In the interest of efficiency and a mutually positive experience, to prepare for a Linear Appraisal session, a herd owner should:

1) Fill in the barn name and birthdate of all animals to be appraised n the report form. Fill in missing information for all animals purchased or added. Remember that you will need the registration certificate (or a copy) available for the appraiser to check identity and ownership of any goats that are write-ins.

2) Be sure, in advance, that all tattoos correspond EXACTLY with the registration/recordation certificate. You will be charged for all animals presented, regardless of whether or not they have correct or legible tattoos.

3) Have an area available for the inspection site that is well lit and has a firm, dry surface and is large enough to have a handler move the animals around freely.

4) Have all eligible animals available for evaluation, either in the barn or confined in a small area nearby.

5) Have kidding dates, due dates, dry dates, and lactation numbers readily available for the appraiser.

6) It is not necessary to show clip animals for appraisal. However, it is desirable to make sure that animals are reasonably clean, their feet have been trimmed, and excessive hair fringes are clipped.

7) Have ears or tail webs wiped clean and a strong light available for checking tattoos.

8) Avoid excessive uddering of does. Probably twelve hours of milk would be best, depending on stage of lactation and level of production.

Young Stock Appraisal is always optional. Owners may choose to appraise as many, or as few, doe kids and yearlings (from 2 months to 2 years of age, never freshened) and buck kids (from 2 months to 1 year of age) of any breed that they desire. If you choose to appraise young stock, please follow these special guidelines.

1) It may be helpful to use a collar and short lead, which will keep the kid under control.

2) Young stock need not be registered/recorded but must be tattooed. The appraiser will read the tattoo. If the tattoo does not match a registration certificate, the animal will be scored as an unregistered animal and the owner will be asked to have the certificate revised to show the correct tattoo.