Open PDF document in a new window Policies The object of this policy is to combine all aspects of ABGA and JABGA Travel, Meeting, and Committees policies under one policy by Sections, as outlined in the following document.

The Sire of Merit Award is open to ABGA registered Fullblood and American Purebred Bucks. SIRE OF MERIT 10834991 2M BOER GOATS JAMESON WHISKEY Buck 11/20/25 Zebulon T James Paul & Kim Morgan 10911862 LHF5 LOCUSTHAVEN PINK PANTHER Buck 10/31/25 Lance & Donna Arey Lance & Donna Arey 10845713 8881 DBL-D G116 100 PR00F K99 Buck 10/31/25 Sherry Reynolds Lee & Sharon Dana 10915904 MADI-TRV GAMBLING CASINO Buck 10/30/25 Jordan Jelinek Trevor & Maddie Clemens 10920374 MADI-TRV GAMBLIN SECRETS Buck 9/23/25 Grace Coulston Trevor & Maddie Clemens 10891488 SLBNK YOAKUMS ROAD RAGE Buck 9/9/25 Levi Dale Aaron Yoakum 10938445 PRU HOMEBRU Buck 4/29/25 Cooper Bounds/Kort McNeer Mackenzie Pruett 10721776 TST1 EL DIABLO Buck 4/14/25 Helena Almli Terry & Sue Taylor 10817881 9RDB SMOKE SIGNAL J18 Buck 9/24/24 Jennifer Panowicz Levi Dale 10866465 SAKB PYTHON K117 Buck 9/16/24 Patrick Aliff & David Mueller Sydney Baty 10809697 PINE BANK J9 MADDIX Buck 9/11/24 Timothy, Arlan & Becky Humble Timothy, Arlan & Becky Humble 10850995 KDCL WISHBONE Buck 9/11/24 Timothy, Arlan & Becky Humble Logan Hollen Reg. # Goat's Name Sex Award Date Owner Breeder Load More The Sire of Merit Award is open to ABGA registered Fullblood and American Purebred Bucks.

Open PDF document in a new window Code of Ethics The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA), Its Board of Directors, Members, Non-Members and/or Agents are committed to conducting ourselves in a professional manner that does not reflect negatively on themselves or the association.

Open PDF document in a new window Bylaws The ABGA is organized to collect and maintain the history and pedigree of Boer goats, to provide for their registration, to preserve the purity of the breed, and to encourage the further improvement and wider distribution of the breed through research, promotion, and education.

The American Boer Goat Association: Protecting, Promoting, and Recording the American Boer Goat Breed. iCompete Find iCompete updates, how-to videos, report an issue and more. Go to iCompete Report a Problem Watch Tutorials View Updates New to iCompete? Check out these step-by-step tutorial to get you started. More tutorials coming soon! How to Transfer a Goat on iCompete How to Sign Up for iCompete & Renew Your Membership How to Register a Percentage Goat with an Unregistered Dam Next Back Updates on iCompete Technical Issues and Features These are the major issues or missing features with iCompete. We are working through smaller bugs on the member and staff side of iCompete that shouldn't affect registrations. Please report any issues you are having with registrations that are not listed below by clicking the Report a Problem button above. The "BLUE SCREEN" is no longer being updated or supported. iCompete is an all-in-one solution that includes registry, competition and shows, and research. You will no longer need two logins to manage your herd and data. You can view the new Herd Book by logging into your iCompete account and clicking the Herd Book button. Data Errors. Due to more than 13 million animals, plus member and show data being transferred to our new system, some data transferred over incorrectly. No data was lost. We are working on getting that data corrected. If you see incorrect information on your account or owned animals, click the Report a Problem button and let us know. Herd Book Updates. We are currently working on the Herd Book, and archived show and points data to reflect more data, as it did on the "blue screen." Please allow some time for these updates to be made. Listing Papers. We are unable to print listing papers at this time. If you have trouble registering a listing paper animal, or trouble registering offspring from a listing paper animal, please contact the office. Herd Disposal/Management. Marking your animal as deceased is available. We are still working on marking your animals as "sold without papers" or "sold with papers" to remove them from your herd. Transactions. There is currently no transactions page for members. If you would like a report of your transactions, please contact the ABGA office. This feature is currently being worked on. Payment for work done in the office. The iCompete developers are currently working on a payment system for work done in the office. Currently, you will receive an invoice in your email if you did not provide payment up front. iCompete News & Updates ABGA Member Update – Rule Changes & iCompete Enhancements Sep 26, 2025 READ MORE My Animals list: Search and Sort Options Nov 27, 2024 READ MORE Viewing Progeny Points on iCompete Nov 21, 2024 READ MORE iCompete Update: Registrations are now fully automated! Nov 13, 2024 READ MORE Renew You ABGA Membership on iCompete Oct 3, 2024 READ MORE Multi-Owned Goats Now Displaying in All Owners Inventory Sep 27, 2023 READ MORE Next Back Adult members can register for their Junior accounts again. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Boer goat was first founded in the early 1900s by Dutch farmers of South Africa. The first full-blood Boers were brought to the United States in 1993; ABGA formed the same year. Today’s American Boer Goat Association is the largest Boer association in the world with 7,000 members annually. OUR STORY STARTED MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO The Boer goat was developed by Dutch farmers in South Africa in the early 1900s. They were brought to the United States in 1993. The American Boer Goat Association (ABGA) was founded that same year. A unique breed, it is popular for its amazing meat production. The Boer goat has a rapid growth rate, excellent carcass qualities and is highly adaptive to different environments. Docile and highly fertile, these traits set the Boer goat apart in the purebred and commercial segments of the American meat goat industry. Today, the ABGA offers a variety of opportunities in marketing, education, and the commercial industry and for youth through the Junior American Boer Goat Association. ABGA is the largest Boer goat association in the world with more than 7,000 members. The association registers more than 45,000 head annually. OUR HISTORY

The American Boer Goat Association's Payment Center allows members to add funds to their account electronically via credit card. PAYMENT CENTER Payments made using the form below add credit to your account and can take up to three business days to process. Payment received will be applied to your outstanding balance first. Add Credit

