It is thought that goats were the first animals to be domesticated by man. Ancient skeletal remains and cave drawings in many parts of the world support this belief. Goats are mentioned in the bible and there are numerous myths and legends about them.
There are many varieties of goat distributed throughout the world. Some are valued for their milk, some for meat and others for their fibre. Goat-skins have been used for centuries for a variety of applications ranging from floor coverings to water-carriers in the desert. Fat from the goat’s body can be made into candles or soap. Even their bones and horns have been utilised by man.
All goats are herd animals and must never be kept singly. They love company and can become very tame, or strike up friendships with the most unlikely companions. They are intelligent and can work as a team. They are curious and can get into trouble. They have a sense of humour and can get into mischief. Many people are surprised to learn that they can have strong and very different individual personalities.
But within even a small herd there is always a pecking order and the goat keeper should watch carefully to ensure that any bullying doesn't become excessive - he must be prepared to intervene and give individual attention where necessary.
Goats are ruminants, like cattle and sheep. But, although domestication has enabled them to adapt to a grazing habit, they show a strong preference for browsing when they have unrestricted freedom to forage. The management of domesticated goats should take account of this, with further details dependent on the variety of goat in question.
We think that angora goats are among the most beautiful, useful and endearing animals in the world!
The fleece of the angora goat is called mohair. It grows at the rate of about 2 cms per month. Mohair is a luxurious, lustrous, hard-wearing fibre with excellent dyeing properties. It is often called "the diamond fibre".
Angora goats were first farmed commercially for their mohair in the area of Turkey around the capital, Ankara, from which they take their name. Today, in the UK, there are three main reasons for keeping them:
Keeping angora goats can be a very rewarding experience, if not financially then at least in terms of “job satisfaction”. If you have no experience whatsoever we recommend starting slowly and gently, both for the animals’ sake and your own. Let your goats teach you.
Although they may look rather like sheep, angora goats need more specialised management. First you need to find out about the basics:
Our club has produced a small booklet entitled “A Beginner’s Guide to keeping Angora goats” which should help to get you started. It has recently been updated and expanded and costs £4.50 plus p&p. Contact us via the
Contact page if you’re interested.
You must be prepared to put a certain amount of effort into looking after your goats. Take the trouble to learn as much as you can about their care (books, vets and, most importantly, other goat-keepers and goat clubs). Whether for pleasure or profit, do it properly so that your goats don’t just survive but thrive.
Good stockmen spend considerable time leaning on the gate simply watching their animals – are they all moving well, heads and tails up, are they eating and drinking well, are their droppings healthy, are they urinating OK, etc.
There is nothing more disheartening for a true goat-lover than seeing some miserable, wet, cold, thin, shivering, lonely creature neglected by an ignorant or non-caring owner. If you aren’t prepared to do it properly, then don’t do it at all.
If you’re still determined to go ahead (and we hope you are) don’t be afraid to ask for help. Joining BAGS Welsh & West will give you the opportunity to meet other angora goat enthusiasts and learn all the skills you need. We can also advise on breeders who have stock for sale.