August 2014 Newsletter - Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia
Transcription
August 2014 Newsletter - Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia
BOER GOAT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2014 A Message from the Chairperson! Inside this Issue Hello Members, Chairperson’s Message P1-2 Newsletter Contacts P2 Controlling Lice in Goats P2-7 Maize and Fertility P8 Footscald Kidding This issue covers some Winter/wet weather woes such as Lice and Foot scald and their treatments. There is also an article for new members who are kidding for the first time. Although article may have been repeated in earlier issues, sometimes it is easier to have information at your fingertips instead of searching for it. P9- P12 P13-18 Cairns Qld Show results P19-23 Showing-Chasing Felt P24-25 Show Preparation Clinic Vic P26-30 Goat Plague in Africa P31-32 Website and Newsletter Advertising P32 BGBAA Shirts Well we are at last on the downside of Winter and members who have had an autumn joining can look forward to Spring and new kids on the ground! P33 Coccidiosis P34-35 Goat Selfie Competition P35 Ever Cooked What’s in your Paddock? P36 Additional Snippets P38-41 We encourage new members to network with other breeders in your area as this is the best way to learn and gain knowledge. The Members directory on the website is a starting point. Click on your State. http://www.australianboergoat.com.au/members-directory.php Most established breeders are happy conditions/problems unique to their area. to provide advice on A reminder that the AGM will be held in Melbourne on Sunday the 21st September 2014 at the Airport Hotel and Convention Centre, Melbourne commencing 10.00am. The date has been changed from Saturday 20 th to accommodate people attending Royal Melbourne Show. The Board encourages all members to attend the AGM and participate in the forum to be held afterwards. More information will be sent shortly. In particular the topic of BGBAA Classification will be raised for discussion and approval by members. There were four vacancies on the Board and two have been filled by Geoff Mitchell and Judith D’Aloisio as returning Board members. We appreciate their commitment to the Association as well as the dedication and commitment of the ongoing Board members. The Board will have a face to face meeting Saturday 20th at 2.00PM, the day prior to the AGM, to discuss Portfolio allocations, the future direction of the Association as well as filling the remaining vacancies on the Board. I hope you have a productive kidding season in 2014, Regards Vicki Mitchell, Chairperson. Page 1 August 2014 Please contact any of the following Portfolio representatives with photos, articles, events to be published in the Newsletters. Your input is appreciated! NEWSLETTER CONTACTS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EDUCATION JUDITH D’ALOISIO PH: (03) 5797 3232 Mob: 0437 800 308 Email: judithdaloisio@yahoo.com VIC/TAS PORTFOLIO REPRESENTATIVE NERIDA TULL PH: (03) 5794 1507 Mob: 0427 941 507 Email: parraboers@bigpond.com NSW REPRESENTATIVE TRACEY WOODS PH: (02) 6859 2956 Email: tracey@pacificaboergoatstud.com.au QLD REPRESENTATIVE REBECCA BROOKS PH: (07) 5427 0623 Email: bec@barookaboergoats.com.au SA REPRESENTATIVE MELISSA JOHNSON Email: emjay58au@yahoo.com.au Editors Note: Any text to web sites which is blue and underlined is a hyperlink. When clicked within this PDF file it will automatically go to that website. CONTROLLING LICE IN GOATS Lice control is important in goats and they are particularly prevalent in the winter months. The following is reprinted from MLA Tips and Tools Controlling Lice and Other External Parasites on Goats. While the reprinted section is only about Lice the whole article is worth reading for other parasites which can affect animal health. http://www.australianboergoat.com.au/admin/_files/articles/1318817707_lpi805tipsandtoolscontr ollingliceandotherexternalparasitesongoats.pdf or go directly to the MLA website and type in Tips and Tools for Goats in the Search Box. http://www.mla.com.au/Home Check the other Tips and Tools for useful information. Page 2 August 2014 Page 3 August 2014 The article on the next page, also about Lice is from AGFACTS, Department of primary Industries, NSW. Once again a source for loads of information on goats. Go to the Home site: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ Click Search, top right hand corner, then put Goat AGFACTS in the search box or Goat Primefact. You can also try the link below.. Page 4 http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/resources/factsheets/f actsheet-search-bytitle?queries_type_query=Factsheet&queries_title_query=G oat&search_page_105058_submit_button=Find¤t_re sult_page=1&results_per_page=0&submitted_search_categ August 2014 ory=&mode= Page 5 August 2014 Page 6 August 2014 FROM THE BREEDERS…. Asking breeders what they use for Lice has brought up a number of different options. Remember that these are off label for goats, CloutS is the only registered product to treat goats for Lice, so consult with a veterinarian before using other products… Extinosad pour on (backline) sheep Avenge (backline) sheep Cydectin pour on (backline) cattle Tiguvon (backline) cattle Page 7 August 2014 MAIZE AND FERTILITY… The following article may be of interest….Unfortunately the site is now archived and the audio link no longer works. Any feedback from breeders???????? Page 8 August 2014 FOOT SCALD IN GOATS http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/U/UNP-0087/UNP-0087.pdf Wet weather in winter or spring can mean foot scald in goats. Most breeders follow repetitive treatment with a footbath and zinc sulphate. Acute cases can be treated with a long acting antibiotic. If lameness is still persistent check the foot for other reasons e.g. injury or abscess. Page 9 August 2014 Pen that has not been exposed to infected animals. Page 10 August 2014 Page 11 August 2014 Page 12 August 2014 KIDDING Kidding is often the busiest time for the goat farmer. Goats usually have twins. In doing any calculations for herd increments, most breeders work on 1.5 average per doe per year. However if the season is favourable, multiple births (triplets/quads) are common. It is rare that the doe will be able to provide enough milk for this number of kids so hand rearing may be necessary (see below). Prior to kidding, source alternative forms of colostrum from dairy goat or cattle farmers who may have this frozen. Be sure to only use colostrum from tested animals to prevent infection of your kids with Johnnes and CAE infections. There is a powdered cow colostrum available called Impact which can be used as a backup. However the ideal is to have a “bank” of colostrum from your own goats milked early in your kidding cycle or from the previous year from does who may have had a single kid, a surplus of milk or lost kids. Only the goats from your own property will have colostrum with specific protection for the kids. The best colostrum is from your own mature age does, as they will have had the highest levels of exposure to property specific bacteria. Supplementary feeding prior to Kidding Does must be in good forward condition when they kid or they will lose too much weight themselves and may not produce sufficient milk to give their kids a good chance to grow out. It is common for breeders to provide supplementary feed to their does for a few weeks before kidding and while the does are lactating heavily. A good quality lucerne, rye, or clover hay is suitable. If a doe is slow to keep up with the herd, starting from five to six weeks before her kidding date, suspect pregnancy