Sirohi Goat
Sirohi, a domestic breed, is a native of India, taking its name after its place of origin, a district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Though meat production is its foray, this breed has a dual utility since it yields a moderate amount of milk.
| Also Known As | Ajmeri, Parbatsar, Devgarhi |
| Physical Characteristics | Cylindrical or conical body; straight or slightly raised face; medium-sized leaf-like drooping ears curved somewhat at the back; horns curved upward and to the back, pointed at the tips present in both sexes; small to medium-sized tail curved upward; the presence of bear and wattles in some |
| Temperament/Personality | Adaptable, even-tempered |
| Color | Brown with light or dark brown patches; or even white |
| Coat | Mostly shiny but can be hairy in some |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Weight | Male: 50 kg (110 pounds); Female: 23 kg (50 pounds) |
| Height | Male: 80-86 cm (31 – 34 inches); Female: 65-67 cm (26- 28 inches) |
| Uses | Milk, meat |
| Diet | Hay, and grass |
| Lactation Period | 90-130 days |
| Lifespan | 15-18 years |
| Climate Tolerance | High (adapts to varied climatic conditions, particularly Rajasthan’s hot and dry tropical climate) |
| Country of Origin | India (Rajasthan, Gujarat) |
| Standard and Qualification Information | Not recorded |
History and Development
Their development occurred in southern Rajasthan’s Sirohi district, though they have an extensive distribution throughout the state, including Ajmer, Jaipur, Bhilwara, and Tonk. However, the size of the flock differs from one place to the other, ranging between 10 and 200. They are even seen in neighboring states like Gujarat, particularly in the Palanpur district.
They have always been present in large numbers, with about 295,000 in 1972 as per the records taken by a specific breed census, of which 2,00,000 being breeding females. Their numbers rose eventually, and as per the number provided to DAD-IS (Domestic Animal Diversity Information System), it was over 3 million in 2013.
One of their greatest USP lies in their hardiness since these goats can survive under circumstances when the rearing conditions are poor. They even have an increased resistance to disease and can withstand varied climatic conditions, particularly intense heat.
Milk Production
Though not as efficient as the Anglo-Nubian and Saanen breeds when it comes to producing milk, the Sirohi isn’t bad either. Their round, well-developed udder and conical teats make them decent milkers. During their lactation period that may last for 90-130 days, they yield about 80 liters of milk.
Meat Production
They are the best and most profitable meat-producing Indian breed, mainly because of their ability to gain weight even when fed at an average pace. The Sirohi kid is about 4 kg (9 pounds) at birth, and by the time they turn three months old, they weigh about 12 kg (26.4 pounds). Then, they gain 4kg each month when kept on a regular diet. No wonder they emerge as great meat breeds.
Kidding
Their kidding age begins around 20 months, with a doe going through the process twice a year. They have a 150-day gestation period, post which kids are born. About 90% of the time, a single kid is born, while a twin pregnancy stands a 10% chance. Possibilities of triplets are rare, though.
Interesting Facts
- They were a part of the ISGP (Indo-Swiss Goat Project), and some of the Sirohis registered there were known to possess supernumerary teats, i.e., much more than they should have.
- In Indian currency, the price of male goats ranges from Rs 175-200 per kg ($2.34-2.68), while the female goats are for about Rs 150 per kg ($2.01).
