Mandatory DNA Testing for Bucks
Bucks born on or after January 1, 2024, must have a DNA profile on file with ADGA before any of their offspring can be registered.
The buck may be registered before DNA testing is completed. However, applications for his offspring cannot be processed until his DNA profile has been received and recorded by ADGA.
Before submitting an application to register offspring from a qualifying buck, confirm that his DNA profile is visible in ADGA Next Generation.
Which Animals Require DNA Testing?
To meet this requirement, only the buck born on or after January 1, 2024, must have a DNA profile on file.
His sire and dam are not required to be DNA tested; parentage verification is requested or needed to resolve a pedigree question. If the sire and dam are already on file, parentage verification will be automatically completed.
Who Can Request DNA Testing?
DNA testing may be requested by:
- The animal’s breeder
- Any owner on record
- Another individual who has written authorization from the current owner that has been submitted to ADGA
- Any member that is the owner of semen straws they wish to submit for testing.
A person who is neither the breeder nor the current owner must provide written permission to ADGA authorizing them to submit the sample.
Requesting DNA After Registration
When the buck’s parentage is not in question, the simplest option is to register him first and then request an Individual & Parentage DNA through ADGA Next Generation.
Once the laboratory result has been received and processed, the DNA profile will be connected to the buck’s registration record.
Members may request DNA testing through the DNA Request option in the animal’s NG record.
Requesting DNA Before Registration
DNA testing may also be requested before a buck is registered. Breeders may choose this if his parentage needs to be resolved or the breeder wishes to decide if he will be registered based on a diagnostic result.
When submitting a request for an unregistered animal, identify him using:
- Tattoos and tattoo locations
- Date of birth
- Breed
- Sex
- All potential sire and dam, when parentage testing is requested
After the animal is registered, the DNA profile will need to be connected to the completed registration record. Fill out this JotForm to have your DNA linked:
Parentage Verification
An Individual DNA Profile satisfies the DNA requirement for bucks born on or after January 1, 2024.
Parentage verification is not required unless:
- The buck’s parentage is uncertain
- More than one sire or dam is possible
- ADGA identifies an exclusion or pedigree concern
- Parentage verification is required under another ADGA policy or registration procedure
When a recorded parent already has DNA on file through ADGA, a parentage comparison will be completed as part of the testing process.
What Happens if the Buck Does Not Have DNA on File?
An application to register offspring from a qualifying buck cannot be completed until his DNA profile is recorded by ADGA.
To prevent registration delays, request testing early and collect the sample while the buck is still available. This is especially important before a buck is sold, transferred, leased, collected, or otherwise leaves the herd.
What if a Doe Was Bred to More Than One Buck?
Goats may have split litters, meaning kids born in the same litter can have different sires.
When a doe was exposed to more than one buck, within 10 days during the breeding period, DNA parentage verification is required before the kids can be registered.
ADGA must have a DNA profile on file for each kid being evaluated and for each possible sire. The dam’s DNA may also be required, particularly when the potential sires are closely related.
Do not assume all littermates have the same sire when more than one buck may have bred the doe.
Privately Ordered DNA Results
DNA results obtained outside the ADGA ordering process may be accepted when they meet current ADGA requirements and are submitted directly by an approved laboratory.
To have privately ordered DNA added to an ADGA record, submit a Support Ticket and select the Transfer DNA category. Include the animal’s registered name, registration number, and available laboratory information.
A transfer fee may apply.
Viewing DNA Results
After the laboratory report has been received and processed by ADGA, results may be viewed in the animal’s record in ADGA Next Generation.
From the animal’s record, select DNA in the Animal Details menu. Members with linked accounts may need to select All Memberships to locate the animal.
Need Assistance?
For help requesting DNA, transferring privately ordered results or connecting a tattoo-based profile to a registered animal, submit a Support Ticket and select the appropriate DNA category.
Include the animal’s registered name, registration number or tattoos, and any available DNA case information.