1. QUALIFICATION

1.1 Persons testing must be members of the NZDGBA.

1.2 Members may form a group consisting of two or more members, one of whom shall be nominated Group Supervisor.

1.3 Members may test with a witness in which case they should forward to the Production Recording Officer the name and relevant details of the proposed witness.

1.4 Members may test without a witness. Unwitnessed tests may be subject to additional check tests as directed by the NZDGBA.

1.5 Members may test monthly or bi-monthly or 6 weekly. The minimum required for recognition by the Association of milk awards shall be bi-monthly.

1.6 Members shall supply to the PR Officer at the time of application the approximate number of tests and the proposed dates of all tests (e.g. 15th of each month).

1.7 Members shall supply to the PR Officer at the time of application a description of the measuring equipment to be used and whether the measurement is to be by weight or volume, together with a certificate of accuracy of the equipment, dated within 12 months prior to commencement of testing. Volume measurement is acceptable only with approved milk metres.

2 DUTIES OF THE GROUP SUPERVISOR/WITNESS

2.1 Be responsible for all group correspondence to the NZDGBA.

2.2 Ensure that all goats in the member’s herd be submitted for testing at the same time each milking.

2.3 Decide the roster, if applicable, within the group to witness each member’s test.

2.4 Ensure that the correct test sample is identified to the correct goat.

2.5 Ensure that all return sheets are filled out correctly and returned to the PR Officer no later than 14 days after the test date.

2.6 Ensure that the PR Officer is advised of the last test of the season for each member.

3. IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDS

3.1 Testing options approved by the NZDGBA are:

(1) All goats being milked as one herd through a shed must be tested, or

(2) All those does registered or recorded with the NZDGBA must be tested, or

(3) All does of the one breed, the minimum being Herd Register and Associated Record to Appendix D and Crossbred Y, must be tested, or

(4) Junior does (age 2 and 3 years) and/or senior does (age 4 years and over) with 1 year old does being optional.

(5) All does with the same sire, all registered or recorded with NZDGBA or

(6) Any doe or does registered or recorded with the NZDGBA

3.2 All goats on test must be readily identifiable by tattoo or microchip.

3.3 All forms supplied by the NZDGBA for use in Herd Production Recording must be filled out in full and in a legible manner.

4. MILK RECORDING

4.1 The frequency of testing shall be as nearly as possible to every 30 days in the case of monthly testing, or 42 days in the case of 6 weekly or 60 days in the case of bi-monthly testing.

4.2. A test shall comprise not more than two milkings during a 24 hour period.

4.3 The member shall ensure that the feeding and/or management practices immediately prior to and on the day of the test are not varied from the normal practices used at other times.

4.4 The member or group shall use either goat milk metres or weighing scales approved by the NZDGBA for measuring milk production.

4.5 Production figures will be based on milk yield only, unless approved butterfat percentages are supplied.

4.6 To obtain butterfat percentages, samples should be taken at each milking on the test date and a composite sample of 30ml (15ml from each milking on twice a day milking or 30ml from once a day milking) sent suitably identified to a recognised testing laboratory for testing at the member’s expense. These test results should be forwarded to the PR Officer on the laboratory’s official stationery, along with the test day return showing the milk weights/volume.

5. CALCULATION OF MILK PRODUCTION

5.1 The estimated milk production of a goat shall be calculated from and including the fourth day after kidding. If the kidding date is not available for any goat the calculation shall be made as if she had kidded seven days before the date of her first test in that lactation. For goats lactating prior to kidding, test day records shall be included in that total lactation yield.

5.2 Test day records shall be used to calculate the estimated yield on each goat, provided that in no case shall any one test day record be used to calculate the estimated yield more than 60 days either side of the test date.

5.3 The end of the lactation shall be taken as fifteen days after the date of the latest test in the lactation.

5.4 When a goat’s estimated lactation yield exceeds 305 days in length, it shall be shown in two sections, firstly that portion up to the 305th day and separately that portion in excess of the 305th day.

5.5 The estimated lactation yield of a goat bought in milk from another officially tested herd shall be continued in accordance with these Regulations provided that the PR Officer is informed of the addition and all the necessary details are supplied.

5.6 Test day figures will be calculated to the nearest 10 grams (0.01kg) or 10 millilitres (0.1 litres). Total for the test period shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.

5.7 The conversion factor for kilograms to litres shall be kg divided by 1.032 and rounded to two decimal places.

EXAMPLE OF CALCULATION

Kidded 11/09/1996

Date of test one = 30/09/96, pm 2.22 litres, am 2.45 litres

Total test day production = 4.67 litres

Calculation:

1. Back to kidding date less 3 days (see 5.1) = 16 days x 4.67 = 74.72

2. Forward 15 days = 15 x 4.67 = 70.05

Total for 31 days = 74.72 + 70.05 = 144.77 litres (rounded to 145 litres).

Date of test two = 28/10/96, pm 2.63 litres, am 2.77 litres

Total test day production = 5.40 litres.

Calculation:

1. Days from last test to this test = 28

2. Divide in half = 14 days

No of days taken on from last test = 15 days

3. Half days equal 14 and 15 days were taken on, so minus 1 day at last test amount = 4.67 once from total of 145 litres.

4. Take the other half number of days (14) and multiply it by this test = 14 x 5.40 litres =- 75.60

5. 15 days forward from this test = 15 x 5.40 litres = 81 litres.

