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Voice of the BC Goat Industry |
Welcome to the British Columbia Goat Association
News & UpdatesUrgent CNGF Request for FeedbackHello everyone,
The CFIA has asked the Canadian National Goat Federation (CNGF) for feedback from people in the goat sector across Canada on the latest revision of the proposed traceability regulations. Please read the attached letter and the CFIA's revised regulatory package. All feedback on the revisions must be received by CNGF no later than June 15, 2026. I have cc'd CNGF in this email for the purpose of collecting your feedback. Thank you -- Rayman Vella Secretary/Treasurer, British Columbia Goat Association (BCGA) -------Letter from CNGF: May 27th 2026 Dear Member Organizations and Goat Producers, The CNGF met with the CFIA to get the latest information and updates regarding the proposed traceability regulations. Since the push back from the cattle industry earlier this year, the CFIA has decided to revise their approach and remove some of the proposed amendments, while aligning all ruminant species to the current cattle traceability outline. CNGF has been asked for feedback from the goat sector across Canada regarding the revised approach. We are asking each of our member organizations to distribute the information presentation (EN/FR) to all those involved in the goat sector for comments. The four main questions we need feedback on from the goat sector include: 1) Confirm the use of Premise ID numbers. 2) Confirm that recording and/or reporting into CFIA is an acceptable practice for lost or missing tags. 3) Confirm reporting to CFIA is required for disposal, slaughter, import and export. 4) Decide on goat movement tracking. Is reporting to CFIA required? Or introducerecord keeping requirements (like the sheep sector is doing), with the option to report? CNGF is asking for comments and feedback NO LATER THAN June 15th, 2026. To submit feedback or to ask a question, please reach out to Cecilia Green at [email protected] or call 519-498-1376. Sincerely, The Canadian National Goat Federation www.cangoats.com 
Carpal Hyperextension in Nigerians Study!Commentary by Linda Carlson, May/2026
A few years ago, Nigerian breeders began openly discussing a conformational phenomenon they were seeing in their herds. Some Nigerians would subluxate at the knee... it would appear to bend backwards, some to a very slight degree, some quite significant. It caused discomfort to affected animals. It seemed to affect animals over 6 months of age and would sometimes resolve itself. It was not a dominant trait, kids of affected animals could be perfectly normal. What was the cause? Poor feed? Lacking a mineral? Genetics? The mystery deepened and finally a fundraiser was undertaken and a study began in the Northwestern US. The results are in and they are very informative. It appears to be a genetic condition. How individual herds manage it remains up to them. In my herd, any animal with symptoms is shipped for meat. I have thus lost one doe and two rather expensive bucks. They were all healthy and gorgeous save for this condition. I will not use bucks from any parents that exhibit the trait, because I believe that is how we will eventually weed it out... by not perpetuating it through the male line. I attended a session held by CNDA in which Dr. Erica McKenzie, one of the study authors, was presenting on the topic of Carpal Hyperextension - it was brilliant. The study is VITAL for all Nigerian owners to read. There are clear illustrations and x-rays within to help. In addition to the information in the study linked below, Dr. McKenzie told us that while they were able to undertake some pedigree analysis, they had no intention of publishing the name(s) of any animal(s) that would appear far, far back in our pedigrees which could be contenders as a point of origin - the information would be devastating to the national herd, and would cause needless harm at this point. We need to focus on the here and now, and the future. Dr. McKenzie also said that there are a couple of gene locations that have been identified as potential identifiers, but that developing a test would be incredibly expensive and would take years. Perhaps one day... Meanwhile, it is on all Nigerian Dwarf breeders to manage our herds and genetics with a careful eye and responsible decision-making. In summary: it's genetic, but clearly not a dominant trait. There is no test, and therefore we must use vigilant observation. |
MeetingsMonthly meetings will be announced on Facebook and are open to all CURRENT MEMBERS and INVITED guests.
Max ONE hour per meeting! Normally held the third Tuesday of the month, 6:00 PM. We will meet on Tuesday, June16, 2026. Join the call by clicking on this link at 6:00 PM! 2025/26 BCGA BOARD
NEW MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM!
We have a new form that will address some of the clunky issues of the old one, and will make recordkeeping easier. It's time to renew for 2026 - click on the image above to take it out for a spin! Our rates remain the same, $45/single, $60/family. Even if you hate meetings, join us, skip the meetings and your money will go to a good cause - education and support of goats and goat programs in BC. ~Linda | ||
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What is M. Ovi? Click here to find out!August 2020- Due to the changes in policy in the Yukon, small ruminant producers may be looking to rehome M. ovi positive animals into BC. It is critical that known M. Ovi animals not be relocated into areas where wild sheep or goat reside. Click here to find out more.
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The BCGA was founded over a hundred years ago, in 1917!
The BCGA Mission:
To increase public awareness of the value of goats and goat producers, disseminate information about breeds of goats and their care, bring together goat keepers around the province, and encourage young people with their involvement with goats and 4-H clubs.
The BCGA Mission:
To increase public awareness of the value of goats and goat producers, disseminate information about breeds of goats and their care, bring together goat keepers around the province, and encourage young people with their involvement with goats and 4-H clubs.
British Columbia Goat Association (c) , BC Goat Association (c) , bcgoat (c), BC-Goat (c), are copyright of the British Columbia Goat Association.
