal's body
    • The nose piece of the halter should be appropriately positioned between the top of the nostrils and the eyes
    • Tie your animal for up to an hour the first few days with about five inches of slack in the rope so that the goat can comfortably hold its head (tie the animal in a quiet, safe environment)
    • Tie using a quick release slip knot 
    • While the animal is tied, spend time brushing and petting it, working up toward the head

    See for more information and videos:
    Slip Knot Video
    How to Train a Goat on a Halter

    TRAINING YOUR ANIMAL
    • Begin training your animal to lead once they can stand quietly tied
    • Always lead the animal from the left side
    • Pull the lead rope to get the animal to walk forward and release the tension as soon as the animal begins walking
    • It may be helpful to have someone walk behind the animal (at a safe distance) to teach the animal to walk on
    • Place your left hand in front of the heifer's muzzle or use your right hand to apply pressure to the shoulder to tell the animal to slow down
    • Never hit your animal, a tap on the nose or a tug on the halter is enough
    • Once the animal is can be lead consistently on a halter, begin teaching her to carry hold her head at an appropriate level so she looks her best
    • Practice leading for about 20 minutes daily
    • Once the animal can be led without too much tugging, introduce it to the show halter
    CLIPPING
    • Prior to the show (about 2-3 weeks) clip the goats entire body
    • A few days before or the day of the show reclip the entire body with a guarded blade or one that will leave more hair
    • Touch up the head, tail, belly, lower legs and udder with a fine tooth blade also shortly before or the day of the show-this does not need to be done weeks ahead
    • The topline of the animal should always be level and strong
    See for more information and videos:
    Fitting and Grooming-University of Arkansas
    Fitting Market Goats-University of TN Extension
    Dairy Goat Handbook: Training and Fitting
    Goat Show Prep
    How to Clip a Dairy Goat for Show

    SHOWMANSHIP
    • Showmanship can play a major role in show ring success when showing a goat
    • Showmanship involves how well you and your animal work together and how well you are able to present your animal
    • Follow the pattern explained by the judge-this can be slightly different depending on the judge or the ring-there is a general pattern recognized in the resources below
    • Always keep your steer or heifer between you and the judge
    • Keep your eyes on the judge at all times and enter the ring with a pleasant expression so as to appear confident in the ring
    • Always leave space for judge to walk between you animal and the animal in front of or beside you
    • Use as much as the ring as possible when walking the appropriate pattern
    • Walk at a calm and steady speed
    • General knowledge to know:
      • Sire and dam of your animal
      • Birth date, weight, and nutritional information about your animal
      • Good and bad physical attributes of your animal
      • Parts of the animal
      • General information about the beef cattle industry
      • Current issues in the beef industry
      • How to show to minimize the flaws of your animal when showing
    • Things to Avoid when Showing the Goat in the Ring:
      • Going behind the goat when switching sides in order to keep the goat between you and the judge
      • Allowing the goat to roam loose
      • Allowing the goat to lay down
      • Showing a dirty goat
      • Poor sportsmanship
      • Avoid chewing gum 
      • Avoid wearing excessive makeup or jewelry that could detract from the appearance of the animal
    • Do not give up even after you have been placed because the judge may re-place the class
    See for more information and videos:
    CORRECT FEET PLACEMENT/BRACING IN THE SHOW RING
    • The animal should have all four legs placed directly below in a square or natural setting
    • To better show an animals make up the animal can be braced (MARKET)
    • Bracing is simply when the animal pushes on the inside of the exhibitors mid to upper thigh-this can occur when the judge feels and closely inspects the animal or while in profile position (MARKET)
    • Practice, practice and more practice is the best way for you and the animal to learn to master this skill (MARKET)
    See for more information and videos:
    FINAL SHOW DAY PREPARATIONS
    • Wash animal at least 2-3 hours prior to show time to ensure the animal has time to dry, eat, and make final grooming preparations
    • Offer your animal plenty of fresh hay, feed, and water the day of the show so they look their best with the proper fill in their stomach
    • Clean the inside of the animal's ears with a baby wipe or cloth
    • Shine hooves and remove any debris or manure
    • Brush off any dust or straw
    • Apply fly spray
    • Wipe the animal's muzzle
    • Fit the show chain/halter properly
      • Ensure the lead is neat and clean
    RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO BRING TO THE SHOW
    • Daily Needs
      • Buckets for drinking water and washing 
      • Feed pan, scoops, and feed (hay and grain)
      • Pitch fork and/or shovel, broom, wheel barrow
      • Bedding supplies: straw or shavings
      • Fan (if needed)
      • Rope Halter
    • Show Needs
      • Show boxes and a large container for storage
      • Rope halter, lead ropes
      • Chain collar
      • Water Hose
      • Mild soap or detergent
      • Curry comb and brush
      • Clean rags or baby wipes
      • Fly spray
      • Oils, paints, adhesives, and any other hair products
      • Show halter, show stick, scotch comb
      • Optional items:
        • Blocking chute
        • Clippers, blades, and blade lubricants 
        • Blowers
    • People Needs
      • Thermometer and emergency medical supplies
      • Prep clothes and show clothes-clothes to get dirty when prepping the animal for the show
    • General
      • Health and registration papers
      • Extension cords
      • Various tools that may come in handy:
        • Duct tape, scissors, zip ties
      • Making a checklist can be a good idea
    APPROPRIATE ATTIRE
    • Wear a button-down or polo shirt, collared
    • Wear clean jeans, boots, and a belt
    • Tuck your shirt in
    • Shower, brush your teeth, and do your hair
    • Do not wear a hat, t-shirt, hoodie, tennis shoes, flip-flops
    • Do not come in with manure stains on clothing
    TIPS FOR CREATING BUYER'S LETTERS WHEN SELLING PROJECT ANIMALS
    • A buyer's letter is prepared by a 4-H member to send out to potential buyers before a fair and livestock auction
    • A buyer's letter is written to introduce the 4-H member as well as the animal and to invite potential buyers
    • It is the responsibility of the 4-H members to get new and returning buyers to attend sales
    • In addition to previous buyers, letters can be sent to anyone who would potentially be willing to buy an animal
      • Potential buyer's could include: family friends, relatives, or local members of the community; places your family does business such as local feed stores, restaurants, etc. 
    • Elements to include in the letter:
      • Address the letter to the buyer's name
      • Name, age, and introductory information about the seller
      • Thank the buyer if they have made previous purchases
      • History/Story/Facts of the animal
      • A picture of the animal (the child may include themselves in the picture)
      • Sale date, time, and location
      • How the buyer can participate
      • Contact information for 4-Her, and fair
    • The buyer should be written personable and relative to the age of the 4-H member, with junior members telling the story of the animal and senior members continuing but adding more of a business edge

    See for more information and videos:
    Mid-Atlantic 4-H Market Goat Project Guide

    AFTER THE SHOW
    • Thank the judge, superintendent, and show volunteers
    • Rinse your animal within 24 hours to remove products used for the show from the skin
    • Clean equipment and put it away to stay organized between shows
    • Record your showing placing for your own records
    Good luck showing!                                                                                         

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