Description and characteristics of Kashmir goats, conditions of detention
Kashmiri goats are raised to obtain unique fluff. It is a relatively small breed that is characterized by sophistication and attractive appearance. For raising animals to be successful, they need to provide complete and quality care. It should be comprehensive. In this case, it is important to strictly follow the rules for feeding pets.
Description and characteristics of Kashmiri goats
Animals are often found in the mountains of Asia. In addition, they live in India. The goats are adapted to life in high mountain areas and can withstand conditions even at high altitudes without any problems. Temperature fluctuations in cold and warm weather can range from -40 to +40 degrees. At the same time, the parameters of animal productivity remain high.
Kashmiri goats are predominantly white in color, which has a slightly yellowish tint. Sometimes gray or brown individuals are found. They also have so-called tan marks.
Goats have long hair. However, it is not the wool itself that is distinguished by its high value, but the undercoat, which contains a lot of fluff. Its unique characteristics include excellent thermal insulation properties. The material is considered elastic and resilient. In addition, it is completely hypoallergenic. This is what affects the high cost of Kashmiri goat down.
In height, animals at the withers reach 60 centimeters. Their length is up to 1.5 meters. The horns are long and flat and curl strongly backward. Another feature of goats is the unusual eagle profile and long ears. Sometimes there are animals with normal ears.
In addition to fluff, many people eat the meat and milk of these goats. The Kamshir breed has another name. They are often called shawls. This is due to the fact that cashmere shawls are considered the most popular down products. The products have become very popular due to their lightness, reliable protection from cold and extraordinary softness. Such a shawl can be easily pulled through the ring. In addition, the products are distinguished by their extraordinary beauty.
For the first time, shawl fabric was made from goat down in ancient times. This was done in Srinagar, which was the capital of Kashmir. Such products were popular in the Roman Empire. They appeared in Europe in the sixteenth century.
Advantages and disadvantages
This type of goat has many advantages:
- ease of breeding;
- high strength of the skin;
- high-quality down;
- high productivity;
- tasty and tender meat.
At the same time, downy goats have relatively few disadvantages. One of them is the need for combing. This procedure takes a lot of time and requires patience. It is important to have the appropriate skills. In addition, the molting process must not be skipped. This is due to the loss of a large amount of the unique down, for which goats are usually raised.
Subtleties of maintenance and care
In the summertime, goats are advised to provide free grazing. This should be done after the dew has melted, since dampness is very harmful for these animals. When wet, there is a risk of wool rolling into lumps. In the rain, animals need a canopy. When caring for goats, it is recommended to follow the rules of hygiene. It is important that the room is dry and well ventilated. It is worth placing a clean mat on the floor, which needs to be constantly changed.
You don't need to use anything for a warm wooden floor. However, in such a situation, an inclined drain will be required through which excess liquid will flow. It is recommended to place the feeder so that the goat cannot climb into it with its legs.
To take care of the animals effectively, it is important to comb the fluff out in time. It is recommended to do this in late winter or early spring. This procedure is carried out in 2 stages with an interval of 2 weeks. At the same time, deadlines must not be missed, since there is a risk of a decrease in the volume of down and a decrease in its quality characteristics. Readiness is indicated by the appearance of fluffs on the surface of the wool.
Diet
These goats are distinguished by their undemanding food. In the summertime, fresh grass makes up the bulk of their diet. From spring to late autumn, goats can be on pastures. Animals happily eat branches of trees and bushes. It is also permissible for them to give garden greens - tops of carrots and beets, cabbage leaves, some types of weeds. In addition, goats enjoy fruit. In the evening after pasture, it is permissible for them to give a little bran.
In winter, it is recommended that animals be given hay, straw, chopped vegetables in raw or boiled form. It is also permissible to use crushed grain, steamed compound feed, brooms from branches. Potatoes are allowed to be given only boiled. Every day, goats should eat 3-4 kilograms of vegetables and 300 grams of cereals. It is also permissible to use a silo. Moreover, its quantity should not exceed 4 kilograms.
Of no small importance is the presence of drinking bowls with clean water, and it is recommended to change the liquid every day.
Breeding and disease
For goat breeding, it is important to choose the right queens and goats. It is best to assess the condition of individuals before combing out the fluff. They should look healthy and alert. The condition of the coat is of no small importance. It should be clean and shiny.
You should not engage in mating of males and females, which are closely related. In such a situation, it will not work to get healthy offspring.
The female's pregnancy lasts approximately 5 months. At this time, she needs enhanced nutrition. The animal needs a lot of boiled vegetables. At the same time, the amount of bran and compound feed should be reduced. 2 weeks before lambing, these products are recommended to be completely removed from the diet. After the end of pregnancy, 1-2 cubs are born. Camshire goats have many benefits and are raised primarily for fluff. It is important to provide them with adequate care and a balanced diet.
