Goat 2019 Study - Respondents

United States
Department of
Agriculture
National Agricultural
Statistics Service
October 2019

NAHMS

National Animal
Health Monitoring
System (NAHMS)
Goat 2019 Study
General Goat Management
Questionnaire (GGMQ)
Interviewer’s Manual

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB
control number for this information collection is 0579-0354. The time required to complete this information
collection is estimated to average from .17 – 4 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information.
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Contents
Chapter 1 – General Information ...............................................................................5
Background.............................................................................................................5
How NAHMS Goat Study Information is Used .......................................................6
Purpose of the NAHMS Goat 2019 Study ..............................................................7
Objectives of the NAHMS Goat 2019 Study ...........................................................7
Benefits of Participation in the NAHMS Goat 2019 Study ......................................7
Goat 2019 Information Sheet .................................................................................9
Goat 2019 Timeline and Biological Benefits .........................................................11
Overview of NASS Data Collection ......................................................................13
Overview of NAHMS Data Collection ...................................................................13
NAHMS Goat 2019 Study Coordinators ...............................................................14
Chapter 2 – Terms and Definitions ..........................................................................15
Chapter 3 – Enumerator Procedures ......................................................................21
General .................................................................................................................21
Who to Interview ...................................................................................................21
NAHMS General Goat Management Questionnaire (GGMQ) .............................21
Special Situations .................................................................................................22
Burden Statement .................................................................................................22
Consent Form and Information about Phase II ....................................................23
Delivering Completed Work to the Field Office ....................................................23
2019 Consent Form ..............................................................................................24
Chapter 4 – General Instruction, Question and Response Formats ....................25
Entering Responses .............................................................................................25
Enumerator Instructions in the Questionnaire ......................................................25
General Question Formats ...................................................................................29
Chapter 5 – Completing the Questionnaire and Questions of Note ....................38
Introducing the NAHMS Goat 2019 Study to the Respondent .............................38
Administering the Questionnaire ..........................................................................38
GGMQ Sections Overview ...................................................................................39
Section A: Inventory .......................................................................................39
Section B: General Management ...................................................................41
Section C: Breeding Management .................................................................44
Section D: Kid Crop and Management ..........................................................46
Section E: Health Management .....................................................................52
Section F: Biosecurity ....................................................................................56
Section G: Movement and Marketing.............................................................59
Section H: Identification .................................................................................64
Section I: Fiber Production .............................................................................67
Section J: Office Use......................................................................................69
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Chapter 1 – General Information
BACKGROUND
The Goat 2019 Study is being conducted jointly by the National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS) and the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS). NAHMS is an information
gathering and disseminating organization within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The purpose of the NAHMS program is to collect and analyze animal health data to provide
scientifically sound and current information on the health status of U.S. livestock and poultry.
The information is intended to benefit both livestock Producers (by facilitating efficient
production and animal welfare) and the general public (by facilitating a safer and higher-quality
food supply). Special emphasis is placed on obtaining valid estimates of management practices,
production levels, and disease status of the national herd.
The NAHMS program is not designed to detect, regulate, or eradicate major epidemic diseases,
but rather to learn about other less-well-known health problems and food safety and quality
issues. As the food-animal industry grows more sophisticated, and production becomes more
concentrated in large, confined facilities, demand increases for information on the impact of
health problems. These problems are often related to animal genetics, herd management
practices, the environment in which the herd is located, and exposure to infectious agents. The
NAHMS program attempts to measure the occurrence of these conditions and to report the
findings to the livestock industry, as well as to the general public. Additionally, as the livestock
industry addresses concerns with food quality and food safety, it needs valid information on
which to base decisions.
The NAHMS program compiles some of its information from sources other than surveys of
Producers. These sources include other government agencies, livestock industry organizations,
and universities. Surveys of livestock Producers are conducted to assemble data that are not
available elsewhere.
NAHMS was started in 1983. In the first few years after it was established, animal health and
economic data were collected for various types of livestock through several State programs.
Since 1989, surveys have been national in scope and have focused on hogs from farrowing to
market, dairy cattle, cow-calf operations, cattle-on-feed operations, equids, catfish, poultry,
goats and sheep. NASS State offices and NASDA field enumerators were involved in most of
these projects.
In 2009, NAHMS conducted its first goat study. The NAHMS Goat 2019 Study will be the
second study of the goat industry.

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HOW NAHMS GOAT STUDY INFORMATION IS USED
Information gathered in NAHMS surveys is used to:
• Provide information to individual goat Producers to enhance goat health and production.
• Help goat Producers and their private veterinarians identify health problems and take early
action.
• Recommend changes in goat-management practices that will reduce health problems.
• Identify specific health-care studies and research projects that need to be conducted.
• Provide industry groups with baseline information regarding their industry on a national level.
• Allow small ruminant research funding agencies to understand potential priorities for further
investigation of small ruminant health and management.
• Define health-care areas that need more emphasis in veterinary and goat owner education
programs.
• Help scientists identify the most costly goat health problems.
• Help drug companies decide which new products to develop.
• Assist government policy-makers in decisions affecting the food-animal industry.
• Benefit consumers by facilitating more efficient production of quality meat, milk, and other
products.
Some of these points (especially the first two) may be useful in persuading a reluctant
Producer to participate in the survey.

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PURPOSE OF THE NAHMS GOAT 2019 STUDY
The NASS component of Goat 2019 focuses on goat health and management practices used on
goat operations. It will allow us to evaluate changes in goat health and management as they
relate to control of infectious diseases and other management strategies. The cost of
gastrointestinal parasite testing is one of the economic aspects of goat health management
emphasized in the NASS component of Goat 2019. Background information, including goat
inventory, will allow us to evaluate health and management factors at the national and regional
level.
OBJECTIVES OF THE NAHMS GOAT 2019 STUDY
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Describe changes in animal health, nutrition, and management practices in the U.S. goat
industry from 2009-2019
Describe practices Producers use to control internal parasites and reduce anthelmintic
resistance
Describe antimicrobial stewardship on goat operations and estimate the prevalence of
enteric microbes and antimicrobial resistance patterns
Describe management practices associated with, and Producer-reported occurrence of,
economically important goat diseases
Provide a serologic and DNA bank for future research

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE NAHMS GOAT 2019 STUDY
The information collected will be useful to individual Producers, the goat industry, animal health
officials, and veterinary groups.
Benefits to Individual Producers
1. Participating Producers will receive a variety of reports and information sheets that will enable
them to compare their operation–including management decisions and practices–with others in
the goat industry. These publications will present study data on national, regional, and
operation-size basis for general management and production topics as well as specific healthrelated issues.
2. Participating Producers will receive an educational packet of information:
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“How fecal egg counts can help you fight parasites”
“What is FAMACHA?”
“Coccidiosis: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment”
“Sore mouth in Humans” from CDC
“Caseous Lymphadenitis Management”
“Should I Genotype my Goats?”
“Keeping Visitors Safe at your Agritourism Business”
“Veterinary Feed Directive – What does it mean to sheep and goat Producers?”
“Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis”

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3. Receive biological test results for:
• Genetic tests to determine alleles associated with scrapie resistance
• Gastrointestinal parasites and resistance to dewormers
• Fecal microbial (E coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella) cultures
Benefits to the Goat Industry
1. Enhance awareness of the industry and provide a more thorough knowledge base about goat
health and management.
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General management and feeding practices by the type and size of operation.
Knowledge of current disease prevention and biosecurity practices on goat operations.
Knowledge of the occurrence of diseases important to productivity.
Goat and goat-milk marketing strategies used by Producers.
Types of fiber produced and methods for marketing.

The preceding items will provide goat industry groups the background needed to guide
Producer education and ultimately improve the health and productivity of goats in the United
States.
2. Increased awareness and knowledge of the industry and diseases important to the industry,
which will promote research interest and guidance for topics at veterinary schools.
Benefits to Veterinary Services, Universities, and Researchers
For practitioners, universities, industries, and media involved with the goat industry, descriptive
reports summarizing all data along with prevalence data will be available for comparative
analysis and interpretation.
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Information collected will provide basic parameters for animal disease models, including
those used to plan for handling outbreaks of foreign animal diseases.
Veterinary Services personnel will have a better understanding of the spectrum of the
goat industry and a baseline for industry knowledge in the event of an emergency
response.
The information collected will help to characterize the needs for further research and
education.
Researchers will use the background information provided by this study on the goat
industry to support grant applications.
Describing the use of gastrointestinal parasite prevention methods nationally will provide
useable information for the Southern Consortium of Small Ruminant Parasite Control

The following Goat 2019 Information Sheet (project launch sheet) and Goat 2019 Timeline and
Biological Benefits Sheet (next 4 pages), produced by APHIS-Veterinary Services, provides
more information about the Goat 2019 Study. These sheets were mailed to the sampled
operations along with the pre-survey letter.

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October 2018

NAHMS Goat 2019 Study
From July 1 through December 2019, the USDA’s
National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), in
collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics
Service (NASS), will conduct its second national study
of the U.S. goat industry. The NAHMS Goat 2019 study
will take an in-depth look at the priority issues facing
U.S. goat operations and provide new and valuable
information regarding animal health and management
practices in this growing industry. Approximately 4,700
goat producers from 25 of the Nation’s major goatproducing States (see map) will have the opportunity to
participate in the study, if they have an inventory of at
least five adult goats.

Background
A program within the USDA’s Animal Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS), NAHMS collects scientifically
accurate data for U.S. livestock, poultry, and aquaculture
industries on a rotating basis.
For the goat study, priority issues facing the industry
were identified from 1,272 responses via a needsassessment questionnaire and from input from meetings
with representatives from various segments of the goat
industry, including stakeholders and government
agencies.

“Through studies such as this one, we can
evaluate the needs of our goat populations. We
can be proactive and progressive in addressing
the pressing needs we face using the most
current data to support innovative ideas in
improving the ways we care for our goats.”
—Susan Myers, DVM, AASRP President

Study Focus
The NAHMS Goat 2019 study is designed to provide
individual participants and stakeholders with valuable
information on the U.S. goat industry. The NAHMS Goat
2019 study will
• Describe changes in animal health, nutrition, and
management practices from 2009 to 2019,
• Describe practices producers use to control internal
parasites and reduce anthelmintic resistance,
• Describe antimicrobial stewardship on goat
operations and estimate the prevalence of enteric
pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns,
• Describe management practices associated
with, and producer-reported occurrence of,
economically important goat diseases, and
• Provide a serologic bank for future research.
“The 2019 Goat study is an opportunity for U.S.
goat producers to have your voices heard. What
are the issues that matter most to you? How can
cooperative extension services, especially from
extension veterinarians, help you with these
issues? The information provided from the results
of this study will guide the priorities for future goat
research and program opportunities.”
—Dr. Patty Scharko, President
American Association of Extension Veterinarians

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When is the study and how is it conducted?

Confidentiality

As previously mentioned, goat producers with an
inventory of at least 5 adult goats in 25 of the major goatproducing States will be asked to participate. Producers
that choose to complete both phase I and phase II of the
study will be offered free biologic testing.
Phase I—In July 2019, NASS representatives will
contact potential participants. Producers that choose to
participate will be administered a questionnaire and asked
if they would like to continue to phase II.
Phase II—Beginning in September 2019, goat
producers who agreed to continue in the study will be
contacted by APHIS or State veterinary health
professionals to schedule an in-person interview and
collect biologics. Free biologic testing will include pre- and
postdeworming fecal parasite egg counts, scrapie resistant
genotyping, and Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter
culture results. Data collection will end in December 2019.

Because NAHMS relies on voluntary participation, the
privacy of every participant is protected. Only those
collecting the data know the identity of respondents. No
name or contact information will be associated with
individual data, and no data will be reported in a way that
could reveal the identity of a participant. Data are
presented only in an aggregate manner.

“Data collection, management practices, research
direction, and marketing strategies are all vital for
the well being of our goat industry. This NAHMS
study is a critical part of the future development
and advancement of our industry. Please take the
time to accurately complete the study which will
provide each participant specific information
about the health of their flock as well as providing
a quantum leap forward for our entire industry.”
—Tom Boyer
Producer and Past President of the American
Goat Federation

Benefits to participating
Producers that fully participate in the NAHMS Goat
2019 study will receive free
• Fecal-egg count reduction test results for
gastrointestinal parasites,
• Scrapie-resistant genotyping, and
• Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter fecal
culture results.
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The industry will benefit from
Current and scientifically valid estimates of
management practices and disease prevalence,
Important information regarding trade and the
overall health of the goat industry; and
Data that will help policymakers and industry to
make informed decisions, while at the same time
helping researchers and others identify vital issues
related to goat health and productivity.