Total for 59 days = 145 - 4.67 + 75.60 + 81.00 = 296.93 litres (rounded to 297 litres).

6. ABNORMAL CONDITIONS

6.1 The test day records of a goat shall be classified as abnormal if:

(a) the evening milk volume is greater than the morning volume by more than 25% and the daily milk volume is also more than 4 litres OR

(b) the goat is recorded as sick, injured or “in season” at the request of the member OR

(c) the sample is spilt.

6.2 Where the test day records are not used under the above Policy, the yield shall be assessed so that the goat’s production for that test is the same as the average of the preceding and following normal test day.

6.3 Where goats are recorded as sick etc., and had production assessed for two successive months, these goats may be regarded as dry from then on and/or delete any assessed production back to the last normal test.

7. CHECK TESTING

7.1 The NZDGBA Council shall have the right to make a surprise check test on any herd or on any goat at any time during the season.

7.2 The check test figures may be used in the place of the test day records.

7.3 Check tests will be supervised by two members selected by Council.

8. RECOGNITION FOR MERIT AWARDS

8.1 Members complying with the Policies as laid down by the NZDGBA Council will have recognition for milk merit awards as per NZDGBA Regulation 24 without the recognition for butterfat, unless approved butterfat percentages are supplied (see HPR Policy 4.6)

9. FEES

9.1 The cost per animal on Herd Production Recording will be set by the Council of the NZDGBA and advertised in the Association’s official publication.

9.2 The herd fee covers the period 1 August to 31 July each year.

10. PUBLICATION OF RESULTS

10.1 In undertaking to herd test with the NZDGBA Herd Production Recording scheme, members agree to the publication of their herd test figures by the NZDGBA.

10.2 When production records are published either orally or in writing, they shall be published in the same manner as set out in the Test Day or Annual Testing Returns provided to the member. The system of test, testing option and total number of animals being milked shall be stated, and all figures will be in the metric format.

11. INTERPRETATION OF THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND GENERAL

11.1 In cases where the NZDGBA Council may doubt the accuracy of the records because information received is considered unsatisfactory (including information received from the group member), the NZDGBA Council shall have the right to make the herd records or an individual animal’s records unofficial.

11.2 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1. OBJECTIVES

1.1 To have an annual award to recognise the best buck of each breed calculated on milk records and classification scores of female progeny.

2. GUIDELINES

2.1 The original $1000 donated by Mr Frank Thebridge is to be banked into a savings account where the interest accrued will be used to purchase yearly awards. The principle must never be used.

2.2 Applications are called for in the February issue of the Dairy Goat News and close on 31 March each year.

2.3 Applications are to be sent to the Registrar.

3. CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION

3.1 Application must be made on the official form by the owner or lessee of the buck.

3.2 Buck must be registered on the New Zealand Herd Register for his breed.

3.3 Buck must have a minimum of 5 officially herd tested daughters, excluding Appendix D, Crossbred X and Recorded Grade does. Herd test results must have been sent to the NZDGBA herd production officer.

3.4 The buck must also have a minimum of 5 daughters who have current classifications. The junior score of a doe over 4 years of age is not included unless she has died before reaching 4 years of age (subject to the death being advised).

3.5 Buck must be alive and available for outside service (subject to refusal of service for does with undesirable diseases etc.) or dead with frozen semen available for public sale.

4. CALCULATIONS

4.1 Registrar to print off a list of all female progeny of buck applying for award. Include progeny’s registered prefix, name and registration number. Send this list to the Lifetime Production Recording Officer on the 1st of April each year.

4.2. Lifetime Production Recording Officer to calculate score on milk production as follows:

Average yearly production i.e. 1998/99 838; 1999/00 700 would make a total production of 1538 which divided by 2 gives average yearly production of 769 litres. Send the list back to Registrar by 15th of April with average score recorded beside each doe.

4.3 Registrar to add up the scores of all the does with production records, then divide by 10, then divide by 1.5 and then divide by the number of does eligible.

i.e. doe 1 - 750 litres, doe 2 - 856 litres, doe 3 - 646 litres. Total = 2252. Divide by 10 = 225.2. Divide by 1.5 = 150.13. Divide by number of does (3) = 50.04. Round to whole units, under .50 rounded down, .50 and above rounded up.

4.4 Registrar to print off all classification scores for female progeny and add up all scores and divide by number of does. Junior scores expire when the goat reaches 4 years of age and these scores are not included unless the goat died before reaching 4 years.

If a doe has a senior score and an excellent score, then the highest score to be used.

Calculation example

doe 1 4-03 88 125 51

doe 2 5-04 90 127 53

doe 3 5-04 90 130 49

88 + 90 + 90 = 268, divided by number of does (3) = 89.33 (rounded down to 89)

4.5 Registrar to calculate the winners and other placegetters.

4.6 Registrar to type up results and send to Show Secretary to add to list of other annual awards for conference.

4.7 All paperwork to be filed with final results sheet on the top. Registrar to take this to conference with medals..

5. MEDALS

5.1 The Registrar is to purchase medals for each breed with eligible applications.

Each of the medals is engraved in the following manner.

Front of medal to be engraved: THEBRIDGE AWARD

Back of medal to be engraved with

YEAR

BREED (upper case)

Goat Name (lower case)

5.2 Registrar is to bring medals to annual conference for presentation with all annual awards.

5.3 Registrar is to send list of applicants and scores to the Editor of the Dairy Goat News for publication in the June magazine.

