How to Feed a Show Wether
Show Wethers have become a very large part of the County Fair scene throughout Ohio. Since most youth only have their show wethers for four or five months, proper care and nutrition are essential to the success of the animal. As a breeder, I work very hard on developing genetics that will stand out in the show ring. In order for the genetics to work though, proper care must be given to the show wethers. Here are some tricks of the trade that have proven successful for me.
Pens
1) Show Wethers need to be in a pen by themselves, not with other goats.
2) You should always feed at least two wethers together at a time.
3) Always keep the same size wethers together
4) Pen should be of adequate size for exercise and growth.
5) Pens must be kept clean and dry at all times. Kiln dried baled shavings make nice bedding.
Feed
1) DO NOT THROW YOUR WETHERS OUT TO PASTURE AND EXPECT THEM TO BE IN
SHOW CONDITION!!
2) I feed and recommend feeding Catalyst Show Goat/Meat Maker goat feed.
Catalyst is a complete goat feed and is formulated for accelerated growth and to add bloom for the show.
3) I offer full feed, or creep feed for the first few months of the wether’s life. I then weigh the wether
and determine how much
weight I need to put on to reach the 85 to 90 pound mark by show day.
4) It is recommended that you feed 2 1/2 to 3 percent of the wether’s weight in feed each day.
5) As you get closer to the show day, you will need to adjust the amount of feed for your wether
depending upon his condition.
6) I feed very little hay to show wethers. Hay often puts on a gut that is hard to work off.
7) If your wether is not gaining at least 3 lbs. per week something is wrong. You need to evaluate the
health of the animal.
Common problems to look for are: respiratory, coccidiosis, or worms.
8) Have fresh clean water available at all times.
9) I recommend that you feed at least twice per day
Exercise
1) Your wethers should always have enough room to exercise. I recommend placing
items in the pen area to climb on. This helps the goats build muscle. Make sure it
is safe.
2) You should have your feeders up so your wether must step up to eat.
3) Walk your wethers as often as possible to teach them to lead well. The walking
will help keep them firm also
Finish or Condition
1) Come show day your wether needs to be rock hard. You should not be able to gather large folds of
skin in your hands.
2) Your wether’s stomach should be very firm and not bounce around when it walks
3) If either of these conditions is present, your wether is too fat. You need to reduce feed and
increase exercise.
4) The top of the withers should be well rounded with meat. They should not be sharp or pointed like
a dairy animal.