Live Coverage Service Memo

Confused About Service Memos? Let’s Clear It Up!

Have you been asked for a Service Memo and aren’t sure what it is or where to find one? Let’s break it down according to ABGA Rules & Regulations.

What is “Service”? In ABGA terms, service means a mating — either natural or by artificial insemination — whether or not it results in a pregnancy.

What is a Service Memo? A Service Memo is a form signed by the owner (or lessee) of a buck that documents when a doe was serviced or exposed. It must include:

Buck and doe names and registration numbers
Doe’s right and left ear tattoos
Contact information for both parties
Signatures from both the buck and doe owners

👉 If you own both the buck and doe, no Service Memo is needed.

When is a Service Memo Required?

Different Owners at Time of Service: If the sire is not owned (or leased) by the dam’s owner at the time of mating, a Service Memo is needed. If bred in a pasture and no exact date is known, simply write "pasture" for the date.
Leased Bucks: Lessees can sign Service Memos for services that happen during the lease.
Purchased Bred Doe: If you buy a bred doe, you’ll need a Service Memo from the previous owner to register the kids. Always ask if the doe was bred before purchase, and get the service details recorded on the back of the registration certificate before transfer.

Quick Tip: If a doe is transferred after service but before kidding, and the service wasn’t recorded during the transfer, you’ll still need a Service Memo from the breeder to register the offspring.

The back of a correctly filled American Boer Goat Association Certificate of Registration. — Back of Certificate of Registration with completed Service information.

Now that you’re familiar with Service Memos, be sure to keep a copy on hand. As your herd grows, so will the need for Service Memos. You can download a Live Coverage Service Memo here:

You can also find the Live Coverage Service Memo, along with all our other forms on our website.

abga.org/forms.