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“…in addition to providing useful feedback to
participants about the health status of their goats,
the information from this study will play a critical
role in prioritizing [goat] research needs and
justifying research dollars…”
—Joan Dean Rowe, DVM
American Dairy Goat Association member and
breeder

A scientific approach
NAHMS collects and reports accurate and useful
information on animal health and management in the
United States. Since 1990, NAHMS has developed
national estimates on disease prevalence and other factors
related to the health of U.S. beef cattle, sheep, goats, dairy
cattle, swine, equine, poultry, and catfish populations.
The science-based results produced by NAHMS
have proven to be of considerable value to the U.S.
livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries as well as
to other animal health stakeholders.
NAHMS studies are:
• National in scope,
• Science based,
• Statistically valid,
• Collaborative,
• Voluntary, and
• Confidential.
____________________________
For more information, contact:
USDA–APHIS–VS–CEAH–NAHMS
NRRC Building B, M.S. 2E7
2150 Centre Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117
970.494.7000
Or visit NAHMS at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/nahms
#786.1018
____________________________________
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all
its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age,
disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status,
parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political
beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived
from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all
programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for
communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)
should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and
TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office
of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C.
20250–9410, or call (800) 795–3272 (voice) or (202) 720–6382 (TDD).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS)
2019 Goat Study Timeline
July - August 2019

September - December 2019

NASS1
Visit
• General Goat Management
Questionnaire
• Consent Form2

1National

Agricultural Statistics
Service (NASS)
2Producer consent for contact from
Veterinary Services (VS)
3Producer agrees to participate in
questionnaires and biologic testing

Veterinary Services
(VS) Visit
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Producer Agreement3
VS Questionnaire
Agritourism Questionnaire (if applicable)
Biologic Testing:

Internal Parasite Test: Pre- and post-deworming fecal egg
counts and egg count reduction tests will give you information
about dewormer resistance on your operation. Do not deworm
60 days prior to VS Visit.

December 2019 onwards

Reports
• Producer Reports: Operation
specific biologic results mailed to
the producers approximately 3
months post-collection

• Data Analysis
• Descriptive Reports

Scrapie Genetic Test: DNA based blood test to identify genetic
resistance/susceptibility to scrapie.
Enteric Microbe Test: Detection of E. coli, Salmonella,
Campylobacter, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium in your goats.
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi) Test: Nasal swab to test
for the bacterium M. ovi.

To learn more and access reports, visit
www.aphis.usda.gov/nahms or scan the
QR code above.

NAHMS 2019 Goat Study

Free Biological Testing
Total Savings of up to $2,467
Internal Parasite Test*
You Save:

$532

Scrapie Genetic Test*
You Save:

$450

Enteric Microbe Test*
You Save:

$1,485

Test includes:

Test includes:

Test includes:

Pre- and post-deworming fecal egg
counts and egg count reduction
tests will give you information
about dewormer resistance on
your operation. Do not deworm 60
days prior to VS Visit.

DNA based blood test to identify
genetic resistance/susceptibility to
scrapie.

Detection of E. coli, Salmonella,
Campylobacter, Giardia, and
Cryptosporidium in your goats.

* Biological testing costs includes: Diagnostic testing and an interpretive report of results
* Values based on estimated national average cost at diagnostic laboratories for the sampling of 15 goats
* Results are confidential

OVERVIEW OF NASS DATA COLLECTION (PHASE I)
Goat 2019 NASS on farm interviews will take place from July 1 through August 9, 2019 in 25
major goat States. A random sample of 4,770 operations with five or more adult goats will be
taken. State offices will mail a pre-survey letter, the Goat 2019 Information Sheet (project launch
sheet), and the Goat 2019 Timeline and Biological Benefits Sheet to sampled operations. The
office will provide you with copies of the informational material so that you may refer to them
during the interview.
To be eligible to complete the questionnaire, Producers must have had at least five adult goats
on the premises on July 1, 2019.
Enumerators will contact these operations to schedule a face-to-face interview with the facility
operations (owner or manager).
The last page of the GGMQ is Section J—Office Use. All operations should have this
section filled out, even if they are ineligible for the study, refuse, or are inaccessible.
Information provided in this manual will focus on Phase I of the study, the General Goat
Management Questionnaire (GGMQ), and your role in the data-collection process.
At the conclusion of the GGMQ interview, enumerators will ask Producers who complete the
GGMQ to sign a consent form that gives NASS written permission to release the Producer’s
name and contact information to APHIS-VS-NAHMS for possible participation an additional farm
visit and biological sampling (see Chapter 3). In trying to obtain the signed consent form,
enumerators will briefly talk about the VS phase (Phase II) of the project and will provide the
Producer with informational material that explains Phase II and the benefits of participation in
this phase of the project. Detailed information is provided in Chapter 3.
OVERVIEW OF NAHMS DATA COLLECTION (PHASE II)
Phase II of the NAHMS 2019 Goat Study will take place September 9 through December 15,
2019, and involves a face-to-face interview by a Veterinary Medical Office (VMO) and optional
participation in biological sample collection to test for pathogens and genetic resistance to
scrapie, collect fecal samples for parasite and microbe testing, and collect blood and DNA for
future research.
Operations with 5 or more adult goats on July 1, 2019, that completed the GGMQ (Phase I of
the study) are eligible to continue to Phase II. If the Producer is interested in learning more
about Phase II of the study and agrees to have a VMO contact them about the option to
participate, the enumerator will ask the Producer to sign a consent form to release the
Producer’s name and individual data to NAHMS.
Participation in the NAHMS 2019 Goat Study is voluntary. A Producer may choose to answer
every question, skip certain questions or sections, or end the interview at any time. Producers
may also elect to participate in biologic sampling. If they do, test results will be provided to them
based on the sampling they elect to participate in.

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2019 NAHMS GOAT STUDY COORDINATORS
NAHMS has designated one (or two in some States) VMO in each State to serve as the State
NAHMS Coordinator for Phase II of the Goat 2019 Study. The State NAHMS Coordinator will be
available to assist you and the State NASS office. A list of the NAHMS Goat 2019 Study
coordinators will be provided to you during training and can also be obtained from your State
NASS Office.

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Chapter 2 – Terms and Definitions
Enumerators working on the NAHMS Goat 2019 Survey should be familiar with the following
terms and definitions that are used in the questionnaire or are common terms used by goat
owners and managers and may be part of the responses given during the interview.
Abortion: Expulsion of a dead or non-viable fetus prior to the time of normal kidding. The fetus
typically lacks normal hair covering the body.
Angora/Fiber: For the purposes of this study, this term refers to goats that are raised primarily
for their hair or fiber.
Antibiotic: A substance produced by a microorganism that at low concentrations inhibits or kills
other microorganisms. For purposes of this manual, antibiotics are synonymous with
antimicrobials.
Artificial Insemination (AI): Mechanical placement of semen into the female without normal
sexual contact.
Auction: Refers to an auction sale or auction barn where goats and other animals are sold to
the highest bidder.
Breed (n.): Animals having a common origin and characteristics that distinguish them from
other groups within the same species.
Breed (v.): To service by a buck or artificially inseminate. Not all animals that have been bred
will be pregnant.
Breeding Season: Goats are usually seasonal breeders and typically come into heat (estrus) in
late summer as daylight gets shorter. The natural breeding season usually occurs from late
summer through early winter, and is the period of time during which female goats are exposed
to bucks or artificially inseminated. Operations may have one, two, or more defined breeding
seasons, or they might not have a defined breeding season. To have a defined breeding
season, the buck must be kept with the does for no longer than 4 months.
Browsing: The act of feeding on high growing vegetation such as leaves, twigs, or bushes.
Goats are considered to be primary browsers although they will graze if necessary, meaning
they will eat low growing plants on pasture.
Brucellosis (Pronounced ‘broo-se-lo-sis.’): Bacterial disease of mammals that can affect goats,
causing abortion in does and inflammation of the testicles in bucks. When Brucella (the bacteria
that causes Brucellosis) first enters a herd, there is usually an abortion storm. Brucellosis in
goats is typically caused by Brucella melitensis, which is found in Mexico but not currently in the
United States. Brucella abortus, which is rare in the United States, typically affects cattle but can
also affect goats. Brucellosis can affect humans, causing an illness with recurrent flu-like
symptoms and high fever known as “Malta fever.”
Buck: An uncastrated male goat.
Buck Breeding Performance: A collection of factors can influence a Producer’s decision on
whether a buck’s breeding performance is acceptable; these factors include ability to breed a
number of does, number of offspring, and profitability of the offspring.

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Central Nervous System (CNS): The brain and spinal cord.
Commercial Complete Feed: A feed that is purchased at a feed store and provides all of the
necessary nutrients for the animal. It may be purchased in small bags or in bulk. It will make up
a large portion of the animals diet.
Commercial Warehouse: Place that sorts and stores fiber before it is sold to processors.
Cooperative Pool: A group of Producers that pools their product (animals, milk, fiber) to sell to
a buyer.
Crop Residue/By-Product: Material that is left after a crop has been harvested is considered a
crop residue or by-product. These residues are frequently fed to livestock and may include the
stalks, stems, leaves, or seed pods of harvested crops.
Cull: Adult animals permanently removed from the herd. Operations cull animals because of
disease, to reduce herd size, to improve genetics or desirable phenotypic traits, or to economize
during episodes of high feed costs. Operations attempting to enlarge their herds are less likely
to cull animals for most of these reasons.
Dairy Goat: A goat kept to produce milk for sale. Normally, dairy goats are dairy breeds or
dairy-breed mixes.
Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA): An organization with programs and objectives
intended to improve production of dairy animals and profitability of dairy farming and especially
to aid dairy farmers in keeping milk production and management records.
Direct Sale: Selling methods by which the Producer’s goats are purchased directly off the farm
or ranch. Approaches for direct sales include internet or video marketing.
Disbudding: A procedure done on young kids to ensure no horns will develop. This is most
common on dairy goat operations, but often also done on meat and fiber operations. Pack goat
Producers may choose not to disbud their goats so as to provide them with protection from
predators. This procedure is typically done on kids three weeks of age or younger. After that
age, the developing horn tissue will have attach to the skull and it becomes much more difficult
to remove.
Doe: A female goat.
Dry Lot: An enclosed, unpaved area without vegetation where the animals can move about
freely.
Estrus Synchronization: Treating does so that they enter estrus and ovulate at about the
same time to facilitate artificial insemination.
Embryo Transfer: An assisted reproductive method typically performed by a veterinarian which
is becoming more widely used in the meat goat industry. It involves surgical collection and
transfer of embryos and can be performed both in and out of the normal breeding season.
Embryos are collected from donor does, and implanted in recipient does that have been
synchronized to be at the same estrous stage as the donor doe.
FAMACHA© Card: The FAMACHA© card/eye color score is a method for classifying the level
of anemia in animals, which is a good indicator of the animals’ internal parasite load for one
particular worm (Haemonchus).
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Flushing: The practice of providing does extra nutrition prior to breeding season and perhaps
for part of the breeding season to increase the number of ovulations and have a greater
proportion of twins and triplets.
Fresh Goat: A goat that has recently given birth to a kid(s). The term “freshen” is usually used
to designate the act of kidding and the initiation of lactation.
Genetic evaluation information: Assessment, for predictive purposes, of productive
improvement or conformational characteristics, of the gain to be derived by the use of the
animal in question in a breeding program.
Identification—Herd-Level vs Animal-Level: Two types or levels of animal identification are
necessary to support animal disease management programs: herd (or "group/lot") and
individual-animal identification. Herd-level identification is when all members of a herd carry the
same marking, such as a typical brand indicating the ranch of origin. Animal-level identification
is when each member of a herd has its own unique identifier, such as an eartag with a different
number for each animal in the herd.
Internal Parasites: Internal parasites (usually worms) are the leading cause of disease in
goats. A high parasite burden can cause anemia, watery feces, bottle jaw, and, in severe cases,
death. Inappropriate use of anthelmintics (dewormers) is a cause for worms to become resistant
to the deworming agents, which is making it much harder to control parasites in herds.
Jug: Normally a small pen reserved for a doe and her new kid to bond before they are sent out
with the rest of the flock. Most often used for ewe/lamb pens.
Kid: A young goat (generally, less than 1 year old).
Kid Crop: All kids born during a kidding season. If the operation practices artificial insemination
and breeds throughout the year, consider the kid crop to be kids born in a 12 month period.
Lactation: Period of time a goat produces milk after kidding. Begins at time of kidding and
continues until goat is dried off (stops milking) in preparation for the next kidding.
Market Goats or Kids: Animals raised and marketed primarily for sale.
Mastitis: Inflammation of the udder, usually caused by bacteria, that reduces milk production
and reduces milk quality. Depending on the infectious agent, severe cases can lead to systemic
disease and death. Clinical mastitis is detected by visible abnormalities in the milk or udder,
such as clots in milk or udder swelling. Subclinical mastitis, which is much more common, is
usually detected by increased numbers of somatic cells in milk, referred to as a high somatic
cell count (SCC). Economic losses caused by mastitis include decreased milk production and
meat production (because of treatments).
Meat Goats: For the purposes of this study, this term refers to goats that are raised primarily to
produce meat, regardless of their breed.
Milk Goats: For the purposes of this study, this term refers to goats that are raised primarily to
produce milk, regardless of their breed.
Mill Buyer: A person representing a fiber mill who buys fiber from individual Producers.

