Pedi-what?

It seems to me that "Upper-class" goats have pedigrees.  In my research to purchase goats earlier this year, I found websites advertising that their goats contained certain bloodlines, etc.

As I understand it, certain farms/goats are known for producing really amazing animals as far as milk production, body conformation, etc.  These farms often register their animals by their farm name first, then the goat's name.  If a particular goat is registered, that goat's relatives can all be tracked and their genealogy can be analyzed.  Someone looking to purchase a goat can review the goat's bloodlines and see if any reputable farms or animals are in the heritage.  If so, the goat will likely display desirable characteristics.

This "pedigree" line has become a bit more relevant as I am seeking to breed-up my goats.  I have chosen a buck which is mostly unrelated to my does.  This buck has a history of throwing nice kids.  Also, some of his relatives turned out to be high-producing, nicely formed animals.  He has grandparents and great-grandparents from reputable farms.

I am only scratching the surface of understanding pedigrees.  Maybe one day I will be able to share a bit more in depth...Goat keeping is an adventure and a journey.  I never stop learning!

The ADGA

When I was looking to purchase my goats, I decided that I wanted registered goats.  In a practical sense, registration papers don't change anything about the goat.  However, registered goats are easier to sell than non-registered goats.  The bloodlines of registered goats can be traced.  Registration is also necessary for showing the goats or the goat's offspring.

The American Dairy Goat Association is the organization which organizes goat shows, compiles a directory of goat owners, offers useful information to members, and issues registrations.

Before I could register my goats, I had to join the organization.  I was issued an ADGA membership number and I was sent an information packet about various "breed standards" and association rules as well as information about raising goats.

Then, I submitted information about the goats that I had received from each of the breeders.  Charlotte was already registered, so I merely had to "transfer" the registration from her previous owner.  For the Edna and Elly May, the breeders had filled out forms with information about their coloring, date of birth, tattoo letters/numbers, etc.

Once the ADGA processed this information, I received some very official looking registration certificates in the mail!

As I went through the process of registering the goats, I found myself amused at all of the paperwork and the lengthy ordeal!  I thought goats were "farm-animals," right?

I am glad my goats are registered.  However, regardless of registration, I am thankful for my animals.  They provide a useful function (producing milk) as well as an opportunity for gaining those life lessons that can only be learned by caring for goats!

November 2, 2014

A goat report:

Happy November 2, 2014!  It is hard to believe that November is already here!  I turned the page on my goat calendar (which serves as a consistent reminder of the animals I enjoy!) and I marveled that the days are flying so swiftly.  In addition to being November already, today is "fall back," the turning of the clocks an hour back and saying hello to the shorter daylight hours.  I sure enjoyed the extra hour of rest, although I am not sure that my goats appreciated me milking them an hour late!

I have been implementing a new routine with the goats by milking at 8am and then again at 5pm.  It isn't the "traditional" 12-apart milking regime that many people follow, however it seems to be working well.  Charlotte is producing around 5-6 pounds of milk per day.  This is truly the perfect amount!  It is enough to make a bit of cheese and use it for cooking, etc.

I am also working on getting the goats bred this month.  I have found a buck in the area which can "service" them, so hopefully they will soon be expecting goat kids!