Goat breeds of india history, development and classification

History, Development, Domestication, Breed
Characteristics and Classification of Goat
Breeds of India
Prepared by
Dr. Mahadevappa D. Gouri, M.V.Sc., Ph.D (LPM)
Assistant professor and Unit Head
KVAFSU-CVA Animal Welfare Research Center
Dept. of Livestock Production and Management
Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bengaluru – 560024
Contact: mdgouri@rediffmail.com, (M): 9632733011,
9343400108

History
• The domestication of animals was carried
out during Neolithic times along with the
cultivation of cereals.
• First goats and sheep, second cattle and
pigs, and finally draft animals such as
horses and asses were domesticated.

Fig. 1 Sheep population by districts
(Each dot represents 10 000 sheep)

Fig.2 Goat population by districts
(Each dot represents 10 000 goats)

• India's vast genetic resources in sheep and
goats are reflected by the availability of 40
breeds of sheep and 20 breeds of goats.
• In the strict sense, there are no specific
breeds, since the majority of them do not
have specified defined characters.
• Neither are there breeding societies or
agencies to register animals of particular
breeds, maintain flock books and ensure the
purity of the breed.

• A population of sheep or goats in a given
locality, with characters distinct from other
populations in the vicinity and with a distinct
local name, has usually been considered as a
breed.
• There has been little effort to conserve and
further improve the native breeds.
• At a few Central and State Government farms,
some important breeds of sheep and goats
are maintained for purebreeding and
producing stud rams for distribution to the
farmers.

• Most of the breeds of sheep and goats
are very well adapted to the harsh
climate, long migration, and lack of
vegetation and drinking water.
• A large proportion of sheep and goats
(more particularly the latter) are of
nondescript or mixed breeds

• Among the Indian sheep breeds, the
most important in number and
distribution are Marwari and Deccani.
• The Marwari covers the greater part of
the arid northwestern region, in both
Rajasthan and Gujarat.

• It is highly migratory, following a transhumant
system of management, and has made the
greatest impact on other breeds, especially
those with very coarse and hairy fleeces,
Malpura and Sonadi.
• The Sonadi covers most of the central part of
the southern peninsula, being distributed in
the States of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh
and Karnataka

• Most of the breeds of sheep and goats
are very well adapted to the harsh
climate, long migration, and lack of
vegetation and drinking water.
• A large proportion of sheep and goats
(more particularly the latter) are of
nondescript or mixed breeds.

Breeds requiring conservation
• Indiscriminate cross-breeding during the last few
years has endangered a few important
indigenous breeds, particularly those from
Jammu & Kashmir
• Other endangered breeds are the Magra, Pugal
and Chokla breeds of Rajasthan
• Mandya breed in Karnataka is also declining,
• The important goat breeds whose numbers have
declined seriously are the Barbari and the
Jamnapari.

Scientific Classification
• Goats belong to the family Bovidae,Together with the Ibex
they make up the genus Capra. The domestic goats (Capra
hircus) evolved from the Bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus),
except for the Angora, Cashmere and Damascus types which
evolved from the Markhor (Capra falconeri).
• Domesticated goats Capra hircus now occur more or less
globally
• Bezoar goat Capra aegagrus found in the Near East and Asia
• Ibex Capra ibex Alps, Siberia and Nubia
• Markhor Capra falconeri Central Asia
• Spanish Ibex Capra pyrenaica Spain
• Dagestan Tur Capra cylindricornis from the Caucasus
mountains

Goats
• The goat, along with sheep, were among the earliest
domesticated animals. Goat remains have been found
at archaeological sites in western Asia, such as
Jericho, Choga, Mami, Djeitun and Cayonu, which
allows domestication of the goats to be dated at
between 6000 and 7000 B.C.
• However, unlike sheep, their ancestry is fairly clear.
The major contributor of modern goats is the Bezoar
goat which is distributed from the mountains of Asia
Minor across the Middle East to Sind.
• Unlike sheep, goats easily revert to feral or wild
condition given a chance. In fact, the only domestic
species which will return to a wild state as rapidly as a
goat is the domestic cat.

