Kashmir goats: description and characteristics of the breed, conditions of detention

Kashmiri goats are bred for their unique down. This is a relatively small breed, which is characterized by sophistication and attractive appearance. In order for the breeding of animals to be successful, they need to provide full and high-quality care. It must be comprehensive. At the same time, it is important to strictly follow the rules for feeding pets.

Description and characteristics of cashmere goats

Animals are often found in the mountains of Asia. In addition, they live in India. Goats are adapted to life in high mountainous areas and can withstand conditions even at high altitudes without problems.Temperature fluctuations in cold and warm weather can range from -40 to +40 degrees. At the same time, animal productivity parameters remain high.

Kashmiri goats are predominantly white in color, which has a slightly yellowish tint. Sometimes there are gray or brown individuals. They also have so-called tan marks.

Goats have long hair. However, it is not the wool itself that is of high value, but the undercoat, which contains a lot of fluff. Its unique characteristics include excellent thermal insulation properties. The material is considered elastic and resilient. In addition, it is completely hypoallergenic. This is what drives the high cost of cashmere goat down.

For 1 year, 85-140 grams of fluff can be obtained from an animal. At the same time, wool is mainly used for the production of coarse fabrics.

The height of the animals at the withers reaches 60 centimeters. Their length is up to 1.5 meters. The horns are long and flat and curl strongly backwards.Another feature of goats is considered to be an unusual eagle profile and long ears. Sometimes there are animals with normal ears.

Besides fluff, many people eat the meat and milk of these goats. The Kamshira breed has another name. They are often called shawls. This is due to the fact that cashmere shawls are considered the most popular downy products. Products have gained great popularity due to their lightness, reliable protection from the cold and extraordinary softness. Such a shawl can easily be pulled through the ring. In addition, the products are of extraordinary beauty.

The first time shawl was made from goat down in ancient times. This was done in Srinagar, which was the capital of Kashmir. Such products were popular in the Roman Empire. In Europe, they appeared in the sixteenth century.

Pros and cons

This type of goat is characterized by many advantages:

• easy to breed;
• high skin strength;
• quality fluff;
• high productivity;
• delicious and tender meat.

At the same time, downy goats have relatively few downsides. One of them is the need for combing. This procedure takes a lot of time and requires patience. It is important to have the relevant skills. In addition, you can not skip the molting process. This is due to the loss of a large amount of the unique down for which goats are usually raised.

Subtleties of maintenance and care

It is recommended that goats graze freely during the summer. This should be done after the dew has disappeared, since dampness is very harmful to these animals.When wet, there is a risk of wool rolling into lumps. When it rains, animals need a shelter. When caring for goats, it is recommended to follow the rules of hygiene. It is important that the room is dry and well ventilated. It is worth placing a clean bedding on the floor, which needs to be constantly changed.

You can use nothing for a warm wooden floor. However, in such a situation, an inclined drain will be required through which excess liquid will flow. It is recommended to place the feeder so that the goat cannot climb into it with her feet.

In order for animal care to be effective, it is important to comb out the fluff in time. It is recommended to do this in late winter or early spring. This procedure is carried out in 2 stages with an interval of 2 weeks. At the same time, deadlines should not be missed, since there is a risk of a decrease in the volume of fluff and a decrease in its quality characteristics. Readiness is indicated by the appearance of fluff on the surface of the wool.

Diet

These goats are distinguished by undemanding food. In the summer, fresh grass makes up the bulk of their diet. From spring to the end of autumn, goats can be on pastures. Animals are happy to eat branches of trees and bushes. It is also permissible for them to give garden greens - tops of carrots and beets, cabbage leaves, some types of weeds. In addition, goats are happy to eat fruits. In the evening, after pasture, it is permissible for them to give a little bran.

In winter, it is recommended to give animals hay, straw, chopped vegetables in raw or boiled form. It is also permissible to use crushed grain, steamed feed, brooms from branches. Potatoes are allowed to be given only boiled. Every day, goats should eat 3-4 kilograms of vegetables and 300 grams of cereals. It is also acceptable to use a silo. Moreover, its quantity should not exceed 4 kilograms.

Equally important is the availability of drinking bowls with clean water, and it is recommended to change the liquid every day.

Breeding and diseases

For breeding goats, it is important to choose the right queen and goat. It is best to assess the condition of individuals before combing out the fluff. They must be he althy and vigorous in appearance. Equally important is the condition of the coat. It should be clean and shiny.

You shouldn't be mating males and females that are closely related. In such a situation, it will not be possible to get he althy offspring.

The female's pregnancy lasts approximately 5 months. At this time, she needs enhanced nutrition. The animal needs a lot of boiled vegetables. At the same time, the amount of bran and compound feed should be reduced.2 weeks before lambing, these products are recommended to be completely removed from the diet. After the end of pregnancy, 1-2 cubs are born. Kamshira goats have many advantages and are raised mainly for down. At the same time, it is important to provide them with adequate care and a balanced diet.

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