Identification & Reporting Guidelines
Heritage Silky Fainting Goat Registry (HSFGR)
Registered Identification
In compliance with USDA requirements all registered goats must have permanent tamper-resistant identification. We require all HSFGR registered goats be assigned a Tattoo.
- Tattoos are USDA accepted for all REGISTERED goats.
- 840 Microchips are a USDA accepted method.
- For tattoos to be valid goats must be registered.
Placement:
Tattoo per registry prefix and number standard.
- Tattoo: Inner ear, both ears
- Tail Web:
Best practice is to follow up with physically tattooing the goat.
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, if pet web tattoo should read as GRRV27P)
Pet Only – Non Breeding Designations
HSFGR respects breeders and their program decisions of what classification they assign to their animals. All Pet or Non-Breeding classified animals must be identified with a P and updated with the registry. This service is provided free of charge to breeders. Tracking these designations supports decisions made by breeders, protects the integrity of their programs, and the HSFGR Herdbook.
HSFGR suggests assigning and tattooing all Pet only / No-breed does / No-breed intact bucks / Culls, so they do not re-enter the Silky Fainting Goat gene pool and HSFGR Herdbook.
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:
when using pliers:
- Use tattoo pliers sized for goats
- Clean the ear before inking
- Apply ink thoroughly into punctures
- Recheck tattoo after healing for clarity
when using tattoo pen:
- consider a bunny pen
- clean the ear before tattooing
Microchips Forethought:
Microchips are accepted as a form of identification by the USDA, 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, if not used in conjunction with chipping. If a goat has been previously registered with a chip, prior to the 840 USDA recognized chip, you do not have to change it, However, you should get a reading to make sure that chip is still in the goat. If you cannot find it, a new (840) chip should be assigned and implanted.
Again, tattoos are the recommended method of permanent ID. Every goat registered with HSFGR will be assigned a tattoo by said breeder and reported to HSFGR with registration application.
Pet Identification
NOTE: To comply with USDA requirements, all animals leaving your property should be permanently identified.
In the case of pets: tags & microchips are acceptable methods of identification.
We do not recommend handing out tags that are not permanently attached to the animal.
HSFGR does track pet and non-breeding designations when they are assigned to already registered stock. HSFGR offers all stock tracking for breeders free of charge. We encourage all members to follow USDA guidelines when selling stock as pets.
Tag Identification
All breeders should keep scrapie tags on hand for pet only sales. Tags should be physically affixed to the ear of the goat(s) being sold as a pet. Further, HSFGR suggests assigning and tattooing pet animal as such to keep Pet only / No-breed does / No-breed intact bucks / Culls, from re-entering the Silky Fainting Goat gene pool / HSFGR Herdbook.
Ear Notch Identification (optional)
- For Pet‑Only designation
- For additional verification
Ear Notching:
If you prefer to use this quick but very permanent method in conjunction to a tag or chip, place a small v‑notch on upper ear edge of right ear.
- 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.
- Must NOT be deep or excessive
IMPORTANT:
- Notches must never interfere with ear blood supply
- Notches may not be altered later
PHOTOGRAPH REQUIREMENTS
All registration, inspection, and transfer submissions must include clear, well-lit photos showing:
REQUIRED PHOTO SET:
1. Best Side (full body)
2. Other Side (optional)
3. Tattoo Photo (Optional)
PHOTO TIPS:
- Natural lighting is best
- Do not use filters that distort color or coat
- Avoid shadows on tattoo areas
- Use hands to gently flatten the ear for tattoo clarity
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: Prefixes cannot be changed after assigned. They are permanently tied to breeder identity, submitted & used by multiple agencies. In short, A prefix follows your farm/herd for a lifetime. If you belong to multiple goat registries, you should use the same prefix with all.
Tattoos / Ear Notches for Goats
- 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
- 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