Livestock breeders, including those associated with the meat goat sector are generally respected for their understanding of genetic change in a particular species or breed. They are trusted. It is recognized that breeders take financial risks in order to test the breeding value of each new generation after selection of the parents has occurred. This trust and respect can evaporate quickly when unethical practices occur. What is just good salesmanship and where is the line which separates good marketing from unethical behavior?

As breeders know, it is rare if ever that nearly perfect animal comes along. So in most cases you are selling imperfect stock, and to suggest otherwise would not be honest. Several breed associations and organizations have taken the time to write a Code of Ethics which governs how members should behave and how the notion of truth in sales should be acted out. Even the Black and Tan Coon Dog association has a code.

“Honest and helpful” describes those people in the meat goat sector who can be considered truly successful and who are in business for the long haul. In all cases, honesty in regard to faults (especially to the novice), in regard to vaccinations, deworming history, previous health problems including caseous lymphadenitis, pedigree information, hereditary defects, and predictions of breeding value can pay off in the long run. The ethical breeder transfers registration papers at the time expected, and remains open to sharing information with new breeders.

Seek to do the most you can to determine the true breeding value of the breeding stock you are showing and selling. This can be done with individual, ancestors, and progeny performance information. Even on-farm evaluations, when appropriately designed, can be done well and raise the expectations by the owner. Pricing should reflect estimated breeding value, and until breed groups have amassed sufficient data, that will need to be by evidence from the farm itself. Obviously the conscientious breeder will keep their meat goats in healthy and well-fed, but not in a fat condition which impairs production.

Appendix A — Available Genetic Resources Among Breeds.
Appendix B — Fundamental Genetics for Understanding Breeding Stock Change Genes, Chromosomes, Alleles, Nucleus, DNA .
Appendix C — Understanding Breeding Value and Expected Progeny Difference.
Appendix D — Measures Describing Data Collected from Goat Populations.
Appendix E — Basic Considerations in Heritability and Repeatability in Goat Breeding.
Appendix F — Genetic Prediction and Genetic Evaluation of Meat Goats.
Appendix G — Management Strategies and Mathematical Techniques for Improving Genetic Change.
Appendix H — Trade-offs Among the Elements Affecting Rate of Progress from Selection.
Appendix I — Details of Specific Mating Systems for the Breeder and Commercial Producer of Market Goats.
Appendix J — Genetic Implications of “Recent” Biotechnologies.

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