The role of central performance test stations for meat goates

摘要

A central performance test is where animals from different herds are brought to one central location where performance is recorded. The rationale is that observed differences are more likely due to genetic differences, which will be passed onto offspring, rather than environmental differences, which will not be passed onto offspring. The goal of a central performance test (CPT) is to identify genetic differences among animals. Central performance tests have been around for many years and have been used to different degrees in other meat producing livestock species. CPTs have strong points, but they also have weaknesses. In this article I will present some of the issues to consider when deciding how much emphasis that Boer goat, or other meat goat,breeders should place on CPT What is the purpose of a central performance test? Short answer: To identify genetic differences among animals.