toxaemia. This is a life threatening condition for goats. It is usually due to does carrying triplets or quads, or does that are getting insufficient feed, or over-fat does. It is not uncommon for a Boer doe to have triplets or quads with the kids weighing a total of 15 kilos or more! This means together with the birth fluids, this doe could be carrying around over a third of her weight! If that was a woman she would likely be in hospital with intensive monitoring, special nutrition and supervised! Check with your vet how to manage the condition of pregnancy toxaemia. You will lose the doe and the kids if you do not take action quickly. Signs of imminent birth Does thinking of kidding will usually seek a space by themselves away from the mob which offers some protection, usually around large trees or gullies. There is often a mucous discharge from her vagina and her vulva will appear “softer” like two swollen lips. She may circle and start pawing the ground, lie down and get up again repeatedly. Most does are able to kid down without any difficulty, and most does in paddocks will kid during daylight. However in a good season when does may carry multiples there is always the risk of one kid being in a breech position or tangled with another at presentation. Monitor the doe as soon as it show signs of kidding, however do not interfere unless necessary. The doe may take a number of hours from the “thinking” stage until final delivery. The feet will be presented first then the head. If the head only appears the doe will likely require assistance. If the head appears swollen and the tongue is hanging out and dark, immediate action must be taken to pull the kid. There are likely to be others behind it so you may lose those as well if you delay. If inexperienced, veterinary assistance will be required. After Birth Page 13 August 2014 The doe will normally start cleaning the kid up as soon as it is dropped. If multiples she will usually have the others fairly quickly in succession. Make sure none of the kids are still trapped in the sack as the doe can be preoccupied cleaning one while another kid dies from lack of oxygen. The afterbirth is dispelled after the last kid but can take up to several hours before discharged. Clean it up and dispose of it as leaving it around in paddocks will attract predators. Checking Kids after birth Tagging: should be done within 24 hours of kids being born. Record the birth, Doe number, number of kids and location in the paddock then leave the doe to clean the kid(s) and have their first suck. Tag that night or next day recording doe tag against the kids’ tags. Leaving it longer than this means you will have to sprint to catch the kids instead of walk! Tagging is important with all goats to ensure records of mothering and weight gains in kids are kept. Any doe that fails in either of these two areas should be culled. Joint ill: Spray or dip the navel as soon as possible after birth (same time as tagging) with an antiseptic spray (e.g. Chloromide/Betadine/Lugols iodine) to prevent joint ill which develops through infection, especially if the kid is dropped in dirty conditions (under trees). Joint ill can develop in kids up to 3-4 months and is seen by lameness and swollen joints, usually the knee or hock in one limb or more. Unless treated immediately with antibiotics it can be fatal. Entropion: Check kids’ eyes for the first few months after they are born. Sometimes they become “gunky”, in which case a spray of “Pink eye” regularly does wonders to clear up any infection. Orbenin eye ointment (from your vet) is also very effective. Another problem is Entropion where the upper or lower eyelid or both is turned under. Unless treated the eye ulcerates. A stitch by the vet can be given to “catch” the eyelid and prevent is turning or use frequent applications of Orbenin and you will find it will correct itself. It is usually accepted this is a genetic disorder and so you need to consider whether the animal should ever be used for breeding. In extremely cold weather new born kids will benefit from a “coat” which can be purchased or made from sleeves of old jumpers. It is the wind chill factor (rain and cold wind) which causes many fatalities. Page 14 August 2014 Doe care after Birth The birth process stimulates worm production in the doe. So if it is practical, as soon as the kids can travel with the doe, worm your does soon after they kid. Even under normal circumstances, worms can “lie in wait” in the goat, waiting for a suitable event that gives them an advantage. Drenching while they are in this hibernation state does not necessarily kill them. There is then a big surprise for the goat breeder when there is an unexpected and significant worm burden causing illness and death. Does occasionally suffer from mastitis that can occur any time after birth. The doe will be away on her own, lying down and will appear in pain (eyes glazed). One or other side of her udder will appear hot and she will be reluctant to let the kid(s) suck. Treatment must be undertaken immediately. Remove the doe from the paddock and put her in a separate confined area. Mastitis is contagious so this must be well away from any area lactating does frequent. Milk the affected udder. If the doe has mastitis the milk will be curdled (grainy and watery). Veterinary prescribe treatments such as Masculon blue or Orbenin L.C. can be used which has a very fine tube which needs to be inserted into the nipple so the ointment can be squeezed into the affected udder. A long acting antibiotic should be administered. The kid (s) can be left to suck to stimulate the udder, however daily milking is advised as well. Using the “blue” variety enables you to see that the kid is drinking as it will pass through its system. The kids may need supplementary feeding as well. The severe form of mastitis is a “black” mastitis which causes the infected udder to go gangrenous and fall off. The doe is usually in extreme pain so euthanasia is the preferred option. Because it is contagious, any handling of a doe with mastitis must be done under scrupulously clean conditions with receptacles used for milking and the infected milk itself disposed of carefully. The doe will usually recover if treated as soon as signs appear and, depending on the severity of the mastitis, may return to full milk production or may lose the functionality in that quarter. Hand Rearing of Kids It is inevitable that hand rearing of kids will occur at some stage. This can be an enjoyable activity for the family and the animals reared will be lifelong friends! Hand rearing is necessary when a kid is rejected by its mother, weak and suffering from the cold, or it is one you have removed (from multiples) because the mother cannot rear it. If at all possible leave it to get colostrum from its mother. If it is too weak and suffering from the cold the first step is to get heat into it. You can take its temperature or put your finger in its mouth to gauge its body temperature and its sucking reflex. If the mouth is cold, immediately put as much warmth as you can around it with hot water bottles, heat bags, and a heater directly to it. If you have goats colostrum (perhaps milked from a doe who has lost her kids) this is the ideal to use. Without the colostrum the kid will have no immunity to infection and its survival is drastically reduced. Allow the colostrum to thaw in a container of hot water, do not microwave. If it cannot suck, the colostrum needs to be put into its stomach as soon as possible by tubing. This task requires confidence and experience so it is preferable to have a veterinarian do it the first time so you can see