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Natural Breeding: Natural breeding is when the bucks and does are turned out together and
allowed to breed on their own.
Neurologic Signs: Problems associated with the nervous system. Animals with neurologic
problems can exhibit odd behaviors such as: circling, tremors, lip smacking, loss of
coordination, rubbing against fences. They may be dull, depressed, aggressive, or comatose
and can appear weak, stagger, or assume abnormal postures.
“Off the Operation”: Refers to sites distinct from the current premises. A site, such as grazing
land, that’s “off this operation” might be owned by the same Producer or by someone else.
Pack Goats: Goats that carry packs just as horses, donkeys and mules normally do. Goats
make great pack animals as they are intelligent and extremely social when trained properly.
They can be of any breed and are typically wethers. They often have horns as the horns help
them dissipate heat and protect them from predators.
Pasture: Areas with plants, such as grass, grown for feeding or grazing animals. Some
pastures may include areas with bushes and trees that would allow goats to browse.
Physical Contact: Includes nose-to-nose contact or sniffing, touching, or licking each other,
including through a fence.
Pregnancy Toxemia: A metabolic disease that affects does and ewes in late gestation. It is
characterized by partial anorexia and depression, and may include neurologic signs and death.
It is seen most frequently in animals carrying multiple fetuses. It may also be referred to as twin
lamb disease or pregnancy ketosis.
Primary Use: This refers to the primary use of the goat regardless of the breed. For example, a
Producer might have a Boer goat that is a pet for his child. This goat would be considered
‘Other’ primary use, and described as a pet.
Quarantine: Physical separation of an animal or group of animals from other goats on the
operation, with no physical contact allowed.
Replacement Kids: Goat kids that are retained to be used for breeding in the herd. If
replacement goats are being raised with the intent of becoming dairy goats, they are called
Dairy Replacement Goats.
Reproductive Problems: Difficulty in conceiving (infertility), which might be caused by metritis
(uterine inflammation), not showing visible signs of estrus (heat), scarring of the uterus, cystic
ovarian disease, abortions, and other causes. Reproductive problems also include difficulty
kidding, or dystocia.
Scrapie: Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep
and goats. Infected flocks that contain a high percentage of susceptible animals can experience
significant production losses. In these flocks over a period of several years the number of
infected animals increases and the age at onset of clinical signs decreases making these flocks
economically unviable. Animals sold from infected flocks spread scrapie to other flocks. The
presence of scrapie in the U.S. also prevents the export of breeding stock, semen, and embryos
to many other countries.
Scrotum Palpation/Evaluation: Examination of the buck’s testicles for abnormalities and
indicators of fertility. Certain characteristics are correlated with fertility of the buck and
reproductive traits of the buck’s daughters.
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Seed stock/Breed stock: Animals that are intended to be used for breeding, most often due to
their superior genetics.
Semen Test: Semen is collected from a buck and viewed under a microscope. The percentage
of normal sperm cells and their motility is correlated with fertility of the buck.
Somatic Cell Count (SCC): A measure of the number of white blood cells and secretory cells
per milliliter of milk. Each bulk tank of milk is usually tested for SCC as an indication of milk
quality. Individual goats can be tested for SCC, usually through routine Dairy Herd Improvement
Association (DHIA) monitoring.
Sore Mouth (Orf, Contagious Ecthyma): Sore mouth is caused by a pox virus and is highly
contagious in goats, especially young kids. Sores caused by the virus usually occur around the
mouth and teats but can also occur on the legs, vulva, and face. Scabs, which contain virus, can
fall off the animal and remain in the environment, providing a source of infection for other
animals. The virus is zoonotic, meaning it can infect people. Infected people can develop sores
that may be painful and last for 2 months, but they usually heal without scarring. People do not
infect other people.
Stillborn: For the purposes of this study, a stillborn kid is one that was already dead when it
was born or that died within the first two hours after birth. Respondents might not know if a kid
was born dead, or born alive and then died shortly after birth. Likewise, stillborn kids may never
be seen if the carcass is removed by predators.
Teaser Buck: A teaser buck is used to stimulate estrus and ovulation in the doe, normally after
the doe has been isolated from the buck. The buck can be intact or sterile. The physiologic
response is due to both smell and sight. The response is variable and is influenced by breed,
season of the year, isolation of doe from the buck, nutrition, and length of time after previous
kidding event.
TB (Tuberculosis): Bovine tuberculosis is a contagious, infectious, communicable disease of
animals and humans caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is commonly a chronic, debilitating
disease but occasionally may assume an acute, rapidly progressive course. TB is a widespread
zoonosis of global magnitude and affects nearly all species of vertebrates. Disease is spread by
direct contact, inhalation of droplets expelled from infected lungs, and ingestion of contaminated
feed or milk.
Unweaned Kid: A kid still nursing a doe or otherwise consuming milk.
Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR): See Item E.16.
Veterinary Feed Directive: A form that authorized the owner or caretaker of animals to obtain
and use animal feed containing medically important antibiotics (i.e. medically important to
humans) to treat their animals in accordance with the FDA approved directions for use.
Weaned Kid: A kid that is no longer nursing a doe or otherwise drinking milk.
Weaning: Removal of kids from milk (or liquid ration), whether it is from their mother or a teat
feeding system.

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Weaning Age (kids): The age of a kid when it is removed from a liquid ration (or separated
from its mother). Dairy-goat kids are often separated from their mothers at an early age and
then hand-fed until the time of weaning. Depending on the intended use of the kid or the
management practices used, weaning of dairy-goat kids could occur from 2 to 10 weeks of age.
Wether: A castrated male goat.
Withdrawal Period: Refers to the antibiotic withdrawal period and it the time it takes the body
to break down an antibiotic until it is no longer present. This will vary depending on the drug, the
animal species, and whether the animal product is milk or meat.

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Chapter 3 – Enumerator Procedures
GENERAL
A pre-survey letter has been mailed to the sampled operations requesting their participation and
notifying them that a NASS representative will contact them via telephone to set up a
convenient time to complete the survey. The NAHMS Goat 2019 Study Information Sheet and
the Goat 2019 Timeline and Biologics Benefits Sheet (see Chapter 1) were included with the
pre-survey letter to provide background information about the study.
As part of your job on the NAHMS Goat 2019 Study, you must provide Producers with an
explanation of the NAHMS program and explain what he/she might expect from and gain by
participating in the study. Your explanation should be based on information from your regional
training workshop, the NAHMS Goat 2019 Study Information Sheet, training materials, and
information from this manual. Producers may ask questions about the NAHMS program based
on the pre-survey letter and other materials they received. If they have questions that you
cannot answer, Producers can phone either the NASS RFO or the NAHMS Coordinator directly
(contact information is available from the Regional NASS office).
WHO TO INTERVIEW
Interview the Producer of the goat operation, if possible. Information collected from other people
is often less accurate. If the Producer says someone else is more knowledgeable, interview that
person. There may be sections of the questionnaire that require the response of a different
person who is knowledgeable about that section. Encourage Producers to have the operation
records on hand. If records are used, information provided will likely be more accurate and the
interview will take less time.
If the Producer is not present when you visit but is expected soon, either wait or make other
contacts nearby and return later. If the Producer is too busy to be interviewed at that time, set
up an appointment at his or her convenience. Be sure to keep the appointment. If an emergency
prevents you from doing so, inform the Producer beforehand and re-schedule the interview.
If the Producer will not be available during the survey period, try to interview someone who is
well informed about the operation. A partner, a family member, or an employee may know
enough about the operation to give you the information needed.
NAHMS GENERAL GOAT MANAGEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE (GGMQ)
The GGMQ asks for information about herd inventory, breeding management, health
status/management and biosecurity, milk and fiber production, and movement/marketing.
Collection of the GGMQ information is the first phase of the Goat 2019 Study. At the conclusion
of the GGMQ interview, you will briefly describe the Phase II of the study and ask the Producer
if they agree to be contacted for the NAHMS Phase II that will be conducted by a federal or
State Veterinary Medical Officer (VMO). Answer any questions regarding Phase II and attempt
to obtain the Producer's signature on the consent form. Please emphasize that signing the
consent form does not commit the Producer to participating in the follow-up study; it commits
the Producer only to an additional contact and further explanation of the study by a VMO. The
Producer can decide at that time whether to participate in the follow-up study. Producers do
need to sign the consent form if they would like to participate in possible biological sampling.

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SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Private Veterinary Practitioners
Some Producers may express concern about the involvement of the Veterinary Medical Officer
(VMO) during the second phase of the study. They may feel this will conflict with the services
provided by their own veterinarian. Explain that the VMO will be glad to explain the program to
the Producer's veterinarian and that Producer and veterinary organizations have participated in
the design and review of the questionnaires.
VMOs will not give Producers veterinary advice about their operation. The VMO's job is to
provide professional expertise in collecting accurate animal health and production data.
Serious Diseases
Some Producers may be apprehensive about the VMO's enforcement and quarantine power
regarding certain contagious animal diseases. Explain that the on-farm tests are not for
epidemic or regulatory-type diseases. The VMO will enter the production areas only for those
optional tests that the Producer agrees to complete. VMO interviews regarding management
practices can be done in the Producer's home, office, or at a local coffee shop. The VMO
questionnaires are not intended to detect the presence of any regulatory-type diseases.
"Out of Scope" Operations
APHIS considers certain types of farm operations to be "out of scope" for the GGMQ. This
includes university, extension, experimental, and institutional farms whose production is being
used primarily for noncommercial purposes. Only complete Section J of the GGMQ for
these operations (especially Items J4 and J5).
BURDEN STATEMENT
Federal regulations require that an estimate of the average time required to complete be
provided with all questionnaires used by agencies of the Federal government. The burden
statement’s average time requirement represents the average completion time expected based
on the number of OMB-allowed pretests of the questionnaire. The average expected interview
time to complete the GGMQ is 60 minutes, although this is expected to vary depending on
whether the Producer consults records and the types of records consulted during the interview.
The burden statement time requirement might represent the actual average completion time
recorded in previous years of the survey or it might be what NASS and OMB consider an
average completion time. If the Producer has problems with a questionnaire or the time required
to complete it, these concerns may be conveyed to OMB at the address on the burden
statement. Because use of the burden statement is required by OMB regulations, any questions
a Producer may have about the burden statement should be addressed in writing to OMB.
The burden statement is printed on the first page of the GGMQ. Please present a copy of
the burden statement prior to the interview. Producers might ask, "How long will this take?"
Reply with the burden statement average time, which is 60 minutes for the GGMQ. You may
provide additional information, such as, "The official average for this survey is 60 minutes, but
my interviews are averaging 70 minutes."

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CONSENT FORM AND INFORMATION ABOUT PHASE II
Producers that are interested in participating in Phase II of the NAHMS Goat 2019 Study will be
asked to sign a consent form after completing the GGMQ. By signing the consent form, the
Producer agrees to let NASS share the producer’s contact information with the 2019 NAHMS
State Coordinator and be contacted by a VMO that will provide information about participation in
the second phase of the study. Please review the goat study consent form on next page of this
section.
Again, please emphasize to the Producer that signing the consent form does not obligate
the Producer to participate in NAHMS Phase II. Producers do not need to make a decision
about participating in the follow-up phase of the study until the time of the visit by the VMO. The
VMO will explain the purpose and scope of the on-farm study at the time of the initial contact by
the VMO, and the Producer can decide then to decline further participation.
DELIVERING COMPLETED WORK TO THE FIELD OFFICE
Forward completed GGMQs and consent forms to the Regional office or your supervisor,
according to your survey instructions. Mail the forms at a central post office each day to ensure
prompt delivery.
If you doubt that the last completed work will reach the State office by the final due date, call
your supervisor for additional instructions.

