Getting Started with Show Lambs and Goats

Lambs and goats are good starter projects for beginning students. These projects are relatively cheap compared to other show animals. They are a lot of work but well worth the experience. The following includes information to consider when starting a lamb or goat project.

Buying Lambs and Goats:

When looking for a show goat or lamb there are certain traits we seek out. We want to select an animal that is square and sound with nice width across the back. The main things they look at when judging lambs and goats is the loin and rump. PLSR is now a draw show which means they will bring in all the animals and we will draw for an order to pick your project. The Ag teachers will make a list of top, middle, and lower quality for you to use if you wish while making your selection. Selection will be June 1, 2014.

Stall Maintenance:

A concrete floor is easy to clean, but causes problems for feet and joints. It is advisable to line your stall with sand. We provide sand at the barn for your use. I would advise not to useshavings because lambs and goats will eat them. Waste needs to be shoveled out daily and thrown away in the waste pile. The sand needs to be changed about every 10-14 days. You will also want to wipe down your stall wires with a disinfectant regularly to avoid the spread of disease.

Exercise:

Start EARLY. The sooner that you begin to work with your lamb or goat, the more he will understand how you want him to move and you will have better control in the ring. But also start slowly. Walk him until he is barely labored breathing. Anything more (especially in hot weather) can cause stress. We have equipment at the barn for your use to assist in walking your animal for an extended period of time. However, you must teach your lamb or goat to walk first before they are put on the equipment.

You should walk your animal project daily until you have him walking about 30 minutes without getting tired. You need to work on getting his head to stay up and getting him to stand properly for the show. This will take work on both your part and the animal. You will have to build your stamina as well because your animal will have to push against you in the ring. To teach your animal to push there are multiple strategies we use. Get with Mrs. Rankin to find which strategy works best for you or your animal. Work on showmanship from day one!

Skin/Hair:

I like to clip lambs and goats at least once a month. When the weather gets warm the wool on the animal will make him very hot. It is like wearing a jacket in the summer time. By not clipping them often the animal could become dehydrated which will make their skin wrinkle and not be as eye appealing come show time. You are responsible for checking out the clippers from Mr. Ressler and returning them back in a timely manner just as you got them. I would like for you to bath your animal at least once a week and condition with Revive or something equivalent.

Feeding:

There are numerous feeds and opinions on feeding programs for lambs and goats. The feed store sales many brands of feed and you can feed which ever you desire. I believe it is best to talk to the breeder you purchase the animal from and see what that animal has been eating. A bag of feed will cost you around $25 and should last about a week. Your project will need available water all day long. Clean fresh water is the most important nutrient we give our animals. The water bucket needs to be cleaned and filled daily.

Medications and Dewormers:

Pay attention to withdrawal times for various medications.

Dewormers need to be given every 3-4 weeks to keep your projects healthy. We have Valbazen and Ivomec available at the Deer Park Ag Facility. I will have dewormer once a month at the barn for you to give to your animal.

Weight:

We have weigh days every Wednesday when the scales will be out and available for you to use. An Ag teacher will weigh your animal and help you keep track of your weights. Weigh your lamb or goat at least once a week at the same time, preferably before you feed. Take your weight gain and divide it by the number of days since your last weigh in. This is your average daily gain. You can multiply that number by the number of days until show to get an approximate weight at show time. The weight limit for lambs is 90 pounds and up. The weight limit for goats is 60 – 120 pounds.

Equipment and Supplies:

  • Halter for Lamb
  • Chain for Goat
  • Soft Bristle Brush
  • Rags
  • Shampoo
  • Animal Blanket (purchase at feed store)
  • Oils/Skin Conditioner (Revive)
  • Animal Sock (purchase at fee store)
  • Feed Buckets/Feeders
  • Water Bucket