🐐Goat Farming - Breeds (Indigenous and Exotic), Management, Housing and Diseases

• Capra hircus
• Family: Bovidae

Goat farming is one of the most important livestock enterprises in India, particularly for small and marginal farmers. Goats are versatile animals that provide meat, milk, fibre, and skin, making them invaluable to the rural economy.

• Goats have a gestation period (pregnancy) of 150-152 days (five month) and the average birth rate for goats is 2.2 kids per year. This relatively short gestation period and tendency to produce twins or triplets gives goats a significant reproductive advantage over cattle.

• Goats produce lean and juicy meats (chevon) which is preferred by all religious sects. Chevon (goat meat) has no religious taboos in India, making it universally acceptable and ensuring a consistent market demand.
• Goats provide an dependable source of income to more than 40% of the rural population who live below the poverty line in India.
• Goats are mostly raised by land less labourers and marginal farmers.
• Goats are very economic to rearing therefore known as ‘Poor Man’s Cow’ in India. This popular title reflects the goat’s ability to provide milk, meat, and income with minimal investment, even for the poorest families.
• The goat milk contains lower fat percent with smaller fat globules, higher protein and lactose and rich in minerals. The smaller fat globules in goat milk make it naturally homogenised and easier to digest than cow milk, which is why it is often recommended for infants, elderly people, and those with digestive sensitivities.

• Goats generally accept a wide variety of feeds but what is acceptable to one may not be equally acceptable to the others.They prefer to select from the wide variety of feeds and vegetarians (Preferably leaves) and like fresh fodder, grains, seeds and pellets rather than the wet feeds, silages, chopped greens, soiled forages and hays.
• Goats have higher tolerance to the wide variety of otherwise undesirable phyto-chemical compounds which enable them to consume a wide range of plant species. This ability to tolerate tannins, alkaloids, and other plant toxins that other livestock avoid is a unique survival advantage.
• In comparison with cows, then milch goats require a higher amount of TDN. Goats have the capability of consuming dry matter to the tune of 5 to 8% of its body weight. Therefore known as Enemy of vegetation. The term Enemy of Vegetation reflects the goat’s voracious appetite and ability to consume virtually all types of plant material, which can lead to overgrazing and environmental degradation if stocking density is not properly managed.
• Being smaller in size - with larger surface area, well adapted to high temperature - arid areas. The goat’s high surface-area-to-body-weight ratio allows efficient heat dissipation, making them well suited to hot, dry climates.
• Semi-arid areas with sparse vegetation, bushes, shrups - steeply sloped mountainous regions cannot be suited for cattle but goat and sheep.
• High growth rate despite being slaughtered at higher numbers due to its prolificacy, short generation, regular breeding throughout \ the year, short inter kidding interval.
• Browsing: Goats are natural browsers. This means that they like to eat with their heads up, often reaching as high as they can for leaves, twigs and wooded area’s understory. Browsing (feeding on leaves, shrubs, and tree branches) is distinct from grazing (feeding on ground-level grasses), and it is a defining characteristic of goat feeding behaviour.

• Morocco: Fine leather is prepared from goat skin. Morocco fine leather is prepared from goat skin. Morocco leather (also known as Moroccan leather) is a premium-quality leather prized for its fine grain, softness, and durability. It has been used for centuries in bookbinding, luxury goods, and footwear.

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Nomenclature

Understanding the correct terminology for goats at different ages and sexes is essential for proper record-keeping and communication. The male goat is called a buck, the female is a doe, and young goats are called kids.

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Indeginous Breeds

• India has 41 registered goat breeds (NBAGR, 2024) with varying potential for meat, milk and fiber production.
• India ranks 2nd globally in goat population (after China), with approximately 148–150 million goats (20th Livestock Census, 2019). Goats contribute approximately 3% of total livestock GDP in India.

• Classification of Indian breeds of Goats according to their functions:

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Jamnapari

• Dual Purpose Breed. The Jamnapari is valued for both milk and meat production.
• Jamunapari breeds is native of Etawa (Uttar Pradesh). The Chambal river region around Etawah in UP is the home tract of this breed — the name “Jamnapari” itself derives from “Jamna” (Yamuna river) + “pari” (fairy), reflecting its elegant appearance.
• Biggest and Majestic goat breed in India. The Jamnapari is the tallest Indian goat breed, with adult males reaching heights of over 100 cm at the withers.
• Its coat colour is white with tan or black markings at neck and ears.
• They have beard in both sexes.
• They have tuft of think and long hairs in the buttocks known as feather. This distinctive feathering on the hindquarters is a hallmark identification feature of the Jamnapari breed.
• It is largest and most elegant of the long-legged goats of India.
• It has Roman nose (hook nose) and parrot mouth appearance. The Roman nose (convex profile) is a characteristic feature used in breed identification.
• Their horns are short and flat and horizontally twisting backward.
• It has folded pendulated (hanging down loosely) and large ears drooped downwards. The long, pendulous ears can measure up to 25 cm and are a distinguishing trait.
• An adult female weighs between 45 kgs to 60 kgs, whereas an adult male ranges between 65 kgs to 80 kgs.
• Average birth weight is up to 4 kg.
• Average age at first kidding is 20-25 months.
• They have large udder and big teats and average yield is 280 kg (highest among indigenous) and lactation length is 274 days (longest). This combination of highest milk yield and longest lactation length among Indian goat breeds makes Jamnapari the premier indigenous dairy goat.

