Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Sable Saanen
Sables are Saanens that are not white in color; they are
rare. These also are called a black variety of Saanen. They
come in many colors and combinations and have been a
part of the Saanen heritage. The Sable is descended from
Saanen goats brought to America by Europeans. In 2005,
the Sable was recognized as a separate breed. Usually very
dark or black, they can be multicolored.
When two recessive genes for coat color are paired, one
from the sire and one from the dam, Sables are created
(i.e., both genes must be present) (Dohner, 2001). Sables
are recognized by the American Dairy Goat Association.
Their weight or height is similar to the Saanen breed.
Sangamneri
This breed is native to Pune, Maharastra (Devendra, 2007).
Although it is considered a dairy breed, its meat also is
valued highly. Colors vary from white to black to brown
or pied. The breed is a medium-sized breed with an average
weight for females about 29 kg (64 lb). Their wither height
is 68 cm (27 in.).
Figure 2.16 Toggenburg (Dairy Goat). For color
detail, see Appendix A.
68 cm (27 in.) tall at the withers. The Toggenburg also is
known for being very sturdy, vigorous, and alert. They
perform best in cooler environments and produce great
amounts of milk with average butterfat content. They have
been exported to at least 48 countries around the world
(FAO, 2004) to upgrade the milking ability of indigenous
local goats. As a result, many Toggenburg breeds have
developed in different countries. See Figure 2.16.
Stiefelgeiss
Also known as the Booted goat, this breed originated in
St. Gallen, in the northeastern part of Switzerland. This is
1 of the 10 goats in Switzerland with a testifi ed Swiss origin
(Glowatzki-Mullis et al., 2008). The breed was almost
extinct until the foundation called Pro Specie Rara saved
it in the 1980s. The breed is a milk breed well adapted to
the extensive system of production in the mountainous
regions. They are horned with hair colors that range from
grey brown to dark-red brown. They are concentrated in
eastern Switzerland with scattered breeding groups also
found in the central and western regions of the country
(OSU, 2004). The German subvariety is called St. Galler
Stiefelgeiss (Mason, 1996). Their coats range from a light-
greyish brown to a dark reddish color. The breed is managed
by the “Booted Goat Breeders Club of Switzerland.”
CHARACTERISTICS OF FIBER
GOAT BREEDS
Quantity of fi ber produced and quality of the fl eece have
been emphasized in selection of these breeds with less
emphasis on body size. Fiber goats generally are smaller
in stature than meat and dairy goats. Mason (1996) has
listed more than 70 breeds in the world that are used for
either hair or cashmere production purposes besides provid-
ing meat and milk. Most prominent fi ber goat breeds are
listed below. Breed standards are listed where available.
Toggenburg
This breed originated in the Toggenburg Valley of north-
eastern Switzerland, also known as “Alemu.” Among the
Swiss dairy breeds, this is the oldest known dairy breed.
This breed is medium in size and slightly smaller than
other Alps breeds. The doe weighs at least 54 kg (120 lb)
while the buck may weigh more than 91 kg (200 lb). The
hair is short, and the color is solid from light fawn to dark
chocolate. The ears are erect and carried forward. They
have white stripes down the face. The height at the withers
is at least 83 cm (33 in.) for adult males, and females are
Angora
This breed originated in the mountainous district of Angora
(Ankara, Turkey) in Asia Minor. It is distributed to more
than 22 countries in the world (FAO, 2004). The breed
society was established in the U.S. in 1900 and in 1921 in
South Africa (Mason, 1981 ). The fi ber produced by these
goats is called mohair. Though similar to wool, mohair has
a much smoother surface and a very thin smooth scale. The
Angora goat is a small animal. The average carcass weight
is 13 kg (29 lb). This breed is not as prolifi c as other goat
breeds and does lack good mothering ability. Angora goats
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