1 American Boer Goat Association Judge certification Judge certification

2 Certification Overview Administered under rules 1600 & 1601 of ABGA Rules and Regulations. Administered under rules 1600 & 1601 of ABGA Rules and Regulations. Three parts of the the Judge Certification Exam Three parts of the the Judge Certification Exam 1.} Written - 60 points 1.} Written - 60 points 40 questions M/C - 1 to 2 points each 40 questions M/C - 1 to 2 points each Goat anatomy - 15 points Goat anatomy - 15 points 2.} Placing points 2.} Placing points 7 classes of full blood bucks and does & percentages 7 classes of full blood bucks and does & percentages 3.} Oral Reasons points 3.} Oral Reasons points 4 classes of reasons 4 classes of reasons

3 Certification Overview Judge Certification Exam Judge Certification Exam 1.} Written - 10% of the total score - 60 points 1.} Written - 10% of the total score - 60 points 2.} Placing - 57% of the total score points 2.} Placing - 57% of the total score points 3.} Reasons - 33% of the total score points 3.} Reasons - 33% of the total score points Judge candidate must score 70% or more on each section Judge candidate must score 70% or more on each section Total points required will be between 70% and 90% Total points required will be between 70% and 90%

4 About the ABGA Formed in 1993 Formed in 1993 Located in San Angelo, Texas Located in San Angelo, Texas 2008 Senior membership of Senior membership of Junior membership of Junior membership of 2014 Provides registry and membership services Provides registry and membership services Emphasis on youth programs Emphasis on youth programs Invested in marketing, promotion, genetic improvement of the Boer Goat Invested in marketing, promotion, genetic improvement of the Boer Goat

5 History of the Boer goat Developed in South Africa Developed in South Africa Recognized as a breed in the early 1960’s Recognized as a breed in the early 1960’s Named for the Afrikaans farmer or “Boer” Named for the Afrikaans farmer or “Boer” Entered the United States for breeding in Entered the United States for breeding in Arrived as live animals from New Zealand followed by embryos direct from SA and direct import of live animals from SA. Arrived as live animals from New Zealand followed by embryos direct from SA and direct import of live animals from SA.

6 Sanctioned Shows 122 sanctioned shows in 2004 with over 14,000 animals exhibited. 122 sanctioned shows in 2004 with over 14,000 animals exhibited. 267 sanctioned shows in 2008 with more than 33,000 animals exhibited open show expense of $105, sanctioned shows in 2008 with more than 33,000 animals exhibited open show expense of $105, Since 2000, in excess of $1,000, invested in ABGA approved shows. Since 2000, in excess of $1,000, invested in ABGA approved shows. Currently 83 ABGA approved judges. Currently 83 ABGA approved judges.

7 Goat Anatomy

8 Ranking Traits 1. Structural Correctness 1. Structural Correctness 2. Conformation (Balance & Style) 2. Conformation (Balance & Style) 3. Frame Size 3. Frame Size 4. Capacity/Volume 4. Capacity/Volume 5. Degree of Muscling 5. Degree of Muscling 6. Sex Characteristics 6. Sex Characteristics 7. Fit & Finish 7. Fit & Finish 8. Breed Character 8. Breed Character

9 ABGA Breed Standards What is a Breed Standard A standard is a conceptual ideal of the perfect animal.A standard is a conceptual ideal of the perfect animal. Based on the best knowledge of the industry.Based on the best knowledge of the industry. Will change over time.Will change over time. Standards are a yardstick by which the breeder may measure his advances toward a more desirable Boer goat.Standards are a yardstick by which the breeder may measure his advances toward a more desirable Boer goat.

10 ABGA Breed Standards Objectives of a Breed Standards Identify desirable and undesirable traits.Identify desirable and undesirable traits. Provide a basis for phenotype evaluation.Provide a basis for phenotype evaluation. Emphasis on production traits.Emphasis on production traits. The whole is really greater than the sum of its parts, but each enhances or detracts from the whole.The whole is really greater than the sum of its parts, but each enhances or detracts from the whole.

11 Not an absolute. Not an absolute. Not a scientifically exact diagram of a Boer goat. Not a scientifically exact diagram of a Boer goat. Mother nature makes no mistakes – just real expensive commercial animals Mother nature makes no mistakes – just real expensive commercial animals What the Breed Standards is not ABGA Breed Standards

12 ABGA Breed Standards The standard is made up of 3 sections: I.CONFORMATION II.SKIN AND COVERING III.REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

13 ABGA Breed Standards Each section: Describes the body area Describes the body area Lists faults under the body area Lists faults under the body area Lists disqualifications under the body area Lists disqualifications under the body area Lists any extreme occurrence of an undesirable trait is a disqualification. Lists any extreme occurrence of an undesirable trait is a disqualification.

14 ABGA Breed Standards I. CONFORMATION Any extreme occurrence of an undesirable trait is a disqualification. HEAD A prominent, strong head with brown eyes and a gentle appearance. Nose with a gentle curve, wide nostrils, and well formed mouth with well-opposed jaws. The jaws must have no over or under bite from birth to 24 months of age. After 24 months no more than a ¼ of an inch under bite is allowed. Correct fit is preferred. Teeth should erupt in the proper sequential positions. The forehead should be prominent and form an even curve linking the nose and horns. Horns should be dark, round, strong, of moderate length, positioned well apart and have a gradual backward curve before turning outward symmetrically. Ears should be smooth of medium length and hang downward. Faults: Concave forehead, straight horns, jaw too pointed, overshot or undershot jaws Disqualifications: Blue eyes, ears folded lengthwise, short ears, parrot mouth or more than ¼ of an inch under bite.

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