Measuring the height of your goats is more than just a number game; it’s about precision and knowing your animals well. Getting it wrong can mean a difference of an inch or more! Let’s walk through the steps to ensure you measure your goats accurately and effectively.
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Step 1: Position Your Goat Properly
- Relaxed Stance: Start by having your goat stand in a natural, relaxed position. Make sure they aren’t leaning forward or backward.
Step 2: The Right Spot for Measurement
- Where to Measure: The key spot for height measurement is from the highest point of the wither (the ridge between the shoulder blades) straight to the ground.
Step 3: Ensure a Square Stance
- Feet and Legs Alignment: Your goat should stand squarely on all four feet, with each leg forming a vertical line straight to the ground. The head should be in a relaxed, upright position.
Step 4: Hoof Care
- Trimmed Hooves: Check that your goat’s hooves are neatly trimmed before measuring. Overgrown hooves can alter the height measurement.
Step 5: Choosing Your Measurement Device
- Use an Official Measuring Stick: A miniature horse stick is often preferred due to its level, which aids accuracy. Place the stick just behind the front leg, NOT BESIDE IT!
Step 6: Level and Lift
- Adjust for Level: Carefully raise the level over the withers until the bubble is centered, ensuring the goat and stick are positioned correctly.
Step 7: The Right Surface Matters
- Flat and Level Surface: Measure on a solid, level surface like concrete, wood, or pavement. Avoid dirt floors or uneven ground, which can be off by at least 1/2 inch.
Step 8: Head Positioning
- Head Just Above Level: The goat’s head should be slightly above level. Too high or too low can skew the measurement.
Step 9: Average It Out
- Calculating the Average: You can take up to three measurements. Add them together and divide by three for an average height. If all three measurements are the same, there’s no need for this step.
Remember, accuracy in measuring your goats ensures adherence to breed standards and reflects your attention to detail and care in managing your herd.