6. INTERPRETATION OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND GENERAL

6.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1. OBJECTIVES

1.1 To ensure the annual conference is held at varying locations around the country.

1.2 To ensure the host clubs understand what is required of them by the Association.

2. CONFERENCE HOSTING

2.1 Applications for hosting the Conference are to be made in writing to the Association. If more than one application for the same year is made then it is to be voted on at the preceding AGM. If all applications are made after AGM then Council will accept the first application as long as Clause 2.2 is adhered to.

2.2 The Association will ensure that conference is held two years in the North Island and then one year in the South Island as long as applications support this.

3. GUIDELINES

3.1 A proposed programme is to be submitted to the NZDGBA Council by the host club for perusal at the July meeting preceding the Conference.

3.2 Council reserves the right to change the programme to ensure all meetings and clinics are included but must inform the host club immediately after the July meeting.

3.3 If necessary a reviewed programme is to be presented to Council at the October meeting.

3.4 Host club is to book a venue with at least one conference room seating up to 50 people for the AGM.

3.5 Host club is to engage a minute secretary. If possible, arrangement is to be made for the minutes to be typed directly into a computer so that they are available for publication in the next copy of the Dairy Goat News.

3.6 Conference programme is to be published in the February Dairy Goat News.

4. ACCOMMODATION

4.1 Where possible the host club is to ensure the venue has varying prices of accommodation or the opportunity for members to share rooms to help with costs.

4.2 The host club is to advise the accommodation complex of the arrival time of all attendees so the rooms are ready when members arrive, regardless of the time of the day.

5. COUNCIL MEETINGS

5.1 Council requires a full day before the conference begins to have its first meeting.

6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

6.1 The Annual General Meeting needs a minimum of a half day allocated to it in the programme.

6.2 Morning or afternoon tea is to be supplied by the host club during the AGM break but will be reimbursed.

7. OPEN FORUM

7.1 Open Forum meetings may be required by Council. These will take the form of a structured session and are more productive if the host club has arranged someone to chair this meeting. The chair should not be a current member and may not take part in the discussions except to chair the meeting. The President should not chair this meeting.

8. BREED CLUBS

8.1 Most breed clubs will make the most of the opportunity of having most of its members in one part of the country and will have their meetings at conference, however it is not necessary.

8.2 The host club is to ensure a full morning is left free for the breed club meetings in the programme and as soon as the Council has approved the programme the host club must notify all 5 breed clubs with the times allocated so they can in turn notify their members.

8.3 Breed clubs are to set their own meeting place at conference and if requiring a large venue they must coordinate with the host club and if a special room has to be booked then that will be paid for by the breed club requesting it.

9. CONFERENCE DINNER

9.1 The only requirement from Council is for presentations of trophies to take place after dinner.

10. REGISTRATION FORM

10.1 A registration fee is charged to cover costs such as morning and afternoon teas, photocopying, postage etc. This amount is set by the host club.

10.2 Form must ask if any special circumstances exist such as special diets or children attending so they can be catered for.

10.3 Arrival time of all attendees and mode of transport to be requested on form so there is someone to meet them when they arrive.

11. FINANCES

11.1 Host club is to deposit all incoming money to and pay all expenses from its own bank account.

11.2 The NZDGBA will reimburse the host club for the AGM conference room together with the wages (if any) for the minute secretary and afternoon/morning tea during the AGM on receipt of an invoice from the host club.

11.3 All members attending conference must pay for their own accommodation and meals and those members entitled to reimbursements must apply to the Treasurer of the NZDGBA for reimbursements.

11.4 All advertisements in the Dairy Goat News for conference are free of charge.

12. CONCLUSION

12.1 The Annual Conference is a wonderful time for the host club to show other members what their areas and members have to offer. A well organised conference where everyone knows what is happening and has all their needs catered for, is assured of being a success.

13. INTERPRETATION OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND GENERAL

13.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1. PREAMBLE

1.1 There are dairy goat clubs in most districts and provinces throughout New Zealand recognised and affiliated by and to the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association Inc. Each club has gained recognition and affiliation by duly meeting the requirements for affiliation set out in Regulation 21.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 The affiliated clubs and the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association Inc will promote the dairy goat breeds.

3. PROCEDURES

3.1 Affiliation shall be subject to the payment of the annual affiliation fee.

3.2 The annual affiliation fee can be altered by Council and will be deemed to be accepted by the affiliated clubs or groups on payment of the changed fee.

3.3 Each affiliated club shall supply Council with copies of election of officers as duly elected and accepted at the club’s annual general meeting each year.

3.4 Should an affiliated club be wound up, it shall be obliged to do so as outlined in its rules and regulations. Council shall be notified of the dissolution within 30 days. Any funds shall be disposed of as per the rules and regulations of the club. Trophies shall be returned to the donors or their descendants.

3.5 Any clubs may amalgamate providing the amalgamation meets with the requirements set out in Regulation 21(g). Any trophies or property of the clubs amalgamating shall be returned to the donors or their descendants or adopted by the newly formed club with their consent or that of their descendants.

3.6 Any affiliated club can disassociate itself from the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association as a vote of consensus within its membership. By doing so, any club shows that the club may hold subsequent to the disassociation shall be deemed to be not recognised by the Association. Council shall be notified of the decision within 30 days.

3.7 The affiliated club shall supply Council with any amendments and/or changes to the club’s rules and regulations.

3.8 Council shall supply each club with a copy of the rules and regulations, financial report and minutes of annual general meeting each year.

