Measured goats – delivering the results
11 December 2024
The Measured Goats project, funded by Meat & Livestock Australia and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD), to deliver enhanced modern genetic tools for the goatmeat industry is beginning to yield returns.
In the reference herd, established at the Condobolin Research Station, first kidding has delivered a bumper drop of weaners with 1,599 goats weaned in November at an average weight of 16.3kg.
This came after does were naturally joined to syndicates of Rangeland, Boer and Kalahari bucks at a mating ratio of four bucks per 100 does. On average the number of kids sired per buck was 34, and the maximum 93.
The kids’ performance, pedigree and genomic records have been collected and will boost the availability and accuracy of KIDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).
They are also being evaluated for various traits linked to profitability and animal welfare including growth, reproduction, , faecal egg count, horn/poll status, coat colour, temperament, conformation and udder structure.
The first joining also provided some studs with vital genetic linkages to the KIDPLAN database, enabling increased reporting of across-herd Breeding Values.
All the female kids born will become part of the research herd until research concludes in 2027 while male kids are castrated and marketed at a weight of 30+ kg. Carcase information will be recorded with cooperation from the processing sector.
The full results from the first joining will be delivered through KIDPLAN and the Measured Goats website by February 2025.
The base does were joined again after weaning, at an average condition score of 2.9, with the second cohort of kids due at the end of March 2025.
Measured Goats is an investment in the industry's future, putting in place the science, support and structures needed to propel the industry forward. Producers are encouraged to get involved so they are ready to interpret and apply the results to benefit their businesses.
You can see the project progress for yourself at our first field day in Condobolin on 17 September 2025.
For more information or to get involved visit the Measured Goats website.
