COLLECTION: GOAT HANDBOOK
ORIGIN: United States
DATE INCLUDED: June 1992

Extension Goat Handbook

This material was contributed from collections at the National Agricultural Library. However, users should direct all inquires about the contents to authors or originating agencies.

DOCN 000000015
NO B-9
TI FITTING AND SHOWING
C. Short; Fort Collins, CO
G. F. W. Haenlein; U. of Delaware, Newark.
Management and Housing

1 Why Show? Dairy goat shows can be interesting and educational, and goat owners enjoy the opportunity to compete with their animals. Although showing involves a great deal of time, energy, and extra stress on the animals, there are many positive aspects to attending shows as an exhibitor or a spectator.

2 Dairy goat shows can be a good learning experience. Many people show to get an opinion of their animals from a judge who is objective and experienced in appraising conformation. Listening to the judges' reasons for making placings helps in learning about your animals. Acting as a ringside ''judge'' and comparing your placings and reasons with those of the show judge helps develop your eye for desirable type.

3 People enjoy being competitive with their animals. Competition against other breeders helps you learn how to select animals and present them at their best. If the animals do well at the show, owners gain confidence in their animal husbandry skills and an increased awareness of the relative worth of their animals.

4 Showing is a favorite activity of 4-H members with dairy goat projects because it is a good way to determine progress they are making as animal breeders. Showing also helps develop sportsmanship, management skills, the ability to display an animal to its best advantage, and an appreciation of good livestock.

5 Goat shows are fun socially and provide a good opportunity to meet other breeders and visit with friends. Exhibiting your goats at shows is good advertisement for your herd and can lead directly to sales, either at the show or in the future.

6 Dairy goat shows are also an effective way to promote dairy goats and the use of goat products because the show animals are groomed and look their best, and breeders are available to answer questions for show visitors with a developing interest in goats.

7 Getting Ready There are many things that need to be done once you decide to enter a goat show. The better prepared that you are, the more you will enjoy the show.

8 The first thing is to decide which of your animals to show. Be selective about the animals. Look for animals in your herd that are correct in conformation and in good condition, neither too fat nor too thin. Strong, healthy animals will be more competitive, better able to withstand the stress of travel and the show, and not be a source of health problems for other goats attending the show.

9 Read the show rules, fill out the entry form completely, and send it to the specified person on time. If you have questions about the show, contact the show secretary. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your show entry so that you have a record of the animals entered and their classes. Check the health rules for the show and work with your veterinarian to make sure that you meet the rules.

10 Take some time before to review the parts of the goat and become familiar with the dairy goat scorecard. The judge's placings and reasons at the show will be more meaningful if you are aware of the point differences defined by the scorecard.

11 Fitting Goat shows are far more relaxed if your animals are groomed and ready to go when you get to the show. Otherwise, you may end up rushing at the show stables trying to get your animals clipped and their feet trimmed with probably hasty results. There is always some last minute bathing and grooming but it helps if the time-consuming portions of the job had been done at home.

12 Hooves should be trimmed a few days before the show. Goats can be clipped from a few days up to 2 to 3 weeks before a show. A number 10 blade is commonly used for clipping the body, while a shorter blade (number 20 or even number 40) can be used on the udder. The entire body can be clipped, with the clippers running against the hair, including whiskers, beard, and hair inside the ears and around the tops of the hooves. The hair on the tail is squared off below the last bone in the tail, leaving a triangular tuft of hair at the end of the tail. It is easier, and usually safer, to clip the udder when it is full of milk.

13 Bathing goats with a mild shampoo before clipping them helps keep clipper blades sharp. Goats should be rebathed and rinsed well after clipping to remove loose hair and dandruff. Newly clipped goats, especially those with light skin, are apt to sunburn and should be provided with shade or a lightweight coat until the hair grows out a little and the skin becomes less sensitive. Newly clipped goats are also sensitive to draft and chills and need to be covered while not in the show ring.