3.9 Council shall invite remits from clubs by notice in the Dairy Goat News.

3.10 Council shall afford each club two free club articles/notices/advertisements per annum in the Dairy Goat News.

3.11 Council reserves the right to remonstrate, take any disciplinary action deemed appropriate and/or disaffiliate any affiliated club or member of that club where it is considered that the actions of the club or member bring disrepute upon or to prove injurious to the club and the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association Inc and membership as a whole.

3.12 The club shall uphold the objectives of both its own constitution and that of the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association.

3.13 Council shall forward copies of any changes to the rules pertaining to dairy goats of the Royal Agricultural Society to each affiliated club.

4. INTERPRETATION OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND GENERAL

4.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1. PREAMBLE

1.1 There are six breed groups recognised by the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association Inc. These groups are the New Zealand Toggenburg Breeders Association (Inc), Alpines New Zealand, New Zealand Saanens Club, New Zealand Nubians Sables New Zealand and NZ Nigerian Dwarf Breeders Assn. Each group has gained recognition and affiliation by duly meeting the requirements for affiliation set out in Regulation 21.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 The breed groups and the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association Inc will promote the dairy goat breeds.

3. PROCEDURES

3.1 Affiliation shall be subject to the payment of the annual affiliation fee.

3.2 The annual affiliation fee can be altered by Council and will be deemed to be accepted by the breed groups on payment of the changed fee.

3.3 Each affiliated breed group shall supply Council with copies of election of officers as duly elected and accepted at the club’s annual general meeting each year.

3.4 Should a breed group be wound up, it shall be obliged to do so as outlined in its rules and regulations. Council shall be notified of the dissolution within 30 days. Any funds shall be disposed of as per the rules and regulations of the club. Trophies shall be returned to the donors or their descendants.

3.5 Any breed group can disassociate itself from the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association as a vote of consensus within its membership. By doing so, any club shows that the club may hold subsequent to the disassociation shall be deemed to be not recognised by the Association. Council shall be notified of the decision within 30 days.

3.6 The breed groups shall supply Council with any amendments and/or changes to the club’s rules and regulations.

3.7 Council shall supply each breed group with a copy of the rules and regulations, financial report and minutes of annual general meeting each year.

3.8 Council shall invite remits from breed groups by notice in the Dairy Goat News.

3.9 Council shall afford each breed group two free club articles/notices/advertisements per annum in the Dairy Goat News.

3.11 Council shall refer all matter of policy pertaining to a particular breed to the appropriate breed group

3.12 Council reserves the right to remonstrate, take any disciplinary action deemed appropriate and/or disaffiliate any breed group or member of that breed group where it is considered that the actions of the club or member bring disrepute upon or to prove injurious to the club and the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association Inc and membership as a whole.

3.13 The breed group shall uphold the objectives of both its own constitution and that of the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association.

3.14 Council shall forward copies of any changes to the rules pertaining to dairy goats of the Royal Agricultural Society to each breed group.

4. INTERPRETATION OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND GENERAL

4.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1. PREAMBLE

1.1 There are dairy goat clubs, breed groups and agricultural and pastoral societies throughout New Zealand by which shows/sections are held for the exhibition of dairy goats.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 The affiliated clubs, the breed groups and the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association Inc will, through the organisation of shows, meet the obligations of Objectives 2b and 2g of the Association.

3. PROCEDURES

3.1 Affiliation and Recognition:

(a) Only those clubs and breed groups affiliated to the Association under the terms of Regulation 21 shall be eligible to hold recognised shows. Any agricultural and pastoral society is also eligible under the terms of the Association’s affiliation with the Royal Agricultural Society.

(b) Recognised shows are those held by affiliated clubs and breed groups and agricultural and pastoral societies pursuant to Regulation 25 where points gained by the placement of animals exhibited will go towards the national awards and towards championship and breed champion titles.

(c) Only those shows officiated by a certified judge selected from the current judges panel shall be deemed recognised in conjunction with the terms outlined in 3.1(a) and 3.1(b).

3.2 Schedules:

(a) Show schedules must be based on the minimum show schedule. Special and extra classes may be added at the discretion of the affiliated group. Classes for non-registered or non-recorded animals will not attract points but in terms of the Association’s objectives novelty and non-registered/recorded classes are encouraged.

(b) Show schedules must be submitted to the NZDGBA show secretary for ratification as are any schedules subsequently altered or added to. Provided no changes to the schedule are made, it need not be submitted to the show secretary on an annual basis.

(c) Schedules must include information regarding date of show, location, time of commencement of judging, entry fees, closing dates for entries and rules and criteria for exhibition must also be included.

(d) Schedules sent out to exhibitors must be identical to the schedule recognised by the NZDGBA show secretary.

(e) The affiliated club, association or breed group or agricultural and pastoral society shall forward copies of the schedule and entry forms on request from exhibitors and shall provide receipt of entry fees.

(f) The judge, stewards and exhibitors may confer on changes to the scheduled order of classes if deemed necessary or in the exhibits’ best interests.

3.3 Entries:

(a) Entry forms must provide adequate space for the animals’ details and in particular the registration numbers of both the exhibited animal and its dam and sire.

(b) At A & P shows only those animals registered or recorded with any association affiliated to the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand will be accepted unless entries for novelty or unregistered/unrecorded animals are invited on the schedule. At club shows the organising club has the discretion to accept those animals registered or recorded with the NZDGBA only or registered or recorded with any association affiliated to the Royal Agricultural Society unless entries for novelty or unregistered/unrecorded animals are invited on the schedule. Entries showing Registration Applied For or Registration Pending will not be accepted.

