Angora Goat
Angora, a Turkish domestic breed, is primarily known for producing lustrous fiber or mohair. Besides Turkey, its place of origin, it has also gained popularity worldwide. The goat derives its name from Angora in Asia Minor, where it developed. Of the several breeds that originated from it, some include the Angora-don, Soviet mohair, and Indian mohair. The famous fiber-producing Pygora goat of the United States of America is also a result of crossing the Angora with the Pygmy.
| Also Known As | Ankara Kecisi, Tiftik-Kecisi, Mohair goat, Sybokke (in South Africa) |
| Physical Characteristics | Light-framed, lean, elegant body with a muscular stature; small head; partially lop ears; presence of horns that appears long, twisted, and strong in the bucks; |
| Temperament/Personality | Friendly, curious, docile, but a little laid-back compared to most other goat breeds |
| Color | Black, brown, red, gray, and white with belted or striped patterns covering their body |
| Coat | Long, fine, lustrous hair covers their entire body except for their face, and legs |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | Male: 45kg (99.2 pounds); Female: 35 kg (77 pounds) |
| Height | Male: 66cm (26 inches); Female: 51cm (20 inches) |
| Uses | Mohair production |
| Diet | Hay, grass (must feed in good amounts as that would lead to good quality fiber production) |
| Lactation Period | About 300 days |
| Lifespan | Approximately 10 years |
| Climate Tolerance | Adaptable to hot and cold climates, but cannot thrive in cold, wet conditions |
| Country of Origin | Turkey |
| Standard and Qualification Information | Colored Angora Goat Breeders Association, Angora Goat Breeders Association |
History and Development
Though exact records of the origination of this breed remain unknown, its development dates back to the 15th century BC. The use of mohair went on to increase eventually, and by the early 19th century, its demand was at its peak. The Turks started crossing the local breeds with the Angora to increase the salable hair’s poundage.
They did not just remain confined to their place of origin but elsewhere too. The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V imported them to Europe around 1554. The importation process of these goats continued as the Spanish government brought them to Spain in 1765. In France, a large number of these goats gained entry in 1785. From Europe, they even reached the African continent, introduced in 1838 to South Africa. In fact, with many back-to-back importations of Angora besides this one, South Africa has eventually become one of the leading producers of mohair. Presently more than 1000 goat farms in the country produce and manufacture mohair.
Over the years, the population of the Angora goats underwent a decline in Turkey, with a conservation program organized in 2003. The British Angora Goat Society was developed in 1981 to promote this breed in the United Kingdom. In the United States, the America Angora Goat Breeder’s Association evolved in 1900 with its headquarters in Texas’ Rocksprings.
Mohair Production
One of their primary function and usage is the production of mohair. Their hair is cut off or shorn two times a year, with about 5.3 pounds mohair produced per shearing. The length of the fiber produced varies from 12-15 cm, being soft and even well insulated.
Milk Production
They are not good milk producers, mainly because the udder and teats of the does are not developed well.
Meat Production
Angora is not a profitable meat producer compared to other meat breeds like the Boer and Anglo-Nubian.
Kidding
They have a gestation period of 150 days, after which a single kid is born per litter.
Interesting Facts
- The Angora goat’s price in the United States range between $300 and $600.
