You might not know what to do if you are showing an animal for the first time.It can be rewarding to show a goat.To show a goat, you need to care for it.The goat should be groomed before the show.Follow the judge's instructions.Make sure you follow the rules of your show.You can show your goat with a little dedication.
Step 1: A quality goat should be selected.
When selecting a goat, there are certain things to look for.A goat that lives up to standards can increase your chance of winning a prize at the fair.There is a goat with rounded shoulders.The ribs should have a soft feel.The goat's back is strong.You should be able to see the muscles.Look at the goat's head.A straight jaw is what a goat should have.A "parrot mouth" is a jaw that is overshot and creates a beak-like appearance.A monkey mouth is an undershot jaw.
Step 2: Provide a place that is safe.
You need to maintain the environment after selecting a goat.This will allow your goat to grow.A barn or shed is needed for your goat to sleep in.It needs to be at least 16 square feet.A fenced area outdoors is where your goat can get exercise.As this will allow your goat to play, have the outdoor area as big as possible.A tall fence will prevent your goat from escaping.
Step 3: Feed your goat good food.
A goat pellet that will make your goat grow big is what you want.You should get a goat pellet that is between 16% and 18%.A young goat will benefit from this.Feed your goat around 2 pounds of food a day.You will need a trough in the barn.You should make sure the feed you choose contains something.This can help prevent issues with the goat's urinary tract.
Step 4: Your goat needs a lot of water.
This is important for your goat's well-being.Water helps regulate the amount of food a goat eats.Goats that are dehydrated are more likely to be obese.On a daily basis, provide clean and fresh water.When checking in on your goat, make sure to check the water trough.Add more water if the water trough is dirty or empty.
Step 5: Provide vitamins and minerals.
Most of the vitamins and minerals your goat needs should be in a balanced diet.Give your goat fresh vegetables and grains to make sure it is getting the right vitamins and minerals.A goat's diet consists of calcium, phosphorous, and salt.Feed your goat vegetables and grains, and give it a salt lick.Grains are high in calcium and have a lot of phosphorous.Your goat won't get a lot of vitamins in its diet.Adding supplements to your goat's diet is a good idea.
Step 6: Your goat's food needs to be adjusted.
A good weight is what you want your goat to go into the show at.Your goat may need to be fed more or less in the weeks leading up to the show.Your goat should have muscles in its back, legs, and flanks.You should be able to feel the goat's ribs.The goat's belly should not be visible.Cut back on feeding if your goat is puffy and lacks muscle definition.Some hay can be removed from the goat's barn to prevent it from snacking.
Step 7: The goat's hair needs to be cut.
A goat's hair needs to be trimmed before a show.Make sure to give your goat a good trim in the days leading up to the show.Cut hair on your goat with shears.Target hair around the hooves, on the belly, in the ears, and at the bottom of the tail.The goat's chin should be trimmed.You should check the show's expectations.It might be better to shave your goat.You should shave your goat at least two weeks before the show.There is a blade that trims hair between 1/2 and 1/2 inch long.The hair on the knees should not be shaved.The goat may be nervous about the process.A friend or family member can hold the goat while you work.
Step 8: Your goat's hooves should be trimmed.
Your goat will look better at the show with trimmed hooves.Hoof shears can be used to trim your goat's hooves.If you want to clean your goat's hooves, you should use a hoof pick.The sides of the hooves should be scrubbed with a toothbrush.The soft white portion of the goat's hoof is protected by a hard outer shell.Cut around the outer portion.Proceed to the white portion.The goal is for your goat's hooves to be level on the ground.Continue trimming until the white portion is pink.The goat's toe and heel should be on the same level.
Step 9: When kids are 4 to 10 days old, you should de-horn your goat.
In some contests, de-horning is required.Regulations should be checked at your show.Before the show, de-horn your goat.You can get a de-horning iron at a livestock store.It will take about 10 minutes to warm up.The area around the goat's horns should be trimmed with shears.Put your goat in a box.This box allows you to de-horn a goat safely.You should have someone with you to hold the goat while you work.The horn should be placed around the de-horner.The de-horner counter should be turned clockwise for 3 to 4 seconds.At the base of the bud, a copper ring should form.There is a bud at the copper ring.It should come off easily.Take the other horn and repeat.
Step 10: The show's rules should be reviewed.
Different shows have different rules.You would like to know what is required in your show.You may have to show the goat a certain way.Before the show, read the guidelines provided by your 4-H leader.What kind of paperwork you need for the show will be part of the guidelines.Before you show your goat, you want to make sure you have everything assembled.
Step 11: There is a practice in a barn.
Practice once you know what to expect.Regular practice is the best way to prepare your goat for the show.Use a harness and rope to lead your goat.If you have to move your goat for the judge in a certain way, you should practice before the show.Every night before the show, practice.Before the show starts, you and your goat should perform a routine.
Step 12: The Board of Animal Health has a scrapie tag.
For 4-H shows, these are required.A scrapie is a tag that goes on your goat's ear.Your state's Board of Animal Health can give you an ID for your goat.There are different regulations for how to get a scrapie tag.Ask your leader about the regulations in your state.You should be able to find this information on the state government's website.The Board of Animal Health's ID is usually a certificate.An animal identification number may be given to your goat.How to get this paperwork varies by state.Check with your leader or government website.
Step 13: Give your goat to you.
You will be asked to present your goat at the show.Follow your judge's instructions.How you present your goat varies from state to state.Make sure you pay attention to both the goat and the judge.Shift your gaze from your goat to the judge.Don't try to draw attention away from the goat.Don't talk too much or you will be67531.When the judge asks a question, you should only speak.
Step 14: The goat should be moved when asked.
At some point, the judge will ask you to walk with your goat.The judge watches as you lead your goat around the arena.Walk slowly.Your goat's speed is one step at a time.Leave an adequate amount of space if you walk with other goats.The space between your goat and the goat ahead of you should be enough for one goat.
Step 15: When asked, shift the goat's position.
You may be asked by the judge to move to the right or backwards.The judge needs a good view of the goat.To get a high score, follow the judge's instructions.If you have to switch sides, always walk in front of the goat.