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02-16-2016, 10:20 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-16-2016, 10:23 PM by Dave-Trinity-Farms.)
The weight tape has a conversion table on it. Though they only go upto like 195 lbs. They are actually made for does so am not totally sure if it will read right for a wether. Yes at 4 he will have reached his "maximum" growth. This isnt to say you wont see a difference from now to when he is say 6 or 7. But the growth is fractional. As for fat or not, think of a goat in the same general body style as a deer. Dont look towards the gut of a goat as that has nothing to do with their weight and everything to do with what they just ate 
Most of your questions are the typical questions but cant be answered with a set answer as there really isnt a typical goat. Growth is based on genetics and feed. But even that isnt a sure fire method. You are just increasing your odds. So I will give you some general ideas on what you should expect.
For a pack goat you want a goat that is at least 160 lbs. This gives you the option of a 40 lbs max load if conditioned like an athlete and the terrain is relatively level. Personally, I dont like the 25% max. I would suggest 20% as a max with the option of 25% for say packing out a kill when the extra weight is necessary. I know lots of people want big power house goats that can pack a garage full of camping gear and food. But if you stop and think for a second about people or any animal. The big power examples of any species is also the slowest. Most easy to tire. Require larger food intake. The same can be said for goats. But again, there is no typical goat. You may end up with a 250+ lbs goat that is a go all day never tires packer.
Whats the ideal size for a pack goat? 200 lbs is a great goal. About halfway between being on the small size and the 250 lbs monsters that some people have. If of a dairy breed, then with that weight will automatically come height. This is a very realistically goal, that just about any good genetic pack goat can reach. Height at the shoulder, or girth means very little on the trail. Condition and training are the true secrets to a good pack goat.
Most of your questions are the typical questions but cant be answered with a set answer as there really isnt a typical goat. Growth is based on genetics and feed. But even that isnt a sure fire method. You are just increasing your odds. So I will give you some general ideas on what you should expect.For a pack goat you want a goat that is at least 160 lbs. This gives you the option of a 40 lbs max load if conditioned like an athlete and the terrain is relatively level. Personally, I dont like the 25% max. I would suggest 20% as a max with the option of 25% for say packing out a kill when the extra weight is necessary. I know lots of people want big power house goats that can pack a garage full of camping gear and food. But if you stop and think for a second about people or any animal. The big power examples of any species is also the slowest. Most easy to tire. Require larger food intake. The same can be said for goats. But again, there is no typical goat. You may end up with a 250+ lbs goat that is a go all day never tires packer.
Whats the ideal size for a pack goat? 200 lbs is a great goal. About halfway between being on the small size and the 250 lbs monsters that some people have. If of a dairy breed, then with that weight will automatically come height. This is a very realistically goal, that just about any good genetic pack goat can reach. Height at the shoulder, or girth means very little on the trail. Condition and training are the true secrets to a good pack goat.