ISBA plans to present a final version of the following proposal(s) to the BOD. This has to be done very soon, so that directors can look it over and make suggestions for change if they dont like it. Wed like to know if we have Sable and Saanen breeders on board. We have been advised that a complete reversal of the migration decision is not only not probable, but pretty much impossible. Therefore, after consulting with our own membership, doing three independent surveys among judges, breeders and the general dairy goat public, (over 200 people surveyed) we have the following proposal(s). 1. We propose that the Sable migration from the Saanen herdbook be extended to 2020 instead of closing in 2015 as is currently planned. According to our research on the ADGA database, and in coordination with a highly-regarded Caprine Genetics specialist, we believe that this should give the herdbook enough accumulated numbers to be viable into the future. 2. To address concerns of many Saanen breeders that we have discovered in the course of our independent study, we propose that Saanen breeders have the choice of whether to register colored kids from Saanen/Saanen parents as Sables or Experimentals. This would be a temporary measure for the duration of the extension. 3. To address concerns of Sable breeders who do not want to lose valuable genetics, we propose that white kids from Sable parents (Sable/Sable or Sable/Saanen) be admitted to the Sable herdbook for the duration of the extension. We also propose that after the extension ends, white kids from Sable/Sable parents continue to be admitted to the Sable herdbook with a W designation. We think this designation will increase the genetic pool enough to keep the numbers viable. These proposals will be fleshed out clearly and concisely, and including geneticists reports. Please dont simply criticize, but really think about this and then reply with your thoughts. We want as much input as possible into this proposal as we can get. If you dont agree, make another suggestion for anything in the proposal, but keep in mind thats weve been polling directors on what they can and cannot support. That, of course, can change if we all have the same vision in mind and contact our directors to tell them what we want.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Jul 2014 00:43:09 +0000