14 Practicing with your goats at home can result in better behaving animals in the ring and increased confidence on your part. Animals should be accustomed to being handled by strangers, especially having someone else's hand move over their neck, withers, back and sides, and udder so that they will stand still when being examined by the judge.

15 Chain collars are usually preferred for showing, although narrow leather collars are also used. Collars should fit correctly, so that you can control your animal's movements in the ring. It is ideal to work with your animals ahead of time until they lead readily and respond quickly to signals. They should move forward with a slight pull on the collar and stop when you pull slightly up and back. Getting your animals used to wearing a collar and teaching them to lead and be tolerant of strangers is important with young stock, because they can often be stubborn about learning show manners.

16 Horned goats cannot be shown, and goats with large ++++MISSING DATA++++

17 Feed and Bedding Some shows will have a supply of hay and straw for sale. Check ahead of time to see whether such will be available before you decide to bring your own. Some exhibitors prefer their own hay, so their animals will not have a change in diet. You need:
-hay
-straw
-grain
-hay feeders
-grain feeders
-water buckets
-bottles and nipples (if you are taking kids)
-salt or trace minerals

18 Equipment -- After you have attended a few shows, you will know what equipment is useful, including:
-clippers (for last touchups)
-hoof trimmers
-extra collars
-tie ropes
-livestock shampoo
-short hose (for bathing)
-wash bucket -towels (to dry animals)
-clean cloths (for last cleanups)
-brushes
-portable milking stand
-paper towels
-udder wash
-teat dip
-milk pail
-goat coats (for the young, and chilly times)
-first aid items, antibiotics,
-disinfectants, bandages, flyspray)
-herd signs (above your pens)
-pitchfork
-rake
-broom
-pliers
-hammer and nails
-scissors
-staple gun
-extension cord

19 Personal items -- Many exhibitors prefer to spend the night in the barn with their animals. Personal items that may be needed include:
-cot
-sleeping bag
-pillow
-folding chair
-clean clothes
-show whites
-toilet articles
-flashlight
-snacks and food
-equipment for cooking

20 What to do at the Show Goats should be unloaded and settled into pens with bedding, feed, and water as soon as they arrive at the show, especially if they have been travelling very far or the weather is unpleasant. Once your animals are bedded down, you can take your registration and health papers and check in with the show secretary; unless the show rules require health checks before unloading. There are usually copies of the show program available that contain the schedule of classes and special instructions. Your goats have to be checked prior to the start of the show by the show veterinarian. He has the authority of dismissing animals from the show if they are sick or appear to be potential health problems for other exhibitor's animals.

21 Extra space should be available adjacent to your animals for your equipment and feed. Exhibitors are responsible for care of their animals throughout the show, including clean bedding, feed, and fresh water, as needed. It usually takes goats a while to settle down into the show routine, especially if they have not been shown before. Walking your goats around the ring before the show starts helps them feel more relaxed when it is time for their class.

22 Your goats may need to be bathed at the show prior to their classes, even if they were bathed earlier at home. Bathing should be done during the warm part of the day, followed by a thorough drying, to prevent added stress from chilling. If the weather is cold or unpleasant, goats can be brushed and spot cleaned with a damp rag, instead of bathing. Most goats will benefit from a final touchup cleaning with a damp cloth just prior to being shown. This is a good time to double check areas that are hard to keep clean, such as hooves, inside the ears, around the eyes and nose, and under the tail.

23 Showing In some shows there is a preset milk-out time, usually 12 hours before the show starts, so that all does are shown at the same length of time after milking. If not, show your animals with the amount of milk in the udder that looks the best. Letting the udder overfill can weaken udder attachments, stress milk-producing tissue, make it difficult for the judge to determine udder texture, and usually lowers your show placing.

24 Exhibitors should wear appropriate white clothes to show their animals, such as clean jeans or slacks and a white shirt or blouse. Goats should be brought to the ringside a few minutes before start of their class, so that you are ready to enter the ring as soon as the class is called. You will need to know the birth date of each of your animals in the ring, the freshening date and number of lactations for milkers.

