LaMancha
This breed is thought to have descended from Spanish goats brought by early settlers to California.
The LaMancha dairy goat is born with its unique small ears. In fact, that is the distinguishing feature of this breed. The breed has excellent dairy temperament and is an all-around sturdy animal that can withstand a great deal of hardship and still produce. The LaMancha is a dependable dairy goat, producing quality milk with high butterfat and protein over a long period of time. One of the advantages to the LaMancha breed is they can be milked for two years without being freshened.
The LaMancha also has a very positive disposition It is inquisitive and loveable, easygoing and cooperative.
The LaMancha face is straight. The ears are the distinctive breed feature. There are two types of LaMancha ears — the gopher ear and the elf ear. In does, one type of ear has no advantage over the other. The maximum length of the gopher ear is approximately one inch (2.54 centimeters), or there may be very little ear, with little or no cartilage. The end of the ear must be turned up or down. This is the only type of ear which will make a buck eligible for registration. The elf ear has an approximate maximum length of two inches (5.08 centimeters). The end of the ear must be turned up or turned down and cartilage shaping the small ear is allowed.
References: www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/goats/
American Dairy Goat Association
Picture of doe and buck are from Forrest Pride Dairy Goats, Lebanon, Missouri.
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