Find quick answers to common questions about Boer goat registration, membership, DNA testing, shows, points, and more with the American Boer Goat Association. Explore helpful resources for breeders, members, and youth participants. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Find answers to common questions about Boer goat registration, membership, DNA testing, shows, and more. Looking for answers about ABGA? Start with our most common questions below. If you can’t find exactly what you need, our friendly team is just a click away! 👉🏻 Contact us! Close All General Membership Registrations & Transfers JABGA DNA What is the ABGA’s current mailing address? What is the ABGA’s contact information? Do you speak Spanish? / ¿Hablas español? Does the ABGA buy or sell boer goats? Where can I find fees for services? What size tattoo gun do I buy? What is a Rush fee? I need my paperwork back the next day. Is this possible? What is a Standard Rush? I paid for a Same-Day Rush. I thought that was an overnight delivery? What are some of the benefits of joining the American Boer Goat Association? How much does an ABGA or a JABGA membership cost? What is the financial year for my ABGA or JABGA membership? Does the ABGA offer any family memberships? Does the ABGA offer a lifetime membership? What is the difference between a Herd Prefix and a Herd Name? I want to register a Boer goat. How do I register it, and what are my options? How much does it cost to register a goat? How much does it cost to transfer a goat? How many letters or numbers can be in a goat’s name? I received a Request For Information (RFI) form. What is it and what do I do with it? I have a boer goat registered with another association. Can I use my paperwork from another association? Can I transfer a goat online? Can I fax, or scan and email, my original certificate for transfer? I purchased a goat and the back of the certificate is already completed with someone else's information on it. What now? What is a Service Memo, and why do I need one? What do I tattoo in my goat’s ears? What is the year letter that I tattoo in the left ear? Where do I purchase tattoo guns? Can I buy them through ABGA? What is the Native on Appearance program? What is the age for Junior Members? How much does a JABGA membership cost? What is the benefit of being a member? What are the age divisions? How do I renew my membership? Can I compete in contests (Public speaking, judging contest, sales talk, etc) if I am not exhibiting a goat? How do I become a sponsor of JABGA? What are the age requirements for the Junior Board of Directors? What are the required responsibilities while serving as a Junior Board member? Is DNA mandatory? What does the Junior Board of Directors election process look like? What is the difference between STR and SNP, and why do we need to use SNPs now? Why was this DNA plan developed? What is ABGA doing to support the transition from STR to SNP for members? If my sire/dam was already DNA typed with STR, do I still need to upgrade to SNP? Will I need to submit a new sample to upgrade from STR to SNP? Will there be other markers beyond SNP that I will need to make another transition to in the future? What does the DNA test do for me? Will DNA be used for research? Who owns the DNA sample? Frequently asked questions What is the ABGA's current mailing address? 4258 S. Jackson St. San Angelo, TX 76903 What is the ABGA's contact information? Email: mail@abga.org 💻 Phone: (325)-486-2242 ☎️ Fax: (325)-486-2637 📠 Do you speak Spanish? / ¿Hablas español? Yes, we speak Spanish. / Si, hablamos español. Does the ABGA buy or sell boer goats? No. The American Boer Goat Association is a boer goat registry. Where can I find fees for services? A list of our fees for members and non-members can be found here. What are some of the benefits of joining the American Boer Goat Association? An ABGA membership includes many valuable benefits such as: Participation in the world's largest Boer Goat registry. The benefit of conducting business at half the cost of non-members. Access to ABGA Online Live which offers the ability to register, transfer, and manage your herd at any time, on demand. Access to ABGA Web-Based Services which provides ABGA members with opportunities to research more than 300,000 American Boer Goats. A unique Herd Prefix included with your membership, (required to register boer goats). Access to the ABGA's advertising campaign to educate and attract prospective buyers in your area. And much more! How much does an ABGA or a JABGA membership cost? An ABGA membership costs $60.00 annually. You must be 19 years of age or older. A JABGA membership costs $30.00 annually. At this time all JABGA memberships must have an active adult ABGA member as their agent. What is the financial year for my ABGA or JABGA membership? All memberships run from January 1 to December 31 of each year. Does an adult member need to be an active member for a junior member? Yes. A junior member must have an active adult ABGA member as an agent on their account. Does the ABGA offer a lifetime membership, family membership, or any discounted rates?" No, not at this time. I am an ABGA member. Why isn't my information available on the website's breeder's directory? Typically, the website is updated every three days. If you joined prior to the last update, please check again after a few days. If your information is still not available, please contact the ABGA office to verify that our records reflect your information and that it is correct. You may have left the "List my contact information on the ABGA website" box unchecked on your New Member Application. Contact the ABGA office if you would like to have your contact information listed on the the ABGA website. I am a JABGA member. Why isn't my information available on the website's breeder's directory? The ABGA does not post minor's information on our website. How much does it cost to register a goat? The cost depends on a number of factors. You can see a list of registration fees on our fees page here. How many letters or numbers can be in a goat's name? Per Rule 214D in our Rules and Regulations, each goat's name is limited to 32 characters, including spaces. I received a Request For Information (RFI) form. What is it and what do I do with it? If you received a Request For Information (RFI) form, we do not have the correct information or the information is incomplete on your application for registration. Please fill out the RFI form with the correct information. Sign and date, and return to the ABGA office via mail or email so that we may complete your registration. I have a boer goat registered with another association. Can I use my paperwork from another association to register with the ABGA? No. The ABGA doesn't accept registrations from other associations. The ABGA does not register a goat native on appearance. How much does it cost to transfer a goat? Active ABGA Members pay: $10.00 per in office transfers $9.00 per online transfers Non-members pay: $16 per