This training has been designed for preparing Alabama youths (19 years and under) to compete in local and state-level meat-goat shows. Youth participation in goat shows can be rewarding in many ways, such as learning about goats and their care and management from the very early age, developing leadership and confidence while participating in the actual shows, and gaining show skills. This kind of involvement may even help these youths to choose their career in animal science, veterinary science, farming, or other animal-related occupations as they grow up. There are several aspects that youths and their parents/guardian must be familiar with to be able to successfully compete in goat shows and win. The purpose of this training is to teach the youths from Alabama and aware their parents on the major aspects of preparing and showing meat goats.
Major training topics
- Preparation
before goat procurement
- Show goat
selection/procurement
- Care
and management of show goats
- Training and preparation of goats for the show
- Attire and presentation at the show
- Goat show events in Alabama
Hands-on and demonstration session
- Training
and positioning show goats
- Health
inspection of show goats (body condition score, hoof, teeth, anemia, body
coat, external parasites, abscesses, and other abnormalities)
- Hoof trimming, cleaning, and grooming
Supportive training topics (youths and their parents/guardian, youth coordinator)
- Basic facilities for raising goats
- Pasture development and grazing management
- Common health problems and their management
- Nutrition and feeding
- Breed selection
- Animal selection and breeding management
- Care and management of newborn kids