what is involved. The tube is passed down the kids throat into the stomach. It is important not to get it in the lungs. You can check it is in the correct position by putting your hand on its chest and blowing into the tube. You will hear and feel whether it is positioned correctly. Only a small amount of colostrum is required initially (30-40ml). After it has this first drink it is usually strong enough to start sucking from a bottle unless it is very weak in which case you may need to tube again several hours later. Having a veterinarian show you the procedure however is essential for success. Page 15 August 2014 Kids which are bottle fed initially require between 4-6 feeds a day depending on their strength and the amount of milk they can consume. The milk should be blood temperature to stimulate the sucking reflex. Start out offering 100ml of colostrum and offer at regular intervals during the day. Don’t worry it is not all consumed, it is better to offer small amounts frequently and increase as their appetite picks up. Don’t force the issue if it is reluctant to drink, wait and try again. If they have had colostrum from their mother (leave multiples for 24 hours before removal from mum), you can shandy the colostrum with full cream powdered milk 50:50. If you are picking up a multiple kid, do it at night and commence feeding in the morning when it will be hungry. In this situation it should drink anywhere between 150-200ml at each feed (3 times a day). Patience will be required to get the kid used to the change from mum’s nipple to a rubber one and it is extremely difficult to convince a kid that rubber is best after 3-4 days! If the kid is weak it will need to be housed in a warm environment for the night. After the first 24 hours you can shandy the colostrum as above (50:50) for another twenty four hours and feed 4 times a day. By the third day they are on full cream powdered milk alone three times a day. They will be consuming up to 200ml each feed. Depending on their strength and size they will generally be on three feeds for two weeks increasing milk slowly after which they will be on two feeds, usually consuming up to two bottles in the morning (500ml) and 1-2 bottles at night depending on how much grass they are eating. Make sure the kids have access to fresh water daily from day one from a container they can easily access and a good quality hay to nibble on. A high protein pellet (18%) can be introduced from the first week but do not leave it all day if it will be eaten and contaminated by birds. Give them access to a play area with some logs and hiding places as soon as possible in a secure enclosure that is protected from the elements. Remember you become Mum so they want to be with you and pretty soon change from being Pets to Pe(S)t’s at this age and no fence is a barrier! Lamb feeders can be purchased which Lamb feeders can be purchased which makes feeding larger numbers easier. These can be introduced as soon as they are sucking strongly from a bottle. The transition can be done over one-two feeds. Make sure the feeders have separate channels for the milk so you can monitor the amount they drink and keep a close eye on them while drinking. It is easy to lose a kid by turning your back and having it ”pig out” past the point of no return. Feeders must be cleaned thoroughly after each feed. Vaccinate hand reared kids early (3 in 1) against pulpy kidney and again four weeks later. As they get older (4 weeks) they will be eating more pellets and hay/grass and a number may not need the evening feed. Use your judgement, if they look full as ticks they are! By 8 to 10 weeks the morning feed can probably be dropped as well. Continue with the pellets and quality hay until the other kids are weaned at three months so they don’t slip backwards relying on grass alone. Hand rearing kids successfully requires a lot of time and patience but can be rewarding. They need a clean environment and the issue of biosecurity is greater as you have people wanting to pat them and climb into the pens or paddocks with them or let them suck their fingers! Predators New born kids are especially vulnerable to any predators which may be about including foxes, wild dogs, and eagles. They are particularly at risk in the first few days of birth. Page 16 August 2014 Options for farmers include Maremma dogs, an Italian breed which live in the paddock with the goats, and Alpacas. Both have been found to be successful in minimising losses from predators. If using dogs, however, it is important that the goats do not consume any dog pellets or dog food as this is a heath risk if they are then slaughtered. Feed them well away from inquisitive goats. Normal birthing position - "Diving Position" (Most common) Both front feet are coming first, with head, resting on legs, pointing forward. (Souls of feet are "pointing down".) Normal birthing position (Not as common) Both rear feet are coming out first. (Souls of feet are "pointing up".) Normal birthing position Two kids, in proper positions, "taking their turns". "Breech Birth"- Butt first Sometimes the doe can deliver this position, sometimes she can't. We have had a few breech births here and have never had to assist. To assist (if necessary)- Push kid back, manoeuvre one rear leg so it is coming first, and then manoeuvre the other leg. Page 17 August 2014 Problem- One front leg bent back. To assist- Reach in and pull the "bent back" leg so it is in the "diving position". Problem- Head bent back. To assist- Push kid back, reach in and try to get head to face forward into "diving position" Problem- Kids are in the correct position or may also be "tangled", and are trying to both come at once. To Assist- Reach in and feel which parts belong to which kids and try to straighten them out. You must figure out which legs go with which kids before proceeding any further. Push one kid back, to allow the other to come first. http://fiascofarm.com/goats/kidding.htm Page 18 August 2014 Around the show circuit Full results for all shows are available on the National web site www.australianboergoat.com.au CAIRNS SHOW RESULTS AUSTRALIAN RED/STANDARD BOER, 17th July, 2014 BOER/.AUST RED Capretto under 25kg 1 O’toole D & B Hepple 2 Tolly D & B Hepple 3 Tally D & B Hepple Chevon 25-36kg 1 Tag 362 M & T Vico 2 Tag 372 M & T Vico Capra over 36kg 1 Tag 381 M & T Vico Pen of 3 Wethers 1 Mossman River M & T Vico CHAMPION POTENTIAL CARCASS Tag 381 M & T Vico COMMERCIAL Doe Milk Tooth 1 Nelda D & B Hepple 2 Penny D & B Hepple 3 Lux M & T Vico Junior Champion Doe Nelda Reserve Junior Champion Doe Penny Doe 4 Tooth 1 Fidget D & B Hepple Champion Senior Doe Fidget Grand Champion Commercial Doe Fidget Commercial Breeders Group Rocky Ridge Stud D & B Hepple AUSTRALIAN RED Doe under 12 Months 1 Armadown 336 Robert Cairns 2 Armadown 333 Robert Cairns Doe 12 months to 2 years 1 Armadown 224 Robert Cairns 2 Mossman River Miss Bardot M & T Vico 3 Mossman River Scarlet M. & T Vico Doe over 2 years 1 Armadown 216 Robert Cairns 2 Big-Ole Pippa M & T Vico 3 Hasani F D802 M & T Vico CHAMPION RED DOE Armadown 216 Buck under 12 months 1 Armadown 305 Robert Cairns 2 Armadown 328 Robert Cairns 3 Armadown 324 Robert Cairns Buck over 2 years 1 Armadown 215 Robert Cairns CHAMPION RED BUCK Armadown 305 Page 19 Doe 12 & under 16 Months 1 Mossman River Chardonnay M & T Vico 2 Rocky Ridge Sundae Rose D&B Hepple 3 Mossman River Gretal M & T Vico JUNIOR CHAMPION DOE Mossman River Chardonnay RESERVE CHAMPION JUNIOR DOE Rocky ridge Sundae Rose Buck 4 to 8 Months 1 Rocky Ridge Otis D & B Hepple Buck 12 & under 16 Months 1 Mossman River 364 M & T Vico 2 Mossman River 355 M & T Vico CHAMPION