(c) On the day of the show the goat must be not less than 4 weeks old.

(d) Tattoos or microchipmust be legible. The officiating judge will not grant a championship, challenge or breed award card if the tattoos or microchip are illegible. Microchip reader will be supplied by the exhibitor.

(e) No substitution of animals is permitted except upon the production of a veterinarian’s certificate and only in those classes in which the original animal was entered (as per RAS rules 39 and 40).

(f) All animals exhibited in Special Classes must be exhibited in the appropriate Standard for Age classes. Standard for Age classes are those for animals within the appropriate age range.

(g) Closing dates must be clearly noted. Late entries or entries taken on the day are at the discretion of the club or breed group. Some agricultural and pastoral societies will not accept late entries.

(h) No animal with disqualifying faults and/or suffering from injury, infectious disease, parasites or disability shall be entered.

(i) Refunds of entry fees on exhibits withdrawn or not in attendance will not be made. Refunds of entry fees through cancellation or postponement of the show will be at the discretion of the organisers.

(j) No doe shall be stripped of milk in the ring.

(k) Animals entered must be the bone fide property of the exhibitor. Animals leased under Regulation 18 are deemed to be owned by the exhibitor.

3.4 Judges:

(a) Only certified judges listed on the current panel of judges may be selected to officiate at a recognised show.

(b) Overseas dairy goat judges holding current license or certification in their own county may be invited to judge at a recognised show with Council approval.

(c) In the case of Royal Shows, the local dairy goat club and/or the agricultural and pastoral society shall submit the names of two judges (one acting as substitute) to Council. Council will make the final selection. Only senior judges will be selected to officiate at Royal Shows. Senior in this instance implies a person who has been officiating as a judge for no less than three years subsequent to the year of admission to the panel providing they have officiated at a reasonable number of shows within that period.

(d) Trainee judges, with the approval of the judges’ convenor and officiating judge, may be offered the opportunity to complete practical training at any show with the exception of a Royal Show. The trainee judge will arrange and pay for his/her own travel.

(e) Judges shall be invited to officiate by way of written invitation. Accommodation and travel requirements shall be ascertained and duly arranged if required and the judge advised of the arrangements. The judge will reply in writing either accepting or declining the invitation.

(f) Enquiries should be made to the selected judge regarding their fee. Most judges would set a fee to cover the cost of travel (if not already provided for by the club or group) and this fee is determined by the individual and may be negotiable.

(g) Judges will not read tattoos or microchip, or the stud names be made known to them until judging of the show is concluded. The judge may enquire as to the age of the exhibit or when, in the case of a doe, the animal last kidded.

(h) Officiating judges shall act in a manner in keeping with their status; uphold the objectives of the Association and maintain an ethical bearing.

(i) Any complaints against the judge shall be addressed to Council within seven days of the show as outlined in Regulation 28.

(j) Any exhibited animal displaying a disqualifying fault exhibited shall be reported to Council by the judge within seven days of the show. Details of the animals name and permanent identification will be included. The judge will advise the exhibitor of their obligation to report the fault to Council.

(k) The judge’s decision is deemed final and the judge reserves the right to disqualify any animal from the show if the animal does not comply with the rules and regulation and policies of the Association. Accordingly, the judge also reserves the right to report to Council any exhibitor acting in an abusive and/or obstructive manner pursuant to Regulation 28.

(l) No officiating judge shall exhibit or judge an animal owned by them and/or in their keeping.

3.5 Show Secretary and Stewards:

(a) The show secretary of the affiliated group will ensure that all arrangements for the show are prepared. There will be a minimum of two stewards; one a call steward who ensures that exhibitors are marshalled in adequate time for judging. The ring steward shall be in attendance of the judge; advising them of the class they are judging; the number of exhibits; the passing over of ribbons, sashes, trophies to the judge for presentation. The only exception to this is in the Type and Production classes where the ring steward presents the ribbons to the place getters. The show secretary shall nominate a writer to take down the results of each class.

(b) No details of any exhibit’s breed or appendix level, stud name and/or ownership shall be divulged by the steward/s to the officiating judge until judging is completed.

(c) The show secretary will forward the completed results forms to the NZDGBA show secretary as soon as possible.

3.6 Exhibitors:

(a) Exhibitors will make every endeavour to ensure that their exhibits comply with the criteria and rules and regulations of the Association and the Royal Agricultural Society.

(b) Exhibitors leading or parading stock in judging rings and parades must wear clean, white attire, or breed uniform, and these may not carry any distinguishing words or emblems

(c) Exhibitors will not divulge the name or show the tattoo or microchip of any goat to the officiating judge until judging of the show is concluded.

(d) Exhibitors will make available any animals eligible for breed awards, Regulation 24.

(e) The judge and steward will confer with exhibitors to ascertain the most convenient time for the judging of animals for the breed awards; generally at the conclusion of the scheduled classes. The judge shall not read any animals tattoo or microchip until the conclusion of judging but may request the stewards to do so on their behalf.

(f) Exhibitorswill be responsible for supplying a microchip reader if required.

3.7 Additional Policies regarding Combined Shows:

(a) There are standard for age classes which include herd registered and associated records animals in the same class.

(b) Points will be allocated as set out in Regulation 24(d).