SIROHI
• a) Distribution. Sirohi district of Rajasthan. The
breed also extends to Palanpur in Gujarat
• ii) Conformation. Compact, medium-sized
animals. Coat colour predominantly brown, with
light or dark brown patches; a very few
individuals are completely white. Most animals
are wattled. Ears are flat and leaf-like, medium-
sized and drooping; ear length: 18.8 + 0.6 cm
(15). Both sexes have small horns, curved upward
and backward; horn length: 7.7 ± 0.15 cm (144).
Tail is medium in length and curved upward; tail
length: 16.7 ± 0.14 cm (153). Udder is small and
round, with small teats placed laterally.

• i) Size: Body weight (kg)
• Adult male-50.37 ± 2.52. Adult female:22.54 ± 0.17
• e) Flock structure. Average flock size is 60 (range: 10 to
200), containing 1 adult male, 42 adult females and 17
young.
• f) Reproduction. Under farm conditions, kidding
percentage: (5): 89.3% (328). Litter size: singles: 91.5%;
twins: 8.5%.
• g) Mortality (5): 0 to 3 months: 1.9% (219); 3 to 12
months: 4% (179); adults: 2.5% (451).
• h) Breeding. Generally pure breeding. Males are
selected on size from within flocks. There is some
introduction of Marwari for increasing hair production.
• i) Performance
• Milk. Average lactation yield (5, 7): 71.18 ± 1.55 kg
(219); length: 174.8 ± 2.75 days (219).

MARWAR
• a) Distribution. Marwar region of Rajasthan,
comprising Jodhpur, Pali, Nagaur, Bikaner,
Jalore, Jaisalmer and Barmer districts. The
breed also extends into certain areas of Gujara
• i) Size: Body weight (kg)
• Adult males-33.18 ± 1.77 Adult females-
25.85 ± 0.29 especially Mehsana district.

• ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals.
Predominantly black with long shaggy hair coat.
In about 5% of individuals, white or brown
patches are also observed. Beard is present in
both sexes. Ears are flat, medium in length and
drooping; ear length: 16.38 ± 0.20 cm (245). Both
sexes have short, pointed horns, directed upward
and backward; horn length: 10.10 ± 0.18 cm
(246). Tail is small and thin. Udder is small and
round, with small teats placed laterally.
• e) Flock structure. Average flock size: 48.0 ± 4.6
(29) (range: from 10 to 100), containing 0.6 adult
males, 36.4 adult females and 11.0 young.

• f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks, kidding percentage:
52.5 ± 3.4 (25); litter size: generally single.
• g) Mortality. Young: 23.1 ± 3.2%; adults: 9.6 ± 1.5.
• h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Breeding males are
selected on size and hair production, mostly from
within the flock. The Animal Husbandry Department of
the Government of Rajasthan has introduced cross-
breeding with Jamnapari to increase milk production.
• i) Performance
• Milk. Under farmers' flock conditions: average daily
milk yield: 0.530 ± 0.32 kg; lactation length: 196.3 ±
14.2 days. Under farm conditions (7): average lactation
yield: 91.39 ± 6.8 kg; length: 105.80 ± 14 days; daily
milk yield: 0.713 ± 0.047 kg.

BEETAL
• Distribution. Throughout the States of Punjab and Haryana.
True-bred animals are however found in the districts of
Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Ferozepur in Punjab.
• Conformation. Large animals. Variable coat colour,
predominantly black or brown with white spots of differing
sizes. In a survey conducted by NDRI in the home tract of
the breed, 92.6% animals were black and 7.4% brown. The
coat is short and lustrous. The face line is convex, with
typical Roman nose but not as prominent as in Jamnapari.
Ears are long and flat, curled and drooping; ear length: 24.8
± 0.65 cm (18). Both sexes have thick, medium-sized horns,
carried horizontally with a slight twist directed backward
and upward; horn length: 11.95 ± 0.76 cm. Tail is small and
thin. The udder is large and well developed, with large
conical teats.
• Flock structure. The average flock contains 21.06 ± 1.92
individuals, of which 1.5 adult males, 11.7 adult females
and 7.8 young.