transfer Online transfers unavailable to non-members See all ABGA fees here. Can I transfer a goat online? A: Yes. If you are the current owner of the goat, you can transfer to another member online from your ABGA Online Live account. B: No. If you are the buyer of the goat, you will need to mail or email the Application for Registration or the original certificate to the ABGA office. *If you choose to email the original certificate, you must: Write VOID in large letters across the front and back of the certificate. Write the goat's registration number on the back of the certificate. Scan or take a photo of the front and back showing all edges of the certificate. Email photos to mail@abga.org Can I fax, or scan and email, my original certificate for transfer?" No. We require the original certificate to be mailed to the ABGA's office with the seller's signature, sale date, name of the purchaser, and transfer fee. We do accept voided color photos of original certificates via email. *If you choose to email the original certificate, you must: Write VOID in large letters across the front and back of the certificate. Write the goat's registration number on the back of the certificate. Take a color photo of the front and back showing all edges of the certificate. Email photos to mail@abga.org. I purchased a goat and the back of the certificate is complete with the buyer labeled as the person I purchased the goat from. How can I transfer ownership to myself? The seller must provide you a Transfer Application form signing the goat over from themselves to you. All transfer fees will be incurred by the submitting member. What is a Service Memo, and why do I need one?" A Service Memo is a form that provides exposure or mating dates between a buck and a doe that may or may not result in a pregnancy, whether by natural service or artificial insemination. If a doe has been serviced by a buck not owned by the breeder, a completed and signed service memo from the buck owner will be required to register any resulting offspring. When a doe has been transferred subsequent to being serviced but prior to the birth of her kid(s), and the breeder (owner of record of the dam at the time of service) must provide a service memo with all required signatures to register any resulting offspring. What is the difference between a Herd Prefix and a Herd Name? A: A Herd Prefix is a unique tattoo sequence. ABGA has an "exclusive use" policy for approving the tattoo sequences. Approved tattoo sequences are protected, with their use restricted to the applicant they are assigned to or those individuals duly authorized to use that assigned tattoo sequence. Members are required to use the sequence assigned to their membership number. They may not use a sequence assigned to someone else. (See Rule 215 in the ABGA Rules & Regulations). B: A Herd Name will be used as the prefix for all goats registered by that owner. A herd name may or may not be the same as the herd prefix. Each membership is limited to one active herd name at a given time. Once assigned, the herd name cannot be changed. The first part of a goat's name is the applicant’s Herd Prefix, or the applicant’s Herd Name. The second part of the animal name is the actual name of the animal as provided by the applicant. Goat's names are limited to a set of letters and/or numbers not to exceed 32 characters. The Herd Name can be submitted with the new member application or by written letter to the ABGA office along with the filing fee. (See Rule 213 in the ABGA Rules & Regulations). What do I tattoo in my goat's ears? Right and left is determined by standing behind the goat. The breeder's herd prefix is tattooed in the right ear. The birth year letter code followed by a her number assigned by you goes in the left ear. For example, a goat born in 2022 tattoos would be: right ear = XYZ, left ear = M01 For year letter codes and more tattoo guidelines and instructions, click here. What is the year letter that I tattoo in the left ear? The year that the goat was born has a letter assigned to it. You can see a complete list of year letters here. Where do I purchase tattoo guns? Can I buy them through ABGA? ABGA does not supply tattoo guns, but we recommend that you go to your local feed store or contact your local veterinarian. We also recommend a website that you can order tattoo guns from. Go to www.caprinesupply.com What size tattoo gun do I buy? It depends on your goat's ear, but normally you would use a 5/16 inch tattoo. Check with your local veterinarian if you are unsure. What is a Rush fee? A "Rush" fee is a fee assessed to expedite your work and jump ahead of other received work. Rush fees DO NOT include special mailing; Fed-Ex, UPS, Priorty Mail, etc. When Submitting a "Rush Order," please specify what type of mailing you want, otherwise it will be mailed regular US Postal Service mail. Please call for prices for UPS of Fed-EX fees which depend upon zip code and weight. I need my paperwork back the next day. Is this possible? ABGA does provide a "Same-Day Rush" service under the stipulation that your paperwork is received in our office by 1:00 pm CST. The fee applied is $50.00 per goat in addition to applicable registration/transfer fees, etc. This does not include work received after 4:00 pm (CST) Friday afternoon or at anytime during the weekend or holiday hours. Rush fees DO NOT include special mailing; Fed-Ex, UPS, Priorty Mail, etc. When Submitting a "Rush Order," please specify what type of mailing you want, otherwise it will be mailed regular US Postal Service mail. Please call for prices for UPS of Fed-EX fees which depend upon zip code and weight. What is a Standard Rush? Our policy for "Standard Rush" orders guarantees a 3-business day turn-around in our office from time received to mailing, not including mail time. This does not apply if there are problems or missing information for the Rush order. A "Standard Rush" fee is $25.00 per goat in addition to applicable registration/transfer fees, etc. Rush fees DO NOT include special mailing; Fed-Ex, UPS, Priorty Mail, etc. When Submitting a "Rush Order," please specify what type of mailing you want, otherwise it will be mailed regular US Postal Service mail. Please call for prices for UPS of Fed-EX fees which depend upon zip code and weight. I paid for a Same-Day Rush. I thought that was an overnight delivery? A Rush fee is not the same as an overnight delivery. A Rush order only jumps your paperwork to the front of the line. If you need a Fed-Ex or UPS overnight or 2-day delivery, you must state that on your submitted paperwork. Overnight or 2-day delivery is an additional charge, and depends on zip code and weight. Please call the ABGA office for overnight or 2-day delivery prices. What is the age for Junior Members? To be a JABGA member, exhibitors must be 4-19 years of age as of January 1 of