• Have the ability to yield 2 to 2.5 kgs of milk per day.
• The fat content of the milk ranges between 3 to 3.5%.

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Barbari

• Dairy Breed (Miltch). Also classified as dual-purpose in many texts due to acceptable meat production.
• Origin is traditionally believed to have originated from Berbera, Somalia (disputed; some sources suggest Indian subcontinent origin); name derived from Berbera city. The breed has adapted well to the semi-arid conditions of northern India.
• Now common in the farms of the arid and semi-arid regions of north and north-western India. Found in Uttar Pradesh, prevalently in the Mathura, Etah, Aligarh, Agra districts, Bharatpur in Rajasthan.
• It is dwarf breed & suitable for stall feeding, therefore found in cities. The compact body size of the Barbari makes it ideal for urban and peri-urban goat rearing where space is limited.
• Prolific breeder and kid twice in 12-15 months. Usually give birth two kids (twins) in one parturition. This high twinning rate and short inter-kidding interval make the Barbari one of the most prolific goat breeds in India.
• The average daily milk yield is 1 to 1.5 kg with a lactation period of 150 days.
• Coat colour is distinctive — predominantly white with two-tone (light brown/tan) patches, making it easily identifiable. Body is small and compact with upright ears — unlike the long pendulous ears of Jamnapari.

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Beetal

• Dual purpose breed.
• Mainly found in Punjab state. Also common in Haryana. Beetal is considered the best milch goat breed of Punjab and Haryana.
• This breed is evolved from Jamunapari, therefor it’s physical traits are almost similar to it. But it is smaller than Jamnapari. The Beetal can be considered a more compact version of the Jamnapari, sharing many physical features like pendulous ears and a Roman nose.
• Horns are present in both sexes, twisted and spiralling backward — a key identification trait distinct from Jamnapari’s short flat horns.
• Coat Colour is predominantly black, red, tan or black, heavily spotted on white also found.
• An adult male ranges between 50 kgs to 70 kgs.
• Age at first kidding 20-22 months.
• Milk yield 1-2 kgs of milk per day.

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Sirohi

• This breed is mainly reared for meat and milk yield is very small. Sirohi is primarily a meat-type breed with limited dairy potential.
• Native of Sirohi district of Rajasthan, hence the name.
• Coat colour is brown, white, and admixture of colours in typical patches.
• Short and coarse hairs on body. The short, coarse coat is well adapted to the hot, dry climate of Rajasthan.

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Black Bengal

• This breed is known for its excellent quality of meat. Black Bengal meat is considered among the finest goat meat in the world due to its tenderness, flavour, and low fat content.
• Animals are predominantly black and found in eastern India and northern parts of Bangladesh (Hence named as Black Bengal)
• Animal are small and compact i.e. Dwarf in body size
• Its meat is tender and has a good taste. The meat of Black Bengal goats is called chevon and is especially prized in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and northeastern states.
• Prolific breed and multiple births are common, twins or triplets are born in 12-14 months old doe. The Black Bengal is renowned for its exceptionally high prolificacy, frequently producing triplets or even quadruplets.
• It’s skin is great demand for high class shoe-making. Black Bengal skin is considered one of the best quality goat skins in the world and fetches premium prices in the international leather market.

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Osmanabadi

• Reared for meat (good quality). The Osmanabadi is a sturdy breed well adapted to the semi-arid regions of Maharashtra and northern Karnataka.
• Colour is predominantly black; white, brown and spotted occur.

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Marwari

• Marwar region of Rajasthan.
• Predominantly jet black colour.
• It is disease resistant breed. The Marwari goat’s natural disease resistance makes it well suited for low-input farming systems in arid regions.
• The average daily milk yield is poor, about 0.8 kg.
• It is good for meat.

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Tellicherry

• Tellicherry breeds are also called as Malabari breeds. The name Malabari reflects the breed’s origin in the Malabar coast of Kerala.
• These types of breeds are found mostly in the state of Kerala.
• This breed is reared mainly for meat purpose and their skin is popular with the tanning insustry.
• Classified as a dual-purpose breed (meat + milk) in ICAR/NBAGR records. Good adaptability to the hot, humid coastal climate of Kerala. Adults have a well-muscled body with a predominantly black, brown, or white coat.

