As Pygmy Goats gain popularity in Australia, navigating the various breed associations becomes essential for breeders and enthusiasts alike.
These organizations play a vital role in shaping the future of the Pygmy Goat breed, particularly as Australian quarantine restrictions prevent the importation of live goats and the cost of importing frozen semen straws and embryos to introduce new genetics (added to the high failure rate) is cost prohibitive to the vast majority of Australian Pygmy Goat breeders.
As someone who has loved this breed for years before they were bought to Australia and feels that all decisions should be made according to what is in the best interest of the Pygmy Goat breed, I find it unfortunate that having multiple associations means there are multiple Herdbook Registries being maintained independently of one another rather than one universal Herdbook for every animal of Pygmy Goat genetics born in Australia.
While animals can be registered with more than one association, the DNA Parental Verification to Import requirements for registration in some associations further complicates the matter as Pygmy Goat % may vary for the same animal if they are registered with more than one association.
In many cases this will never be rectified because DNA is either not available for the animal or because Pygmy Goat breeders own the DNA results on their animals and some refuse to release the information to anyone else. Depending on the breeding of the animals you own or purchase, this may affect the association that you will choose to join.
Here’s a closer look at the key breed associations in Australia and their main points of difference.
In alphabetical order, the associations are the Australian All Breeds of Miniature Goat and Sheep Society Inc, Australian Goat Breeders Association (AGBA), Miniature Goats Australia (MGA) and the National Pygmy Goat Association of Australia.
Australian All Breeds of Miniature Goat and Sheep Society Inc.
The AABMGS serves as a registry for all breeds of miniature goats and sheep and has an inclusive approach that accommodates all miniature goat/sheep breeders and their respective breeding programs. The AABMGS does not require DNA Parental Verification or herd testing for CAE and Johnes Disease to register your Pygmy Goats.
Three of our does were originally registered with the AABMGS, but we had no problems transferring them with the same % to either of the associations we are registered with.
The AABMGS also has the largest Pygmy Goat Facebook Group in Australia. I’ve found it a welcoming group where respectful conversations regarding important things that affect all breeders such as DNA Parental Verification and health testing are welcome.
If we end up with Babydoll or Mini Harlequin Sheep here at Eagleburra in the future, we will be joining the AABMGS.
Australian Goat Breeders Inc
Founded in 2023, Australian Goat Breeders Inc (AGB) represents four miniature goat breeds – Australian Miniature, Nigerian Dwarf, Mini Nubian and Pygmy Goats. The AGB is aimed at those with an agri-business breeding goats and requires full DNA parental verification back to import for the percentage calculation of the Pygmy genetics for registration. When full DNA PV to import is not available (or will not be released by the breeder), animals in this registry may show a lower % than they would in other associations.
The AGB has adapted the NPGA (US) Breed Standard and is the only Australian association that strictly adheres to traditional USA coat colours/patterns and eye colour. Although alternative colour is allowed in appendix animals, in the show ring judging penalises lack of traditional colour and markings. Whole herd testing is required for entering shows.
Miniature Goats Australia
Established in 2014, the MGA is a professional organization promoting breeding for the purpose of improving and advancing Pygmy Goats, Nigerian Dwarfs, Australian Miniatures and Mini Nubians. The MGA offers a welcoming and supportive private community for serious breeders to connect, share knowledge, gain support, promote best practices in breeding and it also provides an informative newsletter and educational material to its members.
The MGA has a very ethical Membership Agreement that requires breeders comply with strict requirements for animal welfare, timely and complete registrations in the Herdbook as well as adherence to livestock legislation including Property Identification Codes and NLIS ear tags.
If your Pygmy Goats of any percentage goats are registered with another association, Miniature Goats Australia will add them to the MGA breed registry free of charge and registering wethers is also free of charge to ensure the complete integrity of the herdbook.
The Miniature Goats Australia website is a useful tool for finding reputable breeders of Pygmy Goats, Nigerian Dwarfs, Australian Miniature Goats and Mini Nubian goats across Australia and currently have shows in several of the eastern states of Australia.
We are pleased to be the first West Australian Pygmy Goat breeders registered with the MGA and look forward to attending MGA displays and shows in WA in the future.
Miniature Goat Breeders Association of Australia
The Miniature Goat Breeders Association of Australia (MGBA) has its own Australian Pygmy Goat Breed Standard that accepts all colours with a strong preference for traditional pygmy colours, patterns and markings and strict adherence to height requirements.
The MGBA’s Herdbook makes the distinction between USA Pygmy Goats and Australian Pygmy Goats, requires DNA parental verification on all animals which are registered in one of three categories:
Herdbook Purebred 100% – animals derived from USA purebred embryos or animals born in Australia to 100% DNA PV to Import or from imported semen;
Herdbook Purebred 93.75% – animals derived from USA purebred semen or Australian Herdbook parentage;
Genetic Recovery – Australian Pygmy Goat stock lower than 93.75% using a Grading System based on %
The MGBA currently holds shows in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland – DNA Parental Verification and current CAE and Johnes results are required to enter MGBA shows.
National Pygmy Goat Association of Australia
Founded in 2019, the NPGAA is the first association we joined, it does not require DNA Parental Verification or health testing and the emphasis in this Association is on having fun. The first Pygmy Goat show in Western Australia was held in April 2024 and the NPGAA held its first Judges Training course in 2024, bringing US Judge Trainer Carol Hepner and Judge and breeder Kelly Culp to share their vast knowledge in the breed with Australian breeders.
The training was a wonderful educational experience and I am proud that my lifetime knowledge of livestock and animal breed standards, structure and function meant that my assessment results were high enough to be only one of five people Australia wide to be accredited with the NPGA Judges Licence. I look forward to seeing where this will lead in the future along with the establishment of the Judge Licencing requirements and ongoing Judge education in line with other breed societies.
Choosing the Right Association for You
Selecting the right breed association depends on your goals as a Pygmy Goat breeder or owner. Whether you’re focused on adhering to international Pygmy standards, breeding up over generations to purebred status, showing your Pygmy Goats or connecting with a broader goat breeding community, there’s an association that aligns with your needs.
It is important to note that currently there are no herds established in Western Australia that have full DNA Parental Verification back to import, so that will impact the Association you may wish to join if you are in this state.
While it can seem a little confusing, the landscape of Pygmy Goat breeding in Australia is enriched by the dedication of the various breed associations and there is an association to suit everyone. Whether you’re looking for a community, resources, showing, structured breeding guidelines or just having fun, these organizations provide the foundation for the continued growth and success of the Pygmy Goat breed in Australia.
Many Pygmy Goat breeders are members of more than one association as they all offer different things. Having multiple associations to choose from can be advantageous to Pygmy Goat breeders in that membership in more than one association gives the benefit of access to the different Herdbooks when looking for new genetics, different levels of mentorship and community engagement as well as well as giving you access to different educational opportunities as well as exposure to different perspectives and ideas on breeding, showing and the future development of the breed.
I recommend considering what you require from an association and then explore the options that are relevant to your needs, your location and the Pygmy Goat genetics available to you and then connect with fellow breeders and find the association that will best support you now and also in the future on your journey with this amazing breed!
If you are trying to decide who to join, I am more than happy to speak to anyone about our experiences with the associations that we are members of.
Associations change their requirements from time to time, so I will try and remember to update this once a year or so.
If you would like to follow Eagleburra Pygmy Goats on social media we can be found on the following:
https://www.facebook.com/eagleburrapygmygoats
https://www.instagram.com/eagleburra.pygmy.goats
https://www.tiktok.com/@eagleburra_pygmy_goats