the calendar year. How much does a JABGA membership cost? The annual Junior Membership fee is $30. What is the benefit of being a member? JABGA’s mission is to bring together Boer Goat Enthusiasts through a youth organization that offers competitive programs to reward excellence, enhance educational opportunities, promote the value of genetics, and develop leadership skills through activities at local, state and national levels. Members are also able to exbibit animals on a National, Regional, and local levels. What are the age divisions? The age divisions are as follows: Junior: 4-8 years old Intermediate: 9-13 years old Senior: 14-18 years old All ages are as of January 1 of the calendar year. How do I renew my membership? We recommend renewing your membership through iCompete. page. iCompete will eventually replace Online Live and the Blue Screen systems. iCompete will be equipped to handle ABGA memberships, renewals, registry work, and show points in a single platform. You can find instructions below. Otherwise, you can renew with the fillable PDF form on our forms All Junior members must have and Active ABGA Adult member as an Authorized Agent. Can I compete in contests (Public speaking, judging contest, sales talk, etc) if I am not exhibiting an animal in the show? Yes, you can compete in contests even if you are not exhibiting animals in the show. How do I become a sponsor of JABGA? We would love to have you as a sponsor! Please reach out to Youth Coordinator, Hannah Jenkins, at jabga@abga.org for more information. What are the age requirements for the Junior Board of Directors? Any JABGA member who is 14 years old, but no older than 19 years old, as of January 1 of the election year is eligible to apply. What are the required responsibilities while serving as a Junior Board member? While serving as a Junior Board member, Directors are responsible for acting as a leader to the membership, staying in contact with ABGA and JABGA staff, assisting with fundraising efforts, attending face-to-face meetings, and attending the ABGA National Show. What does the Junior Board of Directors election process look like? All Junior Board of Director Applications must be returned to the office no later than March 1. After they have been received, the delegation will vote to elect a director for their corresponding area.

American Boer Goat Association members and non-members can request DNA testing at a set price from ABGA and UC Davis. The DNA Program Explained Updates Starting September 1, 2021, all DNA will be voluntary, and all DNA has to be processed through the ABGA office . (Motion unanimously passed by the ABGA Board of Directors). UC Davis' current turnaround time is 15-20 business days from the date the sample is received. If samples require additional testing, no action on your part is required. No updated estimate for when testing will be completed is available. As of January 1, 2022 we are no longer sending DNA stickers. Results will be sent via email, unless requested. If you would like the DNA qualification reflected on your goat's Certificate of Registration, please send the certificate to the ABGA office. A $5 certificate reissue fee will be charged. The future of our DNA Program ... Read More DNA test request for members in good standing (current/renewed membership). Your member number must be included to receive the member price. Payment must be included to receive the DNA Sample Instructions. $35 Per Animal DNA test request for non-members or members with outstanding membership dues. Payment must be included to receive the DNA Sample Instructions. $40 Per Animal INSTRUCTIONS (All required fields must be filled out completely). Identification: All goats' DNA tested through ABGA must have ABGA identification such as their name and identifying marks or tattoo. Parent Verification: If you are requesting parent verification, check the type of verification (either sire, dam, or both), and BE SURE to fill in the Sire and/or Dam registration number and Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) Case ID Number. If you do not have a VGL Case ID number, you must purchase the DNA Sample Instructions for each parent you are verifying. PROCESSING TIME UC Davis will EMAIL your DNA Sample Instructions to your email address within three (3) business days of ONLINE submission to ABGA. If you did not provide an email address, the DNA Sample Instructions will be mailed to you. If you do not receive your DNA Sample Instructions within 3 business days, CHECK YOUR JUNK EMAIL . If it is not there, contact the ABGA office at (325) 486-2242, or email dna@abga.org . PULLING AND SENDING HAIR SAMPLE DNA Sample Instructions include instructions on how to pull the hair for the test and send it to UC Davis. Be sure to get the roots of the hair sample. Be sure to use a clean paper envelope. Be sure to write the goat's information on the envelope [name, registration number, your name]. Send the DNA Sample to UC Davis following the instructions in the DNA Sample Instructions you received. Send the confirmation to ABGA. ABGA Rule 802–I In cases where the submitting party is not the owner of record, an unopened vial, straw, or other container containing semen that has been identified in accordance with Rule 401.B is required for DNA test results to be accepted by ABGA. What does the DNA test do for me? It identifies the specific genetic markers associated with the goat you have tested. It allows for parent verification and future identification of that goat as the parent of any kid(s). It will show on your goat’s registration papers, and on online searches people do that your goat’s identity is verified and recorded through the DNA test. It will allow you to show your goat’s parentage has been verified, if you have requested parent verification. What does the test do for ABGA? It lets us build our database of information on registered goats. Once we have that start we can ask UC Davis to test the samples for more markers that will give us the opportunity to improve our animals. Will DNA be used for research? Yes. UC Davis retains the right to use all samples stored at the VGL for research, whether the tests are performed for individuals, or for individuals through associations. Research and the benefits that it can provide to producers is the main focus of the program for the ABGA. As more members participate in the DNA testing program this will make meaningful research a reality for our animals for the first time. Who owns the DNA sample? All DNA samples are stored at UC Davis, and VGL retains the right to use any samples stored there for research, whether they are done for individuals, or for individuals through registries. For contract customer registries like ABGA, the registry has ultimate ownership of the sample. However, the owner receives the results of the DNA tests requested