Native on Appearance Program: Expanding Opportunity for ABGA Members

The American Boer Goat Association is excited to officially launch the Native on Appearance (NOA) program, effective April 1, 2025. This new program is designed to provide a registration pathway for does that visually conform to the Boer breed appearance but lack formal pedigree documentation. The NOA program honors the characteristics of the Boer goat while fostering inclusivity within our growing community.

What is “Native on Appearance”?

Under Rule 207B, does that are otherwise ineligible for registration or pedigree record—but appear to be Boer goats—can now be evaluated for a special NOA designation. Once approved, these does will receive a 12.5% breed composition registration and a unique ABGA listing number that begins with “NOA.”

Ineligible for Percentage Show - The minimum percentage to show a doe at an ABGA sanctioned event is 25%. Native on Appearance does will not meet this requirement and therefore be ineligible to show as a Percentage Doe. However, they can be exhibited in the wether dam division.

It’s important to note: this program is limited to does/females only. Bucks and wethers are not eligible for NOA registration.

Application Requirements

The NOA application process is simple, much like a normal registration:

Application Fee: $20 per animal (non-refundable)
Documentation: Herd prefix, herd name, and identifiers such as tattoos, scrapie tags/federal ID, or microchips
Pictures: Up to two images allowed, with at least one clear profile picture showing the full body, legs, head, ears, and horns

Photos must feature only one animal and be of high quality. Blurry, distant, or group photos will not be accepted.

Acceptable Profile Pictures

Unacceptable Profile Pictures

What Are We Looking For?

While the traditional Boer goat is white-bodied with a red head, color variations are welcome. The approval committee will focus on visual traits consistent with Boer goats—without penalizing for folded ears, pigmentation issues, incorrect bites, or nonstandard teat structures.

However, any significant signs of influence from breeds like Pygmy, Myotonic, Kiko, Spanish, Savannah, or Dairy goats will result in disqualification from the NOA program.

Examples of Approved NOA Does

Examples of Unapproved NOA Does

How the Approval Process Works

Submit the completed application and required pictures online, via email, or by mail.
A registration clerk will review each application.
During the program’s first month, all decisions will be further reviewed by the Executive Director.
After this probationary period, only denied applications will escalate for final review.

Why “Native on Appearance” Matters

This program offers breeders an accessible entry point to formal recognition while ensuring the integrity of the Boer breed remains strong. By welcoming does that meet visual standards, we’re opening the door to more participation, more diversity, and ultimately, a stronger community of breeders.

Ready to Register?

Follow the step-by-step instructions to register your NOA animals on iCompete.

Download a printable version of these instructions ↓