Goat Breeds Animal Science Sheep and Goat Terms

Goat Breeds Animal Science

Sheep and Goat Terms • Sheep – Intact Male- Ram – Castrated Male. Wether – Adult Female- Ewe – Young- Lamb • Goats – Intact Male- Buck (Billy) – Castrated Male- Wether – Adult Female- Doe (Nanny) – Young- Kid Nanny and Billy are not accepted “technical” terminology, but are still heard in the small ruminant industries.

Goat Breeds • Three main types: – Dairy – Meat • Chevon- adult goat meat • Cabrito- young goat meat – Fiber • Mohair – Hair from Angora Goats

Alpine • Multipurpose breed • Many different colors and patterns accepted • Known for hardiness • Good range animals

Angora • Used for fiber production: Mohair • 5. 3 lbs of mohair per clipping, 2 clippings per year • Breed dates back to biblical times • Sensitive animals, require more management

Boer • Meat type breed • Known for meat quality • Excellent growth • Prolific breed: 200% • Gaining in popularity for 4 H projects

La Mancha • Dairy goat • Naturally “earless” • Developed in Oregon with goats from Spain • Hardy dairy breed with a high butterfat

Myotonic • • • Meat breed Breed out of season Easy kidders Good milkers Also Known As: – Tennessee Stiff-Legged Goat – Fainting Goat • You Tube Video of Fainting Goats

Nubian • Developed in England • All purpose goat • Many colors and patterns accepted • Known for heat tolerance • Lengthened breeding season

Pygmy • Originated in Africa • Popular as pets • Used in petting zoos

Saanen • Originated in Switzerland • White is the only acceptable color • Sensitive to heat and sunlight • Heavy milk producers

NOTE: Other breeds in each species exist – these are the 8 most common for each species