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Jakhrana

• Dairy Breed (highest milk-yielding indigenous dairy goat breed in India).
• Origin: Jakhrana village, Behror tehsil, Rajasthan.
• Highest milk yield among indigenous goat breeds: 2–3 kg/day; lactation period approximately 150 days.
• Characteristics: large body, pendulous ears, black coat with white spots on ears and muzzle.
• Often compared to Jamnapari in size but surpasses it in daily milk yield.

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Changthangi

• Native of Ladakh. The Changthangi goat thrives at altitudes above 4,000 metres in the cold, arid plateaus of Ladakh.
• Breed is also known as Pashmina due the ability of the breed produce longer and finer pashmina on the sides of shoulders.

• Average production of pashmina is 215 gm. It is used for making Kashmir “Rug or Shawl” of high quality.
• This breed is primarily raised for the production of super-fine cashmere wool. They are largely reared by a tribe of nomadic people called the ‘Changpa’. The Changpa are nomadic herders of the Changthang plateau who have maintained this breed for centuries, with their entire livelihood revolving around these goats.
• This cashmere variety of wool is considered to be the ‘world’s finest cashmere’.
• The fiber thickness measures 11–13 microns (standard cited range; some sources up to 16 µm). For comparison, a human hair is approximately 60-100 microns thick, making Pashmina fibre extraordinarily fine.
• Once weaved, the cashmere wool is known as the Pashmina, and is used to make the popular Pashmina Shawls of Kashmir. These shawls or rugs (wrappers) are exported throughout the world at a very expensive rate.
• It is a fine type of wool used in winter clothes mainly obtained from goat Changthangi, Chegu etc.

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Chegu

• Native of Himachal Pradesh. The Chegu is found in the higher elevations of the Spiti and Kinnaur valleys.
• The breed is marked for Pashmina production.
• Average yearly production is about 120 grams with 5.9 cm fibre length having 10-12 micron diameters. The extremely fine 10-12 micron fibre diameter makes Chegu pashmina one of the softest natural fibres available.

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CIRG — Central Institute for Research on Goats

• CIRG is located at Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• It is the premier national institute for research on goat production, health, and breeding in India.
• Breeds maintained at CIRG: Jamunapari, Barbari, Black Bengal, Sirohi, Marwari.
• Key research areas: goat nutrition, reproductive management, disease control (especially PPR), genetic improvement, and breed conservation.
• CIRG has developed protocols for intensive goat farming that have benefited thousands of farmers across India.

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Reproductive Parameters of Key Breeds

• The shorter age at puberty and higher litter size of Black Bengal make it the most prolific Indian goat breed.
• The estrus (heat) cycle of approximately 18–21 days is consistent across most goat breeds.

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Exotic Breeds

Saanen

• Native of Switzerland. The Saanen originated in the Saanen Valley of the Swiss Alps and is now found worldwide.
• Colour is white or light cream.
• Presence of beard in both the sexes is the characteristic feature.
• AKA Queen of Goats. The title Queen of Goats is attributed to the Saanen because of its highest milk production among all goat breeds globally, with top animals producing over 1,000 kg of milk per lactation.

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Anglo-Nubian

• Native of England.
• Developed in England (19th century) from British does × large lop-eared bucks from India (Jamnapari), Middle East, and Egypt (Zaraibi). Named ‘Anglo-Nubian’ for the Nubian influence.
• AKA Jersey Cow. This nickname reflects the Anglo-Nubian’s high milk fat content, similar to how the Jersey cow is known for rich, creamy milk among cattle breeds.
• Peak yield goes upto 6.5 kg/day.
• It is a big animal with a fine skin and glossy coat, pendulous ears, and Roman nose. The long, pendulous ears and convex (Roman) nose are the most distinctive features for breed identification.

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Alpine

• Native of Europe. The Alpine goat originated in the French Alps and is well adapted to mountainous terrain and cooler climates.
• Milk breed. The Alpine is one of the top dairy goat breeds, known for consistent milk production over long lactation periods.
• Fat of 3-4%.

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Toggenburg

• Native of Switzerland. The Toggenburg is the oldest known dairy goat breed, originating from the Toggenburg Valley.
• Chocolate colour. The characteristic chocolate brown coat with white facial stripes makes the Toggenburg easily recognizable.
• Hornless breed, miltch breed. Being naturally hornless (polled) is an advantage in management, as it eliminates the need for disbudding.
• Skin is very soft and pliable.
• Fat content of milk 3-4 percent.