on their goats. This gives ABGA members the guarantee that should UC Davis decide to dispose of samples processed through ABGA requests, ABGA can move those samples to another facility so they are still available for research that will benefit all members. Should it matter to me that the ABGA shares ownership of the sample? Yes. It gives you the guarantee that your sample is safe, regardless of what UC Davis may decide in the future. It makes it easier and cheaper for members to DNA test their goats, and verify parentage, if they wish to do that. Who gets a copy of the DNA Report listing the Markers? For contract customer registries, like ABGA, the owner of the goat will receive a copy of the results to be kept with the animal, and the registry receives a copy of the results to be stored in the appropriate registry herd book. Does ABGA make the DNA Report on my goat available to anyone else? No, absolutely not. If you want someone to have that information, you must provide it to them yourself. Can I get other animals DNA results? No. Only the owner of the DNA sample can get that information. The member will need to contact the owner of the animal who is also the owner of the DNA to get those results. Can I submit DNA directly to UC Davis? You can submit directly to UC Davis for your own records, but unfortunately ABGA does not accept DNA results that are submitted directly to UC Davis. Can the test tell me if my goat is a percentage or fullblood? No. With current information available, there is no way to tell what percentage Boer is in a goat. Is there an extra fee for parent verification? No. The ABGA included this service in our price of doing the DNA test. Will I be told who the parents are? No. The test will show how close they matched, or didn’t match what you indicated on the form. Can I request parent verification of my goat(s) if I don’t own one of the parents? Yes, but only if you verify parentage through ABGA, the parents are registered and have been DNA tested through ABGA. The goat you are verifying parentage of must have some form of an ABGA registration or listing paper number and then all you need is the goat’s parents’ registration numbers to verify the parentage of your goat. If the goat’s parents have not been DNA tested, you would need to order DNA test sample kits on the parents as well as the goat at the same time. If you verify through UC Davis, and/or your goat’s parents have not been DNA tested through ABGA, you must have the VGL Case ID number from their owner. Do I need to keep a sample of the hair? Both UC Davis and ABGA suggest that when you pull a sample to send in for testing, you pull another sample. Place it in an envelope the same way you do the sample you’re sending in and write the identifying information on the envelope. Store it in a DRY, safe place. The best protection of your sample is to leave it in storage at UC Davis where there are documented safeguards in place. Who Owns the Rights to Do Research on the Sample or Sell those Rights? A sample by itself is worthless for research. However, UC Davis retains research rights on all samples it houses, whether they come from individual customers or contract customer associations, like the ABGA. Here is the language each customer receives from UC Davis: [USE OF DATA. All Research data, including but not limited to, all notebooks, DNA typing protocols, original laboratory records, and any research reports, shall be usable by University in pursuit of its mission of teaching, research and public service. University reserves the right, subject to individual confidentiality requirements, to publish any or all research results developed from such data.] Frequently Asked DNA Questions Request DNA Testing Download Printable Form Complete Online Form

The American Boer Goat Association and UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) celebrate 10 years of successful partnership. To enhance breeding programs, ABGA transitions to advanced SNP analysis, leveraging UC Davis VGL's expertise in modern genetic technologies. DNA The American Boer Goat Association and UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) celebrate 10 years of successful partnership. Over 29,000 Boer goats have been DNA tested using STR technology. To enhance breeding programs, ABGA transitions to advanced SNP analysis, leveraging UC Davis VGL's expertise in modern genetic technologies. What's New Request DNA Testing Sample Collection + shipping Transitioning to SNP DNA FAQ What's New As of September 1, 2021, all DNA is voluntary. DNA Voucher Program Update In January 2025, the BOD approved giving members a one-time $50 voucher to be used for SNP DNA testing as part of the $100,000 that is designated for DNA programs. The vouchers were to be used by July 1, 2025, with the board re-evaluating the voucher program and use of the remaining funds during the Summer Face-to-Face Meeting. During this meeting, the ABGA Board of Directors tabled the use of vouchers and remaining funds until further evaluation of the best use of these funds can be determined. We appreciate the participation and interest shown by our members and will continue to keep you informed on future decisions regarding DNA testing support. Watch our DNA FAQ with DNA Chairman Paige Gunderson, DNA Co-chair Kyle Tate, Executive Director Caleb Boardman, and ABGA staff & DNA Coordinator Jaelynn Reyes. Watch now All pending STR tests will need to be fulfilled by April 1, 2024. This is for those that submitted a request for DNA testing but have not sent a sample to UC Davis. If you already have an STR test on file, you can upgrade to an SNP test without needing to submit a new hair sample, provided there is enough sample available for retesting. However, if the sample is degraded or insufficient for additional testing, a new sample will be required. In such cases, the labs will notify you accordingly. Turnaround time can vary depending on the sample volume of the laboratory, the quality of the sample submitted and if repeat testing has to be performed. Typically, from the time the laboratory receives the sample until the parentage is reported it takes around 10-14 business days. Delays can also occur if the sample volume for testing is low as samples need to be processed 24 at a time. ABGA is offering $5 off the next 192 SNP and/or SNP & STR combo tests. Take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to verify and strengthen your herd’s genetics! SNP Test $62 $57 Per Animal SNP is often referred to as “snip.” This newer and more modern type of marker analysis is currently used in today’s industry and genetic market. When a sample is tested with SNPs, there are roughly 200 markers that the lab views to compare with another animal’s markers to determine parent verification. This allows differentiation between full-sibling parents during verification