Milk Stars

Milk Stars (ADGA)

What is a milk star? (*M for does, *B or +B for bucks)

It’s a notation in a goat’s pedigree earned by meeting the minimum milk production requirements set by the registry. A buck earns a milk star based on the production of his progeny or his dam and sire’s dam. The number of stars appearing after a doe’s name refers to the number of consecutive generations of does that qualified for a star (maternal line only). For example if a 1*M doe has a daughter earn a milk star, that daughter is a 2*M. If the line is broken at any point, the count starts over.

How can my doe earn a milk star?

• One Day Milk Test - Common at fairs and shows, but can be scheduled anywhere (including your own farm). Days in milk, pounds of milk produced in 24 hours, and butterfat percentage are thrown into a formula. If a doe meets the minimum, she earns an ST (Standard) milk star. It does not count toward a genetic evaluation (PTI scores, Superior Genetics, etc) but it can be passed on to her bucklings. Learn more at my One Day Milk Test page.

• 305 Day Milk Test - Milk production is tested multiple times during a doe’s lactation. Volume (pounds of milk), fat, and protein produced are calculated. If a doe meets the minimum in any one category she earns an ST milk star. It counts toward a genetic evaluation but cannot be passed on to her bucklings. If a doe meets the minimum requirements in both volume and fat, she earns an AR (Advanced Registry) star. It counts toward a genetic evaluation and can be passed on to her bucklings. Learn more at my 305 Day Milk Test page.

• Progeny - A doe can earn a milk star without ever being on milk test if her progeny earn enough milk stars:

  • 3 daughters with milk stars
  • 2 sons with milk stars
  • 2 daughters and 1 son with milk stars

How can my buck earn a milk star?

• A buck is awarded a *B if his sire has a milk star and his dam has an AR milk star or an ST star earned on a one day milk test.
• A buck is awarded a *B if his dam and his sire's dam both have AR milk stars.
• A buck is awarded a +B if he has three daughters by different dams earn milk stars or if he has two sons earn a +B.
• Bucks can earn both a *B and a +B. Because a +B can be earned in two different ways, possible combinations of buck stars are +*B, ++B, or ++*B

Other Registries

• AGS: Instead of *M, does earn *D. Instead of *B/+B, bucks earn *S/+S
• MDGA: Instead of *M, does earn *P. Bucks are still *B/+B.

Links

• ADGA One Day Milk Test
• ADGA Minimums for 305 Day Milk Test
• AGS Milk Test Programs
• MDGA One Day Milk Test
• MDGA Minimums for 305 Day Milk Test