We are going to discuss about goat breeds. There are many benefits of having goat in our lives like complete diet milk, meat and we get a fair price on selling these goats which helps us financially. There are more than 200 breeds of goats found in the world, each breed has its own specialty which gives a different identity to these goats. These goats depend on the breed to survive in different climates. If you are also fond of raising goats or are a farmer or want to do goat business, then by reading this blog you can choose goats in a good way.
History and Origin of goat breeding
The history of raising goats is about 10,000 years old. It was first domesticated by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. These people raised goats for milk, meat and skin. Gradually, they started selective breeding of goats, which led to the development of new breeds of goats, which became known for their climate and their own characteristics. Their milk production increased and they make a special contribution to agriculture.
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Classification of goat Breeding
Goats are classified based on their primary use as given below
(i) Dairy Goat
These goats are raised for high milk production so that maximum profit can be earned by selling more milk and it is known as creamy milk. Here are the most commonly reared goats.
- Saanen- This breed is mostly found in Switzerland and is one of the highest milk yielding goat breeds.
- Nubian – These goats have long ears and high butterfat content in their milk which helps in the production of more cheese.
- Alpine- They can live in a variety of climates and also produce a lot of milk, making them ideal for dairying.
- Lamancha- These goats have small ears and their milk is very tasty.
(ii) Meat Goat
Many people like to eat goat meat by roasting it. Goats are also raised for meat. Goats of this breed grow rapidly, some of which are given below:
- Boer- This goat is known for its meat quality. These goats originally originated from South Africa.
- Kiko- This breed is mostly found in New Zealand. It is flexible and also known for its fast growth.
- Spanish Goat- These goats are hardy or almost adaptable and can easily navigate rough terrain and bushland.
- Savannah- This is a South African breed with a very strong body and high quality meat.
(iii) Fiber goat
These goat breeds produce high quality fibers. Some of the main goat breeds are given below:
- Angora- It is very expensive and is very attractive. The most easily available fiber is.
- Cashmere- they are very soft and this fiber is used in very expensive shirts.
- Pygora- There is a breed of Pygmy and Angora goats which is used in very expensive Magande fabric.
(iv) Dual-Purpose and Multi-Purpose Goats
Some breeds have specialized roles in milk and meat production, while some goats are known for more than just that:
- Toggenburg- Their milk production is medium. This is a Swiss breed with adaptability.
- Oberhasli – They are a good milk producer but a calm breed and are medium in size.
- Pygmy Goat – They are small in size and sturdy and have low milk production.
How to Choose the Right Goat Breed
If you also rear goats, then the method of choosing the right breed of goat is given below.
(i) Selecting a Goat Breed Based on Climate and Environment
- Some goats are known for hot and rugged conditions such as Kiko, Spanish etc.
- Some goat breeds prefer to live in cold climates like saanen.
(ii) Goat Breeds Based on Purpose
- Some places raise goats for milk.
- Some people raise them for meat.
- Some people raise goats for making fiber from logs.
(iii) Space and management
- largest breed goats take up more space as they are tall and large in size like Jamunapari and Swiss Saanen.
- Small breed goats take up less space like Pygmy
(iv) Temperament
- Some goats have a natural and friendly Temperament like Lamancha and Nubian
- While some goats are meatier, they are also very strong and can injury from the tusks.
Current Trends in Goat Breeding
As time progresses, the demand for milk and meat is also increasing, due to which the demand for goats is constantly increasing, due to which farmers are promoting goat farming.
(i) Cros Breeding
Cross breeding is being done continuously to improve the breeds to increase milk yield, disease fighting ability and meat production so that the best breed can be developed.
(ii) Organic and sustainable Goat Farming
The demand for milk and meat is constantly increasing, so keeping the environment in mind, organic goats are being reared to meet the growing demand worldwide.
(iii) Heritage Breed conservation
As cross breeding of goats is increasing, the old breeds of goats are disappearing and are becoming very rare to find, so efforts should be made to maintain the breeds.
Challenges and Future of Goat Breeding
Goats are very resilient, which means that there are many breeding difficulties which are given below.
- Disease Management- There are many breeding problems in goats, out of which parasites play a special role. They cause diseases in goats due to their infection, due to which goats have to face a lot of problems, for which we have to provide proper medical care.
- Market Competition- With the rising demand for goat milk and meat, small farmers may have to compete with large-scale operations.
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Climate Change- Climate change has a huge impact on goat health and we must pay special attention to which breed can survive in which climate while raising goats.