SONORA – The 2012 Angora Goat Performance Test conducted at the Texas AgriLife Research Station at Sonora is set to begin as scheduled with delivery of the test animals on Feb. 27-28, said the researcher in charge.
The station is located 28 miles south of Sonora on U.S. Highway 55.
“The 2012 Angora performance test has received sufficient commitments from breeders to proceed as planned,” said Dr. Dan Waldron, Texas AgriLife Research geneticist at San Angelo and test coordinator.
Waldron said in recent years it’s been required that at least 10 different breeders enter a minimum of 50 bucks collectively for the test to occur.
“We have always had enough animals committed for the test to proceed and this year is no exception,” he said. “This level of participation shows the commitment these breeders have for investing in genetic improvement, since they often submit their top bucks to be evaluated for growth and fleece characteristics.”
Waldron said there are still slots available for others who may wish to submit animals for testing. Breeders should notify Waldron at 325-653-4576, d-waldron@tamu.edu, as soon as possible if they wish to enter goats.
“The cost of entering bucks on this year’s test will be $290 per head, which is due when the animal arrives at the station to begin the test,” Waldron said. “The fee is used to cover feed, shearing and laboratory work on the fleeces.”
The Angora bucks are scheduled to be shorn March 6, then weighed on March 7 to start the test. The goats will be weighed again on May 2, then weighed a third and final time and sheared on June 27.
The annual field day and potential sale, which is decided upon by the breeders with animals on the test, is set for July 26 at the station.
“With the recent strong mohair market, breeders are optimistic that the future prospects for raising Angora goats are good,” Waldron said. “And improving herds by selecting breeding stock from among the best of the breed will enhance the future of the Angora goat industry.”
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.
Test entry forms and other information can be found at: http://safiles.tamu.edu/genetics/angoratest.htm.
For more information, contact Waldron or Dr. Frank Craddock, Texas AgriLife Extension Service sheep and goat specialist at San Angelo, at 325-653-4576 or email Waldron at d-waldron@tam.edu.
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