• f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks, age at first kidding: 559
days: kidding interval: 357 days. Under farm conditions, age
at first kidding 761.87 ± 4.24 days
• kidding interval: 368.0 ± 2.44 days, service period 159.9 ±
9.7 days
• kidding percentage 176.4, litter size -singles: 40.66%; twins:
52.6%; triplets: 6.52%, quadruplets: 0.22%.
Body weight (kg)
• Adult males-59.07 ± 2.82 Adult females-34.97 ± 0.52
• Mortality. Pre-weaning (3, 6): 25.4% (4 167); adults (3):
13.2% (599)
• Breeding. Pure breeding. Breeding males are generally
selected on the basis of their dam's milk yield. The services
of a buck of a neighbouring owner are commonly utilized
when a flock does not possess a buck.
• Milk. Average lactation yield : 180-200kg. Average lactation
length 130-190 days

JHAKRANA
• Distribution. Jhakrana and a few surrounding villages
near Behror, in the Alwar district of Rajasthan.
• Conformation. Large animals. The coat, predominantly
black with white spots on ears and muzzle, is short and
lustrous. Face line is straight. Forehead is narrow and
slightly bulging. The breed is quite similar to Beetal, the
major difference being that Jhakrana is longer. Ear
length is medium: 13.8 ± 0.19 cm (164). Udder is large,
with large conical teats.
• Flock structure. The average flock consists of 14.2 ± 2.1
(36) individuals; (range: 5 to 34), including 0.05 adult
• Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage:
141.8 ± 10.05 (223). Litter size: singles: 57.0 ± 7.6%;
twins: 41.0 ± 7.5%; triplets: 2.0 ± 1.2% (22).

• Mortality. Young: 3.4 ± 2.1% (18); adults: 0.17%
(18).
• Breeding. Pure breeding. Males are selected on
the basis of their dam's milk yield. Breeding bucks
are generally produced from within the flock.
Owners of small flocks who do not maintain a
buck utilize services of the buck from a
neighbour's flock.
• Performance: Milk. In farmers' flocks, average
daily milk yield: 3.18 ± 0.17 kg ; lactation length:
231.8 ± 6.3 days . Under farm conditions -
lactation yield: 121.80 ± 8.8 kg (12); lactation
length: 114.7 ± 18.5 days ; daily milk yield: 0.988
± 0.06 kg .
• Body weight (kg), M- 57.80 ± 3.50, F-44.48 ± 0.52

BARBARI
• Distribution. Etah, Agra and Aligarh districts of Uttar
Pradesh, and Bharatpur district of Rajasthan Conformation.
Small animals, with compact body. The orbital bone is quite
prominent, so that eyes appear bulging. There is wide
variation in coat colour, but white with small light brown
patches is the most typical. Ears are short, tubular, almost
double, with the slit opening in front, erect, directed
upward and outward. Both sexes have twisted horns,
medium in length and directed upward and backward; horn
length: 11.17 ± 0.27 cm . Bucks have a large thick beard.
• Management and feeding. Stationary. Mostly maintained
on browsing and grazing stubble of cultivated crops and
tree leaves. Cultivated fodders (e.g. berseem, wheat straw)
and grains (e.g. maize, barley, millets) are commonly
offered. The animals are generally housed in thatched
sheds inside the house. Most males are castrated at ages
between 7 to 30 days by the open method, with a blade,
and are fattened on milk for slaughter on festive occasions.

• Reproduction. In farmers' flocks, litter size; singles:
23.12 ± 8.4%; twins: 64.12 ± 9.4%; triplets: 12.75 ±
6.8%. Under farm conditions, age at first kidding : 648
± 36 days ; kidding interval : 348 ± 9 days ; service
period : 70 days ; kidding percentage : 70.2 ; litter size :
singles: 49.64%; twins: 49.32%; triplets: 1.04% .
• Mortality. In farmers' flocks, young: 0.87 ± 0.35%;
adults: 0.19 ± 0.14%. Under farm conditions, pre-
weaning mortality : 41.5%.
• Milk. Average lactation yield: 107.120 ± 3.2789 kg ;
lactation length: 150.13 ± 5.247 days ; daily milk yield:
0.760 ± 0.158 kg; dry period : 155.3 ± 10.6 days .
individuals (range: 2 to 31), of which 0.6 adult males,
5.3 adult females and 3.4 young.
• Body weight (kg): M-37.85 ± 1.96, F-22.56 ± 0.32