that STR testing could not do. SNP + STR Test $96 $91 Per Animal Parent Qualification requires the parent to be SNP tested. If your offspring's parents were tested prior to February 2025, you must upgrade the parents test to the updated SNP technology or request the STR & SNP combo for your requested offspring. Request DNA Testing Identification All goats' DNA tested through ABGA must be registered, and have ABGA identification such as their name and identifying marks, tattoos, or microchip number. Parent Qualification If you are requesting parent qualification, check Yes under the question Are you requesting Parent Qualification, and complete the Sire and/or Dam name and registration number. Processing Time UC Davis will email your DNA Sample Instructions to your email address within three (3) business days of ONLINE and/or mailed submission to ABGA. If you did not provide an email address, the DNA Sample Instructions will be mailed to you. If you do not receive your DNA Sample Instructions within 3 business days, CHECK YOUR JUNK EMAIL. If it is not there, contact the ABGA office at (325) 486-2242, or email dna@abga.org . UC Davis will process SNP samples once they have fulfilled the 24-sample requirement. Once the SNP Chip is run and no additional testing is needed, please allow 8-10 business days to process and submit the results report to ABGA. Request SNP Testing Download Printable Form Sample Collection & Shipping Hair Hair root from coarse, longer hair often found over withers, chest, rump, tail, back of hind leg, poll, or fetlock is the preferred sample type for goats. 01 Clean (use comb if possible) by removing all loose hair and foreign matter. 02 Use fingers or pliers to grasp approximately 8-10 hairs close to the skin and pull. Pull (do NOT cut) hair strands. Examine the end of hair strands for presence of root bulbs. Hair roots are necessary for DNA testing. If the majority of hair strands lack the root bulbs, discard hair and start again. 03 Repeat until you have approximately 50-60 hairs with root follicles attached. 04 Place the 50-60 hairs with root follicles attached in a paper envelope and seal with the animal’s name, registration number, and your name written on the envelope 05 Repeat steps 1-4 for each additional animal being sampled. Note: Hair should be dry. If hair has excess dirt and debris, please brush out if possible before pulling hairs for sample. Do not cut the hair! The roots contain the DNA for testing. When sampling several animals in the same session, make sure that there are no hair strands in your hands to reduce the possibility of sample contamination. Clean hands and/or pliers if possible. Blood 01 UC Davis accepts blood collected on blood cards or whole blood in an EDTA tube. 02 If you are sending an EDTA tube, please include at least 3 mL of whole blood in and EDTA purple top, and ship overnight. Avoid shipping over weekends and holidays. 03 Label tubes and blood cards with the animal's name and registration number. Semen 01 Semen straws do not need to kept frozen for shipping, but should be shipped with a cold pack and protected similar to a vaccine. 02 Label your straw with the animal's name and registration number. 03 Store the semen straw(s) in a Ziploc type baggie to prevent leaks, and ship in a box to prevent damage to your sample(s). 04 Place the printed bar-coded submission form inside the box with your sample(s), and ship to the address provided to you in your email from UC Davis. Genetic Improvement SNP testing helps identify genetic markers associated with desirable traits such as milk production, growth rate, and disease resistance. This information can be used to select and breed goats with superior genetics. Parentage Verification It accurately determines the parentage of goats, which is crucial for maintaining pedigree records and ensuring the integrity of breeding programs. STR cannot differentiate between twins, or flush mates, while SNP can. Genetic Diversity SNP testing provides insights into the genetic diversity within and between goat populations. This is important for conservation efforts and for maintaining a healthy gene pool. Disease Resistance By identifying genetic variations linked to disease resistance, SNP testing can help in breeding goats that are more resilient to certain diseases, reducing the need for medical interventions. Economic Benefits Improved genetic selection can lead to higher productivity and better-quality products (e.g. meat), which can enhance the profitability of goat farming. Research and Development SNP data contributes to scientific research, helping to understand the genetic basis of various traits and improving breeding strategies. Transitioning to Advanced Genetic Analysis for Better Breeding Outcomes Beginning February 1, 2025, all DNA testing will move to a Single-nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis, commonly pronounced as “snip.” The American Boer Goat Association has been in partnership with UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) for 10 years. Since our contract began, UC Davis VGL has tested and stored data and physical samples for over 29,300 ABGA animals using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) testing. To better serve our member’s breeding programs, the ABGA Board agreed to transition forward to a more comprehensive DNA analysis. SNP analysis represents a modern and advanced type of marker analysis widely utilized in today’s genetic industry and market, and UC Davis VGL has been an expert in SNP testing since the 1990s. While the current STR testing is satisfactory for parentage testing, SNP testing offers many more benefits including more accurate parentage verification and opportunities for future research to determine genomic predictors of tested animals. Benefits of SNP Testing DNA FAQ Is DNA mandatory? Per rule 801: As of September1, 2021, DNA testing will be on a voluntary basis. However, DNA testing must be requested and processed through the ABGA office to be eligible for use with ABGA registration. There may eventually be requirements for A.I. Sires, Walking Sires, Donor Dams, and A.I./E.T. kids, but no timeline has been established for DNA to be required at this time. What is the difference between STR and SNP, and why do we need to use SNPs now? STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis are markers that have been historically used to perform parentage verification. When a sample is tested with STR analysis, are compared to those of the parents to verify. SNP (Single-nucleotide Polymorphism) is often referred to as “snip.” It is a different type of marker that can also be used for parentage verification. When a sample is tested using SNPs, there are several hundred to thousands of places in the DNA that are assayed, and these are compared between offspring and parents. In addition, SNP