GOSA Frequently Asked Questions - Gloucestershire Old Spots of America, Inc

This 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 Contact Us form.

FAQS - Click on question below

1. Why are there two GOS registries in the US?
2. How do I become a member of GOSA? What are the benefits of becoming a member?
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, with the proper documentation that leads directly back to a previously GOSA registered animal or directly to the recent UK2 imports. Create a ticket on our contact us page. Inquire and then we will respond asking for a copy of your animals pedigree with a photo of each side of the animal (preferably a picture of them young and also recent) both left & right sides.
5. Is there a source for GOS Semen?

Answer: Yes, International Boar Semen is now offering GOS Semen. http://internationalboarsemen.us/heritage-collection . Frank Raasch also has GOS semen available. 660 542 8316. 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?
7. What are the breed standards?
8. How do I find quality breeding stock?

Answer: You can view our current marketplace ads here. 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, then Sam?

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. 2021 Update: Due to member complaints, the name George was given up in favor of ‘Sam’.
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 to help you the breeder make good breeding decisions. It is wise to run a CI check prior to consider purchasing a new animal for your breeding herd. (This can be done here using the calculator tool available for free to GOSA members. We recommend a CI of 10% or less and ideally 5% or less depending on the stock and several other factors. You can also request a CI by using this form.
12. What is UK2 on my pig’s registration papers?
13. How do I get my 3 letter farm ID code?
14.How do I read a pedigree? What do those letters and numbers mean?

Above Pedigree is US/2/DGL/0417/55-9/21

UK – The 1996 imported animals.

US – The progeny from the US and the US/UK mating’s.

UK2- The animals and progeny from the 2016, 2017 import. (Both parents full UK.)

1 – a boar 2- a sow

DGL – the Farm Name

0417 – the date of birth

55-9-animal identification

21 – The year the animal was born.