The grand champion goat and another goat shown by members of the same family have been disqualified from this year’s Colorado State Fair Junior Livestock Sale after testing positive for a feed additive that promotes muscle growth.
The family said the goats’ food was tampered with and an appeal is planned.
“It is important to note that this is the first positive test in years, which is a testament to the honesty of people involved in this event,” fair general manager Chris Wiseman said.
The goats were sold for nearly $7,000 to Anadarko Petroleum Co. of Denver and the business and civic group Denver Rustlers.
The money has been forfeited, and both competitors are barred from future State Fair livestock events.
Wiseman said he would contact the buyers to give them three options: They can donate the money to the State Fair foundation; they can keep the money in an account for next year’s auction; or the fair can refund the money.
Disqualified are the grand champion goat, which belonged to Margaret Weinroth, 19, of Sedalia and sold for $5,500, and a random goat, entered by Benjamin Weinroth, Margaret’s younger brother. His goat sold for $1,300.
The Weinroths’ mother, Susan, told The Pueblo Chieftain that the goats became sick after eating their food at the State Fair and that they reported their suspicions to officials.
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved ractopamine — the additive found in the two animals’ urine — for use in goats.
However, the substance — which is not a steroid or hormone — has received FDA approval for use in pigs. Ractopamine is banned in about 150 countries.
During this year’s State Fair, the reserve grand champion hog was disqualified after questions arose about the animal’s ownership.
Ann Schrader: 303-954-1967 or aschrader@denverpost.com