JAMNAPARI
• Distribution. Agra, Mathura and Etawa districts in Uttar
Pradesh and Bhind and Morena districts in Madhya
Pradesh. However, the pure stocks are found only in about
80 villages in the vicinity of Batpura and Chakar Nagar in
Etawa district.
• Conformation. Large animals. There is a great variation in
coat colour, but the typical coat is white with small tan
patches on head and neck. The typical character of the
breed is a highly convex nose line with a tuft of hair,
yielding a parrotmouth appearance. The ears are very
long, flat and drooping; ear length: 26.79 ± 0.21 cm (216).
Both sexes are horned; horn length: 8.69 ± 0.27 cm(108).
Tail is thin and short. A thick growth of hair on the
buttocks, known as feathers, obscures the udder when
observed from behind. The udder is well developed,
round, with large conical teats.

STRAINS
• A distinct strain, called Ramdhan (also known
locally as Kandari Ka Khana) originated from a
cross between a doe from the Alwar region in
Rajasthan and a Jamnapari buck; it has a
typical nose shape, even more like a parrot
mouth than is usually observed in the true
breed.
• The strain is known to have better milk
production and growth, but its flocks are very
limited in number.

• Body weight (kg): M-44.66 ± 1.89, F-38.03 ± 0.63
• Flock structure. The average flock contains 16.0 ±
2.57 individuals (range: 8 to 41), of which 0.25
adult males, 8.65 adult females and 7.1 young.
• Management and feeding. The flocks, stationary,
are maintained primarily on tree loppings, acacia
pods and stubble of cultivated crops. Some
supplementary feeding (200 to 250 g/day of
Arhar and gram) is given to lactating animals. The
animals are housed in the courtyard within the
living quarters, under a thatched shed with a
thorny fence. Most animals are docked.
Castration does not take place.

124.25 ± 6.05 ; litter size: singles: 69.0 ± 7.1%; twins:
27.8 ± 6.46%; triplets: 3.2 ± 0.0%. Under farm
conditions: age at first kidding : 737.0 ± 21.25 days ;
kidding interval : 229.3 ± 26.71 days ; service period :
101.4 ± 13.03 days; kidding percentage : 79.6 ; litter
size : singles: 56.2%; twins: 43.1%; triplets: 0.7% .
• Mortality. In farmers' flocks: young: 5.75 ± 2.5% (10);
adults: 4.21 ± 1.97% (12).
• Breeding. Flocks are pure-bred. Selection in bucks is
based on dam's milk yield.
• Milk. Average lactation yield : 201.96 ± 6.65 kg ;
lactation length : 191 ± 6 days ; average daily yield :
1.752 ± 0.031 kg ; dry period : 115 ± 3 days. In farmers'
flocks, average daily yield: 2.15 ± 0.30 kg; average
lactation length: 255 ± 6.7 days.

Jamnapari Doe & 5 Week Old Kid

The name ‘Jamnapari‘ is derived from the location of the
breed beyond the river Jamuna (Jamuna Par) in Uttar
Pradesh, India. Long ways from home you are boy.

MEHSANA
• Distribution. Banaskantha, Mehsana, Gandhi Nagar and
Ahmedabad districts of Gujarat Conformation. Large
animals. The coat is black, with white spots at the base
of the ear. Nose line is straight. The hair coat is long
and shaggy. Ears are white, leaf-like and drooping; ear
length: 15.8 ± 0.55 cm (41). Both sexes have slightly
twisted horns, curved upward and backward; horn
length: 11.0 ± 0.20 cm (190). The udder is well
developed; the teats are large and conical.
• e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 54.7 ±
13.1 (27) individuals (range: 20 to 300), of which 0.7

• f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding
percentage: 69.5 ± 7.1; litter size: singles: 89.7 ±
2.7%; twins: 10.3 ± 2.7%
• g) Mortality. In farmers' flocks: young: 13.0 ±
0.35%; adults: 3.4 ± 1.1%
• h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Males are selected
primarily on body size.
• i) Performance
• Milk. Average daily yield: 1.323 ± 0.134 kg
;average lactation length: 197.2 ± 7.5 days
• Hair. Average yield per year: 210.2 ± 20.4 g
• Body weight (kg)-M-37.14 ± 1.51, F-32.39 ± 0.38

