Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Dan Waldron, 325-653-4576, d-waldron@tamu.edu
SONORA – The Texas A&M AgriLife Research annual Angora Goat Performance Test Field Day and Sale is set for July 25 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Station at Sonora.
The station is located 28 miles south of Sonora on U.S. Highway 55, between Sonora and Rocksprings.
Activities begin at 10:30 a.m. with an informal inspection of the test animals and their records. Educational presentations start at 1 p.m. after lunch. The sale of performance-tested animals will immediately follow the educational program at about 2 p.m.
“With the recent strength in the mohair market, this may be a good year to invest in genetic improvement for the future,” said Dr. Dan Waldron, AgriLife Research geneticist at San Angelo and test coordinator. “The purpose of the test is to identify those top animals that have the genetic potential to improve a producer’s flock. Given that the animals on this test come from some of the world’s best flocks, this is the ideal opportunity to purchase animals with proven recorded traits for increased profits in the Angora goat business.”
The program’s topics include:
– Mohair Market Update and Outlook, Seco Mayfield, representing the Mohair Council of America.
– Best Practices for Caseous Lymphadenitis control, Dr. Elmer Herndon, D.V.M., Uvalde.
– Comments On Test Results, Waldron and Faron Pfeiffer, AgriLife Research, San Angelo.
– Presentation of Mohair Council of America Awards and recognition of the Certified Bucks, Mayfield, Mohair Council of America.
The sale of performance-tested animals will conclude the day’s activities.
Complete performance data, as it becomes available will be posted to the internet at:
http://sanangelo.tamu.edu/performance-tests/angora-goat-test/ . Photos of the bucks in-fleece will also be available on the website.
For further information, contact Waldron or Dr. Frank Craddock, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state sheep and goat specialist, San Angelo at 325-653-4576 or the AgriLife Research station at Sonora at 325-387-3168.
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