Identification & Reporting Guidelines

Heritage Silky Fainting Goat Registry (HSFGR)

To establish permanent identification and reporting procedures for all goats bred or sold by HSFGR members – whether registered or pet-only – ensuring lifetime traceability and comprehensive herd records.

Identification Requirement

Permanent Mark Required:
Every goat bred by an HSFGR member must carry a permanent, tamper-resistant identifier.

- Registered & Provisional Animals: Tattoo per registry prefix and number standard.
- Pet/Companion-Only Animals: Ear notch or tattoo with “P” suffix (e.g., GRR72P).
- The mark must be visible, legible, and documented by photo.

Placement:

- Inner ear (tattoo) or outer ear edge (notch).
- Notch placed near top third of ear cartilage, avoiding major vessels.
- Quick clean cut, apply antiseptic spray or iodine.
- Tool: small livestock ear notcher (⅛–¼ inch “V”), disinfected between uses.

Alternative Methods Requiring Forethought:

- Microchips may be accepted as a supplemental form of identification, but breeders should consider the possibility of migration, failure of detection, or expulsion over time. For that reason, HSFGR does not recommend microchips as the sole permanent identifier where a visible, readily verifiable tattoo is preferred.

- Clip tags as sole ID.

Tattoo Identification –Requirements:

Must be placed inside the ear flap or tail web
Must include: Breeder Prefix + Unique Number (birth order works well)
Year Letter should be added when applicable
Ink must be dark, legible, and permanent

TATTOO EXAMPLES:

Left Ear (Breeder Prefix): GRR

Right Ear (Unique Number + Year Letter): V27 then add P if said goat is PET designated.

Tailweb herd prefix + letter/year + individual number Example: GRRV27. (the entire identifier must appear in the tail web)

TATTOO YEAR LETTERS (Example Cycle):

2024 = S
2025 = T
2026 = V
2027 = W
2028 = X

(HSFGR follows the goat-registry year-letter convention used by major U.S. goat registries, skipping G, I, O, Q, and U.)

Tattoo Tips:

Use tattoo pliers sized for goats

Clean the ear before inking

Apply ink thoroughly into punctures

Recheck tattoo after healing for clarity

Ear Notch Identification

Ear notching may be used:

On goats with dark skin that will not hold tattoo ink
For Pet‑Only designation
For additional verification in large herds

HSFGR Ear Notching Standards:

If you prefer this quick but very permanent method, place a small v‑notch on upper ear edge of right ear.

Must NOT be deep or excessive
Must match the form submitted with registration

Used ONLY for Pet‑Only designation

IMPORTANT:

Notches must never interfere with ear blood supply
Notches may not be altered later

Ear Notches / Tattoos for Goats

Ear notching tools are available that make clean, consistent “V” cuts in livestock ears (including goats). For example, the Jeffers Ear Notching Tool designed for goats. Jeffers
Tattoos are a widely accepted “permanent ID” method in goats. E.g., a fact-sheet from Cornell University explains how to tattoo goats: cleaning inside the ear, using tattoo pliers, applying ink, etc. Cornell CALS
Some breeders prefer smaller or rotary tattoo tools over traditional heavy pliers, especially for kids. Rabbit-size or small-animal tattoo tools are commonly cross-used on goats, provided the tattoo remains clear, permanent, and safely applied. Cornell notes that small tattoo pliers also used for rabbits often work well on goats, especially kids.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) goat ID study shows that ear notches, tattoos, ear tags are used – tattoos & notches considered permanent ID methods. APHIS

Registry Reporting – All Offspring

Mandatory Reporting Rule:
All kids born from registered HSFGR parents must be reported to the registry, even if sold or retained as pet-only.

The breeder submits a short “Litter/Offspring Report” within 60 days of birth.
Report includes:
• Sire and Dam registry numbers
• Date of birth
• Sex, color, markings
• ID mark (tattoo or notch photo)
• Sale status (Registered / Provisional / Pet-Only)
Pet-only animals receive a Non-Registerable Record ID, linking them to the litter for future reference.

This ensures that even unregistered animals contribute to genetic and production tracking.

Benefits of Pet-Only Reporting

Enables breeders to analyze pairing results and evaluate herd improvement.
Prevents “paperless” offspring from being resold as falsely registered stock.
Contributes data to breed-level statistics (coat quality, conformation trends, fainting inheritance, etc.).
Protects prefix reputation and long-term breeding credibility.
Every breeder has their personal reasons for selling as pet-only (quality) this reporting helps to protect your reputation.

Recordkeeping in Registry Database

Each goat’s digital record will include:

ID mark image (tattoo or notch)
Photo set (front, side, coat)
Parentage data
Registration or Pet-Only status
Breeder prefix and sale record

This system creates a living herdbook where even non-breeding animals help refine the breed’s history.

Compliance & Review

Failure to report all offspring (registered or otherwise) may result in prefix review or suspension of Certified Breeder status.
Intentional omission or false reporting constitutes registry misconduct.

Preserves Data Integrity

Breeders will see complete genetic and production history (even of pet-only offspring).

Protects Breeders

No one can later claim a pet-only goat as “purebred but unregistered” because there’s a registry record. 

Strengthens Breed Records

Every pairing, outcome, and sale supports your performance data and long-term breed analytics. 

PHOTOGRAPH REQUIREMENTS

All registration, inspection, and transfer submissions must include clear, well-lit photos showing:

REQUIRED PHOTO SET:

1. Left Side (full body)

2. Right Side (full body)

3. Front View

4. Rear View

5. Close-up of Coat Texture

6. Tattoo or Notch Verification Photo

PHOTO TIPS:

Natural lighting is best
Avoid shadows on tattoo areas
Use hands to gently flatten the ear for tattoo clarity
Do not use filters that distort color or coat

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click each question-read answer below question area

A: Submit new tattoo photos plus the original registration certificate. A re‑tattoo may be permitted with approval.

A: Yes. This may be preferred for Pet‑Only situations.

A: Collars are not considered ID. Permanent identification is required for all registry documents.

A: Prefixes cannot be changed after assigned. They are permanently tied to breeder identity.

Statement of Principle

“Even those who do not carry papers carry heritage. Every goat tells a story, and every responsible breeder helps the registry record it faithfully.”