GOHILWADI
• Distribution. Bhavnagar, Amreli and Junagarh
districts of Gujarat.
• Conformation. Large animals. The coat is black
and covered with coarse long hairs. Nose line is
slightly convex. Ears are tubular and drooping;
ear length: 17.5 + 2.7 cm. Both sexes have slightly
twisted horns, turned backward; horn length:
12.5 ± 0.20 cm.
2.1 individuals (range: 10 to 50), of which 0.7
• Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding
percentage: 72.9 ± 6.2 ; litter size: singles: 84.2 ±
4.1%; twins: 15.8 ± 4.1%

• Mortality. Young: 6.1 ± 2.5%; adults: 6.4 ±
2.3%.
• Performance in farmers' flocks
• Milk. Average daily yield: 1.710 ± 0.145 kg ;
average lactation length: 227.2 ± 8.9 days .
• Hair. Average yield per year: 317.1 ± 22.0 g
• Body weight (kg) M-37.10 ± 1.42, F-36.03 ±
0.38

ZALAWADI
• Distribution. Surendranagar and Rajkot districts in
Gujarat.
• Conformation. Large animals. Coat is black and
contains long coarse hair. Ears are long, wide,
leaf-like and drooping; ear length: 19.0 ± 0.20 cm
(163). Both sexes have long twisted horns,
pointed upward; horn length: 16.3 ± 0.2 cm
(202). The udder is well developed, with large
conical teats.
7.4 (17) individuals (range: 10 to 60), of which 0.9

percentage: 71.2 ± 6.7 ; litter size: singles: 82.1
± 4.6%; twins: 17.9 ± 4.6%.
• Mortality. Young: 22.0 ± 4.2% ; adults: 3.6 ±
1.2%
• Performance
• Milk. Average daily yield: 2.02 ± 0.18 kg ;
lactation length: 197.2 ± 5.8 days
• Hair. Average annual yield: 245.3 ± 3.28.4 g
• Body wt(kg);M- 38.84 ± 1.46, F-32.99 ± 0.32

KUTCHI
• Distribution. Kutch district in Gujarat.
• Conformation. Large animals. The coat is
predominantly black, but a few white, brown and
spotted animals are also found. The hair is coarse and
long. The nose is slightly Roman. The ears are long,
broad and drooping; ear length: 22.0 ± 0.26 cm . Both
sexes have short, thick horns, pointed upward; horn
length: 10.6 ± 0.19 cm. The udder is reasonably well
developed; teats are conical.
individuals (range: 30 to 300), of which 2.4 adult males,
75.5 ± 4.5 ; litter size: singles: 84.1 ± 4.2%; twins: 15.2
± 4.2%; triplets: 0.7 ± 0.4%.

• Mortality: In farmers' flocks: young: 15.0 ±
2.4% ; adults: 5.5 ± 1.2% .
• Performance in farmers' flocks
• Milk. Average yield: 1.84 ± 0.15 kg ; average
lactation length: 117.7 ± 7.3 days .
• Hair. Average yield per clip: 229.3 ± 23.9 g .
The annual hair yield may be taken to be
approximately twice this figure, since the
animals are shorn twice a year.
• Body wt (kg);M-43.50 ± 1.16, F-39.29 ± 0.40

SURTI
• Distribution. Surat and Baroda.
• Conformation. Medium-sized animals, generally
white in body colour, with very well developed
udder and large conical teats. Ears are medium-
sized; ear length: 16.9 ± 0.4 cm . Both sexes have
small horns directed backward; horn length: 12.1
± 0.68 cm .
• Flock structure and performance. Generally kept
as one or two animals, essentially stall-fed. The
does are good milkers, yielding 2.5 kg per day, on
average.
• Body wt (kg);M-29.50, F-32.03 ± 1.31

