The 2022 Angora Goat Test will begin Dec. 13 and run through July 13. The Texas A&M AgriLife Research pasture goat test is designed to aid producers in the selection of goats that can thrive in a range environment and produce high-value fleeces.
The test will be conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center of San Angelo at the Texas A& AgriLife Research Sonora Station, which is approximately 28 miles south of Sonora on Texas Highway 55.
The test form is available online. Consignors will need to turn in the completed form upon delivery. The cost is $110 per animal and checks should be made payable to Texas A&M AgriLife Research and brought on Dec. 13 with animal delivery. The cost includes fees for shearing, fiber analysis, near infrared reflectance spectroscopy, juniper prediction, parasite testing, pasture use, labor, feed and miscellaneous supplies.
Testing traits, genetic potential
“The AgriLife Angora Pasture Test is a unique opportunity for mohair producers to test the genetic potential of their billy kids and compare genetics with other breeders,” said Reid Redden, Ph.D., sheep and goat specialist and Texas A&M AgriLife center director at San Angelo. “The pasture test identifies Angora goats that thrive and produce high value mohair on rangeland typical of Texas ranches.”
He said two new traits, internal parasite resistance and juniper/cedar intake, had recently been added to the testing to aide breeders in selecting the best goats to be used as herd sires.
Centralized testing of Angora goats has been offered by Texas A&M AgriLife since 2001, with the last nine years of testing being done on pasture.
Key program dates
- Delivery and consignor meeting – Dec. 13 at 2:30 p.m.
- Initial weigh day and shearing – Feb. 16 at 8:30 a.m.
- Final weigh day and shearing – July 13 at 8:30 a.m.
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