25 Watching the class ahead of yours will give you an idea of the judge's procedure and preferred method of lining up animals. When it is your turn to enter the ring, lead slowly and gracefully in a clockwise direction. Leave about 3 feet between your goat and that of other exhibitors when walking around the ring; and about 2 feet between animals when lined up head to tail or side by side. Stay attentive to the judge but, at the same time, be aware of your goat and what she is doing.

26 Keep your goat between you and the judge at all times. If you need to change sides, move around the goat's head and change hands on the collar. Keep the collar high on the goat's neck, holding it in your hand at the top of the neck, just behind the ears. This gives you better control over the animal's movements and keeps her head up high enough so that she has an attractive carriage.

27 After the goats have walked around the ring a few times, the judge will ask the exhibitors to form a line with their animals, usually side by side. When you set your goat up in line, pose her with her feet squarely under her body and her hind feet slightly spread. It is usually easiest to set up the hind feet first. You can move the back feet where you want them by pressing back on the opposite shoulder or by picking up the leg between the hock and pastern and setting it down in the desired position.

28 Once you have your goat well placed, let her be. Keep your hands off your animal as much as possible when she is set up, so that you will not draw the judge's attention away from your animal to you. Talking quietly to your goat or lightly rubbing her belly or side nearest you keeps her alert and contented. Some exhibitors prefer to squat beside their goat while they are waiting in line. However, do not kneel with your knees on the ground, and be sure to stand up when the judge approaches your animal.

29 Be ready to restrain your goat if necessary while the judge examines her. This can be done in two ways: (1) put your knee in front of her shoulder so she can't move forward; and (2) grasp a front leg between the knee and the pastern and flex the leg back against the chest.

30 If the judge asks you to change places in the ring, lead your goat forward out of the line, up or down the line to the place indicated, and back through the line, making a U-turn to get back into position. Do not back your goat into a different position unless the distance is short.

31 Watch the judge closely, and respond quickly when the judge indicates the placings in the final line up. Be aware of show procedures; first and second place winners in each class are usually expected to remain at ringside to compete for champion. In ADGA-sanctioned shows, the judge will check tattoos and the show secretary will check registration papers for all breed champions before they leave the ring.

32 Conformation of the animal is not considered in showmanship classes; only how well the animal is prepared and shown. The secret of good showmanship is to control your animal in such a manner that the judge sees her at her best but never notices you. Showmanship classes help teach poise, courtesy, and the ability to stay calm, even under pressure. They give exhibitors an opportunity to show how well they can prepare and exhibit goats. They also encourage good husbandry; animals that can be successfully groomed to look as good as possible for a show are those that are well fed and cared for, in good health, and generally of good type.

33 In showmanship classes, the judge looks for exhibitors that recognize the conformation weaknesses of their animals and show them effectively to overcome those weaknesses. Exhibitors are usually asked by the judge to trade animals so that the judge can see how well they handle strange animals.

34 Guidelines Although every show is different, the following will make shows more enjoyable and worthwhile:
-Cooperate with the show officials to the best of your ability.
-Learn the rules of the show and follow them.
-Keep your pens and animals neat and clean at all times.
-Be prepared and willing to answer questions from show visitors about your goats and goats in general.
-Handle your goats with dignity, pride, and gentleness, both inside and outside of the show ring.
-Stay calm with troublesome animals; abusiveness is uncalled for.
-Be courteous to the other exhibitors and the judge.
-Restrict conversation in the ring except to respond to the judge or show officials.
-Respond quickly to requests from the judge, ring steward, and other show officials.
-Be gracious about accepting the judge's opinion.
-Show your animals the whole time you are in the ring, until the judge has given his reasons and the class has been dismissed.
-If you have questions about the judging, wait until after the show is over to talk to the judge.
-Smile and enjoy yourself -- it's part of showmanship.
-Remember that placings at a show are one judge's opinion of how a certain group of animals compare with each other on a certain day. Placings of the same animals can be quite different under a different judge or at a different time, especially with nonmilking stock.