JUNIOR BOER BUCK Mossman River 364 RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION BUCK Mossman River 355 GRAND CHAMPION BOER KID Mossman River 364 Dam & Progeny 1 Rocky Ridge Stud Stud Breeders Group 1 Armadown Stud 2 Mossman River Stud 3 Rocky Ridge Stud Exhibitors Group 1 Armadown Stud 2 Mossman River Stud 3 Rocky Ridge Stud OVERALL SUPREME EXHIBIT RED/BOER Mugambi 1099 M & T Vico MOST SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIAL EXHIBITOR Don & Betty Hepple MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR RED/BOER Robert Cairns Boer Doe 16 & under 24 months 1 Rocky Ridge Amelia D & B Hepple Boer Doe 24 and under 36 months Rocky Ridge Tiffany D & B Hepple Boer Doe 36 months & over 1 Mossman River Barbie Beau M & Vico 2 Big-Ole Clarabelle M & T Vico 3 Aaronvale Karen D & B Hepple CHAMPION SENIOR BOER DOE Mossman River Barbie Beau RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR BOER DOE Rocky Ridge Tiffany Buck 24 and under 36 Months 1 Mugambi 1099 M & T Vico 2 Mugambi 1058 D & B Hepple Buck over 36 months 1 Yarrabee 8992 D & B Hepple CHAMPION SENIOR BOER BUCK Mugambi 1099 RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR BUCK Yarrabee 8992 GRAND CHAMPION BOER DOE Mossman River Barbie Beau GRAND CHAMPION BOER BUCK Mugambi 1099 SUPREME CHAMPION BOER EXHIBIT Mugambi 1099 GROUP CLASSES AUST RED/BOER Sire’s Progeny August 2014 GRAND CHAMPION RED EXHIBIT Armadown 305 STANDARD BOER Doe Kid 8 months & under 12 months 1 Rocky Ridge Kate D & B Hepple 2 Rocky Ridge Bonnie D & B Hepple 1 Armadown stud 2 Mossman River Stud 3 Rocky Ridge Stud Sire and Projeny 1 Armadown Stud 2 Mossman River Stud 3 Rocky Ridge Stud Dam’s Projeny 1 Armadown Stud Fred Homeyer, Antelope Creek Boer Goat Stud, Robert Lee, Texas was our judge. What a great wealth of knowledge that man has. He returned the day after judging, in his ‘tourist’ clothes and I think we all spent the whole day listening to Fred. Anyone who has met him will know that he is a great ‘talker’, but everything he says is of benefit to goat breeders anywhere. We also had Robert Cairns, Armadown Stud, exhibiting a lovely line of red goats. He brought with him the young buck, Armadown 305. He was purchased last year as a baby by Michael and Tarella Vico, so will now reside at their Mossman River Stud in Far North Qld. A bit more quality for the north. Betty Hepple Rocky Ridge Stud Mt Garnet 1ST CAPRA AND CHAMPION POTENTIAL CARCASS TAG NO 381 (MOSSMAN RIVER STUD) CHAMPION JUNIOR COMMERCIAL DOE—NELDA (Rocky Ridge) RESERVE CHAMPION—PENNY (ROCKY RIDGE STUD) Page 20 August 2014 CHAMPION SENIOR COMMERCIAL DOE AND GRAND CHAMPION COMMERCIAL CHAMPION RED DOE— ARMADOWN 216 (ROBERT CAIRNS) EXHIBIT FIDGET (ROCKY RIDGE STUD) 1ST JUNIOR RED BUCK, CHAMPION RED BUCK AND GRAND CHAMPION RED EXHIBIT - ARMADOWN 305 2ND 3RD ARMADOWN 328 ARMADOWN 324 FRED HOMEYER’S BIRTHDAY CAKE AT CAIRNS SHOW 2014 Page 21 August 2014 GRAND CHAMPION RED BUCK AND SUPREME RED EXHIBIT ARMADOWN 305 GRAND CHAMPION RED DOE - ARMADOWN 216 CHAMPION JUNIOR BOER DOE— MOSSMAN RIVER CHARDONNAY RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION—ROCKY RIDGE SUNDAE ROSE GRAND CHAMPION BOER DOEMOSSMAN RIVER BARBIE BEAU CHAMPION SENIOR BUCK, GRAND CHAMPION BUCK, & SUPREME BOER EXHIBIT - MUGAMBI 1099 RESERVE CHAMPION SNR BUCK - YARRABEE 8992 Page 22 August 2014 CHAMPION SENIOR BOER DOE— MOSSMAN RIVER BARBIE BEAU RESERVE CHAMPION—ROCKY RIDGE TIFFANY CHAMPION JUNIOR BUCK AND GRAND CHAMPION BOER KID MOSSMAN RIVER 364 RESERVE CHAMPION MOSSMAN RIVER 355 BGBAA NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES 2014 PUBLICATION DATE DEADLINE Friday, October 31, 2014 Wednesday, December 23, 2014 Wednesday, October 29, 2014 Friday, December 19, 2014 Page 23 August 2014 SHOWING.. A lot of breeders may see showing as too much effort and criticise those who show (any animal) as “pot hunters”. However for the serious breeder the reasons for showing are primarily two fold, as a marketing exercise and an educational tool. As a marketing exercise it is a good way to get out and promote your stud and the best of what you are breeding as well as the Boer goat industry in general. Banners, business cards, taking the time to speak to the public many of whom have never seen Boer goats before, and are amazed at their size, all help to sell your animals and promote the breed especially at agricultural shows in your area. As an educational tool it encourages you to benchmark your animals with others. We have all been guilty of staring out the window admiring the beautiful animals we have in the paddock, but until you get out in the real world and compare what you are breeding with others you will never know if you are moving forward in your breeding program towards the “ideal” boer goat. Obviously they will still be beautiful to you even if they are not winners, and the animal with the blue is longer than yours, wider in front or carries more meat behind. However looking at those animals with the blue we are motivated to breed the next generation better. And this is what it is about, breeding for better conformation, more meat, more muscle and finally the icing on top an ennobled head. This is the commercial reality, breeding a better meat goat, and the closer we get at breeding this at the top end of our stud program the better all our goats will be through these genetics. The old adage “cock of the walk one week, feather duster the next” is certainly true of showing. Keep an open mind, enjoy the camaraderie and social side of showing as well as the networking it offers. Use the experience to honestly appraise where you are headed and how you can improve your animals to breed the “ideal goat”. Following is an article by Marie Barnes, Micathel Boer Goat Stud, on her thoughts on showing… Chasing felt! By Marie Barnes reprinted from Boer Briefs 2009 Ahh! Showing! Love or hate it, it’s been around a lot longer than the Boer Goat itself and from that perspective, there are many lessons to be learned from other livestock industries where showing has either made or broken the breed. Shows and exhibiting livestock are an important part of rural culture, and many of us have been ‘chasing felt’ in various and sometimes numerous industries for generations. – So why do we do it, and why is it such a contentious subject? Showing, or lets refine our definitions here, the exhibition of livestock has been around a long time and serves more purposes than merely opportunity for committees to argue at length. In this discussion, I am only making comparison of the exhibition of Boer goats with like industries, in particular sheep and beef, and ignoring the irrelevant examples of the dog, cat, cavie and show hack world – because they are truly just beauty contests and the owners don’t tend to eat their unsuccessful show entries!!!! An agricultural show is a showcase of the finest produce from every industry that is conducted in the region. It is about promoting agriculture to the community, promoting your produce to your peers and your clients and what should be, friendly competition amongst those with like interest. Page 24 August 2014 For many who show, its not the ‘broadie’ that is the most treasured prize – it may be a highly commended ribbon with lineup of extremely high quality animals in front of you, or a fifth with one you worked hard to create, and sometimes even the kind word of encouragement from a decent judge is as good as any ribbon. With any subjective livestock exhibition, the competition result is decided by a human being (the judge) and we all say it, but we really need to remember it – “the result is just one persons opinion on the day”. And I