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Angora

• Native of Turkey or Asia Minor. The Angora goat takes its name from Ankara (formerly Angora), the capital of Turkey.
• Its hairs produce a superior quality fibre called mohair. This soft white wool is in great demand for clothing. Mohair is distinct from cashmere/pashmina; it comes from the Angora goat and is valued for its lustre, durability, and ability to take dyes beautifully. An adult Angora goat produces approximately 3 to 5 kg of mohair per year.
• The Angora goat has a distinctive long, curly, lustrous white fleece that covers the entire body. It is shorn twice a year. Mohair is stronger than wool and becomes more lustrous with age — the finest mohair comes from kid Angora goats (first shearing).
• In India, Angora goats are reared experimentally in hilly regions; they are not a mainstream Indian breed.

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Boer

• It is a South African breed. The Boer goat was developed in South Africa in the early 1900s specifically for meat production.
• It is mainly reared for good quality meat. The Boer is considered the world’s best meat goat breed due to its rapid growth rate, excellent carcass conformation, and high dressing percentage.

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Management

• Feeding of Lambs and kids: Lambs and kids will suckle from the mother until they are 4 months old but they will start to show an interest in green plants from 3 weeks of age. This early interest in solid feed is important for the development of the rumen and should be encouraged by providing access to palatable, high-quality forage.
• ‘Creep Feeding’, the practice of offering grain to lambs/kids that have not yet been weaned, can help the eventual transition off of milk to a post-weaning diet and can reduce stress at weaning time. Creep feeding involves placing feed in an area accessible only to the young kids (using a creep gate that the larger does cannot pass through), ensuring they receive supplemental nutrition without competition from adults.

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Housing

Proper goat housing protects animals from rain, extreme heat, cold, and predators. The housing should be well-ventilated, dry, and easy to clean. Adequate floor space per animal must be provided to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to stress, disease outbreaks, and reduced productivity.

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Diseases in Goat

PPR

• Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR)
• The PPR is most important infectious disease of small ruminants caused by a virus and is known as sheep and goat plague. PPR is caused by a Morbillivirus (related to the rinderpest virus of cattle) and is one of the most economically devastating diseases of small ruminants in Asia and Africa.
• It causes up to 80–100% mortality in naive/susceptible flocks; morbidity approaches 100% due to high fever, pneumonia, oculo-nasal discharges, diarrhoea and dehydration. The devastatingly high mortality rate underscores the critical importance of timely vaccination as the primary control measure.

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Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP)

• Caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae.
• Primarily affects the lungs (pleuropneumonia); highly contagious among goats.
• Mortality can reach up to 100% in outbreak situations; significant economic losses in affected flocks.
• Notifiable disease; vaccination and quarantine are key control measures.

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Enterotoxaemia (Pulpy Kidney Disease)

• Caused by Clostridium perfringens Type D.
• Also known as “Pulpy Kidney” disease because the kidneys become soft and pulpy at post-mortem.
• Affects well-fed, rapidly growing kids; associated with sudden change in diet or overeating of concentrate feed.
• Vaccine is available (Clostridial vaccines); vaccination is the primary prevention strategy.

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Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Goats

• Caused by the FMD virus (Aphthovirus); vesicular disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
• In goats: vesicular lesions on mouth, feet, and teats; causes lameness and reduced productivity.
• FMD status is critically important for livestock export restrictions — FMD-free status is required for most international meat and livestock trade.
• Vaccination programs (O, A, Asia-1 serotypes) are mandatory in India.

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Tuberculosis

• Goats are resistant to tuberculosis. This natural resistance to tuberculosis is a notable advantage of goats over cattle.

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Goat Pox (Capripox)

• Caused by Capripoxvirus (genus Capripoxvirus, family Poxviridae). Closely related to sheep pox virus — they are antigenically distinct but in the same genus.
• Characterised by generalised skin nodules/pox lesions, fever, and respiratory distress.
• Notifiable disease — must be reported to authorities; important for trade restrictions.
• Vaccine is available (live attenuated); vaccination is the primary control measure.
• Memory hook: Capripox = Capra (goat) + Ovis (sheep) pox — both are caused by Capripoxviruses.

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Contagious Ecthyma (Orf / Sore Mouth)

• Caused by Orf virus (Parapoxvirus ovis), a DNA virus in family Poxviridae.
• Produces proliferative, scabby lesions around the mouth, lips, nostrils, and sometimes teats of does.
• Primarily affects young kids and lambs; adults can be infected but usually recover faster.
• Zoonotic disease — can transmit to humans (especially shepherds, farmers) through direct contact with lesions; causes painful nodular lesions on hands.
• Also known as Contagious Pustular Dermatitis or Scabby Mouth.
• No specific treatment; supportive care + topical antiseptics. Live attenuated vaccines available.

References & Sources

1

G.C. Banerjee: A Textbook of Animal HusbandryBook

2

Wikipedia — Animal HusbandryWeb

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Summary Cheat Sheet