35 TABLE 1. ADGA Dairy Goat Showmanship Score Card

Based on Usual Order of Consideration
1. APPEARANCE OF ANIMAL 40
Condition and Thriftiness - showing normal growth - neither too fat nor too thin. 10
Hair clean and properly groomed. Hoofs trimmed and shaped to enable animal to walk and stand naturally. 10
Neatly disbudded if the animal is not naturally hornless. Clipping - entire body if weather has permitted, showing allowance to get a neat coat of hair by show time; neatly trimmed tail and ears. 10
Cleanliness - as shown by a clean body as free from stains as possible, with special attention to legs, feet, tail area, nose, and ears. 10
2. APPEARANCE OF EXHIBITOR
Clothes and person neat and clean - white costume preferred. 10
3. SHOWING ANIMAL IN THE RING
Leading - enter, leading the animal at a normal walk around the ring in a clockwise direction, walking on the left side, holding the collar with the right hand. Exhibitor should walk as normally and inconspicuously as possible. Goat should lead readily and respond quickly. Lead equipment should consist of a collar or small link chain, properly fitted. As the judge studies the animal, the preferred method of leading is to walk alongside on the side away from the judge. Lead slowly with animal's head held high enough for impressive style, attractive carriage, and graceful walk. 10
Pose and show an animal so it is between the exhibitor and the judge as much as possible. Avoid exaggerated positions, such as crossing behind the goat. Stand or kneel where both judge and animal may be observed. Pose animal with front feet squarely beneath and hind feet slightly spread. Where possible, face animal upgrade with her front feet on a slight incline. Neither crowd other exhibitors nor leave too much space when leading into a side-by-side position. When judge changes placing, lead animal forward out of line, down or up to the place directed then back through the line, finally making a U-turn to get into position. To step animal ahead - use slight pull on collar. If the animal steps badly out of place, return her to position by leading her forward and making a circle back thru your position in the line. When judge is observing the animal, if she moves out of position, replace her as quickly and inconspicuously as possible. Be natural. Overshowing, undue fussing, and maneuvering are objectionable. 15
Show animal to best advantage, recognizing the conformation faults of the animal you are leading and striving to help overcome them. 15
Poise, alertness, and courteous attitude are all desired in the show ring. Showmen should keep an eye on their animals and be aware of the position of the judge at all times - but should not stare at the judge. Persons or things outside the ring should not distract the attention of the showmen. Respond rapidly to requests from judges or officials, and be courteous and sportsman like at all times, respecting the rights of other exhibitors. The best showmen will show the animals at all times - not themselves - and will continue exhibiting well until the entire class has been placed, the judge has given his reasons, and he has dismissed the class. 15
TOTAL 100
Suggested Uniform: Long-sleeved white shirt, regulation white pants, 4-H or FFA necktie, 4-H or FFA cap (if applicable), with matching shoes and belt in either black, white, or brown.

36 TABLE 2. ADGA Dairy Goat Score Card for DOES
(Ideals of type and breed characteristics must be considered in using this card.)

Based on Order of Observation
1. GENERAL APPEARANCE 30
Attractive individuality revealing vigor; femininity with a harmonious blending and correlation of parts; impressive style and attractive carriage; graceful walk.
*Breed Characteristics 5 Color, size, nose structure and ears appropriate for breed.
*Head 5 Medium in length, clean-cut; broad muzzle with large, open nostrils; lean, strong jaw; full, bright eyes; forehead broad between the eyes
*Shoulder Blades and Topline 8
Shoulder blades - set smoothly against the chest wall and withers, forming neat junction with the body.
Back - strong and appearing straight with vertebrae well defined.
Loin - broad, strong, and nearly level.
Rump - long, wide and nearly level.
Hips - wide, level with back.
Thurls - wide apart.
Pin bones - wide apart, lower than hips, well defined.
Tail head - slightly above and neatly set between pin bones.

