The Texas A & M
Angora Goat Central
Performance Test
The Angora Buck Test has been held every year since 1980. Yearling bucks arrive at the research station near Sonora, Texas in late February, are given individual ear tags, shorn, weighed, put on full feed, and begin competing with each other. Weights are taken in early May, and again the last of June. At critical points during the 4-month test, a sifting team of producers examines the bucks for disqualifying factors including teeth that don't meet the dental pad, foot and leg weaknesses, and fleece irregularities (such as sheepiness). The scoring committee gives numerical evaluations of mohair character and coverage.
At the end of June, the bucks are weighed for the final time and staple length is measured. Then they are shorn and computations begin. Each fleece is weighed, scoured and clean yield is computed. Hair sample analysis will determine average fiber diameter and standard deviation. Each sample is scrutinized for kemp and medullated fibers. Kemp fibers are hollow and do not accept dye. Although med fibers are less hollow, neither is desirable for our international mohair buyers.
Some of the very best Angora breeders in the U.S. compete - genetics as old as Angoras in the U.S. and others recently imported from premier South African herds. The competition is very stiff and bucks with physical defects, insufficient fleece or body weight are disqualified. Only the top 30% are offered for sale. Results are based on the numbers and are published for everyone to see. Grease weights, yields, goat weights, med and kemp percentages, fleece length, and microns are all provided in the report.
Dr. Dan Waldron, in charge of the test, explains it this way:
"The purpose of the central performance test is to measure performance, growth and fleece characters of animals from several herds at one central location in order to identify genetically superior goats. This provides valid comparisons among animals and because all animals are handled alike (feed, housing, health), the differences between animals are better indicators of true genetic differences."
The Angora Goat Performance Test Field Day is held in late July of each year at the Texas AgriLife Research Station in Sonora. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Waldron at (325) 653-4576 or d-waldron@tamu.edu.
