Each year from 2007-2012, the Kerr Center teamed up with the OSU Cooperative Extension Service to conduct the Oklahoma Forage-Based Buck Test (formerly the Oklahoma Meat Goat Forage Performance Test). The summer of 2012 was the sixth and final year for the test.
A series of free reports detail the results from each test year.
Another free report summarizes the findings of the first five years’ data from the buck test. It documents the changes made to test protocols over time to fine-tune the buck test as a tool for herd improvement. It also describes the relationships between the bucks’ performance and external factors such as weather and parasite loads.
The rationale behind the Oklahoma Forage-Based Buck Test was to identify individual bucks with favorable genetics for commercial meat goat production.
Eastern Oklahoma State College has continued to run the Oklahoma Forage-Based Buck Test.
Goat Publications
Home-Built Goat-Working Pens Diagram
Parasite Control: The Value of Multi-species and Rotational Grazing
This presentation covers ways to use grazing rotations and stocking of multiple livestock species to manage parasites in meat goats.
Forages: What Goats Like and What They Don’t
This presentation describes goats’ feeding behavior and dietary requirements, with an emphasis on managing goats on pasture.
Managing Goats for Herd Health
This presentation describes a holistic approach to goat health management, and includes a list of related resources.
Dewormers and Dewormer Resistance; Introduction to Eye Scores
Integrated Parasite Management for Your Goats
Goat Health Management Materials List
This list of goat health products used in the Kerr Center’s goat program includes notes on use and suppliers.
Oklahoma Forage-Based Buck Test Summary Report: First Five Years (2007-2011)
2012 Oklahoma Forage-Based Buck Test Report
2011 Oklahoma Forage-Based Buck Test Report
2010 Commercial Meat Goat Forage Performance (Buck) Test Report
2009 Commercial Meat Goat Forage Performance (Buck) Test Report
2008 Commercial Meat Goat Forage Performance (Buck) Test Report
2007 Commercial Meat Goat Forage Performance (Buck) Test Report
Multiple Species Grazing in Oklahoma
Brush Control with Goats
Electric Fence for Small Ruminants
Forage Strategies for Small Acreages
Selection Procedures for Meat Goat Breeding Programs
Reproduction and the Bottom Line
This presentation discusses the management of goat reproduction to maximize profits.