*Legs and Feet 12
Legs - wide apart, squarely set, clean-cut and strong with forelegs straight.
Hind legs - nearly perpendicular from hock to pastern. When viewed from behind, legs wide apart and nearly straight. Bone flat and flinty; tendons well defined. Pasterns of medium length, strong and springy. Hocks are cleanly moulded.
Feet - short and straight, with deep heel and level sole.
2. DAIRY CHARACTER 20
Animation, angularity, general openness, and freedom from excess tissue, giving due regard to period of lactation.
Neck - long and lean, blending smoothly into shoulders and brisket, clean-cut throat.
Withers - well defined and wedge-shaped with the dorsal process of the vertebrae rising slightly above the shoulder blades.
Ribs - wide apart; rib bone wide, flat, and long.
Flank - deep, arched, and refined.
Thighs - incurving to flat from the side; apart when viewed from the rear, providing sufficient room for the udder and its attachments.
Skin - fine textured, loose, and pliable. Hair fine.

3. BODY CAPACITY 20
Relatively large in proportion to size of the animal, providing ample digestive capacity, strength, and vigor.
Barrel - deep, strongly supported; ribs wide apart and well sprung; depth and width tending to increase toward rear of barrel. 12
Heart girth - large, resulting from long, well-sprung foreribs; wide chest floor between the front legs, and fullness at the point of elbow. 8

4. MAMMARY SYSTEM 30
A capacious, strongly attached, well-carried udder of good quality, indicating heavy production and a long period of usefulness.
Udder; Capacity and Shape - long, wide, and capacious; extended well forward; strongly attached. 10
Rear attachment - high and wide. Halves evenly balanced and symmetrical. 5
Fore attachment - carried well forward, tightly attached without pocket, blending smoothly into body. 6
Texture - soft, pliable, and elastic; free of scar tissue; well collapsed after milking. 5
Teats - uniform, of convenient length and size, cylindrical in shape, free from obstructions, well apart, squarely and properly placed, easy to milk. 4
TOTAL 100 *Note: 5 points for Breed Characteristics and Head as taught at Training Conference.

37 TABLE 3. ADGA Dairy Goat Score Card for BUCKS

1. GENERAL APPEARANCE 45

Attractive individuality revealing vigor, masculinity with a harmonious blending and correlation of parts; impressive style and majestic carriage; graceful and powerful walk.

Breed Characteristics 10 Color, size, nose structure and ears appropriate for breed.

Head 5 Medium in length, clean-cut; broad muzzle with large, open nostrils; lean, strong jaw; full, bright eyes; forehead broad between the eyes.

Shoulder Blades and Topline 12 Shoulder blades - set smoothly against the chest wall and withers, forming neat junction with the body.
Back - strong and appearing straight with vertebrae well defined.
Loin - broad, strong and nearly level.
Rump - long, wide nearly level.
Hips - Wide, level with back.
Thurls - wide apart.
Pin bones - wide apart, lower than hips, well defined.
Tail head - slightly above and neatly set between pin bones.
Tail - symmetrical with body.

Legs 18
Wide apart, squarely set, clean-cut and strong with forelegs straight. Hind legs - nearly perpendicular from hock to pastern. When viewed from behind legs wide apart and nearly straight. Bone strong, flat and flinty; tendons well defined. Pasterns of medium length, strong and springy. Hocks cleanly moulded.
Feet - short and straight, with deep heel and level sole.

2. DAIRY CHARACTER 30

Animation, angularity, general openness, and freedom from excess tissue.
Neck - medium length, strong and blending smoothly into shoulders and brisket.
Withers - well defined and wedge shaped with the dorsal process of the vertebrae rising slightly above the shoulder blades.
Ribs - wide apart, rib bone wide, flat and long.
Flank - deep, arched and refined.
Thighs - incurving to flat from the side; apart when viewed from rear.
Skin - fine textured, loose and pliable. Hair fine.

3. BODY CAPACITY 25

Relatively large in proportion to size of the animal, providing ample digestive capacity, strength and vigor.

Barrel 10
Deep, strongly supported; ribs wide apart and well sprung; depth and width tending to increase toward rear of barrel.

Heart girth 12
Large, resulting from long, well-sprung foreribs; wide chest floor between the front legs, and fullness at the point of elbow.

TOTAL 100