Angora
Angora goats originated in Turkey and are raised primarily for their luxurious mohair fiber.The Angora dates back prior to early biblical history.Mohair became a valuable product in commerce early in the nineteenth century. In order to increase the supply of mohair available for export to the European countries, the Turks crossed the Angora goat with common stock to increase the poundage of saleable hair. The most valuable characteristic of the Angora as compared to other goats is the value of the mohair that is clipped. The average goat in the United States shears approximately 5.3 pounds of mohair per shearing and is usually sheared twice a year. They produce a fiber with a staple length of between 12 and 15 centimeters (4-6 inches). They also provide considerable meat in the United States. They work well in a cross-breeding program; however, the value of the mohair clip is lost. When used in a crossbreeding system with Boers, they can make some really nice show wethers/commercial kids. They work well if you use the Angora females and cross with a Boer buck under a terminal type system.
Angoras can be raised in cold or hot climates but lack hardiness especially in cold wet conditions. They do not have much parasite resistance and do better in dry or open-range conditions. Angoras are more likely to have single than twin kids and have a tendency to abort under stress. Their first kidding is generally at 2 years of age rather than as yearlings, resulting in a low reproductive rate. If there is a good market for mohair and if production costs can be kept low, Angoras can be profitable. Be aware that Angoras must be sheared every six months. The breed has a small body, but produces a good quality carcass.
Reference: www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/goats/
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