Pennsylvania ram lamb and meat goat buck sale slated for August 6

PENNSYLVANIA FURNACE, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Livestock Evaluation Center will host a sale of the top-performing ram lambs and meat goat bucks selected from an industry-improving growth trial at 1 p.m. Aug. 6.

Sheep and goat trial

Twenty-nine ram lambs and 30 meat goat bucks, consigned by sheep and meat goat producers from across Pennsylvania and from nearby states, participated in the trial.

All animals sold at the sale are considered flock or herd improvers. Rams and bucks are sold with growth data, feed efficiency, loin measurements and fat thicknesses.

Breeds consigned to sale include: 29 ram lambs; eight Dorsets; 10 Suffolks; two Dorpers; two Shropshires; one White Dorper; five Texels; one Merino; 30 meat goat bucks; 24 full blood Boer; six purebred/ percentage Boers.

Age range

The tested animals ranged in age from three to nine months (beginning test). They were tested for growth, muscling and fat deposition over a 77-day period for rams and a 70-day period for goats.

The genetic potential of the rams and bucks completing the evaluation program is indicated by the data collected. Upon finishing the test, rams and bucks were ultrasonically scanned for loin eye area and fat thickness and examined for breeding soundness.

Field day

Prior to the sale on Aug. 6, the Pennsylvania Sheep and Wool Growers Association will be conducting a field day with youth and adult educational programs.

For a sale catalog or information on the ram and buck test, contact the Livestock Evaluation Center staff at 814-238-2527 or ghubbard@state.pa.us. For more information on the center and other performance testing programs and sales, go to www.livestockevaluationcenter.com.