The
grading up process has been set in accordance
with the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association
(America) www.ndga.org, height standards
(Does max 22.4", Bucks max 23.6")
and adopted by the AMGR for the continued
development of the Australian miniature
goat breed.
As
of the 1st Jan 2006, animals are only
recognised as Australian Miniature Goats
after they have been height verified
and meet the height requirements as
three year olds. Animals will
be required to be height verified again
at 4yrs of age.
Herd
Book Purebred
Herd
Book Purebred, adult animals must
have two registered (minimum foundation
Purebred) parents of the same breed
type and be the fourth generation of
the same type. Animals must conform
to the characteristics of their breed
type. Does must not exceed 57cm (22.4").
Bucks must not exceed 60cm or (23.6")
at 3yrs of age. Nuwby Bucks must not
exceed 62.2cm (24.5").
Australian
"Foundation" Grade Standards
Purebred,
Adult
animals must have two registered (minimum
Grade A) parents
of the same breed type.
Does must not exceed 57cm (22.4")
and Bucks must not exceed 60cm or (23.6")
at 3yrs of age.
Animals must conform to the characteristics
of their breed type.
Grade
A,
Adult animals must have two registered
(minimum Grade B) parents. Adult
Does must not exceed 58.5cm.
Adult Bucks must not exceed 61cm
at 3yrs. Animals must conform to the
characteristics of their breed type.
Grade
B,
Adult animals must have (minimum Grade
C) parents. *Adult
Does
must not exceed 59.7cm
at 3yrs. Adult
Bucks must not exceed 62.2cm
at 3yrs.
Animals
should conform to the characteristics
of their breed type.
Grade
C,
Adult Does must have at least one registered
(minimum Grade D) parent and must not
exceed 61cm at 3yrs.
Adult Bucks must have two registered (minimum
Grade D) parents and must not exceed 63.5cm
at 3yrs.
Grade D,
Open to any adult animal not exceeding
63.5cm in height at 3yrs, with or without
recorded parentage.
Overheight Animals,
Overheight animals may be used in the
development of the miniature breed with
their progeny being eligible for inclusion
in the lower grade section of the AMGR
Studbook provided such progeny meet the
height requirements for the breed.
The Grading up process used by other livestock
Societies requires the use of a Herdbook
Purebred (sire or dam) to be used with
a Grade parent to produce animals in the
next Grade. This Grading up system is
preferred by the AMGR and will be adopted
when suitable purebred number are reached.
Why
HEIGHT VERIFICATION is done at three years...
It
is believed that most animals have reached
their mature height by this time. There
is the odd occasion where an animal has
been NUTRITIONALLY CHALLENGED, where this
animal suddenly has a huge growth spurt
after three year, but these cases are
very rare. Bucks have been known to "lay"
a centimetre or two over the shoulder
as they "thicken up" after reaching
three years of age.
It
is important to have the parents HEIGHT
VERIFIED as three year olds, so the
young stock can be GRADED accordingly.
Classification
All Grade and Purebred animals will be
classified for type upon turning three
years of age. To enable all goats to be
correctly classified by type three good
quality photos, one of each side and one
front on, will be required when upgrading
or with application for registration for
all animals. The animal should be standing
in a relaxed position with it's head turned
slightly toward the camera and must clearly
show the position and structure of the
ears (ear set).
Breeding
Breeders should work to breed animals
that meet the ideal breed standards using
the grading up process.
Breed types can be crossed in the lower
grades and although it is allowable in
the higher grades, it is not recommended.
Purebred animals will only be recognised
if they are produced from two Grade A
animals of the same breed type and providing
they meet the ideal breed conformation
standards.
*Please
Note: The MGBA adjusted B Grade heights
on the 26/01/2008 by half of an inch.