guess that’s where the argument comes in that shows are irrelevant in our industry. The cynic would say – ‘They are nothing more than a subjective assessment of an overfed, overgroomed caricature of what we should be producing, by one persons opinion on the day’. Well that could be true and it was certainly nice to see the overfed animals penalised at some of the major shows this year. Overfed and animals of extreme breed type were popular in the cattle and sheep show world in the 1990’s, until buyers realised that they were not getting the results from stock that their ribbons would imply and breeders toned down their hollywood diets and produced a more relevant type of animal that was functional and not a freak of feed and breed character. Something for us all to think about in that one, maybe we can learn a few lessons…. Showing if well organised, with a good venue, a good judge and competitors of fair spirit remains one of the best ways to promote our breed, and compare our stock with our industry peers. A decent judge will recognise and reward sound animals with commercially relevant traits, he/she will find them even if you’ve missed a few hairs on the tail, and will also see through layers of fat put on in an attempt to hide a fault!!! I remain a supporter of the development of methods of objective measurement that can compare the performance of various bloodlines within our breed for commercially relevant traits, but there must remain a balance between objective and subjective assessment. A well run show is a darn nice way of having a day of subjective assessment! If showing were totally irrelevant for our beef, sheep and goat industries then how can the Australian Sheep and Wool Show and events like Beef09 continue to grow and thrive? Why do the major studs from those industries still make the effort to compete and be seen at our Royal Shows all over the country – we can all look up where they stand on Breedplan… The answer is simple, showing isn’t everything, and neither is objective measurement. There needs to be a balance of the two, and a show is a good marketing stage if you are confident with your product. So, to those of you, who like me, love the shows for the atmosphere, the experience and just occasionally for catching that piece of elusive felt, lets do our best to ensure that we endeavour to show the best of our breed and not chase a particular trait or fashion to the point of danger. And to those of you who cant understand it, just take it all with a grain of salt, because at the end of the day, most of us really do understand that our most important judges are the ones with chequebooks who return each year as satisfied repeat buyers!!!! We just like the competition! Marie Barnes Micathel Boer Goats Page 25 August 2014 A BGBAA Victorian Branch Initiative… SHOW PREPARATION WORKSHOP- Sunday 24th August, 2014 Hosts Dean and Fiona Smith Strzboer Boer Goat Stud, Cohuna, Vic. Conducted by Marie Barnes, Micathel Stud, Cudal, NSW. Victoria turned on a typical spring day at Cohuna, sunny but with a chill in the morning air. Eight attendees were at the workshop, Nerida Tull and Fleur Harvey, Chairperson and Treasurer respectively, of the Victorian branch as well as Patricia Filipetto, Karen Kennedy, Pieter And Caroline Zomerdijk, and hosts Dean and Fiona Smith. Marie opened the day by asking what participants wanted to take away from the day. Experience ranged from “old hands” (Nerida) at showing, to newcomers to the industry who have never shown but were keen to find out what was involved (Pieter and Caroline). However every one was keen to learn how to present their animals to their best. Feet were a major concern (correct angle, how much to trim, how to put the goats on their toes), and how much was too much trimming on the bucks. Selection of your Show Team Marie first focussed on how to select a show team from animals in your paddock. At the end of the day, she said, you needed to stay true to yourself in your selection, focus on what you want to achieve and select animals which represent this and the best of your stud. First up was the four T’s as a basis for selection. Teeth and Teats are what the Judge first inspects. Check mouths for correct bite and correct number of teeth for class entered if applicable. A 6mm protrusion is allowed on mature bucks. Teats must conform to the Breed Standards (this includes bucks which are also inspected). Testes should be checked on a buck, they need to both be dropped, equal in size, firm and nicely attached. Toes should be checked, that is feet and leg structure need to be correct. The goat should not be hocky. If you stand behind it, the goat should be square and wide through the hips and square through the hocks when it stands and walks. If the angle was in or out the goat would be cow hocked or sickle hocked accordingly. Some animals can swing when they walk but not be hocky, especially big bucks. You then consider what makes this animal stand out from its peers? What catches your eye? Is it a doe/buck which is more feminine/masculine, longer, carrying more meat? Look for the extra points which will make this animal stand out as part of your show team. Try to compare your stock with others of similar age at other studs, or have another breeder look over your selections, but at the end of the day – YOU have to be happy with the animals you choose to represent YOUR stud!! Show Preparation Marie then went through some of her show preparation products and equipment. A list of these is at the end of this article. Most of the products were available for cattle, horses and humans! First up was making sure the animals were free of lice before the show. Marie advised that even though routine lice prevention may be followed during the year it was the responsibility of the goat owner to make sure animals were taken to the show free of any parasites. She would wash two to three days before a show rather than wash at the show which she felt was hard work and caused stress, especially in young animals. Once washed it was important to keep the travelling environment clean. At the show Marie would attach a Fogger to her Sullivans Blowdry unit which would spray cold water on to the goats coat, then followed by a blow dry, to remove stains. Once dried she would apply Kleen Sheen which would help to repel stains. Page 26 August 2014 As it was a demonstration day (and cool!) we did not do a wash and blow dry so Dean brought in the first candidate, a doe he had purchased from Cadenza Stud. The dreaded Feet were tackled first. Discussion ensued about the “best” hoof trimmers ranging from expensive purchases to less expensive buys from Bunnings garden section. The main point which came out of this demonstration was: Not to try and do it all in one day before the show, start several weeks before then each week try to get the desired result. Taking too much off too fast will leave the goat sore and at worst scenario lame. It was important to follow the line/angle of the pastern, make sure the toes are down on the ground and the heel is up. Some discussion ensued on the use of a grinder on the feet. Marie advised she personally did not use one and used the equivalent of a Stanley knife to pare the sole of the foot. Other breeders recommended their use especially on the older bucks so inevitably it is a case of what works for you in terms of age and arthritis!! The question of trimming dew clews was raised. Marie’s response was that if the composition is good then don’t touch it. If there are dry flaky pieces these can be trimmed. Trimming: Does With does as well as bucks it is important to accentuate the “Roman” nose from