 | How to start - The most important first step is to contact the local DHIA you want to work with. They will get you going. Once that is set up (with your new herdcode), you can contact the registry if you want them to have your records. A new herd can come on at any time, just if it is ADGA do it before you dry the does off so the electronic records come through. Annual renewals with a registry usually have a deadline. |
| Registry - If working with a registry, they will be able to answer your questions - that is what they are there for! Go straight to the source of information with your questions. DHIA's are not responsible for keeping up with registry policies. |
| Costs - These will depend on your local association, which reports you opt to receive from your record center, your lab's fees, shipping costs, registry costs (if DHIR) and what arrangement you have with your tester. |
| Test Day - This day should be like a normal test day, just with testing going on! Routines should not be altered but you will need to allow extra time. Tip: If milking once a day, put a Zero for the second non-milking portion. Record centers do not recognize anything less than twice a day milking. |
| Frequency of Testing - There is no set requirement for numbers of tests. That is an old rule no longer in place. However your registry may require a certain number of tests for some plans (such as the ADGA Owner Sampler for AR). There is also no requirement for how many days between tests. If a test period goes more than 90 days it won't be used for genetic evaluations. But it can still provide a record. Tests less than 15 days apart are not allowed. |
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Days in Milk - Care should be taken when reading "Days" on the Provo worksheet. This is NOT Days in Milk, but the number of days at the level achieved on test day. For Days in Milk always use the freshen date to the current date. |
| Doe Pages - Keep the latest, it may be needed. Some plans or registries require you to send in a doe page when the doe is dry. ADGA records for everything except Owner Sampler Star Program are electronically uploaded. But keep the last doe page as a backup. |
| Verification Tests - Arranging this is the owner's responsibility. It is better to schedule this earlier than later! Remember you are validating full function, not just getting it done before you dry the doe off. Some plans even have specific requirements. The Owner Sampler plan at ADGA requires that the majority of the herd be between 60-150 days. Important to remember: ADGA verification tests require 3 supervised milkings. Even if once a day, the supervisor must note that was a non-milking event. If using a one day test as a verification, be sure to check your plan. Some require the entire herd to be at the one day test, not just individual animals. |
| Supervisors (testers) - should be able to observe the entire process. They need to see visible ID (tags which can be worn on test day only). They should observe your biosecurity steps. They need to sample from the entire milking (not strippings if using a machine!). They should notify you of each weight as they measure. They must retain control of the samples from collection to shipping. |
| Shipping - You can purchase a special milk shipping box which the lab will return to you for each test. But they are larger than most herds need. Talk to your lab about what can be substituted for shipping the samples. Samples should be stored at room temperature unless extremely hot or cold. Be sure the preservative is mixed into the sample. Never SHAKE the sample! Just rock back and forth to mix the sample. Samples should arrive at the lab no later than 6 days after test day so that may determine whether you use a shipping service or regular US Mail. Tip: Have a good relationship with your lab - they can answer all of these questionss! |
| Records - this is critical. You and your tester are responsible for coding the test day characteristics. This is why training is so important. From identification to milk weights, it all needs to be correct. So this means when you get your records back after each test you should review them for accuracy! Almost 20% of goat records contain errors. These are generally caused at the farm or at the record center (it isn't easy to read everyone's writing!). Errors can prevent the record from going through or their use in genetic evaluations. |