By Roelof Bezuidenhout
Ever wondered what show judges look for when choosing a champion meat goat?
The breed standards for the Boer goat, the White Savanah and the Kalahari Red are basically the same for body conformation, and differ mainly regarding the colour of the coat and pigmentation. So, let’s look at some of the points that are of real importance in a meat goat, the characteristics you should strive for to increase the economic value of your own flock.
In general, you want a goat with a fine head; backward-curving round horns; and loose, supple skin with folds – especially in rams. The body should be well-fleshed and proportionally balanced. Ewes should display femininity and wedge slightly towards the front, a sign of fertility. Rams are heavier in the head, neck and forequarters. Symmetry, strength, vigour and fine overall quality are key, as is a sleek coat of short, glossy hair.
For maximum meat production, the ideal is a well-balanced, average-sized animal with a strong, heavy build. Goats that are overly large or too small should be culled.
Head
An ideal meat goat has a strong, well-proportioned head with large, soft brown eyes – free of any wild or untamed expression. The nose should be slightly curved with wide nostrils, and the mouth must be well-formed with jaws that meet perfectly.
The forehead should be prominently curved and flow smoothly into the curve of the nose and horns. Horns must be strong, of moderate length, spaced moderately apart, and curve gradually backwards. They should be round and solid, and preferably dark in colour.
Ears should be broad, smooth and of medium length, hanging downwards. Very short ears are undesirable.
Cull defects:
• Concave forehead
• Horns that are too straight, too flat, or press against the neck
• Pointed jaw
• Folded, stiff or short ears
• Over- or undershot jaw
• Blue eyes
Neck and forequarters
The neck should be of moderate length, proportionate to the body, full and well-fleshed, and should blend smoothly into the shoulders. The breastbone must be broad, with a deep, wide brisket. Shoulders should be well-muscled and fit closely to the withers, which must be broad and not sharp. Front legs should be medium in length and proportionate to the body, strong and well-placed, with sturdy pastern joints and well-formed, dark-coloured hooves.
Cull defects:
• Neck too long and thin, or too short
• Loose shoulders
Barrel
An ideal goat has a long, deep and broad barrel. Ribs should be well-sprung and fleshed, and the loin area must be as full as possible. The back should be broad and relatively straight, with no pinching behind the shoulders.
Cull defects:
• Concave back
• Slab-sided or cylindrical barrel
• Pinched area behind the shoulders
Hindquarters
The rump should be broad and long, with minimal slope. Buttocks must be well fleshed and not flat, and thighs should be fully developed. The tail should be straight at the base and may swing to either side.
Cull defects:
• Rump too steep or too short
• Long shanks or flat buttocks
Legs
Legs must be strong, sturdy and correctly positioned. Excessively fleshy legs are undesirable. Strong legs are a sign of hardiness and a good constitution.
Cull defects:
• Knock knees, bandy legs, cow hocks, post legs or sickle hocks
• Legs that are too thin or overly fleshy
• Weak pasterns
• Hooves that point inwards or outwards
Skin and coat
A loose, supple skin with sufficient folds on the neck and chest – especially in rams – is essential. The coat should be short, glossy and fine. A limited amount of fur is acceptable in winter.
Cull defects:
• Hair that is too long, coarse or excessively furry
Sexual organs
Ewes should have a well-formed, firmly attached udder with functional teats that allow for effective nursing.
Rams must have two large, healthy, and equally sized testes in one scrotum. A split of up to 5 cm is acceptable, and the scrotum should measure at least 25 cm in circumference.
Cul defects:
• Small testes
• Scrotum split greater than 5 cm
• Twisted scrotum
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 | Roelof Bezuidenhout is a fourth-generation wool, mohair, mutton and game farmer and freelance journalist. Attended Free State University, majoring in animal husbandry and pasture science. Other interests include agricultural extension and rural development. |