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National Animal Health
Monitoring System

Animal and Plant
Health
Inspection Service
Veterinary Services

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE
201 9 NAH MS GOAT STUDY CONSENT FORM

2150 Centre Ave, Bldg B
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Form Approved
OMB Number 0579-0354
Expires:

For release of information for:

NOTES:
EPAID:

(Consenting Operator: Hereafter referred to as YOU)
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) National Animal Health Monitoring System
(NAHMS) is conducting a study of U.S. goat operations. NAHMS studies are voluntary and nonregulatory. This
study will take an in-depth look at U.S. goat operations and provide new and valuable information regarding animal
health and management practices in the U.S. goat industry. To initiate the study, a sample was selected from the
confidential list of operations maintained by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Your operation
was selected for participation and will represent a number of unselected goat operations.
By signing this Consent Form, you are agreeing to allow USDA–NASS staff to provide the following information
to the State NAHMS Coordinator, who is employed by USDA–APHIS: your name, address, phone number,
email address, total inventory, and operation type (meat/dairy/other).
The NAHMS Coordinator will share this information with a Federal or State veterinary medical officer (VMO), who will
contact you to administer a phase II questionnaire. You will also have the opportunity to obtain free testing for your goats,
including testing for: parasites both pre- and post-deworming, Scrapie resistant genotypes, Mycoplasma ovipneumonia,
and fecal pathogens. Only the Federal or State VMOs collecting the data know the identity of study participants.
Confidentiality of your data is crucially important to us. No name or contact information will be associated with
individual data, and no data will be reported in a way that could reveal the identity of a participant. Data are
presented only in aggregated summaries.
When you are contacted by a Federal or State VMO and asked to participate in the study, you are free to accept or
decline participation at that time. A copy of the questionnaire that will be administered when you’re visited by the
Federal or State VMO can be found at: www.aphis.usda.gov/nahms. If you have been selected but have not been
contacted or if you have questions regarding the study, please call: (866) 907-8190.
1.

Number of goats on the operation as of July 1, 2019: _____ head

2.

Operation Address: _____________________________________________ 3. Operation phone #: _________________

4.

Operation Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________

5.

Use of goats on operation (check all that apply):

6.

Notes regarding the operation, (e.g. animals located in different state, changes to address or contact information):

Consenting Operator SIGN

DATE

NASDA/NASS Staff SIGN

DATE

Meat

Dairy

Fiber

Agritourism

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid
OMB control number for this information collection is 0579-0354. The time required to complete this
information collection is estimated to average 9 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
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Other

NAHMS-450
JUN 2019
24

Chapter 4 – General Instruction,
Question, and Response Formats
This chapter provides information about conventions used throughout the questionnaire,
instructions, how to enter responses, and examples of different types of questions used in the
questionnaire.
Sometimes you will need to probe the respondent in order to get an adequate answer to a
question. You should probe when the respondent can't answer the question, when the answer
isn't enough to record, when you think the answer may be incorrect because it doesn't fit with
other information already obtained, and when you think the respondent didn't understand the
question.
Please be careful not to lead the respondent to a particular response. Simply restate the
question or the response to encourage the respondent to keep thinking about it.
ENTERING RESPONSES
Use a black lead pencil to record data and make notes; never use ink on a questionnaire. Make
all entries clear and easy to read. Entries should be entirely inside the boxes.
IMPORTANT NOTE: UNKNOWN RESPONSE/ DECLINE TO ANSWER
Always enter a response for every question unless you are instructed to do otherwise. If the
respondent declines to answer a question or does not know the answer, record “-1” in
the response box and indicate “DK” (don’t know) or “Declined” in the margin. When the
data are analyzed later on, it is very important to know if the respondent declined to answer a
question, did not know the answer, or if the answer should have been zero, “no”, or “none”. By
providing a response for every part of every question, you as the enumerator, will
improve the quality of the data and the information published as the result of this study.
ENUMERATOR INSTRUCTIONS IN THE QUESTIONNARIE
Throughout the questionnaire, enumerator instructions are printed inside brackets or
parenthesis. These instructions provide important information about response coding, question
skips, cell references, flow, and question completion. Following these instructions will help you
avoid asking unnecessary questions and avoid skipping questions that should be asked.
Some questions have a reference date, such as July 1, 2019. There are also questions that
refer to specific groups of goats, such as does, most recent kid crop, breeding does, and
breeding bucks.
When asking these questions, be sure to emphasize the time frame, type of goat, and age
category referenced so they are clear in the respondent's mind.
Throughout the questionnaire there are instructions to the enumerator or the interviewee or
both. Questionnaire instructions are of two types. The first are printed within questions inside
brackets or parenthesis. These instructions provide important information about response
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coding, question skips, cell references, flow, and question completion. The second type is
separate from questions. They often indicate a skip or provide context for a series of questions
coming up.
INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE A: This question has two examples of instructions within a question.
First: [For does bred by more than one method, give method used first.] may be read aloud to the
responder as it could resolve a question when multiple techniques were used to breed the same doe.
Second: [Add items 2a+2b+2c+2d] Indicates how to fill in the total. This latter instruction should not
be read aloud while the former may be.
Example: Item D2

INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE B: This instruction is a fill-in. When a reference to a previous item is
enclosed in the “stem” in parentheses, you should FILL IN the data entered in that previous item
when you read the question. For example, if the response for item Section D, Item 4a was “35,”
you should say “35” in place of the “(item 4a)” when you read the question below. A second
instruction is for the Total calculation as just previously shown.
Example: Item D5

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INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE C: This example indicates a skip and should not be read aloud.
Example: Item A1

INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE D: The bolded text provides context for questions coming up. The
first sentence is read to the responder, but unless sharing the questionnaire (reading it together)
the second sentence question is mostly an instruction to the enumerator.
Example: Item A6

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INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE E: Prompts such as "includes and excludes" and other instructions
for respondents are also enclosed in parentheses. Read these to the respondent.
Example: Item D16

INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE F: Optional wording, or term clarification, can be shown in plain print
(enclosed in parentheses). Read these to the interviewee as well.
For example, in Section E, Item 5c, you could indicate the type of veterinarian and say “For
what purposes were the goats tested for brucellosis? Veterinarian recommendation; this would
be a nonregulatory, private practitioner.”
Example: Item E5c

The information provided in parentheses in Section B, Item 9 represents a term clarification and
can be read to the respondent if you think it helps.
Example: Item B9

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INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE G: Bracketed instructions in the “stem” of a question indicates what
is a permissible choice for a response. This can be read or not read to a responder.
Example: Item B2

INSTRUCTION EXAMPLE H: Parenthetical instruction for “Other (specify______)” tells the
responder and interviewer alike that a choice of “Other” requires a write in of what specifically
they meant by the “Other.” Occasionally, the “specify” indicates that more than one listed
choice was applicable. In the example below, the instructions are to [Check one], if the
respondent can’t possibly pick between provided options, the enumerator might write
“both … and …”
Example: Item I6

GENERAL QUESTION FORMATS
a. Count or Percent Questions
Respondents will be asked questions that require them to respond in a variety of units (for
example number of head, cost in dollars, percent of total, etc.). Record responses in the units
required. If a respondent answers in a different unit, write the answer outside the printed box,
convert it to the required unit, and record the converted data in the box (this can be done at a
later time). If the answer is “Zero” or "None," check the box for “None” if available, otherwise enter
“0.” If the respondent declines to answer or does not know, enter “-1.” Always write notes about
answers that appear unusual or are outside the expected range.
It’s important in Quantity questions to always answer it (unless it is part of a skip or has a
provision for absent quantity entries like in Example B below) in some fashion. The next
example, Question Example A, shows that if there were no goats or kids placed on public land,
then “0” would be entered.

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QUESTION EXAMPLE A: Here the quantity under consideration is number of months. Indicate
how many months any goats or kids from the operation were placed on state or federal public
land (Item 7a) or other land that was not part of the operation (Item 7b) during the last 12
months. Note: If none of the operation’s goats or kids were placed on public land or other land
during the previous 12 months, skip to Item 9.
Example: Item B7

QUESTION EXAMPLE B: This question is primarily a quantity question(s) that asks for number
of goats in each category of primary use. If there are no Angora/fiber goats or kids on the
operation, and there is a “None” box, check the “None” box for that category. Don’t forget the
“Other (specify…)” if there are goats on the operation that are not primarily used for meat,
milk or fiber.
Example: Item A3

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Respondents will be asked questions that allow or require them to respond in a variety of units
(for example number of head, percent of total, etc.). For those questions that require an
express unit record responses in the units required. If a respondent answers in a different
unit, write the answer outside the printed box, convert it to the required unit, and record the
converted data in the response space (this can be done at a later time). If the answer is “Zero”
or "None," check the box for “None” if available, otherwise enter “0.” If the respondent declines to
answer or does not know, enter “-1.” Always write notes about answers that appear unusual or
are outside the expected range.
QUESTION EXAMPLE C Respond in EITHER number of head (to total to the same total in
Question Example D-Question 3e) or 100%. If there are no goats of a particular breed, check the
box that says “None”.
Example: Item A6

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EXAMPLE D: Some boxes are outlined with boldface line. These boxes are for totals of
previous items or they are for items to be referenced later.
Example: Item A2 and Item A3

IMPORTANT NOTE: NUMBER CHECKING RESPONSES
•
•

•

Multiple questions will require adding or subtracting various cells for a total. Fill in the total
while working on the question, DO NOT WAIT to complete the total until you’re done with
the questionnaire.
Double check the math to ensure the number being written is correct.
Confirm the total number with the Producer and clarify any discrepancies.
b. Yes/No Questions

Many questions ask for a “Yes” or “No” response.
"Yes" is always indicated by code "1" and "No" by code "3."
“Don’t know” (DK) option will sometimes be indicated by code “2.” If a “Don’t know” option is
not offered, and if the respondent answers with "Don't Know," or if a respondent declines to
answer a specific question, enter -1 in the cell and write "DK" or "declined" beside the answer
cell.
Sometimes “Not Applicable” (NA) option will be indicated by code “4.” If a “NA” option is not
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offered, and if the respondent answers with “This question doesn’t apply to me” or declines to
answer a specific question, enter -1 in the cell write “NA” or "declined" beside the answer cell.
QUESTION EXAMPLE E: This serves as an initial screening question to determine if you should
continue with the interview-that the operation is an active goat farm. If the answer to Item 1 is
“Yes,” then continue the interview. If the operation did not have at least one goat or kid on hand
July 1, 2019, then go to Section J (Office Use). Operations that are still in business but had no
goats or kids on hand on July 1 (skip is indicated) should have a response code “1" in Question 3
Section J.
Example: Item A1

QUESTION EXAMPLE F: This Yes/No question has more than one subpart and represents
separate questions. The main question or "stem" of the question is attached to an item number
(6), and the 8 different endings to the question-the subparts-are identified with a lower-case letter
(a, b, c) etc.). Each subpart is a separate question and must be asked separately. You should
read the question stem followed by the ending subpart (i.e., “Did this operations synchronize
estrus in its does for:”). If there are a lot of subparts, you will probably only need to read the
stem for the first two or three subparts. Once the respondent understands that the stem is
repeated, though unspoken, you can continue reading only the subparts.
Example: Item C6

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QUESTION EXAMPLE G: One question has a subpart that’s only required to be answered
based on the previous question. If the answer to the question in Column 1 is “No”, skip the
question in the next column. If the respondent said he or she does not use a Private or company
veterinarian (1a), then you would skip the next column and go on to 1b.
Example: Item F1

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c. Code Questions
For questions answered with a code number, enter the number that goes with the respondent's
answer. If the respondent answers using only the code number, verify that the code is correct
by repeating the answer in words. If answers appear unreasonable, but are verified as correct,
make explanatory notes in the margins. Do not make notes or unnecessary entries inside
response boxes. If the respondent declines to answer or doesn’t know, and a “don’t know”
response is not provided, enter “-1” and write any comments in the margin.
When a question specifies to select ONE answer from a list, the respondent must choose only
ONE answer from several possible choices that you offer. Each response category has a code
number. When you enter the respondent's answer, you enter the code number if you are
required to write the code in a box. In the example below, if the respondent says she usually left
placentas in the field/birthing area and did not remove them primarily stored colostrum without
refrigeration, you would check code “2”.
QUESTION EXAMPLE H: This example requires that you check only one box. Like mentioned
earlier, there is a possibility that one answer doesn’t fit or that two fit as a primary method used to
disposed of placentas. Perhaps the respondent buries them in the summer and burns them in
the winter. In that case code “7” could be checked and you can explain further in the “Other
(specify_________)”.
Example: Item D11

REMINDER: CONFIRM AN “OTHER” IS TRULY AN “OTHER”
•
•
•
•

When completing questions that have an “Other” option ensure that the “Other” answer
does not fit any of the provided categories.
If you think it possibly fits into another category, place it in the most appropriate category
and write a note in the margin to explain the logic behind the placement.
Always attempt to get a specify to the “Other.”
If you a response possibly fits into another category, place it in that category and write a
succinct note in the margin to explain the logic behind the placement.

