Kalahari goats: description and characteristics of the breed, rules of keeping

Kalahar goat breed is considered meat. It was bred relatively recently, but managed to gain popularity among many farmers. This is due to high productivity and undemanding content. A distinctive feature of animals is the red shade of wool. At the same time, they are impressive in size and quickly gain weight. This is considered the indisputable advantage of the breed.

Description and characteristics of the Kalahari goat

Red goats are considered quite a rare breed in Russia. It was registered relatively recently and did not have time to get a big distribution. However, these unusual animals are becoming more and more popular.

The name of the breed is associated with their red hue and the Kalahari desert that spans the borders of South Africa. A distinctive feature of animals is their unusual appearance. These robust animals are distinguished by their attractive appearance and cause real admiration.

A dewlap appears in goats by the age of three and folds form on the neck. In this case, the horns of animals are bent back. They have large ears that hang down. Legs in comparison with the length of the body are considered quite short. At the same time, the limbs are powerful and thick and complemented by strong, heavy hooves. Animals are characterized by well-developed muscles.

The male has a height of 90 centimeters, and the female - 75. At the same time, an adult goat weighs 120-140 kilograms, and a goat - 90. Animals are distinguished by a red tint of wool with rare patches of chocolate color. Kalahari goats produce delicious, high-fat milk. It does not have a specific smell.This product is great for making cheese. A distinctive feature of animals is considered to be high productivity. These goats are capable of producing 2-3 liters of milk.

Today there is little information regarding the origin of this breed. Some sources claim that these are African goats that were obtained by crossing with local species. According to other sources, Kalahari goats are not related to Africa in any way.

This type of animal is often crossed with Boer goats, which helps to improve their breed characteristics. If you combine a meat breed with a dairy one, you will be able to get excellent results - to make the milk more fat and increase the weight of the goats.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

This meat breed is characterized by many advantages. The main advantage of goats is considered to be fast growth. Due to this, they can be used commercially for the manufacture of meat products.

Kids grow fast and gain weight - up to 1.5 kilograms per week. Some individuals are able to add up to 400 grams per day. Animals are distinguished by excellent fertility and are able to independently feed their offspring. Another advantage is the pleasant taste of meat. It is devoid of a specific smell.

So, the main advantages of Kalahari goats include the following:

• beautiful appearance;
• rapid weight gain;
• high milk production parameters;
• excellent meat productivity.

At the same time, some shortcomings are also characteristic of the breed. These include:

• complexity of content;
• insufficient immunity in young animals;
• high cost.

How to choose the right one

To choose the right animal, you should pay attention to the color of its coat. Kalahari goats are distinguished by a red tint. In this case, there should be no white or light blotches. Color deviations are also undesirable.

Another distinguishing feature of this breed are long and flexible ears. The skin around the neck should be loose and stretch easily. The horns are higher than the ears. Females should have large and symmetrical udders.

Representatives of this type of goat are often crossed with other breeds, which makes them more powerful and increases endurance.

Subtleties of maintenance and care

These animals are considered very active. They are characterized by a high degree of endurance. Goats thrive even in harsh environments, including arid regions. In order for goats to develop normally and not get sick, they need careful care.Animals need mandatory shelter. If you keep pets in the rain, there is a high probability of developing pathologies.

A small barn should be used as a sleeping place. It is also permissible to make flooring under a canopy. If the goat is kept with other animals, it is recommended to provide a latch in the barn. Animals need free range. Pets are recommended to be kept in a paddock. If necessary, it is permissible to tie an animal. However, it is important to keep an eye on the goat, as she will not be able to stand up for herself.

It is not recommended to use a rope for a leash, as animals can chew it. The chain is also considered not the best option, since there is a risk of injury to the pet.

During the grazing period, it is important to provide access to fresh water. It is desirable that it be cool. It is recommended to add a little apple cider vinegar to the composition of the liquid. This product includes potassium and other beneficial elements that will help to avoid the appearance of worms in the body.

Diet

Goats are considered undemanding to food. They feed on various types of herbs and cereals. Kalahari goats have a high degree of endurance and are able to go without food for a long time. When compiling the diet, it is recommended to include alfalfa and red clover. At the same time, straw should not be used for food. It contains few nutrients. This product is only suitable as bedding. When raised without steroids or other chemical additives, Kalahari goats will produce tasty meat with excellent texture.

Breeding rules

Female Kalahari goats have a pronounced maternal instinct. They are capable of taking care of their young. On average, each goat gives birth to up to 3 kids with an interval of 2 years. Newborn goats are distinguished by great strength and excellent appetite.They are growing fast. The average weight gain is 1.5 kilograms per week. Individuals grow faster.

Pets need a little attention. When grown commercially, they can generate good profits and provide good meat.

Diseases and methods of dealing with them

This breed is highly resistant to disease and vermin attacks. Therefore, it needs less careful care than other varieties. However, sometimes animals still suffer from common diseases.

Sometimes pets are faced with brucellosis or tuberculosis. These pathologies are dangerous not only for the goats themselves, but also for people. However, they are rarely seen. Animals are also susceptible to goat encephalitis and lymphadenitis.

Kalahar goats are relatively new animals that have gained popularity. In order to succeed in their cultivation, it is recommended to fully care for pets.

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