The Online Herdbook is now loaded (up to date) with over 7,000 goats entered. The process took just over a year to complete. Those of you with internet access may now go to the Pygmy Goat Club website ; http://www.pygmygoatclub.org and look for the tab which will take you directly to the sign-in page of the Herdbook.  Please note that the Committee have decided that there will be no extra charge for this service and that it will be available to all members.

Those of you who have previously given us your e-mail address will be sent an e-mail containing your individual password and user-name to allow you to enter the Herdbook (this de-activates if your membership lapses). Any members who we do not have an e-mail address for and who wish to have access to the Herdbook can contact myself and I will let you have the relevant details as above.

After ‘signing in’ you will be presented with a list of these options;

• Change password.
• Search for animal.
• Database Information (details of current totals)

You can search for a single goat using either Name (in part or full) Registration Number or Parent name OR you could type in any Herd Name and be given the complete list of all goats registered under that name.

Every goat has an information page which includes Date of birth, Sex, Colour, Tattoo/tag number, Breeder, Owner, Show Wins (which lists details of any Best-in-Show and Reserve Best-in-Show wins) as well as a Comments box to accommodate notices such as deceased, faulted, downgraded etc. Along with the goats information is another list of options which gives you the choice of viewing a short pedigree (parents only) OR a full 4-generation pedigree OR a list of all progeny produced by that animal.

You will have access to the entire registry (including wethers and previously unavailable information – where faults have developed etc). The information available will be completely up to date with records added as and when I receive them.

I am sure like me, you will appreciate the benefits of this wonderful system. We are extremely fortunate to have had this, as well as the Website, ‘tailor made’ for the PGC by one of our American members Aaron Esterline. Aaron produced the Online Herdbook for the American National Pygmy Goat Association and the Pygora Breeders Association but has kindly made alterations to suit our registration system.

If you come across any mistakes or problems (someone is sure to find one !) please let me know and I will try to sort it out. There is a Help button on each page which we will review and update as and when any new problems arise.

Incidentally, we do intend to continue publishing a printed annual Herdbook for those of you without a computer.

NEW CERTIFICATES

One of the bonuses of the Online Herdbook is the facility for printed Registration Certificates. These will take the form of an A4 certificate showing a 3 generation pedigree along with other relevant information for that goat. My hope is that these certificates will look more ‘professional’ than the old hand written cards. Transfers will be processed as before – return the certificate to me along with the fee and new owner details. A revised certificate will be issued.

Hilary Breakell

REMINDER !
REGISTRATION FEES HAVE INCREASED;

Registration of Female = Now £3.00
Registration of Male = Now £7.50
Pet Record entry = Still £2.00
Transfer of ownership = Now £1.50
New Herd Name = Now £7.50