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d. Scale or Category Questions
These types of questions often involve check boxes grouped under headings that are in some
sort of order (i.e., Increasing or Decreasing) as you read across from left to right. Only the box
under one heading can be checked per each question or question section.
QUESTION EXAMPLE I: The scale response “increases” as you go from left to right. Check the
most applicable box for each practice; whether it was “Never”, “Sometimes”, or “Always”.
Example: Item E2

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e. Matrix Questions
These question types are reserved for times when there is multiple bits of information to be
collected on different yet related topics. The name “matrix” is used because the information goes
into cells at the junction of a row and a column. This type of question is one that should be used
sparingly for although a lot of information can be collected at once it can be burdensome to the
responder.
QUESTION EXAMPLE J: This requires quantity of goats broken out by primary use (across the
top) and production use (breeding or market) AND age categories. When asking questions like
these it helps to show the responder the question. Some enumerators bring along a separate
questionnaire for the responder to follow along with and that definitely helps in cases like
the question below. In this case it helps to read the question starting like: “Of the total (read
number from 3e above) angora/fiber goats and kids intended for breeding, how many were does
were1 year old and older?” You would attack this question one response area at a time until the
responder got the gist of what you were asking making the full preamble with the stem
unnecessary.
Example: Item A5

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Chapter 5 – Completing the
Questionnaire and Questions of Note
This chapter provides guidance for completing the General Goat Management Questionnaire
(GGMQ) by face-to-face interview. The first part covers general information about administering
the questionnaire. The second part covers particular questions in the GGMQ questionnaire and
provides explanations and helpful information for completing many of the questions.
INTRODUCING THE NAHMS GOAT 2019 STUDY TO THE RESPONDENT
Before beginning your work, formulate and practice an introduction that briefly explains the
survey and gains the respondent's cooperation. Say it in your own words so it is comfortable to
share, and be prepared to answer the respondent's questions. You will be provided with
informational materials that explain Phase II of the NAHMS Goat 2019 Study. Familiarize
yourself with these materials before the interview by reviewing the Goat 2019 Information Sheet
(study launch sheet), and the Goat 2019 Timeline and Biological Benefits Sheet. Please give
these materials to the respondent and briefly discuss Phase II of the study and the benefits of
participating in this phase including the benefits of participating in biologic sampling. Please
explain that the data collected in this interview and in Phase II are used to generate summary
reports and provide valuable information to the U.S. goat industry, goat operations, researchers,
extension service and state and federal policy makers. Summary reports from the previous
NAHMS Goat 2009 Study are available at the NAHMS website: www.aphis.usda.gov/nahms
Prior to starting the questionnaire, ensure that there is a label with a NAHMS ID of the
respondent to be interviewed; identification information will be on the envelope. Make changes
to the name and address information on the envelope, if necessary. Detailed directions to the
operation will help the Veterinary Services (VS) Data Collector locate the operation if the
Producer consents to participate in Phase II. Write the directions on the envelope or in the
“comments” section of the questionnaire. Do not write anything that could identify the
Producer/operation on the questionnaire.
ADMINISTERING THE QUESTIONNAIRE
The GGMQ asks for information about goat inventory, management practices, health events and
management, animal movement, and operation biosecurity. The majority of questions in the
GGMQ require the respondent to select a response from a list of possible answers, or to respond
in a variety of units (head, percent, months, etc.). Therefore, it will be helpful for the
respondent to have a copy of the questionnaire during the interview. You may ask the
respondent to follow along in the questionnaire as you proceed. Or, you may direct the
respondent to read over the answer choices each time you come to a question with multiple
answer choices.

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GGMQ SECTIONS OVERVIEW
Section A: Inventory
Item A1 Screening Question
The Operation Description is straightforward and serves as an initial screening question
to determine if you should continue with the interview. For many operations, it will be
obvious from appearance or from your personal knowledge that the operation is an
active goat farm.
This question refers to adult goats on the operation on July 1, 2019, regardless of
ownership. If the answer to item 1 is “Yes,” then continue the interview. If the operation
did not have at least 5 adult goats on hand July 1, 2019, skip to Section J (Office Use).
Item A2 – Total Number of Goats and Kids, by Age Group
Enter the total number of goats and kids, by age group.
Item A3 - Total Number of Goats and Kids, by Primary Use
Enter the total number of goats and kids on the operation on July 1, 2019, according to
each animal’s primary use (regardless of breed) on the operation (i.e., Angora/Fiber,
Milk, Meat, or Other). Include each goat only once, and count it under only its primary
use, or intended or expected use.
“Other” primary use might include pets, pack goats, seed stock (see Item 4).
What if...
A Producer of meat goats has a pet goat that she happens to milk to get milk for her
daughter?
Answer: This goat could be considered either a milk goat or a pet goat (which falls in
the “Other” category). Ask the Producer what he or she really believes is the goat’s
primary use—is it a pet goat that happens to produce milk or a milk goat that
happens to be a pet? Please use the goat’s primary use to answer this question,
not just its breed or type. (If the Producer views this doe primarily as a pet, please
count her as an “Other” and be sure to count her in the “Other Goat” column in Item
4e.)
What if...
A Producer who normally buys young kids to sell for slaughter keeps one buck on
hand to breed a milk doe to obtain fresh goat’s milk for his family?
Answer: Again, this buck could be considered either a milk goat or an “Other” goat.
Ask the Producer what he or she really believes is the goat’s primary use. In this
case, the buck should probably be considered an “Other” goat. A buck who breeds a
herd of milk does year ‘round would probably be considered a milk buck and counted
in the “Milk” category. (If the Producer chooses to include this buck as an “Other,”
please be sure to count it under Item 4f and write in “Breeding of a milk goat.”)

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[Enumerator Note: If Item 3d=0 (no “Other” goats), skip to Item 5]
Item A4 - Number of “Other” Goats and Kids, by Intended Primary Use
For the goats and kids included in “Other” in Item 3d, report how many are intended for
each of the primary uses listed in Items 4a – 4f. Count each goat only once.
Please be sure that the total goats (Sum 4a-4f) equals the number of “Other” goats and
kids reported in Item 3d.
Item A5 – Number of Angora/Fiber, Milk, Meat, and Other Goats used for Breeding and for
Market
a. Goats and kids intended as replacements (remain on the operation for breeding,
milking, pets, etc)
For does 1 year old and older, bucks 1 year old and older, and replacement kids
less than 1 year old, enter the total number of animals on hand July 1, 2019,
according to each animal’s primary use (regardless of breed) on the operation
(i.e., Angora/Fiber, Milk, Meat or Other). Include each goat only once, and count
it under only its primary use (e.g., a doe whose primary use is as a “Milk” goat
might have three male kids that will be sold as “Meat” goats).
b. Goats and kids intended for market
For market kids less than 1 year old and market goats 1 year old and older, enter
the total number of animals on hand July 1, 2009, according to each animal’s
primary intended use, regardless of breed (i.e., Angora/Fiber, Milk, Meat or
Other). Include each goat only once, and count it under only its primary use
(e.g., a doe whose primary use is as a “Milk” goat might have three male kids
that will be sold as “Meat” goats).
c. Total Goats and Kids with Primary Use of Angora/Fiber, Milk, or Meat
For Item 5a and 5b, add up the cells for each primary use (Angora/Fiber, Milk,
Meat, and Other) to get a total for each primary-use column. Make sure the total
matches the corresponding total for Angora/Fiber, Milk, and Meat in Item 3a-d.
Item A6 – Goat breeds
Ask the Producer if they know the breed(s) of their goats, for all goats counted in 3e.
What if...
A Producer says his goats are a meat breed, but doesn’t know which one?
Answer: If you’re familiar with goat breeds, and can identify the breed, fill in the
appropriate category. If you have no idea, then fill in “Other” and indicate unknown
meat breed.
What if...
A Producer says her goats are not purebred, but are a Saanen cross?
Answer: Account for these goats in 6r Crossbred, and indicate they are Saanen
crosses. If she knows the breed they are crossed with, list that breed as well.

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Section B: General Management
Questions in this section have a wide range of topics as the name suggests. We ask about
record keeping, housing, food and water sources.
Item B1 - Number of Years Primary Producer has Raised Goats
Enter the year the primary Producer began raising goats. Include a four digit number for
the year.
Item B2 – Expected goat quantity in 5 years
If the Producer expects to have no goats in 5 years, then check “none” and continue,
otherwise, skip to B4.
Item B3 – Main reason for expecting to have no goats in 5 years
Check the primary reason the Producer expects to be out of the goat business in 5
years.
Item B4 – Association membership
Check “Yes” or “No” for Items 4a and 4b to indicate whether the respondent belongs to
national, state, or local goat associations or clubs.
What if...
A respondent belongs only to a regional association?
Answer: Include regional associations under Item 4a, with national associations.
Many national associations have regional divisions.
Item B5 – Goat and kid production records
Check the primary system use to maintain goat production records in the previous year.
What if...
The respondent uses an internet-based herd-management software program, such
as DHIA?
Answer: Check the box for 1 ‘A livestock of goat management software program’ and
specify ‘DHIA’.

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Item B6 – Goat management
Indicate the number of months the majority of goats were managed on, or in, the listed
accommodations during the previous 12 months. The total should account for all 12
months. If goats are moved indoors at night, answer for daylight hours. Items 6a-6e must
be greater than or equal to 12 months.
Open range means any unfenced acreage, even if it’s a few acres surrounded by
residential areas. If the goats are on unfenced land and can wander out amongst
homes, they’re on open range.
Fenced range means any fenced area that is not specifically cultivated to raise forage
or browse for the goats.
Fenced farm means any fenced area that is specifically cultivated to raise forage or
browse for the goats.
Outdoor dry lot refers to a pen or fenced area that does not allow grazing but that is
also not a feedlot (i.e., it is not meant for finishing goats on a high-energy ration for
slaughter).
Indoors refers to any building with 4 sides used to house goats.
What if...
A respondent has a 10-acre parcel that is fenced on three sides but not on the fourth
side, which borders a mobile home park, and the goats occasionally wander through
the mobile home park? They are on this parcel all year except for winter when they
are moved to a barn.
Answer: Indicate 9 months in the “Open range” accommodation category. Goats that
are not completely contained should be considered to be on open range, regardless
of the type of land or its use. And 3 months in the “Indoors” accommodation type.
Item B7 - Types of Land Used for Goats and Kids
Indicate the number of months goats or kids from the operation were placed on state or
federal public land (Item 7a) or other land that was not part of the operation (Item 7b)
during the last 12 months.
[Enumerator Note: If none of the operation’s goats or kids were placed on public
land or other land during the previous year (Items 7a and 7b are both NO), skip to
Item 9.]
Item B8 – Commingling of Goats While on Public or Other Land
Check the appropriate box (“Yes” or “No”) to indicate whether goats or kids that were
placed on public or other land were mixed with sheep or goats from other operations.
Item B9 – Access to surface water
Check the appropriate box (“Yes” or “No”) to indicate whether goats or kids had access
to ponds, irrigation ditches, streams or creeks at any time in the previous year.

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Item B10 – Browsing vs Grazing
Indicate the percentage of time the majority of goats spent on each of two feed types
from April through June 2019.
There could be confusion if most goats are on a range as to whether they would be
considered grazers or browsers. You could ask the responder what the range is mostly
made up of (pasture or browse) and answer based on that.
Browsing – typically refers to land with shrubs or other woody plants.
Grazing – this refers to pasture land with grass or similar low vegetation.
What if...
A respondent placed their goats on shrub land from April through June, but there
was also grass in the area.
Answer: Indicate 100% browsing since goats will preferentially browse.
Item B11 – Feed sources or supplements
For each feed source or supplement, check the appropriate box (“Yes” or “No”) to
indicate whether ANY goats or kids on the operation were provided this during the last
year.
What if...
A dairy operation breeds year round and feeds whole shelled corn to does in late
gestation?
Answer: For Item 11c (Concentrate/grain rations), check “Yes” even though each
goat receives the concentrate for only part of the time, the operation is feeding it to
some goats throughout the year.
What if...
A meat goat operation provides all goats with a 16% molasses lick during the winter?
Answer: For Item 11g (Other), write “16% molasses lick” on the “specify” line and
check the box for “Yes.”

