Texas A&M AgriLife Research has announced the schedule for the 2021 Angora Goat Test. This 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.

Angora goat grazing in a pasture
The angora goat test evaluates fleece production as well as weight gain. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo)

The study will run from December through July and is for billies born in 2020. The test will be conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center of San Angelo at the Sonora Experiment Station, which is approximately 28 miles south of Sonora on Texas Highway 55. The cost is $100 per animal.

“We hope producers will take advantage of this opportunity to find out which Angoras could potentially improve their breeding programs,” said Reid Redden, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service sheep and goat specialist and interim center director, San Angelo. “Our goal is to provide producers with the scientific data necessary to decide which billies may be genetically most appropriate for their program.” 

The proposed test schedule is as follows:

  • Delivery and consignor meeting – Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m.
  • Initial weigh day and shearing – Feb. 17 at 8:30 a.m.
  • Final weigh day and shearing – July 14 at 8:30 a.m.

The test form is available online. Consignors will need to turn in the completed form upon delivery.

The test measures weight gain and fleece production from February to July on native rangelands.

“In addition, we test the goats for resistance to parasites and cedar intake on pasture,” said Redden. 

A committee of consignors will evaluate the goats for visual scores preferred by Angora producers. Goats will be ranked by an index formula designed to assess superior genetic potential.

For additional information, contact Redden at 325-653-4576.

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