GOSA Frequently Asked Questions
AnswerThis is a list of FAQs that have been asked regarding the GOS breed, the registry, membership and breeding questions, and otherwise helpful information. If you have a question that you don't see here, please use the form below to submit it to the GOSA registry.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
1.How do I become a member of GOSA? What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Answer: To become a member of our organization fill out an application here: http://www.gosamerica.org/membership-application.html Our annual dues are $30 and memberships expire on December 31st. Member benefits include voting rights, discounted registrations and transfers, access to utilize the GOSA Logo, and the ability to list animals for sale on the GOSA website marketplace.
2.Why are there two GOS registries in the US?
Answer: GOS America is the original founding registry here in the United States. In 2013 a small group started the second registry GOSPBU.
3.How do I register my GOS pig?
Answer: If both parents of the animal are registered, request that the breeder submit an application for registration. If one or neither of the parents are registered you will have to contact the breeder and work your way back through the generations until you locate the most recent parental animal in your animal's heritage that was registered stock. We (GOSA) may then be able to consider registration for each of the animals individually prior to registering your animal. This may seem cumbersome but this protects the integrity of the herdbook, which is the lifeblood of our organization and this breed.
4. Can I register my GOSPBU pig with GOSA?
Answer Yes. Email a copy of your animal’s pedigree with a photo of each side of the animal (preferably when small and recent) photos as well to registrar@gosamerica.org and we will contact you. We must find all necessary information to do so.
5.Is there a source for GOS Semen?
Answer Yes, International Boar Semen is now offering GOS Semen from a George (Sambo) boar as well as a Rufus boar. http://internationalboarsemen.us/heritage-collection Please check the pedigree of the animal you are considering for your semen purchase, it should be considered the same as using a live cover animal.
6.What are acceptable methods for piglet identification?
Answer: Acceptable methods include ear tags, tattoos and ear notches. Choose the method which works best for your farm.
7. What are the breed standards?
Answer: You can find our breed standards here: http://www.gosamerica.org/breed-characteristics-and-the-standard.html Also consider the standards published by the Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig Breeders Club in the UK: http://www.gospbc.co.uk/the-breed-introduction/breed-standard/
8. How do I find quality breeding stock?
Answer: You can view our current marketplace ads here: http://www.gosamerica.org/marketplace.html You may contact a breeder and be put on a waiting list if there aren’t any litters currently available. Developing a relationship with a breeder you can trust may be the best way to source quality stock. Breeders often work together to pair animals from other farms if you need or want a mating set. E-mail us to inquire about breeders in your area, animals for sale, or possibly an upcoming transport of pigs. Refer to the membership list to help find breeders, the link for that can be found here.
9. What is the color wheel?
Answer: The color wheel was designed to avoid inbreeding on a farm in England. The breed was divided into four color groups, Red, Green, Black and Blue. Each color group was divided into multiple maternal lines and one paternal line for each color group. All offspring/progeny here in the US retain the color group of their dam. While it can be a good tool to understand family lines, the color wheel breeding system is no longer the preferred method to avoid inbreeding. The best way to reduce inbreeding is by requesting a CI check (see below).
10. Why was the Red Group boar line Sambo name changed to George?
Answer: The Gloucestershire Old Spot Pig Breeders Club in the UK, who founded the breed, decided to change the name from Sambo to George in 2020 beginning with 2021 registrations you will see the name change on Pedigree Certificates.
11. What is a CI calculation and how do I request a CI check? What is a good CI percentage?
Answer: A CI (coefficient of inbreeding) calculation reveals a percentage of inbreeding between two animals. It is wise to request a CI check prior to purchasing a new animal for your breeding herd. We recommend a CI of 10% or less and ideally 5% or less depending on the stock.
You can request a CI by emailing us at registrar@gosamerica.org What is UK2 on my pig’s registration papers? UK2 indicates animals from the second UK importation. When both parents are “UK2” offspring retain their UK2 designation. If either parent is a US animal the offspring take on the US designation.
Still have questions? We’d love to hear from you! For general inquiries contact April Prusia at vp@gosamerica.org or call the GOSA HELPLINE at 612-207-9771 or 608-444-1102
Membership Application
gosamerica.org