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Section C: Breeding Management
Item C1 – Breeding of Goats During Previous 12 Months
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the operation bred any goats during the
previous 12 months (July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019).
[Enumerator Note: If “Yes,” continue with Section C. If “No,” the operation did not
breed any goats during the previous 12 months, skip to Section D.]
Item C2 – Use of Bucks for Natural Breeding
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the operation used bucks for natural breeding
during the last breeding season.
What if...
An operation used AI for all does but kept the does in a field with a buck “just in
case”?
Answer: “Yes”. We want to know if an operation used any bucks for any natural
breeding, even if that wasn’t the primary breeding method.
Item C3 – Defined Breeding Season
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the operation has a defined breeding season. A
breeding season is the period of time during which does are exposed to bucks or
artificially inseminated. To have a defined breeding season, bucks are kept with the
does no longer than 4 months. Producers that allow bucks to remain with the does all
year have no set breeding season.
[Enumerator Note: If “Yes,” continue to Item 4. If “No,” no defined breeding
season, skip to Item 5.]
Item C4 – Frequency of Breeding to Kid
Check the appropriate box to indicate whether the operation breeds the majority of their
does to kid less than once per year, once per year, or more often (such as three times in
two years).
What if...
An operation breeds most of their does every fall, but has a small group they breed
in the summer for show purposes”?
Answer: “Once a year” since all of the does are bred once a year, even though some
are bred at different times throughout the year.

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Item C5 – Estrus synchronization
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the operation manipulated breeding by
synchronizing estrus (treating does so that they enter estrus and ovulate at about the
same time) from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.
[Enumerator Note: If “Yes,” continue with Item 6. If “No,” the operation did not
manipulate breeding during the previous 12 months, skip to Item 7.]
Item C6 – Reasons for synchronizing estrus
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate which of the listed reasons apply for why this operation
used estrus synchronization.
Item C7 – Reproductive practices
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the listed reproductive practices (Items 6a-6f)
were used on the operation from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.
Item C8 – Buck performance traits
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the operation was improving buck performance
traits (usually in reproduction, growth, carcass merit) through genetic selection.
Item C9 – Selection of does or buck for parasite resistance
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the operation selected does or bucks for
breeding based on their resistance to internal parasites from July 1, 2018 to June 30,
2019.
Item C10 – Recording breeding history
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the operation recorded the breeding history of
individual does from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

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Section D: Kid Crop and Management
This section follows up Section C with questions covering the 12 month period from July 1, 2018
to June 30, 2019.
Item D1 – Kids born from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether any kids were born on the operation from July 1,
2018 to June 30, 2019.
[Enumerator Note: If “Yes,” continue with Section D. If “No,” the no kids were
born, skip to Section E.]
Item D2 – Does Bred
[Enumerator Note: This question refers to the last completed breeding season and
the resulting completed kid crop. A kid crop can be considered completed if all
does that were expected to kid have kidded. If some does are still pregnant from
the last breeding season, please use the previous breeding season to answer the
questions—we need information based on a complete kid crop.]
Indicate in the boxes provided how many does were bred by each method for the most
recently completed kid crop. If the listed method was not used, check the “None” box.
Total the number of does bred in Item 2.e and confirm the total with the producer.
Sometimes a doe will be bred but not become pregnant and will be bred again. In this
case, count only the method used for the first breeding.
What if...
An operation used AI for all does but kept the does in a field with a buck “just in
case?”
Answer: Please answer for the primary breeding method used for each doe. If the
primary approach to breeding for all does is AI, but the does are kept in a field with
bucks in case a few does don’t become pregnant by AI or spontaneously abort early
in pregnancy, include all those does under Item 2c (AI).
Item D3 – Does by Kidding Outcome
Consider the does in Item 2. Indicate in the boxes provided how many of those does had
the listed kidding outcomes.
Item 3a. Enter the number of does that gave birth, whether the kid(s) was born alive or
dead.
Item 3a.i. Enter the number of Item 3a does that had a multiple birth (twins, triplets,
or more).
Item 3b. Enter the number of does that had a known abortion (e.g., the abortion was
observed, or the doe had been confirmed pregnant).
Item 3b.i. Enter the number of Item 3b does for which this was their first kid.
Item 3c. Enter the number of does that either never became pregnant or had an
unobserved abortion (i.e., pregnancy had not been confirmed).
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Item 3d. Enter the number of does that died or were removed before they kidded.
Item 3e. Add the entries for Items 3a, 3b, and 3c (excluding 3a.i and 3.b.i) and enter the
total in Item 3e.
[Enumerator Note: Do not include Item 3a.i OR 3b.i in your total.]
Item D4 – Kids born
Answer this question for the most recently completed kid crop.
Item 4a. Of kids born on the operation between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, record
the number that were born alive.
Item 4b. Of kids born on the operation between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, record
the number that were born dead.
Item 4c. Record the total number of kids born, alive or dead, between July 1, 2018, and
June 30, 2019.
What if...
The Producer found a dead kid in the pasture but doesn’t know if it was born alive?
Answer: Ask the Producer to use his or her best judgment. If the Producer is certain
the kid was born alive and healthy, but died because of some cause such as
suffocation in the amniotic sac or exposure to the elements, the kid should be
counted as “born alive.” If the Producer believes the kid was dead at birth or died
shortly after, perhaps because of failure to suckle or because of a congenital
anomaly (such as familial ß-mannosidosis), the kid should be counted as “born
dead.”
Item D5 – Weaning Outcome for Kids Born Alive
Of the kids in Item 4a, indicate their disposition at weaning.
Item D6 – Birth Environment for ALL Kids Born
Indicate the kidding environment for all the kids born (Item 4c) as a percentage of Item
4c.
a. Individual kidding pen (or jug) refers to a special pen dedicated for one doe during
kidding. Such pens are usually inside a barn or shed but they can also be outside.
b. Multiple does indoor pen refers to a pen indoors that allows for multiple does to kid
at the same time. They might or might not be separated from other goats, depending
whether any other goats are in the barn at the time.
c. Multiple does outdoor kidding area that allows increased observation and/or
shelter. This type of environment would be something such as a “close-in” pasture or
pen where the does can be seen easily from the Producer’s home or usual work areas,
allowing close observation. This could also refer to a pasture or pen that has shelter if
most of the goat pastures do not have shelter.

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d. Other multiple doe fenced pasture. If does kid within their usual pasture or pen,
without shelter, they should be included in this option.
e. Open range means any unfenced acreage, even if it’s a few acres surrounded by
residential areas. If the goats are on unfenced land and can wander out amongst homes,
they’re on open range.
f. Multiple doe dry lot refers to a pen or fenced area that does not allow grazing.
g. Other, please specify.
What if...
The Producer typically moves does that are about to kid from their regular pasture to
the barn and lets them pick their own spot within the barn for kidding, but one doe
kidded in the regular pasture before she could be brought to the barn?
Answer: Indicate the percentage of kids born in the barn in Item 6b, and write the
percentage of kids born in the pasture in Item 6d.
Item D7 – Total Kids Born from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019
This refers to an entire year, not just the most recently completed kid crop. Although, for
many operations, the numbers may be the same as Items 4a-4c.
Item D8 – Total Kids Born by Month
Indicate the number or percent of kids born by month. If none were born in a particular
month, check the “None” box.
Item D9 – Assisted Births
Indicate the percentage of births that were attended by someone. The person could
have been present and not helped, or helped with the birth.
Item D10 – Recorded Information
Indicate if records were kept for the listed information.
Item D11 – Placenta Management
Indicate how placentas were usually disposed of from July 1, 2018 through June 30,
2019. Check one box ONLY.

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Item D12 – First-time Kidding Doe Separation
Does kidding for the first time can be more susceptible to infectious diseases transmitted
by older does as they may not have been exposed to them. This could result in an
abortion, so it’s good management to separate the does that are pregnant for the first
time from the older does.
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether does pregnant for the first time were separated
from older does from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.
If there were no first-time kidding does during this time period, check “N/A” and skip to
Item 14.
[Enumerator Note: If “N/A” is checked, skip to Item 14]
Item D13 – First-time Kidding Does: Doe-kid Management
Answer this question for the practice done with the majority of first-time kidding does. If
Item 13.1 is checked, provide the number of days post kidding the pairs are kept
separate.
Item D14 – Older does: doe-kid management
Answer this question for the practice done with the majority of does that have previously
kidded.
If Item 14.1 is checked, provide the number of days post kidding the pairs are kept
separate.
Item D15 – Kid access to water and feed
Provide the age of kids (in days) when they were first offered water, creep feed, and hay
or other roughage. Answer for the majority of the kids.
Enter “0” if housed with doe and enter “1” if offered on the day of birth.
Item D16 – Weaning Age
Indicate at what age (in weeks) the kids are no longer allowed to nurse, or provided milk
or milk replacer. Write in the age for both doe and buck kids as they may differ.
Some kids are nursing or being fed milk replacer up until they leave the operation. In that
case, indicate how old they are when they leave the operation.
Item D17 – Record keeping for weaning information
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether records were kept for the listed information.

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Item D18 – Weaned kids sold, traded or given away
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether any weaned kids were sold from the operation
during July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.
[Enumerator Note: If “No,” skip to Item 21]
What if...
The Producer sold one weaned kid to a neighbor for a 4-H project but typically
doesn’t sell any goats until they’re adults?
Answer: “No” for Item D18 and skip to Item D21. We want information on what
operations usually did, so we want only those operations that typically sold weaned
kids during the previous 12 months to proceed to Item D19 and provide information
on the usual weight and age at which the weaned kids were sold.
What if...
All kids were weaned as they were sold off the operation?
Answer: “Yes” for Item D18 and continue.
Item D19 – Age of weaned kids when sold, traded or given away
Indicate the average age at which kids were sold.
Item D20 – Weight of kids when sold, traded, or given away.
Indicate the average weight of kids when they were sold.
Item D21 – Checking for horns prior to disbudding
Answer “Yes” if the Producer actively checked to see if there were horn buds on their
kids prior to disbudding them. If the operation does not disbud any kids, then check N/A.
Item D22 – Disbudding
[Enumerator Note: Disbudding occurs at 3 weeks of age or younger. After about 3
weeks of age, the procedure would be considered dehorning. Ensure the producer
knows that disbudding should usually occur prior to 3 weeks of age.]
Item D22a. Indicate how many kids developed horn buds or were expected to develop
horns.
[Enumerator Note: If Item 22a is none, skip to Item 26.]
Item D22.a.i. Of the kids in Item D22a, how many were or will be disbudded on this
operation. Answer in either “Head” OR “Percent.”
[Enumerator Note: If Item 22a.i. is none, skip to Item 26.]
Item D22.a.ii. Indicate the average age kids were disbudded on this operation. Answer
in either “Days” OR “Weeks.”
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Item D23 – Primary method for disbudding
Check one of the listed options for the primary method used for disbudding kids on this
operation. If what is used is not listed, check “Other” and write in the method used.
Item D24 – Analgesics or anesthetics for disbudding
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether any analgesics (pain relief) or anesthetics were
provided to kids either during the disbudding procedure or afterwards.
Typically, a nerve block will be used during the procedure and a longer-acting pain
control drug is provided to reduce pain after the procedure.
Item D25 – Person that typically disbuds kids
Check the appropriate box to indicate who most often performs the disbudding
procedure.
Item D26 – Castration
Check the appropriate box. Select “None” if no buck kids were castration from July 1,
2018 to June 30, 2019.
[Enumerator Note: If “None” is checked, skip to Section E]
Item D27 – Age at Castration
Report the average age at which buck kids were castrated. Select the appropriate unit
(days, OR, weeks, OR, months) and enter one response.
Item D28 – Castration method
Check the appropriate box for the primary method used to castrate buck kids on this
operation. If “Other” is selected, write in the type of castration used.

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SECTION E – Health Management
The purpose of Section E is to better understand current health management techniques and to
assess Producer knowledge regarding animal health resources and animal diseases. We also
ask about the use of a veterinarian on this operation and whether a “valid veterinarian-clientpatient relationship” (VCPR) exists.
Item E1 – Sore Mouth Signs
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether any goats on the operation had exhibited signs
of sore mouth (also known as orf) between July 1, 208 and June 30, 2019.
[Enumerator Note: If “No,” skip to item 3]
Item E2 – Sore mouth management practices
For each listed practice check one box to indicate whether this was “Never,”
“Sometimes” or “Always” done.
Item E3 – Contact for Goats with Neurologic signs
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the Producer would reach out to each of the
listed contacts if any of their goats were circling, or lip smacking, or constantly rubbing
against fences, or exhibited lip smacking or loss of coordination behaviors.
Item E4 – Brucellosis Testing Within the Previous 3 Years
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether any of the Producer’s goats were tested for
brucellosis during the previous 3 years.
[Enumerator Note: If Item E4 = No, skip to Item E8]
Item E5 – Purposes for Testing Goats for Brucellosis Within the Previous 3 Years
For goats tested for brucellosis during the previous 3 years, check “Yes” or “No” for
each purpose listed in Items 5a through 5f to indicate whether the goats were tested for
that reason.
Item E6 –Brucellosis Test Types Used Within the Previous 3 Years
Check “Yes,” “Don’t know,” or “No” to indicate which types of tests were used when
goats were tested for brucellosis during the previous 3 years. If “Other” is “Yes,” then
specify which test was used.

