Mountain Goats and Angora Goats

There are various types of goats and mountain goats are one among them. Mountain goats found exclusively in North America are renowned with the name Rocky Mountain goat. Mountain goats have large hoofs and are from different genus and renowned as the goat antelopes.

You can find them resting at the rocky cliffs. They are amazing climbers with surety and reside mainly at higher elevations of rocky mountain. In one bound, they can jump up to twelve feet's that shows how powerful they are! Their balance depends on the two-toed cloven hooves.

Mountain goats have unique beards. Their long white coats are warmer and protect them in a big way from mountain winds as well as severe cold temperatures. They shed their coats during summer season. Both nannies and female goats have scintillating pointed horns.

Males use their horns to fight with opponents during mating season. Billies' stays alone or with other counterparts. Nannies, for the most part of a year stay with the herds having strength of around twenty, including their kids. During spring, nannies give birth to kids.

Billies are around 175 centimetres long, and have height of 122 centimetres. The nannies have length of around 145 centimetres and height of around 92 centimetres. Billies weigh around forty-six kilograms to hundred and two kilograms. Nannies weigh ten to thirty percentages lighter than Billies do.

Mountain goats survives in rocky mountain by consuming grasses, plants, mosses as well as other vegetations seen in alpine valley. Mountain goats have a lifespan of around twelve to fifteen years.

Angora goat is a Turkish goat from the region of Angora. Historians found the mentioning about this goat during Moses era. Around 1554, Roman emperor, Charles fifth, took Angora goat to the Europe. Mohair is the fleece taken from angora goats.

Every year an individual angora goat produces hair of around five to eight kilo grams. Due to the hair density, they are greatly susceptible to various external parasites. Sales of mohair account for majority of income from the Angora goats herds.

Angora goats are not that active like other dairy goats. They, with their browsing abilities feed on food from branches as well as leaves of trees. Angoras are suitable for clearing bushes as well as weed, as they feed on those stuffs.

Billies weighs around eighty-five to hundred and twenty-five pounds, while nannies weigh around seventy-five to hundred pounds. Angoras need nutritional food, as major part of it is required for the growth of mohair. Proper sheltering is required for these goats to counter the cold after shaving of mohair.

In olden days, there where only white Angoras, now they are available in colour shades like brown, red, black etc. The breeding period of Angoras is between fall and winter. Angoras have life expectancy of around 12 years or more. People raise Angoras for their mohair as there are industries based on mohair.

Angora Goat Breed Guide

The Angora goat breed is distinctly smaller than sheep and other domestic goats. The physical characteristics include horned feature for both sexes, and obvious drooping ears. Angora goat is a unique breed of goat originating from Angora in Asia Minor during ancient times. The goats possess silky coat known as mohair. Mohair has commercial value, and each goat typically yields up to eight kilograms per year. Mohair differs from wool in terms of the elasticity of the fiber and its smoothness. Angoras are shorn twice a year but sheep are shorn only once a year. The very first breed was brought to Europe in 1554 but the import was not well received. A century later, the animal was established in South Africa this marks the development of Western mohair industry. The goats were imported to the United States soon after and much of the development took place in Texas and the Southwest.

To care for Angora goats, you will need to pay attention on its diet and health. The goat should be fed with a substantial supply of hay and straw on daily basis. Special goat mixes are prepared for their staple intake and some other foods beneficial for their growth include barley straw and sugar beet. In terms of shelter when keeping goats, they will require draught-proof shelter. During winter, dry straw beds will keep them warm and comfortable. Note that you will have to change the beds regularly during winter. You may also choose to keep them in on chilly days to protect them from the cold wind. It is also advisable that you observe the grounds to inspect the sprouting plants. Then, you will have a general idea what they nibble at. Some plants such as ragwort are harmful to the goats.

Specially designed salt and copper licks in the form of blocks should be made available to the goats. The blocks provide the essential minerals needed for healthy growth. Fresh and clean water supply must be provided. The water sources will require cleaning from time to time. You should also have willow branches supply ready when keeping goats. These branches acts as natural pain killer and may be given to the goat is it seemed unwell. Young goats will require pre-kidding injections, and another round again at 8 weeks old. You should also rid your goats of worm once every 3 months.

Angora goat breed should be cared for kindly in order to keep them healthy and productive. Read up more on tips to care for your goat and talk to your vet if you have any questions in mind.