the forehead up and follow the clip through and between the horns. Thinning scissors were used to “merge” the trimmed area from the clippers and the natural hair further down the face (roughly between the eyes). The “eyebrow” hair between the ears and horns was also trimmed with thinning scissors. It was important to do any trimming several weeks before the show, if inexperienced, to allow time for mistakes to “grow back”!. Opinions were varied on shaving the inside of the ear (to remove long hairs). Marie felt that these hairs offered protection to the goat in its natural environment and should not be removed. The only hairs she removed were those which affected visibility of the tattoo. The does beard was removed and the clippers were used under the line of the jaw back to the neck and slightly down the neck towards the chest to improve the line of the throat and make it finer and more feminine. A Mars (dog) comb was used along the does topline, sparingly over the wither so it did not create a hollow. The clippers were used along the back of the legs to tidy up rough patches and behind the armpits. Thinning scissors were used to reduce any whorls or rough patches on the body to create an unbroken visual line over the doe. With babies which had a lot of “fluff” on the back legs, Marie suggested tidying this up to create straighter lines. Long hair around the feet was trimmed and the tufts of hair between the toes removed. How much hair taken from the feet depended on the quality of the foot and the trim as you did not want to accentuate bad feet. Again Marie stressed that hair on the feet was there for a reason, as protection in the paddock. The tail was tackled next and again less is more, as too heavily cut or a sharp cut back into the rump can make the rump look short. Marie suggested observing the goats in their natural environment to see the tail stance. If they hold the tail up high, don’t trim it back too hard. Page 27 August 2014 Horns were wiped over with Vaseline which Marie recommended doing the night before the show. At the rear end of the goat, Marie suggested removing long hairs only and not to shave this area out. If coats are dull and dry Marie recommended Sullivans Revive which was used on the goat a week before the show. The question of rips in ears was raised. These were not regarded as a fault for showing purposes nor was a horizontal fold at the tip of the ear. However a goat with a vertical fold in the ear was regarded as a cull. The main point Marie made from this first demonstration was that a trim does not make any major change to a goat’s conformation, it just accentuates the goats natural appearance. It should highlight the good features but not send neon lights to any flaws by trying to cover them up. Ultimately you should breed beauty and functionality in the animal. Discussion of colour and how much was allowed then ensued using the Breed Standards for guidance. In the case of this doe which had a belly spot, it was less than 5% and therefore she could be shown. Marie made the point that if an animal was borderline with colour and was placed against an animal of equal equality, the colour would let it down. Bucks After lunch, which included discussion on ring craft and show ring etiquette, a 15 month old buck was brought in by Dean, for Marie to demonstrate a trim on a buck. Marie first showed a selection of leads and collars and her preference for length of lead and snap lock collar (Rogz) Teeth and teats were both checked. Again the buck’s head was clipped the same way as it was for the doe to accentuate the roman nose and to create a clean line through the horns. The wrinkles above the ears can be shaved for masculinity. Thinning scissors were again used to merge the clip on the face with the longer hair remaining. The thinning scissors also showed of the wrinkles on the bucks forehead. It was important not to cut the beard on the buck. As the topline on the buck was “rougher” than the doe, the Mars comb was first used to smooth this, again not creating a hollow behind the wither. Marie also used a normal comb and scissors the way a hairdresser would to comb sections on the topline against the lay of the coat so the hair was standing up then trimming the top of these hairs slightly. The tufts and whorls on the bucks legs and belly were also removed with thinning scissors or clippers to create a cleaner line. Very little was done to the bucks tail, the sides were squared up but the top was left alone, unlike with the doe where this was tidied. Dean trimmed the bucks feet, again only the tufts of hair were removed between the toes. Page 28 August 2014 The horns were in good condition, being a young buck, so Vaseline was again used. After this, Marie showed how to stand the buck up in front of the judge. The principals were the same as standing up a doe. It was important not to block the judges line of vision with your body by taking a step away from the animal, still retaining control of course! Also to move to the opposite side of the animal as the judge walks around. With young kids it was better to squat down to their level to give them confidence as well as stand them correctly. At the conclusion Marie reiterated the importance of breeding an animal that is fundamentally correct to minimise the time spent cosmetically. Nerida thanked Marie on behalf of the Victorian Branch as well as Dean and Fiona for hosting. All present came away with a better idea on presentation for the ring and the confidence to do it. NOTE: An article by Marie, The basics of Show Preparation has been put on the website under Articles, Showing which reiterates the above and more.. http://www.australianboergoat.com.au/article.php?aid=42 Products and Equipment in Marie’s grooming box: Tresemee (Woolworths) Glowhite purple horse wash (Horseland) Extinosad for lice Sullivans Air Express Blowdry (Darryl Holder Cattle Shop) Sullivans Express Fogger Kleen Sheen Ajax spray and wipe cloths for stains Mars grooming combs (for dogs) to strip coats and trim toplines Human hair products: KMS Free shape, AG Keratin repair to settle the cashmere if it cannot all be removed Clippers: Small Whahl horse clippers were used. Thinning scissors (for human hair) Sharp scissors for trim of unruly stray hair Sullivans Revive Skin and hair Conditioner Rogz snap lock collars Page 29 August 2014 What Are they doing below??????! UPCOMING SHOWS FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER…. http://www.australianboergoat.com.au/events-and-shows.php August st Wondai Show (QLD) 31 August Contact website wondai.countryshows.com.au/CountryShows/PublicShowSummary.aspx?ShowID=34 Or Rebecca Brooks bec@barookaboergoats.com.au September Royal Adelaide Show (SA) 5-14 September Contact Melissa Johnson emjay58au@yahoo.com.au RAS Melb (Vic) 19-21 Sept Contact Chris Lawrance crlawrance@yahoo.com.au th Seymour (Vic) Saturday 4 October Contact Nerida Tull (03)5794 1507 NEW!!!!! for 2014 th Berrigan (Vic) Sunday 5 October Contact Nerida Tull (03)5794 1507 October th Shepparton (Vic) 11 October Contact Vicki Mitchell (03) 5829 0693 and VIC BRANCH AGM th Royal Launceston Show (TAS) 11 October th Kyabram (Vic) 18 October Contact Nerida Tull (03)5794 1507 th North Coast Lismore (NSW) 19 October Contact Lyn mortmob@outlook.com th Hobart Show (TAS) 24 October th Cobram (Vic) 25 October Contact Nerida Tull (03)5794 1507 Page 30 August 2014 News of a Goat Plague in Africa… http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/goat-plague-spreads-down-africa-1.16985 80#.U_GpmlJd6cy Goat plague spreads down Africa June 4 2014 at 12:24pm By Melanie Gosling File picture: sxc.hu Cape Town - A