Who provides the scientific evidence supporting the development of breed standards for Dairy Goats?
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Question by mmesham: Who provides the scientific evidence supporting the development of breed standards for Dairy Goats?
There are different breed standards in different parts of the world and each had differences. Are there some traits picked as a requirement for culling that have no impact on the health or productivity of the animal? I belive so. Do biologists and other animal science experts ever review these standards and make reccomendations outside the box on how to improove the breed? Finaly if a breed standard can be changed which it can does that mean that there can be an Ideal (in terms of productivty and health) animal that does not confrom to current breed standards?
What do you think? Answer below!
2 Responses to Who provides the scientific evidence supporting the development of breed standards for Dairy Goats?
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umm farmers?
heystupid
October 26, 2011 at 4:03 pm
According to the American Dairy Goat Association, what I understand to be the “breed standard” is simply the paragraph or so written by a national breed club (National Saanen Breeders Association, etc.) which differentiates one breed from another. They don’t have much to do with production but rather the identification of the breed. Things such as size, color, ear length, nose shape. Some may argue that they do affect production…. a height maximum on nigerian dwarf probably limits milk production as a larger animal could potentialy milk more, but small stature is a large element of what a nigerian dwarf is! In the U.S. I think you are referring to the dairy goat scorecard, which sets a point value for certain traits and qualities. The dairy goat scorecard is very similar to the dairy cattle scorecard and I believe it was based off it. I’ve worked with both dairy cattle and goats and I personaly feel this was a good decision, good milk producers of both species look remarkably alike (look specificly at their hair, bones and skin – components of dairy character). Everything on the scorecard goes back to milk… strong feet and legs to get to the feed bunker to eat and make milk, a long neck so the animal can easily stand to get to the feed bunker and make milk… What specific area do you feel has no impact on health or production? I suppse ear length doesn’t…. but face shape certainly does… (the ability to eat…and make milk!) Color is arguable… white goats sunburn. I’m not sure about recommendation to change the breed standard, but I know that judges do follow trends in their placings and this most likely causes the most change to the “ideal”. I see that with large statured animals. Most of my animals are on the tall side and larger animals often place higher. (Taller animals often produce more, they are larger and often dominate to other animals, and have a larger G.I. tract and can eat more). Finally, breed standards should be different worldwide due to the different climates, feed types and production requirements and expectations (milk quantity or components). I’m interested to know what areas you feel do not affect (or have a negative affect) on production and any other comments you might have.
Leslie W
October 26, 2011 at 4:24 pm