collects over 70,000 different autosomal markers. Why was this DNA plan developed? Testing with SNPs provides for the opportunity to capture more information on each animal than was historically performed with STR testing. This may help to resolve cases of closely related individuals and may also help to build a database to allow further research and enable additional genetic/genomic selection tools If the ABGA elects to start developing expected progeny differences (EPDs)EPD’s, combining these with SNP data will provide a more accurate prediction of the animal's genetic potential. This plan was also developed to adopt technologies and build tools used throughout the livestock industry. The goal is to constantly improve Boer goat’s place in the industry and be able to provide more comprehensive and accurate information to our customers that allows them to be more confident in purchasing decisions. Our goal is to serve all our ABGA members and Boer Goat breeders. We welcome any questions so that we can help and advise you on the best plan for your operation. For more information contact dna@abga.org . What is ABGA doing to support the transition from STR to SNP for members? ABGA allocated $100,000 for the transition from STR to SNP testing. ABGA initially offered a $50 voucher to the first 2,000 members who applied to subsidize the costs of SNP tests. Each membership was limited to one $50 voucher, which had to be used before July 1, 2025. The BOD is currently re-evaluating the best use of the remaining funds. As new information or programs are released, we will continue to update the membership. If my sire/dam was already DNA typed with STR, do I still need to upgrade to SNP? Currently, when a sample is submitted for genotyping or parent verification, it will be tested for a panel of SNP markers. If the sire or dam was DNA typed with a STR profile, then they cannot be compared to an animal with a SNP profile, as these are two different types of markers (explained above). If you need parentage on an animal, it would be in your best interest to upgrade parent animals to a SNP profile, if you have not done so already. In 2025, ABGA is offering a voucher of $50 per customer that can be used for any test, including upgrading from STR to SNP profiles, for the first 2000 customers. Will I need to submit a new sample to upgrade from STR to SNP? Possibly. If you have already submitted a sample to UC Davis, it is likely that the sample can be upgraded from STR to SNP if there is enough remaining sample on file to do so. It is possible for samples to degrade over time. If a sample is degraded or there is insufficient sample remaining to do additional testing, a new sample would be required. The labs will send a notification of this if it does become the case. Will there be other markers beyond SNP that I will need to make another transition to in the future? This seems unlikely, given the nature of SNP markers and what we know about the genome of animals. However, technology advances and there may be other methodologies developed to generate the data. Most laboratories are selecting a core set of markers to use moving forward and likely, as technologies change, these markers will remain the same. Is there the possibility that there could be newer, more advanced, even more accurate technology in the future? Yes. But as it currently stands, SNP analysis are the markers and the methodology that is being used, and it appears it will stay that way for the foreseeable future. What does the DNA test do for me? It identifies the specific genotypes of many markers across the DNA of the goat you have tested. It allows for parent verification and future verification of that goat as the parent of any kid(s). It will show on your goat’s registration papers, and on online searches people do, that your goat’s identity is verified and recorded through the DNA test, preserving the integrity of our breed. It will allow you to show your goat’s parentage has been verified, if you have requested parent verification. Will DNA be used for research? Yes. UC Davis retains the right to use all samples stored at the VGL for research. Research and the benefits that it can provide to producers is the main focus of the program for the ABGA. As more members participate in the DNA testing program, this will make meaningful research a reality for our animals for the first time. Who owns the DNA sample? All DNA samples submitted through the registry are considered the registry’s samples, however, all samples are stored at UC Davis VGL, and the VGL retains the right to use any samples stored for research purposes. For contract customer registries like ABGA, the registry has ultimate ownership of the sample. The animal owner ordering the test receives the results of the DNA tests requested on their goats. This gives ABGA members the guarantee that should UC Davis requests to dispose of samples processed through ABGA requests, ABGA can move those samples to another facility so they are still available for research that will benefit all members. Should it matter to me that the ABGA shares ownership of the sample? Yes. It gives you the guarantee that your sample is safe, regardless of what UC Davis may decide in the future. It makes it easier and cheaper for members to DNA test their goats, and verify parentage, if they wish to do that. Who gets a copy of the DNA Report listing the Markers? For contract customer registries, like ABGA, the owner of the goat will receive a copy of the results to be kept with the animal, and the registry receives a copy of the results to be stored in the appropriate registry herd book. Can I get other animals' DNA results? No. Only the owner of the DNA sample can get that information. The member will need to contact the owner of the animal who is also the owner of the DNA to get those results. The DNA test results will stay with the animal. If you purchased an animal that has DNA on file you may request the DNA report per rule 805 “A copy of the official test report will be released to the current owner of record.” Can I submit DNA directly to UC Davis? You can submit directly to UC Davis for your own records, but unfortunately ABGA does not accept DNA results on samples that are submitted directly to UC Davis. UC Davis does not offer SNP testing directly to breeders. You may only request SNP testing through ABGA. Can the test tell me if my goat is a percentage or fullblood? No. With current information available, there is no way to tell what percentage Boer is in a goat. Is there an extra fee for parent verification? No. The ABGA included this service in our price for doing the DNA test. Will I be told who the parents are? Not exactly. You select who the possible parents are and request to verify parentage. Therefore, the results will show if those selected possible parents qualify