Genetics: Goats and Sheep

Minimum Requirements* Certification Required to Apply Beginning Famer Option**
Goats and/or Sheep - 50 Head Not applicable Available – see pp. 10 & 11
$2,000 Maximum Reimbursement
Standard 35% Cost Share   |   Master 50% Cost Share
50% Cost Share Eligible Master Courses for Genetics – Goats/Sheep

Master Small Ruminant

Master Dairy

Master Farm Manager

Master Beef

Master Farm Family Health & Wellness
Head of livestock = maximum number of single type, regardless of sex or age, at one time during the last 12 months.
Goats/Sheep can be combined to meet minimum number requirement.
*Applicant must meet at least one minimum program requirement at time of application.
**This program is available for individuals qualifying for the Beginning Farmer Option.

Eligible Items - Goats

1. Bucks (pedigree required*) - $500 maximum per buck

2. Bred Does - $200 per doe – see p. 21

3. AI

a. Buck semen (pedigree required*) – AI qualified bucks 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

4. Breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) or pregnancy exam – by Tennessee licensed veterinarian

 

Eligible Items - Sheep

1. 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

2. Bred Ewes- $200 per ewe – see p. 21

3. AI

a. Ram semen (pedigree required*) – AI qualified 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

4. Breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) or pregnancy exam – by Tennessee licensed veterinarian

5. Genomic testing – Scrapie, Spider, dwarfism

Requirements - Bucks and 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

— Bucks (pedigree required*)

— Rams (pedigree required*)

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

4. Genotype test results – Rams must test negative for Scrapie and Spider genes

Email livestock.genetics@tn.gov for additional information.