devastating disease known as “the rinderpest of small livestock”, with almost 100 percent mortality rates, has been steadily moving down Africa with unconfirmed reports that it has reached Angola. The local red meat industry is on alert and has asked the Department of Agriculture to have the vaccine ready should the disease move further south. The disease, known as PPR, the acronym for the French pester desk petite ruminants, is also known as goat plague, and affects small livestock, particularly sheep and goats. However, it is also known to affect small antelope such as steenbok. So far South Africa is free of the disease and was one of 48 countries declared “PPR-free” by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) last month. However, Gerhard Schutte, chief executive of the Red Meat Producers’ Association, said it was crucial that the country, still recovering from the foot and mouth outbreak some years ago, stays free of PPR by being proactive. “Where they’ve got this disease in the rest of Africa, the mortality rate of livestock is almost 100 percent. It is a very bad disease. This is like rinderpest, but in small livestock. It’s been in African countries in the north, but we have now heard that it has come down to Tanzania and is in Angola. It is worrying, but the good news is there is a vaccine. We’ve already asked the Department of Agriculture to be proactive about this and get ready with the vaccine,” Schutte said. PPR is an acute viral disease related to rinderpest and canine distemper. First reported in the Ivory Coast in 1942, the Merck Veterinary Manual says it has now spread to north, west and east Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, central Asia and China. “On both land masses the virus is still extending its range. In Africa a poorly understood barrier that prevented the virus from moving south from Sudan and Ethiopia has now been breached and both Kenya and Uganda are infected,” the manual said. Countries are required to report any outbreak to the OIE. Page 31 August 2014 Schutte said what was particularly worrying about PPR was that it also infected small antelope in the wild. “That is a worry to us. If it is carried by small game in the wild, that makes it very hard to control. Photos we’ve seen show animals lying in a heap, so mortalities are very high. But the department has been very positive and says it will make sure the vaccine will be available at short notice.” The Department of Agriculture said on Tuesday that PPR had expanded its range over the past 10 years: “Since PPR is a devastating disease of small ruminants, it has been selected as one of the top priority diseases to be addressed by the OIE. “South Africa is aware of the significant risk this disease poses to small livestock industry.” Cape Times WEBSITE AND NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING The following chart lists the options for advertising in the Newsletter or the website. Prices include GST. A form is available on the website at the following link: http://www.australianboergoat.com.au/forms.php Any advertising can be forwarded to judithdaloisio@yahoo.com (03)57973232. Members can login to the website and upload Classifieds in the Members Area. There is no charge for State Branches to advertise. A mail out to members can be done through ABRI, contact Barb O’Shea barb.oshea@abri.une.edu.au Cost is $75 for members, $110 for non-members. ADVERTISING TYPES & COSTS MEMBER OF BGBAA Please complete details below NON MEMBER OF BGBAA Please complete details below Website – Classifieds For Sale FREE OF CHARGE $22.00 Website – Classifieds Wanted FREE OF CHARGE FREE OF CHARGE Website – Homepage Rollover Ad $55.00/month Number of months** $55.00/month Number of months** FREE OF CHARGE Number of editions $55.00/edition Number of editions $75.00/edition Number of editions $110.00/edition Number of editions ** Invoicing cycle (please circle): Monthly 3-monthly $110.00/month Number of months** $110.00/month Number of months** $55.00/edition Number of editions $75.00/edition Number of editions $110.00/edition Number of editions $165.00/edition Number of editions ** Invoicing cycle (please circle): Monthly 3-monthly Website – Static Ad (other pages) Newsletter – Under ¼ page Newsletter – ¼ page Newsletter – ½ page Newsletter – Full page TOTAL DUE $ Page 32 August 2014 BGBAA SHIRTS – NEW ARRIVALS – BE QUICK- LIMITED STOCKS AVAILABLE $35.00 each Photos below…………….. AQUA BLUE – UNISEX: SIZE SMALL MEDIUM LARGE X LARGE 3X LARGE QTY 2 3 2 8 1 STOCK SOLD 2 1 QTY 2 2 3 STOCK SOLD STOCK ON HAND 2 2 3 QTY 2 2 3 STOCK SOLD STOCK ON HAND 2 2 3 1 STOCK ON HAND NIL 2 2 7 1 LIME GREEN – UNISEX: SIZE MEDIUM LARGE X LARGE PINK – LADIES : SIZE MEDIUM LARGE X LARGE Contact: Vicki Mitchell Phone: (03) 5829 0693 Mobile: 0427 290 693 Email: vicki@coomboonaboer.com Page 33 August 2014 COCCIDIOSIS IN KIDS A number of members have experienced coccidiosis in kids recently. The first things which come to mind seeing scours (diarrhoea) in kids are worms, coccidiosis or feed. If it is feed, either too much hard feed or fresh growth it will usually clear up within a couple of days. The only way to test for worms or coccidia is to have a worm test done professionally. WormBoss (MLA) ( http://www.wormboss.com.au/) is an excellent site to visit for information. It lists providers in each state who can conduct worm tests and these will also test for coccidia: http://www.wormboss.com.au/tests-tools/professional-service-providers.php The ideal of a healthy kid below You need to have individual samples done, not a bulk sample, and ask for a coccidia test to be done as well as a worm count. Only a couple of samples need to be tested; it is safe to say that if coccidia is present in large numbers in the samples it will be present in all the kids even though they may not be scouring. What is coccidia? Coccidia are not the same as worms and cannot be treated with worming products. The sporulated coccidial oocysts are passed through stools onto the ground where they are swallowed. It can affect sheep, cattle, goats, pigs and rabbits. Young animals are most susceptible, however they develop an immunity as they get older. Once the oocysts are swallowed they infect the intestines, spreading and reproducing inside an intestinal cell. In fact thousands of intestinal cells can become infected as a result of swallowing one oocyst. Intestinal function becomes disrupted and results in diarrhoea (sometimes with blood in the faeces), weight loss and even death. Some animals may die suddenly without these symptoms. Cycle Page 34 August 2014 Most articles on the subject put the causes down to stress from overcrowding, weaning, bad weather, lack of shelter. Kids are more susceptible as they have an immature immune system. It usually occurs in kids that are born in autumn or winter and have to endure cold, wet conditions; kids born later in the year, from September, do not suffer from coccidiosis as they grow up during the warmer, hotter weather. Treatment The most effective treatment is Baycox for calves or piglets. The former is more economical with large numbers of animals as you use less in quantity. Treat all kids and use in consultation with your veterinarian as this product is off label for goats. There is a withholding period for animals destined for slaughter. If treated early enough the goats will recover within a couple of days and develop a level of resistance before significant damage is done. Image from: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/178369/goat-coccidiosis.pdf References: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/178369/goat-coccidiosis.pdf