(c) The NZDGBA show secretary must be advised on the schedule and results form that the show is a combined show.

(d) The schedule sent to exhibitors must make it clear it is a combined show and this cannot be changed after entries have been received.

(e) Procedures for the judging of animals for champion and champion challenge will be the same as is the usual practice as outlined under Regulation 24. Those eligible for breed awards will be judges as usual.

3.8 Reporting to the Association’s show secretary:

(a) Standard result sheets obtainable from the show secretary must be correctly completed and forwarded to the show secretary promptly.

3.9 Junior Showperson:

(a) Judges will be advised on any changes to the levels of judging exhibitors and exhibits in the junior showperson classes as per the guidelines in the junior showperson handbook or as advised by the Judges Convenor or Junior Showperson Convenor.

4.0 YOUNG HERDSPERSON

4.1 The exhibitor wishing to qualify for this annual award shall present the ring steward their points card prior to judging. The steward or writer shall complete the card and return it to the exhibitor at the conclusion of judging.

5. INTERPRETATION OF THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

5.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1. PREAMBLE

1.1 Classification is an appraisal of the conformation of an animal. It gives a numerical rating of individual animals compared to the breed ideal on a 100 point scale. It also identifies various traits of each individual animal and recognizes the correlation between correct type, breed standards and conformation.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 The NZDGBA classification progamme is designed to give the herd owner information to improve the quality of their dairy goat herd.

3. PROCEDURES

3.1 Application:

(a) Classification is only available to financial members.

(b) Closing date of application to classify shall be announced annually in the Dairy Goat News.

(c) Application is to be made on the official form, correctly filled in and signed by the applicant.

(d) The setting of the fees, dates of classification and the appointment of classifiers shall be determined by Council. Fees are to be paid as per the notification in the Dairy Goat News. Council reserves the right to hold back part or all of the Herd Fees if it so determines.

3.2 Eligibility:

(a) To be eligible, the goat must be registered or recorded with the NZDGBA and bear a legible tattoo that corresponds to that indicated on the registration certificate.

(b) Does must have kidded at least once and will be classified unmilked on the day.

(c) Bucks must be over one year of age.

(d) The classification programme is available to all in-milk Herd Register, Cross Breed Record and Appendix does and Herd Register bucks over 1 year. Recorded Grade does will be appraised on request as a service to the owner but in this case the results are not published.

(e) Owners have the option of classifying their herd by breed.

(f) Owners may nominate individual goats from their herd regardless of breed or registration status providing that all the other points of eligibility have been met regarding classification.

(g) Owners may stand down animals under two years of age and animals that hold a current classification score.

(h) Owners have the option of classifying their senior does or bucks only or their junior does or bucks only.

(i) Any goat already classified, may upon application be re-classified. The new final score and any break down of points will replace the previous score only if the new final score is equal to or higher than the previous score.

3.3 Method:

(a) The goats will be penned on arrival of the classifiers. Dates of classification will be notified as soon as possible after the closing date.

(b) The classifiers will identify the animal by reading its earmarks or microchip before commencing the classification with the classification being done to unnamed animals.

(c) Tattoos or microchip will be checked. They must be correctly listed on the classification form for the classifiers.

(d) Evidence of registration or recording are to be available at the place of classification if required. Animals bought since classification applications will be classified if papers are available. Any sick of disabled goats may be stood down only at the discretion of the classifiers and the owner.

(e) The classifiers will complete the Herd Classification Sheet for each owner and leave the duplicate with the owner provided all fees are paid.

(f) The original goes to the Registrar for entering on a goats’ official records. A printed record will be sent to the owner.

(g) Discussion of classification ratings between classifiers and people other than the owners is not allowed.

(h) A list of official classifications will be printed in the Herd Book each year.

(i) Official publication of classification scores shall be by the NZDGBA.

4. OTHER

4.1 Where a goat to be classified had been bred or owned by a classifier that animal will be classified by the two classifiers, one being independent to the breeding and/or ownership of the animal.

4.2 It is recommended that no male progeny is registered or recorded from does classifying below 80.

4.3 Junior Classification is for does or bucks under 4 years of age. Junior classification shall lapse when the doe or buck attains the age of four years unless the doe or buck dies before reaching that age and the death has been advised.

4.4 Senior classification is for does or bucks 4 years and over.

4.5 Excellent classification is given to does or bucks over 6 years of age obtaining over 90 points.

Excellent 1 classification is given to does or bucks over 8 years of age obtaining over 90 points.

Excellent 2 classification is given to does or bucks over 10 years of age obtaining over 90 points.

Excellent 3 classification is given to does to bucks over 12 years of age obtaining over 90 points.

4.6 No animal shall be eligible for re-classification with 6 months.

4.7 When a goat reaches four years of age their junior classification lapses and they need to be classified again for senior classification.

4.8 Council reserves the right not to tour an area where the numbers are not economically viable. Members in such situations should apply as alternative arrangements may be viable.

4.9 Every endeavour shall be made to complete classification before the end of February each year.

5. ADVERTISING

5.1 When using classification scores in advertising owners must use the goats current classification score.

5.2 The age of the animal when classified shall be published along with the score information.

5.3 The score information shall contain the overall score and any category codes in a format determined by Council.

5.4 The name of the classifiers will not be mentioned in the advertising of classification scores.

6. CLASSIFICATION TRAINING PROGRAMME

6.1 Qualifications

The Trainee must have an understanding of the five dairy breeds and partake in the training programme with the aim of progressing from being a Writer to becoming a Senior Classifier.

