Matthew C. Claeys
Extension Livestock Specialist

Sharon B. Rogers
Extension Livestock Technician

General Knowledge Information
Taking part in a 4-H Livestock Project can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Through the meat goat project you are given the opportunity to learn about taking care of an animal, working with other young people, and developing sound judgment skills. When beginning with any new project or activity it is a learning experience for all involved, but remember the more you practice and participate the more you will develop the necessary skills to be a success.
Below are the most important aspects that you should know about your project animal to make your learning experience complete. These items will expand your knowledge above the five and six year old level into new and more challenging areas.

Items to Learn and Know
• Basic information from the 5 - 6 year old Meat Goat Exhibitor's Project Guide (ANS 96-604S/G)
• Differences between forages and concentrates
• Products produced: Cabrito-Spanish for goat kid meat, Chevon-goat meat, and Chivo-meat from an older goat
• Ruminant digestive system with its 4 compartment stomach: rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum
• Physical strengths and weaknesses of animal exhibited

Meat Goat Showmanship Danish Standards
for 7 and 8 Year Old Exhibitors
Showmanship provides the opportunity to show an animal to the best of your ability. You are judged on how well you show your animal. Judging for showmanship does not include the conformation of the animal. Practice and planning will help you improve your showmanship skills. "Meat Goat Showmanship" fact sheet (ANS 96-603S/G) ia available at your county Cooperative Extension office as a reference source for more in depth coverage of showmanship styles.
Below are the showmanship standards for 7 and 8 year old youths. These standards are established to provide youth with guidelines of the more important aspects of developing showmanship skills.

Showmanship Skills to Develop
1) Be able to perform all the skills for 5 - 6 year olds. (ANS 96-604S/G)
2) Lead and control animal with proper technique.
3) Ability to display animal so that the judge has the best view of the animal at all times.
4) Be aware of the surroundings and show process. Watch the judge, your animal, and the other exhibitors.
5) Be courteous and helpful to the other exhibitors.
6) Answer age-appropriate questions.

Special acknowledgment is extended to the following individuals for their valuable contribution to the development of this educational material. Frank Bolick, Watauga County; J.D. Brooks, Buncombe County; Kathy Bunton, Alexander County; Walter Earle, Wilson County; Michael Hobbs, Buncombe County; Brinton Hopkins, Ph.D., Department of Animal Science; Ronald Hughes, Johnston County; Kenneth Vaughn, Iredell County.

Reviewed by: Darwin G. Braund, Ph.D. and Jeannette A. Moore, Ph.D., Department of Animal Science and Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, Ph.D., Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University.

Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.