Genetics – Bucks, Rams, & AI Semen

2024-2025 TAEP Application A

50% Cost Share – Maximum Reimbursement - $2,000

The amount of payment is based upon 50% of expenses incurred for eligible program items up to the program maximum.

Applicant Responsibility

It is the applicant’s responsibility to review all TAEP program requirements prior to applying for cost share. Applicant must qualify for program selected at time of application to be considered for approval.

Applicant Eligibility
Educational Requirements
Reimbursement Requirements
Verification Requirements
Applying for TAEP

Minimum Requirements

Goats/Sheep – 50 head

Applicant must meet minimum requirement of head of livestock for program. Verification of minimum requirements may be requested prior to approval. Head of Livestock = maximum number of single type, regardless of sex or age, at any one time during the last 12 months. Goats/Sheep can be combined to meet minimum head requirement.

Eligible Items & Requirements – Print Version

Eligible Items

Buyer must communicate with the seller prior to purchasing to ensure the goat/sheep meets all TAEP eligibility requirements. Goats/sheep that do not meet all eligibility requirements between October 1, 2024 and date of purchase will be denied cost share reimbursement.

1. Bucks (pedigree required*) — $500 maximum per buck
2. Rams (pedigree required*) — $500 maximum per ram
    a. RR results for the Scrapie Codon 171 Genotype test
    b. NN results for the Spider Syndrome Genotype test
3. AI
    a. Semen (pedigree required*) — AI qualified bucks/rams with semen code is suggested
    b. New semen tanks, liquid nitrogen fills, synchronization cost, AI supplies & equipment
    c. AI technician fees and/or AI training certification

Requirements – Bucks & Rams
1. Physical examination or BSE — must be performed by a licensed veterinarian within 90 days of purchase or reimbursement
2. Official identification — Scrapie tag, microchip, or breed registry identification
3. Pedigree — required*
4. Genotype test results — Rams must test negative for Scrapie and Spider genes

*Breed registration certificate or herd management software pedigree (ex. HerdBoss) suggested. Examples and helpful information are available at https://animalscience.tennessee.edu/small-ruminants/.

Reimbursement Request Deadline – June 1, 2025

Allowable purchase dates for Genetics are from October 1, 2024 – June 1, 2025.
All items, regardless of backorder status, must be purchased (paid in full or financed) by the program reimbursement deadline. Backordered items may be ineligible for cost share if not delivered to the farm by the program deadline.
Receipts must be in the name of the applicant approved for cost share funding. Quotes and purchase orders do not represent a purchase and are not considered receipts.
Proof of payment may be requested to verify purchase.
See “Reimbursement Requirements” link at the top of the page for more information.