The Felicity Miracles PROJECT
Saving a Breed
bY AI-Embryo Transfer
Mack Brin Farms Felicity
Felicity is the last known living 100% New Hampshire Line San Clemente Island Goat. At nine years old, she is in good health but unable to carry kids to full term due to a recently developed uterine problem. After last year’s devastating loss of two genetically significant New Hampshire line bucks, the San Clemente Island Goat Breeders Association (SCIGBA) is taking extraordinary steps to preserve her unique genetic makeup. The SCIGBA’s Genetics Committee in conjunction with fertility expert veterinarian Rachael Gately, DVM, has developed a plan to ensure her genetics remain available to the SCI Goat population.
We need your help to make these “Felicity Miracles” A REALITY!
Felicity will undergo superovulation followed by laparoscopic artificial insemination (AI) using genetically valuable SCI Goat semen donated by the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute from a renowned 100% New Hampshire line buck who is now deceased. The Smithsonian is so excited about this project that they are donating this frozen semen to our project! Dr. Gately will then perform a procedure called an embryo flush, where all of the embryos are “flushed” from her system. Some of the embryos will be immediately transferred to 2 qualified surrogates, with high hopes of them producing viable kids with Dr. Gately’s expertise and experience. The remaining embryos will be frozen and stored in the SCIGBA’s genetic bank at SMART Repro.
YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION WILL HELP MAKE THIS GROUND-BREAKING PRESERVATION PROJECT a Reality! Our goal is to raise $4500.
The Felicity Miracles is just the first project for an overall plan to conserve the important genetics of the critically endangered San Clemente Island Goat. Please follow the San Clemente Island Goat Breeders Association on our social media and sign up for our “The Island Goat” newsletter to stay apprised of further work and projects!