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Item E7 – Certified Brucellosis-Free
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if the goat herd is certified Brucellosis-Free. If the herd is
certified Brucellosis-Free, it will have a herd certification number and know the date of
the last herd test.
Certified Brucellosis Free
This is a State administered herd certification program that involves a documented
surveillance program and includes records of the supporting required testing. The
operation will have a written certification from the State Veterinarian documenting their
brucellosis-free status and the certification should be retained on file with the State
regulatory agency.
Item E8 – TB Testing
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether any of the Producer’s goats were tested for TB
(tuberculosis) during the previous 3 years.
[Enumerator Note: If Item E8 = No, skip to Item E11]
Item E9 – Purposes for Testing Goats for Tuberculosis (TB) Within the Previous 3 Years
For goats tested for TB during the previous 3 years, check “Yes” or “No” for each
purpose listed in Items 9a through 9e to indicate whether the goats were tested for that
reason.
Note: The Producer would not have done this testing themselves as diagnosing
TB in live animals depends on using an effective testing technique with an
intradermal (within the skin) injection of tuberculin obtained through the State
animal health official or APHIS –VS District Office.
Item E10 – Accredited TB (Tuberculosis)-Free
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if the goat herd is accredited Tuberculosis-Free. If the
herd is accredited, it will have a herd accreditation number and know the date of the last
herd test.
Accredited TB (Tuberculosis) Free
This is a State administered herd certification program that involves a documented
surveillance program and includes records of the supporting required testing. The
operation will have a written certification from the State Veterinarian documenting their
tuberculosis-free status and the certification should be retained on file with the State
regulatory agency.
Item E11 – Health Information Record Keeping
For each of the listed health management practices, indicate whether the information
was “Never,” “Sometimes,” or “Always” recorded. If the practice wasn’t done from July
1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, then indicate “N/A”.

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Item E12 – Antibiotic Use and Withdrawal Times
“Withdrawal period” refers to the antibiotic withdrawal period and is the time it takes the
body to break down an antibiotic until it is no longer present. This will vary depending on
the drug, the animal species, and whether the animal food product is milk or meat. The
period specifies the number of days that must pass after the last antibiotic treatment was
given before any meat or milk can enter the food supply.
Indicate which of the listed options is how the Producer usually determines the
withdrawal period for a given antibiotic. Check one only.
Item E13 – Use of a Veterinarian
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the Producer consulted a veterinarian for any
reason related to goat health, productivity or management from July 1, 2018 to June 30,
2019.
“Consulted” would include a phone call, on- or off-farm in person discussion, or
email/text question.
[Enumerator Note: If “No” vet consultation, skip to Item 15]
Item E14 – Reason for Veterinary Consultation
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the Producer consulted a veterinarian for any of
the listed reasons.
[If Item 13 = “Yes” (did consult a veterinarian), SKIP to Item 16]
Indicate which of the listed reasons best described why a veterinarian was not
consulted. Check one only.
Item E15 – No Private Veterinarian Used
[Enumerator note: If Item 13 = “Yes” (did consult a veterinarian), SKIP to Item 16]
Indicate which of the listed reasons best describes why a veterinarian was not consulted
from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. Check one only.

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Item E16 – Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)
Ask the respondent how familiar they are with the term “Veterinarian-Client-Patient
Relationship” and check one of the listed options.The FDA definition of a valid
veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is described below. States can have their
own definition of a VCPR as well.
1. A veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments
regarding the health of (an) animal(s) and the need for medical treatment, and the
client (the owner of the animal or animals or other caretaker) has agreed to follow the
instructions of the veterinarian;
2. There is sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) by the veterinarian to initiate at
least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal(s); and
3. The practicing veterinarian is readily available for follow up in case of adverse
reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy. Such a relationship can exist only
when the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the
keeping and care of the animal(s) by virtue of examination of the animal(s), and/or by
medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) are kept.
Item E17 – VCPR relationship for This Operation
[Enumerator Note: Show the VCPR reference card to the Producer]
Select the option that best describes the Producer’s VCPR with his or her veterinarian.

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SECTION F – Biosecurity
The purpose of this section is to understand the level of biosecurity present on the operation.
Knowledge regarding biosecurity practices on goat operation across the U.S. will help
researchers and the livestock industry better understand risks for disease occurrence within
operations and better prepare for possible disease outbreaks across operations. We ask about
what types of visitors come onto the operation, what procedures they follow to enter and if they
have with the goats present. Next, we ask if the operation’s workers have their own livestock at
home and whether they visit venues like slaughter facilities. Finally, we attempt to find out the
degree of contact goats on this operation have with other animals.
Item F1 – Visitors
[Column 1] Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the listed visitor types came onto the
operation in the last 12 months.
[Enumerator Note: All sections of this question need to be answered. That is, we
need at least a response of “No” for every 1a-1n in Column 1.]
[Column 2] If Column 1 was “Yes,” then go to Column 2 and indicate if visitors touched
goats or walked through areas where goats are kept.
One way to ask this question for the first section could be, “During the previous 12
months, did any Federal or State veterinarian or animal health worker make any visits to
the operation and, if so, did they have direct contact with animals on this operation?”
What if...
A friend, who happens to be a veterinarian, visited the operation during the previous
12 months?
Answer: “If the friend visited the operation strictly as a friend and not in a
professional capacity as a veterinarian, count the visits under Item 1m, “Family,
friends and/or neighbors.” If the Producer asked the veterinarian to check out a few
kids, count those visits under Item 1a, “Private or company veterinarian.”
Item F2 – Visitor Access to Facilities
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether any visitors accounted for in F1 had access to
areas or facilities that house or contain animals, feed, manure, or farm equipment.
[Enumerator Note: If “No,” skip to Item 4]

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Item F3 – Biosecurity Measures for Visitors
For each measure listed (Items 3a – 3g), check the answer that best describes how
often the Producer required the measure for visitors entering the goat production areas
during the previous 12 months.
What if...
The private veterinarian, who handled the goats, always had to change into clean
coveralls, but the feed company consultant, who walked through the goat production
area to check the feed-storage bins and equipment, never had to change into clean
coveralls?
Answer: “Sometimes” for Item 3a. We are interested in measures required of visitors
in the goat production areas, regardless of whether the visitors actually touched the
goats.
What if...
The goat buyer drives his truck into the goat production areas to ease loading, but
other visitors’ vehicles are not allowed into the goat areas?
Answer: “Sometimes” for Item 3g.
Item F4 – Goat or Other Livestock Ownership of Goats by Paid or Unpaid Workers
(Including Family Members)
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether any paid or unpaid workers (including family
members) who live off the operation had goats or other livestock at their home during the
previous 12 months. If the operation did not have any workers who lived off the
operation, check “N/A” for “Not Applicable.”
What if...
The Producer’s daughter, who does the operation’s accounting, lives off the
operation and her son has one beef calf for 4-H?
Answer: “Yes” for Item 4.

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Item F5 – Domestic Animals on This or Adjacent Properties
[Answer both columns]
Check “Yes” or “No” (Column 1) to indicate whether the animal types listed in Items 5a 5k were on the operation at any point during the previous 12 months.
Check “Yes” or “No” (Column 2) to indicate whether the animal types listed in Items 5a 5k were on adjacent properties at any point during the previous 12 months.
What if...
The neighbors’ beef cattle got out of an open gate one day and had fence-line
contact with the goats, but normally the goats wouldn’t have fence-line contact or be
commingled with beef cattle?
Answer: “Yes” for Item 5c. We want to know about any episode of contact, even if it
happened only on one day.
Item F6 - Wild Animals on This or Adjacent Properties
[Answer both columns]
Check “Yes” or “No” (Column 1) to indicate whether the animal types listed in Items 6a 6f were on the operation at any point during the previous 12 months.
Check “Yes” or “No” (Column 2) to indicate whether the animal types listed in Items 6a 6f were on adjacent properties at any point during the previous 12 months.
Item F7 – Cats on the Operation
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate which of the listed types of cats were present on the
operation.
IF the Producer has never seen wild cats (such as mountain lions, bobcats) on their
property, but knows they are in the area, check “Yes” to 7c.
What if...
The Producer’s family, who lives on the operation, has a cat but it never goes
outdoors?
Answer: “No” for Item 7a.
Item F8 – Litter Box Disposal
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the contents of a cat litter box were discarded
into goat-raising areas. This is sometimes done by Producers to expose their goats to
toxoplasmosis before they are pregnant.
Item F9 – Rat and Mouse Control
Check “Yes” or “No” for each of the listed methods if they were specifically used to
control rats and mice.

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SECTION G: Movement and Marketing
Item G1 – Goats or Kids Added (NOT BORN) to the Operation
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether any goats or kids were permanently added to
the operation (July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019). Do not include kids that were born
on the operation or goats or kids that were visiting.
If “No,” in what year were goats last added to this operation (other than through births)?
What if...
The Producer brought on a buck for a few months during breeding season but then
sent the buck back to his owner?
Answer: “No” for Item 1. We want to know about any goats that were meant to be
permanently added to the operation’s herd.
[Enumerator Note: If Item 1 = No, skip to Item 14]
Item G2 – Required Prevention Practices for Added Goats
[Answer both columns]
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the listed disease prevention practices were
ALWAYS required either PRIOR TO arriving or were performed ON THE OPERATION
before newly added goats were commingled with the rest of the herd.
Answer the first column before answering “Yes” or “No” in the second column. Answer
for all listed preventative practices.
If the practice was sometimes performed and sometimes not performed, answer “No” for
that practice
Item G3 – Quarantine of Newly Added Goats
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the newly added goats were quarantined
(physically isolated from other goats) after arrival on the operation.
If “Yes,” ask the respondent for how many days, on average, pregnant goats were
quarantined (Item 3a), and how many days were non-pregnant goats quarantined (Item
3b).
[Enumerator Note: If “No,” skip to Item 4]
Item G4 – Newly Added Kids (not born on operation)
How many kids were added to the operation from July 1, 2018 to June 20, 2019? Do not
count kids that were born on the operation.
[Enumerator Note: If “None,” skip to Item 7]

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Item G5 – Sources of New Kids Added
For Items 5a – 5i, enter the number of kids added from the listed source, and how many
shipments were received for those kids.
Please be sure the sum of kids added (Item 5a-5i) equals Item 4.
What if...
The Producer saw and bought a buck kid at the state fair but picked him up later
directly from the buck’s original premises?
Answer: Count this buck under “Kids Added” for Item 5c. We want to know where
the animals came from most recently before they were added to the operation.
Item G6 – Kids Added, Not Yet Weaned
Indicate how many of the kids added in Item 5 were not yet weaned.
Item G7 – Adult Goats Added
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if any ADULT goats were added to the operation from
July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.
[Enumerator Note: If “No,” skip to Item 14]
Item G8 - Newly Added Adult Does
How many adult does were added to the operation from July 1, 2018 to June 20, 2019?
[Enumerator note: If “None,” skip to Item 11]
Item G9 – Source of Newly Added Adult Does
For Items 9a – 9i, enter the number of adult does added from the listed source, and how
many shipments were received for those goats.
Please be sure the sum of adult does added (Item 9a-9i) equals Item 8.
In Column 2, for the does added, indicate how many shipments were received.
Item G10 – Newly Added Adult Does; Pregnant
Indicate how many of the newly added adult does were pregnant.
Item G11 – Newly Added Adult Bucks
How many adult bucks were added to the operation from July 1, 2018 to June 20,
2019?

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Item G12 – Newly Added Adult Wethers
How many adult wethers were added to the operation from July 1, 2018 to June 20,
2019?
[Enumerator Note: If both Item 11 and Item 12 are ‘0’, skip to Item 14]
Item G13 – Source of Newly Added Adult Bucks and Wethers
For Items 13a – 13i, enter the number of adult bucks and wethers added from the listed
source, and how many shipments were received for those goats.
Please be sure the sum of adult does added (Item 13a-13i) equals the sum of Items
G11+G12.
In Column 2, for the bucks and wethers added, indicate how many shipments were
received.
Item G14 – Goats Leaving and Returning to the Operation
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if any goats or kids on the operation left the operation to
attend an event from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019, and the return to the operation.
[Enumerator Note: If “No,” skip to Item 16]
Item G15 – Isolation of Returning Goats
Check the appropriate box to answer whether returning goats were isolated from other
goats after returning from an event.
[Enumerator Note: If box #1 “Never isolate” or box #2 “Only isolate for a specific
reason…” is checked, skip to Item 16.]
If, box #3 is checked, continue to answer Item 15.a. Indicate the minimum number of
days returning goats were isolated from goats in the rest of the herd after returning from
an event.
Item G16 – Permanent Removals
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether any live goats or kids were sold or otherwise
permanently removed from the operation during July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. Do
not include goats or kids that died or were home-slaughtered for your own consumption.
[Enumerator Note: If Item 16 = No, skip to Section H]
Item G17 – Final Destination of Removed Goats
Indicate the number of removed goats and kids by their destination (In-state, Out-ofstate, or Don’t Know).
For Item 17d, sum Items 17a and 17c and record the total number of goats and kids
permanently removed by their destination.

