QUALITY ASSURANCE for DAIRY GOAT DHI RECORDS
I’ve heard about the new
program for ADGA production testing records
that involves California DHIA review.
What are they talking about?
ADGA entered into a contract with California DHIA to validate our DHIR records that began January 1, 2002. This is a program similar, but not as extensive as the quality assurance program run by an organization called “QCS” that oversees the dairy cow program through the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding. The Council denied the request from ADGA to include dairy goats in the fall of 2000.
All local DHIA’s received a letter in February from ADGA explaining the program and requesting documentation so records can be verified by appropriate third-party review.
What is CDHIA asking the
DHIA’s for?
Does the DHIA
have to have an on-site inspection for dairy goat records?
No – this is
not part of the program.
Do dairy goat
testers have to be trained out of state?
No – they
can be trained through the system already in place at your DHIA.
Is there any expense to the DHIA?
Not directly,
only in the sense that it may take a few hours of work each year in order to
collect and forward the documentation. ADGA
members and ADGA are paying for the cost of service to pay
CDHIA. The $5 increase in DHIR fees is
to offset the cost of the service.
Why does ADGA need our DHIR records to come through this
program?
In order to meet USDA/AIPL requirements for production records, goat records need to be made under uniform conditions to be acceptable and to generate the genetic evaluations for dairy goats. The same requirement exists for cow records. ADGA contracted with CDHIA after seeking out an organization that would provide an independent review in order to meet those requirements.
What about the lab and records
center that I use?
This program doesn’t require any changes at the laboratory or record’s centers. Those organizations are certified by QCS and it applies to goat records.
What will it mean for my 2002
records if the documentation isn’t sent from my DHIA?
This first year is one in which CDHIA is gathering information to present to the Board of Directors. Records at ADGA are not at any risk this year as we are in a fact-finding phase.
What options do I have if my DHIA decides to not participate?
There is a possibility that a DHIA may decide it does not want to maintain and submit the documentation needed for a dairy goat quality assurance program. If ADGA discovers any concerns, we hope to develop relationships with DHIA’s that result in shared participation. If that cannot be accomplished, ADGA may find it necessary to direct members to those organizations that accept ADGA’s need for a quality assurance review to verify its records.
If there is concern from your local DHIA, it is important to let ADGA know so that the PT committee and office can communicate effectively with the DHIA as to ADGA’s need for the DHIA to work with CDHIA in this program.
There are many options in working with the DHIA’s that will be acceptable to this program. One is the development of volunteer coordinators to help the DHIA’s with keeping the training records. ADGA is able to assist with providing forms for documenting tester training and scale certification. Others have integrated their dairy goat herds fully with their dairy cattle herds and merely need to provide documentation that all are receiving review by QCS.
In addition,
herdowners may find it useful to research other programs especially in considering cost, service and support. With the change in DHIA that occurred
several years ago, there are no longer requirements that limit herd owners to a
single state program.
Who should I contact if my DHIA manager or I have any other questions?
A variety
of people can assist you or your DHIA manager; they are:
ADGA |
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ADGA District Directors |
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Scott Taylor |
California DHIA Interim Manager |
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Lisa Shepard |
ADGA Production Testing Comm. Co-Chair |