http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/21200.htm&word=coccidia%2cin% 2cgo ats http://www.goatworld.com/articles/coccidiosis/goatcoccidia.shtml http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/178369/goat-coccidiosis.pdf GOAT SELFIES COMPETITION (Humans can be in it too!!) Does your goat do selfies???? Best photo wins their owner two months free advertising on the National website, front page rollover, value $110 Send photos to judithdaloisio@yahoo.com by 14 October, 2014 Pictures from… https://www.facebook.com/genuinelystokedgoats Page 35 August 2014 Ever cooked what’s in your paddock?? Goat meat (Chevon) will lose moisture and can toughen quickly due to low fat content if it is exposed to high, dry cooking temperatures. Therefore, two basic rules are: 1. cook it slowly (low temperature) 2. cook it with moisture (use marinades) Tenderness of meat cut determines the method or methods of cooking. Tender cuts of meat are usually best when cooked by a dry heat method such as roasting or frying. Less tender cuts are tenderised by cooking with moist heat such as braising and stewing. Tender cuts of goat meat are the legs, ribs, portions of the shoulder cut, the loin, roast and the breast. Less tender cuts of goat are stew meat, riblets and shanks. In general, it is advisable to cook the meat slowly. Cooking any meat at low temperatures results in a more tender and flavourful product with more juice. Oven bags are ideal and use any slow cook recipes for lamb especially leg or shoulder recipes. This recipe is from the following MLA website: http://www.australiangoat.com/Goatmeat/Recipes/Apricot_and_Pistachio_Stuffed_Goat_Loin/ Apricot and Pistachio Stuffed Goat Loin DETAILS Servings 4 Prep time: 20 minutes plus 20 minutes marinating Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients 1 pound goat loin, boneless ¼ cup orange juice 2 tablespoons olive oil salt and cracked black pepper 2 ¼ cups fresh breadcrumbs Page 36 August 2014 1 tablespoon butter, softened ¼ cup chopped dried apricots 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 1 ½ tablespoons shredded sage Method Preheat oven to 350°F. Pound the goat saddles with the smooth side of a meat mallet or rolling pin (this will help to tenderise the meat and give a larger surface area to roll up). Transfer to a plate (skin side down) and pour over the combined orange juice, oil, salt and pepper. Set aside for 20 minutes. Place the breadcrumbs in a bowl with the butter, apricots, pistachios, lemon rind, sage, salt and pepper. Use your fingers to fully combine. Drain the goat from the marinade well (reserving the marinade to baste) and pat dry. Place the saddles on a work surface and spoon the stuffing mixture along the middle. Carefully roll over to enclose the stuffing, then truss each saddle with cooking string. Place in a baking dish lined with baking paper. Brush the goat with the orange juice mixture and sprinkle with a little extra salt and pepper. Bake 20-30 minutes or until cooked through, basting regularly with orange juice mixture. Remove the meat from the oven and cover with foil. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then serve sliced with roasted or steamed vegetables. Page 37 August 2014 Additional Snippets…………….. What kind of goat are you???? For those of you who are wondering at this late stage in life what sort of goat you would be when you come back in the next life, take the following challenge at: http://www.playbuzz.com/alinaw10/what-kind-of-goat-are-you EDITOR’S NOTE… I will come back as a Boer..is that poetic justice? How about you??? In Victoria…Victorian Branch Merit Points System has been updated!!! The Merit point system was introduced in 2001 and has been running each year since. The idea was to encourage people to participate in agricultural shows across the state and to “reward” them with points on their placings. The show “year” ran from September to end August each year. The best performed buck and doe were acknowledged with a trophy and the overall winner (buck or doe) had their details engraved on a perpetual trophy which was held by the winner for twelve months. Once animals accumulated 100 points they were placed in the Hall of Fame. The Victorian Branch believes peoples’ efforts and animals should be acknowledged even if they are unable to attend the “big” shows as they are equally ambassadors for the breed. This year 2014 the Committee has updated the Merit Points System criteria and the Form required to submit points. They are published on the Victorian Branch website: http://www.bgbaavictoria.com.au/index.php/show-results Contact Nerida Tull, 03 5794 1507, 0427941507 Page 38 August 2014 Victorian Goat Producers Producer Forum Tuesday, 23 September 2014 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (AEST) Bendigo Foundry Hotel 366 High St Bendigo, VIC 3550 Australia The Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) and Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), will jointly host a free Victorian Goat Producers Producer Forum in Bendigo on Tuesday 23 September 2014. Speakers and venue currently being finalised. Topics to be discussed include: Ruminant nutrition and productivity- TBC DEPI Lamb and Kid Mortality Project- Senior Veterinary Officer- Small Ruminants, DPI Attwood Goat Health/ Husbandry 101- Berwyn Squires; District and Goat Health Veterinary Officer- DEPI Market opportunities for Goat Producers - TBC A panel discussion of industry leaders including Rick Gates- President of GICA; Ian FeldtmannGICA Councillor and VFF Livestock President. Contact Alina Tooley invite@eventbrite.com Phone: Mobile: Direct: Fax: Web: 1300 882 833 0455 075 010 03 9207 5547 03 9207 5576 www.vff.org.au WORMS and Worm Control in Australia Leah Brunt, a 5th year Veterinary Science student at Wagga Wagga, NSW asks members to undertake a short survey to assist her research project on worms and resistance in goats. The results will obviously be of benefit to goat producers. Please go to the following link to do the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WQ8CJJF NSW STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN CONJUNCTION WITH QUEANBEYAN SHOW SOCIETY Two days –8th and 9th November 2014, Queanbeyan Judge: Callie Wannenburg from South Africa. Callie is an Inspector as well as a Judge.Callie is available for classification of animals after the show. Please contact Chris Andrews for further information. Email randrews02@bigpond.com Christmas is just around the corner!!! Why wait until the last minute when there are these lovely Boer Goat soft toys available NOW for the younger generation of future Boer goat breeders! Fill the stocking! Contact: Lyn Wickenden Mobile: 0427421064 Email: lynnwicko@hotmail.com Page 39 August 2014 Page 40 August 2014 Online Registrations..it’s easier than you think… Registration costs are cheaper if you do it yourself online. There is a step by step guide on the website at the following link: http://www.australianboergoat.com.au/admin/_files/forms/1352181945_online_registrations_a_sp ep_by_step_guide.pdf (Click on Members, Forms) Contact Judith D’Aloisio judithdaloisio@yahoo.com.au if you would like to make a time for a personal step by step guide to do an online registration OR update your herd book. (Note: you will need to have a username and password from Barb O’Shea at ABRI Phone: (02) 6773 5177 in the first instance) Disclaimer: The articles contained herein are individual views and ideas, not necessarily those of the BGBAA Board or members. Where any suggestions are made with respect to health issues, it is advised that you consult your veterinarian. Page 41 August 2014