6.2 Writer/Trainee Classifier

(1) Act as the “Writer” for Senior Classifiers assessing:

(a) a minimum of 8 herds, and

(b) all five dairy breeds

(2) Be responsible for writing the scores and calculating the results of the herds assessed by the Classifiers for forwarding to the Registrar for publication in the NZDGBA Herd Book for the succeeding year.

(3) During this period, the Writer must take an active learning role through which it is expected that they will develop their knowledge and skills to be considered a Trainee Classifier by the Senior Classifiers.

(4) After demonstrating their knowledge and skills through practical application to the satisfaction of at least two Senior Classifiers, written recommendations from two Senior Classifiers to the NZDGBA Council will be required to promote the Trainee Classifier to the level of Junior Classifier.

6.3 Junior Classifier

(1) Take an active role in the classification of the goats with 2 senior classifiers covering:

(a) a minimum of 8 herds, and

(b) all five dairy breeds.

(2) During this period the Junior Classifier must take an active, hands-on leading role with different Senior Classifiers at different locations to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

(3) After this requirement has been met to the satisfaction of the Senior Classifiers, written recommendations from two senior classifiers to the NZDGBA Council to be promoted to a Senior Classifier.

Senior Classifier

On confirmation of the qualification of becoming a Senior Classifier, the training has been completed and the Classifier will be promoted to the team of Senior Classifiers.

7. INTERPRETATION OF THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

7.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1. PREAMBLE

1.1 Complaints from members of the NZDGBA or against members of the NZDGBA must be taken seriously and a full record needs to be kept of all complaints registered and the action taken.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 To ensure all complainants have their complaints recorded and are advised of the outcome and action taken if appropriate.

3. PROCEDURES

3.1 Laying of a complaint:

(a) Complaints must be submitted in writing to either an NZDGBA councillor or the Registrar.

3.2 Discussion of complaint:

(a) All complaints must be tabled at the next NZDGBA council meeting during which an initial review will take place.

(b) Discussions are to take place in a closed meeting.

(c) A response will be developed.

3.3 Outcome:

a. Council Secretary must advise the complainant in writing immediately following the meeting on the outcome of the discussion.

b. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the response, and wishes for it to be taken further, a fee of $50 may be charged at the discretion of the Council.

c. The result of the investigation will be communicated to the complainant in writing immediately the investigation has been concluded.

.3.4 Documentation:

(a) All complaints forms are to be filed with the NZDGBA Secretary.

4. INTERPRETATION OF THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

4.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1. OBJECTIVES

1.1 To set out the procedure for registering or recording of kids resulting from embryo transplants.

2. PROCEDURES

2.1 The application to register is to be accompanied by an EMBRYO RECOVERY AND TRANSPLANT CERTIFICATE in three parts:

(a) PART A – EMBRYO RECOVERY

1.Complete details of the donor doe

2. Complete details of the buck used to cover the donor doe. If you do not own or lease the buck at the date of service then Section 3 is to be completed and signed by the owner of the buck at the time of actual service. Owner of the donor doe is to sign this section.

3. Section to be completed if required, and signed by the buck’s owner/lessee.

4. Veterinarian is to complete and sign this section at the time of collection of embryos.

(b) PART B – TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF AN EMBRYO

To be completed when a transfer of ownership of an embryo is being made, and signed by the vendor.

(c) PART C – EMBRYO TRANSPLANT

1.Complete details including those of the donor doe and the number of fertilised embryos.

2. Complete details of recipient doe. The recipient must have some form of permanent identification, i.e. tattoos/brass ear tag. To be signed by the veterinarian performing the transplant.

3. This section to be completed only if the recipient is sold prior to the birth of the transplant progeny.

4. Complete after birth of the progeny. An application card must be provided for each kid claimed by transplant and details on the card must correspond to this section

2.2 All parts of the Certificate are to be forwarded to the Registrar with application cards attached, where they will be treated in the usual manner for registration.

2.3 All options on the application card relating to birth number should be deleted (i.e. single, twin, quad etc.)

2.4 The letters “ET” will replace the birth number on the Registration Certificate and in the Herd Book.

2.5 Ear tattoos are to be strictly as laid down in the regulations. On no account should ET be added to an ear tattoo.

2.6 Clarification on any point should only be sought from the Registrar.

2.7 It is not necessary to return any part of the Certificate until applying for registration of progeny.

2.8 The NZDGBA retains the right to request any details that may be necessary to confirm the breeding of Embryo Transfer progeny, including blood tests.

3. NAMING OF KIDS

3.1 Kids born resulting from embryo transplant shall take the Prefix of the owner of the donor doe when fertilisation took place.

3.2 The requirement of 3.1 also applies when registering kids resulting from embryos imported from overseas. In this way all kids from the same flushing will carry the same prefix.

3.3 The identification of kids born as a result of embryo transplant shall carry the registered ear tattoos of the owner at the time of birth.

4. INTERPRETATION OF THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

4.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1 PREAMBLE

1.1 There are now three dairy goat organisations affiliated to the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand. With already restricted gene pools, it is necessary to be able to transfer goats registered with those other organisations to our register.

2 OBJECTIVES

2.1 Regulations 12 and 13 deal with imported goats and animals registered or recorded outside New Zealand but kept in New Zealand. It is our aim to set guidelines for placement of goats registered with other organisations along similar lines.