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Item G18 – Number of Live Goats and Kids Permanently Removed From the Operation
For Items 18a and 18b, enter the number of goats (1 year and older) and kids (less than
1 year old) that were permanently removed from the operation during July 1, 2018,
through June 30, 2019. Do not include goats or kids that died or were home-slaughtered
for personal consumption.
For Item 18c, sum the entries for Items 18a and 18b and record the total number of
goats and kids permanently removed from the operation.
Item G19 – Channels for Permanent Removal of Goats from the Operation
For Items 19a – 19h, enter the number of live goats or kids that were permanently
removed from the operation through each of the listed channels.
For Item 19i, sum the entries for Items 19a, and 19b – 19h and record in the appropriate
column the total number of adult goats and kids permanently removed from the
operation.
[Enumerator Note: Do not include Item 19.a.i. in your total.]
Please be sure the total for “Goats Removed” equals Item 18a and the total for “Kids
Removed” equals Item 18b.
What if...
The Producer takes two cull bucks to the sale barn, where they are purchased by a
dealer?
Answer: Count these bucks under “Goats Removed” for Item 19f, “Auction/sale
barn.” We want to know who or which kind of establishment the Producer dealt with
directly.
Item G20 – Type of Adult Goat Culled
For Items 20a, 20b and 20c, enter the number of breeding does, breeding bucks and
other goats permanently removed from the operation that were considered to be cull
animals. Culling refers to the permanent removal of goats or kids from the herd for
reasons such as poor health or poor production. It does not include goats that died on
the operation.
For Item 20d, sum the entries for Items 20a, b and c and record the total number of
culled bucks and does.
[Enumerator Note: If 20d = “0,” skip to Section H]

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Item G21 – Reasons for Culling: Does
[Enumerator Note: If 20a = “0,” skip to Item 23]
Enter the number of does that were permanently removed from the herd for each of the
listed reasons (Options 21a through 21i). Choose the primary reason if more than one
applies. Please record the answer as number of head; if the Producer gives you
percentages, write them down and calculate back to number of head from the total
number of does culled given in Item 20a.
Count each doe only once.
Item G22 —Average Age in Years of Culled Does
Enter the average age of culled does, in years. Round up or down to the nearest whole
year.
Item G23 – Reasons for Culling: Bucks
[Enumerator note, if Item 20b=”0,” skip to Item 25]
Enter the number of bucks that were permanently removed from the herd for each of the
listed reasons (Options 23a through 23g). Choose the primary reason if more than one
applies. Please record the answer as number of head; if the Producer gives you
percentages, write them down and calculate back to number of head from the total
number of bucks culled given in Item 20b. Count each buck only once.
Item G24 —Average Age in Years of Culled Bucks
Enter the average age of culled bucks, in years. Round up or down to the nearest whole
year.
Item G25 —Herd Identification
Enter the number of head or percent of adult goats that were removed from July 1st,
2018 to June 30th, 2019, that had a herd identification when they left the operation.

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SECTION H - Identification
In this section we ask about different individual animal IDs and herd IDs used on this operation.
Item H1 - Individual and Herd-Level Goat identification
If any of the goats on the operation currently have an individual or herd ID, such as a
tattoo, collar, ear notch, brand, microchip, or ear tag, check “Yes” and continue to Item 2.
If no goats have any kind of identification, check “no” and skip to Section I.
It is not important that the Producer actually uses the identification for management
purposes, only that one or more goats have it.
[Enumerator Note: If no goats have individual animal-level identification or herdlevel identification (Item 1 equals “No”), skip to Section I.]
Item H2: Methods of Identification
Use the code list in the box for each identification type to indicate whether the ID type
was used for individual ID, as a Herd ID, for both, or not used.
With individual identification, each animal has its own unique identification. With herdlevel identification, all goats in the herd have an identifier that indicates they belong to
the herd (so all goats have the same ID, in this case). Each goat can have individual
identification only, herd-level identification only, or both types of identification. Goats can
have more than one type of identification or no individual identification.
A way to ask this question for 2b could be, “Was a collar or leg band used to identify
goats individually? Was the same method used to identify goats as a member of the
herd?”
[Enumerator Note: All boxes of this question must be answered. If the ID was not
used, place a ‘4’ in the appropriate box]
What if...
Only one goat that was purchased a few years back has a tattoo, and none of the
other goats have individual or herd-level ID?
Answer: Write “1” (Individual Goat ID) for Item 2a.
What if...
A couple of goats bought from the neighbor have ID, but no other goats have ID and
the Producer doesn’t use the ID for anything?
Answer: Please mark the appropriate answers for the types of ID the goats have.
We want to know if any goats have any ID, regardless of whether the Producer uses
the ID for management practices.

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Example Ear Tags:
Plastic flock tag (official)Classified under Plastic
Scrapie Program Ear Tag

These are probably the most common type of tag that
those people conducting the survey will encounter. Tag has
both Herd ID and individual animal ID, plus shield. Tags
that, in the past, were provided at no-cost to producers,
were white. Producers can order others colors directly from
manufacturers, at their own expense.

Metal flock tag (official)
Classified under Metal
Scrapie Program Ear Tag

Format is the same as for plastic flock tags. Less
commonly used, due to problems when used in goats. Tag
color - white.

Plastic serial tags (official)
Classified under Plastic
Scrapie Program Ear Tag

Tags often preferred by markets for easy reading, but no
longer provided to markets at no-cost. Unlikely to be found
on producers animals, unless animal was purchased
through a market. Format is State postal code/one alpha
character/5 numeric characters, no spaces – XXA12345;
plus shield.

Metal serial tags (official)
Classified under Metal
Scrapie Program Ear Tag

Currently, this is the only tag provided by USDA at no cost
to producers. New tags are orange (see picture below);
older tags were white; blue is also available for animals in
slaughter channels. Format is State postal code/two alpha
characters/4 numeric characters, no spaces – XXAB1234;
plus shield.

840 tags
Classified under Plastic
Scrapie Program Ear Tag

15 digits 840 sequence, with or without RFID; plus shield;
round button or strip (SET).

Official Non-Scrapie Tags
Classified under Other
Official Ear Tag with a
USDA Shield
Farm/owner tags
Classified under Other
Plastic Ear Tag

These are cattle or swine tags that have the USDA shield,
but are not part of the Scrapie program.

December 2018

Generally, any other unofficial tag used by producer.
Unofficial tags do not have the USDA shield.

65

Item H3 – Scrapie Premises Identification
Check “Yes,” “No,” or “D/K” to indicate whether this operation has been assigned a
unique herd ID (scrapie PIN) as part of the National Scrapie Eradication Program.
A Scrapie Premises Identification Number (scrapie PIN) is assigned to a premises by the
USDA to identify the goat herd of origin.

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SECTION I — Fiber Production
Item I1 – Goats Shorn, Clipped, or Combed for Fiber from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the Producer sheared, clipped, or combed any
goats for fiber from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019.
What if...
The Producer has a couple “accidental” Angora-Boer hybrids and normally doesn’t
comb any goats for fiber, but shears these few for the hot Texas summer and just
gives or throws away the hair?
Answer: “No” for Item 1. We want to know about goats that were kept to produce
fiber and whose fiber was sold or traded.
[Enumerator Note: If Item I1 = No, skip to Section J]
Item I2 – Number of Goats Clipped and Total Pounds Clipped, by Fiber Type, from July 1,
2018 to June 30, 2019
For Items 2a – 2d, by type of fiber, enter the number of goats clipped and the total
pounds of fiber clipped (July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019) in the respective column.
For Item 2e, sum the entries for Items 2a – 2d in each column and record the total in the
bottom box of the column.
What if...
The Producer clipped goats in the fall and again in the spring? Should the goats and
the fiber be counted twice?
Answer: No, the number of goats clipped and the amount of fiber clipped should only
be counted once, so use the numbers from the most recent clipping. We want to
estimate the usual amount of fiber obtained per goat.
Item I3 – Selling or Trading of Fiber from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the Producer sold or traded any of the fiber
obtained from the operation’s goats (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019).
If “Yes,” indicate how many pounds of Item 2e were sold or traded.
[Enumerator Note: If Item 3 = “No,” skip to Item 5]

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Item I4 – Percentage of Fiber Sold or Traded by Marketing Method
Enter the percentage of fiber sold or traded by each of the marketing methods listed in
Items 4a – 4f.
Add the percentages given for Items 4a – 4f and be sure the total equals 100%.
a. “In person” refers to sales at farmer’s markets, or other local means such as by
word-of-mouth, advertising in local newspapers or magazines, a shop at the operation,
etc.
b. “Internet” is for fiber products that are sold or traded over the internet.
c. “Commercial warehouses” are places that sort and store fiber before it is sold to
processers.
d. “Direct sales to mill buyer,” a representative of a fiber mill who buys fiber from
individual Producers.
e. “Cooperative pools” are groups of Producers who pool their product (animals, milk,
fiber, etc.) to sell to a buyer.
Item I5 – People Who Sheared, Clipped, or Combed Goats
Check one box (“Yes” or “No”) for each item (Items 5a – 5d) to indicate whether the
people listed sheared, clipped, or combed any of the operation’s goats. We want to
know all the people who helped shear the goats, not just the one who did the majority of
the work.
What if...
The owner did most of the clipping, but a few kids from the 4-H club did a few goats
for a project?
Answer: “Yes” for Items 5a and 5d (specify “4-H club members”) and “No” for Items
5b and 5c.
Item I6 – Usual Treatment of Clippers, Shears, and Combs between Goats
Check the box for the one answer that best describes how clippers, shears, and combs
were usually treated between goats. Check one only.
What if...
The Producer left the shears out in the sun for 15 minutes between goats to ‘sterilize’
them?
Answer: Check the box for “No cleaning or disinfecting” because putting them in the
sun doesn’t clean them.

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SECTION J: Office USE
Section J provides the conclusion for the interview. It has two major purposes: (1) determining if
the operation qualifies for Phase II of the study and, if so, providing follow-up information and
obtaining a signed Consent form; and (2) obtaining interview response codes for completion of
the interview. All operations should have this section filled out, even if they are ineligible
for the study, refuse, or are inaccessible.
Item J1: At the conclusion of the interview, the enumerator will ask the respondent if they are
willing to sign the Consent form to be contacted for participation in Phase II of the study. An
operation qualifies for the Phase II if it completed the GGMQ, and if on July 1, 2019, they had 5
or more ADULT goats (Section A, Item 1).
If they complete Phase II of the project, they will be eligible to have biologic testing conducted at no
charge.
It may be helpful to explain that the sample of goat operations for the NAHMS Goat 2019 Study
was selected from the confidential list maintained by the NASS. To meet confidentiality
requirements, NASS must obtain the Producer’s written permission to release information that
the Producer reported to NASS to another agency such as APHIS. Please explain to the
Producer that APHIS will continue to uphold the confidentiality requirements.
To complete the consent form, print the Producer’s name on the top line, just above “Hereafter
referred to as the Cooperator.” Let the Producer read the Consent form, then instruct him to
sign and date the form on the line designated “Cooperator.” The enumerator should then sign
and date the form on the line designated “NASDA Field Enumerator.” The signed Consent form
must be delivered to the State office along with the completed GGMQ. The State office will
provide enough extra Consent forms for you to leave a copy with the respondent.
Item J2: If the consent form is signed, complete the rest of the consent form and fill in details
about the respondent location, number of goats, phone, email, and add other comments that will
be helpful for future contact. These comments could include the best phone number, contact
name and best times to call to schedule follow-up visits.
Item J3: Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether the respondent had heard of the NAHMS Goat
2019 Study prior to being contacted by NASS for this survey.
Item J4: Next, check the correct box next to the response that applies to the outcome of this
interview and status of the operation.
[Enumerator Note: If box #1 (Complete, Consent Form signed), box #3 (Zero goats
on hand July 1st, 2019), box #4 (Out of business), box # 6 (Out of scope), box #7
(Office hold), or box #8 (Inaccessible), skip to Item 7.]
Item J5: If the interview response code for item J4 is 2 or 5 then check the reason that best fits
why the operation refused consent for Phase II of the study or why the operation refused to
complete the GGMQ.
Item J6: If the interview response code form item J4 is 1 or 2 meaning the operation completed
the GGMQ, check the box that indicate if the respondent used written or computerized records
to assist in answering any of the survey questions.
Item J7: Please record any comments regarding the GGMQ here.
Ending Time: Enter the time when the interview ended.
December 2018

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