as parents or if they are excluded as parents. Can I request parent verification of my goat(s) if I don’t own one of the parents? Yes, but only if you verify parentage through ABGA, the parents are registered and have been DNA tested through ABGA. The goat you are verifying parentage of must have some form of an ABGA registration or listing paper number and then all you need is the goat’s parents’ registration numbers to verify the parentage of your goat. If the goat’s parents have not been DNA tested, you would need to order DNA test sample kits on the parents as well as the goat at the same time. If you verify through UC Davis, and/or your goat’s parents have not been DNA tested through ABGA, you must have the VGL Case ID number from their owner. Do I need to keep a sample of the hair? Both UC Davis and ABGA suggest that when you pull a sample to send in for testing, you pull another sample. Place it in an envelope the same way you do the sample you’re sending in and write the identifying information on the envelope. Store it in a DRY, safe place. The best protection of your sample is to leave it in storage at UC Davis where there are documented safeguards in place. Who owns the rights to do research on the sample or sell those rights? A sample by itself is worthless for research. However, UC Davis retains research rights on all samples it houses, whether they come from individual customers or contract customer associations, like the ABGA. The following language is provided to each customer from UC Davis: USE OF DATA. All Research data, including but not limited to, all notebooks, DNA typing protocols, original laboratory records, and any research reports, shall be usable by university in pursuit of its mission of teaching, research and public service. University reserves the right, subject to individual confidentiality requirements, to publish any or all research results developed from such data. Is there an extra fee for a Parentage Data Search? Yes, $5 Can I pay to submit a semen sample if I am not the current owner? Per Rule 802.c “Only the current owner of the animal can request DNA Testing. Written and signed confirmation from the current owner on record or their descendants will be required for the release to test an animal not belonging to the member requesting to test said animal.” Can I pay to move the DNA UC Davis has stored to be SNP tested if I am not the current owner? Per Rule 802.c “Only the current owner of the animal can request DNA Testing. Written and signed confirmation from the current owner on record or their descendants will be required for the release to test an animal not belonging to the member requesting to test said animal.” On 1/14/2025 the board approved to add the following to rule 802.c “If an animal has previously been tested using STR technology, any current or previous owner of that animal may pay to have the DNA transitioned to SNP technology.” What is the timeline for results? Turnaround time can vary depending on the sample volume of the laboratory, the quality of the sample submitted and if repeat testing has to be performed. Typically, from the time the laboratory receives the sample until the parentage is reported it takes around 10-14 business days. Delays can also occur if the sample volume for testing is low as samples need to be processed 24 at a time.

Boer goats gestate for an average of 150 days. Use the ABGA Gestation Calculator to determine the approximate due date of a pregnant goat based on the breeding or exposure date. Gestation Calculator Boer goats gestate for an average of 150 days. Use the ABGA Gestation Calculator to determine the approximate due date of a pregnant goat based on the breeding or exposure date. Gestation Calculator Exposure Date Expected Kidding Date: The average gestation period for Boer goats typically falls around 150 days. By choosing your breeding or estimated exposure date, you can determine the expected kidding date. It is advised to closely observe does 10 days before and after this anticipated date. Does expecting multiple kids often deliver earlier, while does expecting less kids often deliver later. For the highest likelihood of survival, a doe should ideally be at least 140 days into the pregnancy.

The American Boer Goat Association identifies animals based on age and ownership tattoos in the right and left ear of the animal. These tattoos must follow ABGA rules and guidelines. All goats must be tattooed at the time of application for registration. Each goat must have a unique tattoo sequence. The applicant’s HERD PREFIX shall be tattooed in the RIGHT EAR of all goats submitted for registration. (If a doe is sold to a new owner during pregnancy, offspring resulting from that pregnancy shall have the herd prefix of the owner of the doe at kidding tattooed in the right ear of each offspring submitted for registration). The LEFT EAR of all goats submitted for registration shall be tattooed with a letter to indicate the year the animal was born, followed by a serial number to designate the order of birth. (See ABGA Tattoo Letters ). No goat shall be registered by ABGA with the same tattoo (combination of right and left ear tattoos) within a 22 year period. Permanently implanted microchip identification will be accepted by ABGA as official identification in addition to, or in lieu of, tattoos. ABGA Tattoo Letters Tips for Successful Tattooing of Your Goats Halter or muzzle the animal, if necessary. Insert the correct symbols in the pliers. Check the correctness of the symbols by making a mark on a piece of paper. Smear ink on the skin, choosing an area free from freckles and warts, if possible. Place the symbols parallel to and between the veins or cartilage of the ear or the veins of the tail web. Green paste is much better for permanent tattoo identification, particularly where the tissue receiving the tattoo is black or very dark. Do not disturb the area until the healing process is complete, which may be from five to twenty-one days. Keep a list of tattoo numbers with names of animals and enter it in your private breeding record. To read the tattoo in a dark-ear animal, hold a lighted flashlight against the outside of the ear. Equipment Needed: Baking soda, tattoo digits, numbers and alphabet, tattoo ink (paste or roll-on; green is the most versatile), tattoo pliers, wet wipes, toothbrush, and towel. Clean the ear. Scrub the middle of the ear with a wipe. Dry the ear thoroughly. Apply ink to ear. Tattoo the ear using tattoo pliers. Push down hard. The herd prefix goes in the right ear, and the year letter and goat's number go in the left ear. Apply more ink. Apply baking soda. Work baking soda into tattooed area. Finished product after one year. Learn More Tattoo Guidelines ABGA identifies animals by their left and right ear tattoos These tattoos must follow ABGA rules and guidelines.