Angora goats are a breed of domestic goat primarily raised for their luxurious fiber, which is known as mohair. These animals were first bred in Ankara, Turkey and today they are farmed extensively worldwide.
The fleece of the angora goat is prized for its softness and luster and it has become an important source of income for many small-scale farmers around the globe.
This article provides an overview of angora goats, including their history, physical characteristics, farming practices, and uses of mohair fiber.
Angora goats are medium-sized animals that vary in color from white to grayish brown or black. Their most distinguishing feature is their long coats made up of fine hair fibers referred to as mohair.
The length of the animal’s coat can reach anywhere between 12 inches (30 cm) on younger kids to more than 30 inches (76 cm) on mature adults.
Although these animals have been used mainly in textile production over the centuries, they have also been kept as pets due to their gentle nature and affectionate behavior towards humans.
History Of Angora Goats
Angora goats are a breed of domestic goat originating from the Ankara region in Turkey, and have been popular for centuries due to their long, soft wool.
In fact, over 2 million Angora goats globally provide valuable breeding stock and natural fibers used in wool production.
Angora goats produce an average of 4-10 pounds of mohair per year, making them one of the most productive breeds of goat when it comes to wool production.
Their fine hair is highly desired by textile makers as it can be spun into incredibly strong yet lightweight yarns that make luxurious fabrics like angora sweaters and scarves.
It is also widely used in carpets and upholstery due to its resistance to dust particles and high durability.
Furthermore, the natural luster of mohair makes it ideal for use in fashion garments such as suits, dresses, coats and accessories.
Physical Characteristics
Angora goats are a unique breed of domestic goat that is known for its long, luxurious fur. The physical characteristics of the angora goat can vary depending on their age and diet but they usually have short ears, slim bodies, and slender legs. They also possess horns which differ in shape and size between male and female goats.
The most notable feature of an angora goat is its coat, which comes in various colors including white, gray, brown, black or mixed. An adult Angora’s coat can grow up to 10-15 centimeters per year and needs to be sheared every 6 months using special techniques that minimize stress for the animal.
During this process it is important to use sharp scissors as dull blades will tug at the hair rather than cut it cleanly. As such, regular trimming ensures healthy growth while keeping the animals comfortable in all seasons.
Farming Practices
Raising angora goats for their coveted fleece has been a practice since the 16th century. With each passing year, farmers have developed new methods to maximize efficiency and quality when it comes to breeding programs and harvesting the precious fiber these animals provide.
The process begins with carefully chosen breeding stock that is specific to the type of fiber desired – whether soft or coarse, long or short.
After mating season, which can be different depending on where in the world one may be farming, shearing day arrives. During this time all of the goats are shorn so as not to disrupt their natural growth cycle; additionally, care must be taken while using clippers near sensitive areas such as around eyes and ears.
As soon as possible after being shorn, an experienced collector will come along to separate out certain types of locks based upon color and length – ultimately leading to higher quality fleeces in saleable condition at market prices.
Uses Of Mohair Fiber
Mohair fiber, shorn from Angora goats, is valued for its smooth texture and glossy sheen. This animal-derived material is favored by many textile manufacturers due to its natural luster and lightness, as well as its ability to take dye easily.
It can be spun into a variety of yarns using various spinning techniques such as worsted or woolen spinning. Furthermore, mohair responds readily to various dyeing techniques that allow it to achieve an array of colors depending on the desired outcome.
The resulting product has been used in apparel production since the early 19th century when ready-made clothing was introduced in Europe. Due to its luxurious feel, mohair garments remain popular today and are often seen gracing the catwalks of fashion designers around the world.
Moreover, this versatile fabric is also employed in upholstery applications where it provides excellent drapability and resilience. Mohair’s strength and durability make it suitable for use in a number of consumer goods ranging from socks to carpets.
Keeping Angora Goats As Pets
Angora goats are suitable pets for individuals interested in animals that require a lot of attention and care. As they generally have sweet temperaments, they can be very pleasurable companions to their owners.
However, there are some considerations that must be taken into account when keeping them as pets, such as the specific dietary needs related to their natural grazing habits and potential problems associated with breeding.
The diet requirements of Angora goats need to reflect their natural eating patterns, which consist mainly of grasses and hay. It is important to ensure proper nutrition through supplementation if necessary. In addition, it is recommended to provide access to fresh water at all times since hydration plays an essential role in sustaining optimal health.
Regarding breeding concerns, due to the high risk of pregnancy-related complications in Angora goats, it should only be considered after careful assessment by a professional veterinarian who specializes in this species. Furthermore, any attempts at artificial insemination should also include guidance from experienced professionals familiar with the process.
In summary, Angora goats make great pets but require special attention regarding diet and reproductive issues for successful long-term care. Taking these considerations into account will help ensure that the animal enjoys a healthy life alongside its owner.
Health And Care Considerations
Angora goats require a diet that is high in protein and energy to support their production of mohair, the fine wool they produce. They should be provided with hay or pasture grasses supplemented by grain containing 12-14% crude protein. It is important to ensure that the Angora goat has access to minerals according to its age and stage of life (e.g., growing kids may need more calcium than adults).
Parasite control is critical for maintaining any herd’s health. A regular deworming program should be established based on fecal egg counts and consulting your veterinarian for advice.
Additionally, vaccination schedules should also be followed as recommended by a veterinarian. This includes protection from diseases such as clostridial infections and caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV).
Control of external parasites such as flies, mosquitoes, and lice is also important for the health and well-being of the Angora goat.
Conclusion
The Angora goat is a unique and interesting breed of goat, originating in the Ankara region of Turkey. It has been farmed for centuries to produce mohair fiber used for clothing, rugs, and other items. This valuable commodity has made the Angora goat an important part of many farming operations around the world. Not only do they provide a useful product but can be kept as pets due to their friendly nature.
Keeping them healthy requires attention to their specific needs such as nutrition, shelter, regular grooming, hoof care and parasite control.
It is estimated that over 300 million dollars’ worth of mohair was produced worldwide in 2020 alone, making it one of the most sought-after fibers available on the market today. The adaptability and hardiness of Angora goats have enabled them to become an integral part of many farms and homesteads all over the globe. With careful consideration given to their health and care needs, they are sure to remain an important source of quality fiber production well into the future.