What is the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Genetic Improvement program, and why benefits me when I buy from Seven Gables Farm in Virginia?

Goat Genetic Improvement, but what does that mean? The goats and baby goats (kids) at Seven Gables Farm and Apiary are registered with the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA). They are enrolled in the genetic improvement program hence, our goats are unique in a vast landscape.

Accumulating data on pedigree, production, type and auxiliary traits from as many animals as possible provides for accurate genetic evaluations. – ADGA

Information on the goats history, lineage, and past pedigrees are collected. An accurate picture of the traits and auxiliary traits of that line are cataloged.  As a result this tells us, and you, where the goats come from. When you purchase a baby goat this lets us know how to tell you what traits your goat may have as it grows. Consequently this lets us predict your goats pedigree, therefore you to make an educated guess on how they will appraise.

Seven Gables also participates in the linear appraisal program.

The ADGA linear appraisal system evaluates    individual type traits that can affect physical and  performance. Above all, this lets us take full advantage of the potential for genetic improvement through selection. We can fine tune the breeding process to produce goats the have a healthier and stronger genetic line.  Consequently, this keeps them at their strongest, healthiest, and most productive!

ADGA’s linear system:

• Evaluates each animal & trait individually
• Evaluates each trait from one observed biological extreme to the other
• The test Includes traits that have economic importance and are at a minimum, moderately heritable (able to be passed on)
• Applied uniformly across all traits

What does all this mean for me?

When you purchase a goat from Seven Gables Farm and Apiary you have peace of mind. You know that your animal is tested and appraised to stand with the strongest, and highest performs in the goat community. Seven Gables is striving to produce the healthiest and most substantial Nigerian Dwarf Goats available.  We care for all of our animals with love and hard work and that care shows through in their fortitude and ability to produce and perform.

• If you want to read more from the ADGA about Genetic Improvement and their programs please click here
• If you want to read more from the ADGA about Linear Appraisal please click here

Check out the baby goats that we have for sale and more about them by visiting our Nigerian Dwarf Goat page here!