3 PROCEDURES

3.1 Application to register with NZDGBA goats currently registered with other organisations shall be made in writing to the NZDGBA council.

3.2 Application to register shall be accompanied by a full numbered pedigree certified by the other organisation.

3.3 Declaration of transfer must be provided.

3.4 A fee equal to the cost of a transfer is payable when the application is made. This will be refunded if the application is declined.

3.5 The goat will receive a new registration number when registered with NZDGBA and it will be included in our Herd Book. If additional goats need to be placed on our register to complete the lineage, those additional goats will retain the number from their registering organisation and will not appear in our Herd Book.

3.6 Placement of progeny of goats so registered with NZDGBA shall be in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of NZDGBA.

4 INTERPRETATION OF THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

4.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1. PREAMBLE

1.1 Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a viral infection of goats which may lead to chronic disease of the joints and on rare occasions, encephalitis in goat kids less than six months of age.

2 OBJECTIVES

2.1 To rid the New Zealand national dairy goat herd of the debilitating disease Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis.

3. PROCEDURES

3.1 Applicants must be members of the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association

3.2 All goats on a property over 1 year of age must be tested annually for 3 years, then after three clear accreditation tests, triennially.

3.3 Application must be made on the official form by the owner or lessee of the goat herd, supplying a list of all goats, 1 year old and over, by name and tattoo/microchip

3.4 Applicant must indicate whether they require blood samples to be taken by someone other than AsureQuality.

3.5 Blood samples will be sent to Gribbles Veterinary Pathology for testing using screening test by Elisa test method AHLPH-TM-SERO-3, Section 11.

3.6 Results will be sent to the NZDGBA portfolio manager and to the owner/manager on payment of the invoice from NZDGBA.

3.7 Any goats with a positive test result must be quarantined or destroyed. The herd is considered to be compromised and will require CAE test monitoring on an annual basis (as set out in section 3.2 above).

3.8 Accredited herds must be kept within a secure perimeter fence and guarded against contact with non-accredited, untested or infected goats.

3.9 Applicant must ensure that no goat milk (raw or unpasteurized) from a non accredited source is fed to their kid/goats.

4. OTHER

4.1 By participating in the CAE Accreditation Scheme, members agree to abide by requirements set down by NZDGBA, including allowing their accreditation to be published in the Dairy Goat News.

4.2 NZDGBA maintains a database of accredited herds and information can be made available, with written permission from the herd owner. A fee maybe charged for this service.

4.3 It is highly unethical to sell, release into the wild or dispose of CAE reactors by any means other than slaughter.

5. INTERPRETATION OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND GENERAL

5.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.

1. OBJECTIVES

1.1 To recognise the achievements of the Association’s best goats in showing and production.

2. ANNUAL NATIONAL SHOW AWARDS

2.1 Annual National Show Awards are collated by the NZDGBA Show Secretary from show results received from each recognised show.

2.2 Calculations are based on the points scale outlined in Regulation 24(d).

2.3 To be eligible, goats and their details must be included on a Show Entry Record Form sent to the Show Secretary by 31 January for that show season.

2.4 To be eligible for annual awards, goats must be registered with NZDGBA.

2.5 The owner of the goat does not have to belong to NZDGBA.

2.6 Junior Showman and Junior Herdsperson awards shall be calculated on points gained at recognised shows and advised to the Show Secretary in show results from those shows.

2.7 Any trophies associated with Annual National Show Awards will be presented at the annual conference.

2.8 Annual National Show Awards will be published in the Dairy Goat News.

3. ANNUAL BREED NATIONAL SHOW AWARDS

3.1 Annual Breed National Show Awards are collated by the NZDGBA Show Secretary from show results received from each recognised show.

3.2 Calculations are based on the points scale outlined in Regulation 24(d).

3.3 To be eligible, goats and their details must be included on a Show Entry Record Form sent to the Show Secretary by 31 January for that show season.

3.4 To be eligible for Annual Breed National Show Awards, goats must be registered with NZDGBA.

3.5 The owner of the goat does not have to belong to NZDGBA or a breed club.

3.6 A Crossbred X or Recorded Grade animal will not be included in Annual Breed National Show Award calculations.

3.7 Junior Showman and Junior Herdsperson will not be included in Annual Breed National Show Award calculations as they are not breed related.

3.8 Each breed club will be sent copies of these awards and they will be published in the Dairy Goat News.

3.9 Breed clubs must recognise these awards and they may not change them in any way. Where a trophy is held for these awards, the breed club has the right to withhold the trophy should the winner of the award not be a member of that breed club.

3.10 Breed clubs may, in addition to the Annual Breed Show Awards have additional awards for their breed. Only goats registered with NZDGBA qualify for these additional awards as under affiliation criteria breed clubs must abide by NZDGBA rules and regulations.

4. ANNUAL NATIONAL PRODUCTION AWARDS

4.1 Annual National Production Awards will be calculated by the Production Recording portfolio holder, based on highest production in 305 days on official herd test in the previous season.

4.2 To be eligible for annual National Production Awards, goats must be registered with NZDGBA and the owner of the goat must belong to NZDGBA.

4.3 Any trophies associated with the Annual National Production Awards will be presented at the annual conference.

4.4 Annual National Production Awards will be published in the Dairy Goat News.

5 INTERPRETATION OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND GENERAL

5.1 In the event of any question arising as to the administration, operation or interpretation of the policies and procedures, the NZDGBA Council shall consider the matter and its decision shall be final.