PROMINENT INDIAN GOAT BREEDS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

 

INTRODUCTION

            It is estimated that in the world there are about 102 descript breeds and types of goat among them 20 breeds of goats are in India which occupy 21% of total goats in the world. Today India ranks first for its genetic resources and numerical superiority of goat in the world. Majority of breeds (60% of total) are found in North Western region.

            Some Indian goat breeds are discussed below:

1. JAMUNAPARI:

            Jamunapari breeds are found in the state of Uttar Pradesh (between Jamuna and Ganga river) and Madhya Pradesh (Agra and Mathura). It is biggest breed of goat mainly utilized for milk and meat. So called dual purpose breed. An adult male weights between 65-80 kg and female weights between 45-60 kg. Male body is 90-100 cm in height and 77 cm in length whereas female is 70-80 cm in height and 75 cm in length. Its coat colour is white with tan or black marking at neck and ears. It has pronounced ‘Roman nose’ having a tuft of hair which results in parrot mouth appearance. Ears are very large, flat and dropped downward. The horns are short and horizontally twisted backward. They have large udder and big teats. Average age of first kidding is 20-25 months and usually doe kids once a year giving birth to single at a time. Average yield is 280kg/274 days and yield 2- 2.5 kg per day having fat content of the milk 3- 3.5 %.

2. BEETAL

             The Beetal breed is found mainly in the state of Punjab and Haryana. These breed are mainly for the purpose of milk and also easily adaptable to various agro-climatic condition called Stall Feeding. An adult male ranges between 50- 70 kg whereas adult female ranges between 40- 50 kg. Male body length is 120 cm and that of female is 105 cm. The coat colour is predominantly black (90%) or brown (10%) with white spot of distering size. They have ‘Roman nose’, ears are long and flat. Both sexes have medium size horns directed horizontally backward. The tail is small and thin. The udder is large and developed having big conical teats. Their age of first kidding is 20-22 months and kids single, twins as well as triplets. Yield 150- 191kg per lactation and having ability to give 1-2 kg of milk per day.

3. BARBARI:

            These breeds are popular in urban areas of Delhi, Uttar pradesh and in Haryana states. They are grown mainly for milk and meat purpose. An adult male weights 35-45 kg whereas adult female ranges between 25-35 kg. Adult is about 95 cm and female is about 86 cm in length. The colour if this breed is white with light brown or black patches. Ears are short and erect. Both sexes have twisted medium horns directed backward and upward. The breed have better reproductive capacities. They give 2-3 kids in parturition. They are prolific breeders and kids twice in 12-15 months. They have ability to give 1- 1.5 kg of milk per day and 350 kg per lactation period of 108 days containing fat 5%.

4. BENGAL:

            Bengal goat breeds are originated from   Bangladesh and available in Asam, West Bengal and Bihar. Their meat is very tasty and great demand and price in the market. An adult male weights about 25-30 kg and female weights about 20-25 kg. They are of fully black colour and sometime white and brown are available. Shoulder and hip are equal height, ears are upright and pointed. Beard is found in both sexes. They have small to medium size horn directed upward and sometime backward. Multiple birth is common i.e. 2-4 kids in parturition. Their age of first kidding is 12-14 months and kids twice a year. Average lactation yield is 53 kg in lactation length of 90- 120 days. Its skin is in great demand for high quality shoe making.

5. KASHMIRI:

            Kashmiri goat is another meat goat breeds originated from Kashmir of India. They are of big sized and become very hardy. They are popular in Himanchal pradesh and Punjab. They can tolerate hot weather and use also in transport. They are large goat with average weight of 68 kg. Ears are small and body colour is generally white and sometime brown. They have long horns and are curved to back. Body of Kashmiri is covered with silky hair called ‘pashmina’ (1- 12 cm). Both sexes have beards. Doe gives birth of baby goat at the age of 22 months for the first time.

CONCLUSION:

            The majority of the Indian goat breeds are described above. Goats are the major livestock in case of India. As in India, goat farming can be performed in Nepal to step up in case of livestock farming and to agriculture development as Indian breeds are also suitable in agro-climatic condition of Nepal.

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