Show Goat Management AHS FFA Updated Spring 2014

Topics Facilities and Equipment Selection Nutrition Basic Health Showmanship

Facilities and Equipment The Pen Should provide shade from the sun and north wind A goat should have at least 24 sq. ft. of space to walk with objects to climb/play with Fences should be at least 4 ft. tall with holes no bigger that 4” Ground should be well drained and should be cleaned regularly

Facilities and Equipment Equipment A feeder that can be placed at least 6” off the ground A cinder block or brick to place in front of feeder for goat to stand on A water bucket that can not be tipped over (clipped to a fence) A halter, show chain, muzzle, brush, small rake and shovel, goat blankets, feeder, water bucket

Facilities and Equipment $10$3$7 $9 $5 $15-35 $5

Selection Age Goats should be months old at time of show A goat that looks show ready at 3 months will not last Ideally our goats will be born in late fall to early spring Ideally we will be raising these goats for 5-6 months A show goat will cost $

Selection Structural Correctness Level back, heavy boned, deep body, wide chest Muscle Big rump, muscled forearms, wide and powerful rack Volume and Capacity Long body, wide ribs, long thin neck Style and Balance eye-appealing or flashy, smooth body transitions Growth Potential The bigger the hoof and leg is, the better

Nutrition Water Goats should have access to fresh clean water at all times If you wouldn’t drink it, neither will your goat Water will be reduced and limited at show Always check for wet spots in pen to make sure the animal is passing fluids Minerals A mineral block can be left in the pen

Nutrition Protein Feed should be 16%-18% protein Purina, Moormans, Sure-Fed, Etc. Protein makes muscles Supplements High Octane Champion Drive by Purina Forage Alfalfa hay is the best A small handfull underneath will do fine The closer to show, the less hay

Basic Health De-worming Should be done at purchase of goats and every 3-4 weeks after that (1 st of the month usually) Hoof Trimming Should be done every month Exercise Goats should be ran hard 15 minutes a day Intense exercise to get their heart rate up As exercise increases, so should feed

Basic Health Feeding Goats should be fed twice a day as close to 12 hours between feedings Goats should gradually eat more as they grow about pounds a day to gain 2-3 lbs. a week (averages) Feed 2-3% of animals body weight a day A ½ lb. topdressing of Champion Drive a day

Showmanship Walking Goat should learn to walk beside you with its head up and its shoulders even with your leg Bracing Front legs set wide and 90 degrees to the ground Hind legs set wide and back Should be able to get goat set up and driving in 10 seconds Clipping Goats will be wash and clipped a week before show

Showmanship Workout Goats need to worked out to build muscle Running, hurdles, dogs, use of a chariot, treadmills, etc. Intense exercise! Driving Goats need to flex their muscles when the judge feels them Goats should be pushing the inside of your leg with their chest Should be practiced at least 15 minutes a day

Showmanship Show Day Wear nice jeans with a collared shirt No hats Always keep your animal between you and the judge Always leave room between you the next exhibitor and the fence