Goat breeds in the southern peninsular region

SANGAMNERI
• Distribution. Poona and Ahmednagar districts of
Maharashtra.
• Conformation. Medium-sized animals. Body colour
may be white, black or brown, with spots of the other
colours. Ears are medium-sized and drooping; ear
length: 15.89 ± 0.62 cm . Both sexes have horns,
directed backward and upward; horn length: 12.36 ±
0.58 cm. Tail is thin and short; tail length: 15.72 ± 0.32
cm. The hair coat is extremely coarse and short.
individuals (range: 6 to 91), of which 1.0 adult male,
103 ± 15.04%; litter size: singles: 75%; twins: 21.5%;
triplets: 3.4%. Under farm conditions, age at first
kidding : 422.2 days ; kidding interval : 333.37 days ;
service period : 155.6 days ; litter size : single: 69.5%;
twins: 30.0%; others: 0.5%

• Mortality. Young: 4.33 ± 3.59%; adults: 8.83 ±
5.29%. Under farm conditions :preweaning:
28.9%; adults: 4.3%
• Breeding. Pure breeding. Males are selected on
dam's milk yield.
• Performance
• Milk. In farmers' flocks: average daily yield: 0.819
± 0.353 kg; average lactation length: 165 ± 25
days. Under farm conditions: average lactation
yield: 83.4 ± 3.43 kg; average lactation length:
167.8 ± 5.25 days
• Meat: body weight (kg)
• Body weight (kg)-M-38.37 ± 2.44,F-28.97 ± 0.49

MALABARI
• Distribution. Calicut, Cannannore and Malapuram
districts of Kerala.
• Conformation. Medium-sized animals. Coat colour
varies widely from completely white to completely
black. 31% of the goats have long hair. Males and a
small percentage of females (13%) are bearded. Both
sexes have small, slightly twisted, horns, directed
outward and upward. Ears are medium-sized, directed
outward and downward; ear length: 16.20 ± 0.17 cm .
Tail is small and thin; tail length: 13.16 ± 0.06 cm.
Udder is small and round, with medium-sized teats.
• Flock structure. The average flock contains 5.44
individuals (range: 1 to 15), of which 0.40 bucks, 2.02
does and 3.02 kids. Two thirds of flocks do not
maintain a breeding male.

• Reproduction. Under farm conditions: age at first
kidding: 609.9 ± 15.03 days; kidding interval:
286.6 ± 7.51 days; litter size :singles: 50.5%;
twins: 42.4%; triplets: 6.6%; quadruplets; 0.5% .
• Mortality . Young: 32.8%; adults: 11.0% .
• Breeding. Pure breeding except in very limited
areas near Mannuthy, where cross-breeding with
Alpine and Saanen has been undertaken by the
Kerala Agricultural University. The cross-breeds
showed improvement both in reproduction and
milk production.

OSMANABADI
• Distribution. Latur, Tuljapur and Udgir taluks of
Osmanabad district of Maharashtra.
• Conformation. Tall animals. Of animals surveyed,
73% were black and the rest were white, brown
or spotted. Ears are medium long; ear length:
18.0 ± 0.10 cm. Most males (89.5%) are horned;
females may be horned or polled, in almost equal
proportions. Tail is medium long and thin; tail
length: 16.6 ± 0.10 cm. The udder is small and
round with small teats placed laterally.
• Flock structure. The average flock contains 10.73
individuals (range: 1 to 65), of which 0.28 adult

percentage: 80 to 90%; litter size: singles: 50%;
twins: 40%; triplets: 10%. In farm conditions:
kidding percentage: 129.9%; litter size: singles:
70.5%; twins: 29.0%; triplets and others: 0.5%.
• Mortality. In farm conditions: young: 18.0%;
adults: 7.1%.
• Breeding. Pure breeding. There is little selection.
• Milk. In farmers' flocks: average daily yield: 0.5 to
1.5 kg; lactation length: 3 to 5 months.
• Body weight (kg);M-33.66 ± 2.73, F-32.36 ± 0.55

KANNAIADU
• also known as Pullaiadu and Karapuadu
• Distribution. Ramnathapuram and Tirunelveli districts
in Tamil Nadu.
• Conformation. Tall animals, predominantly black or
black with white spots. Ears are medium-long; ear
length: 15.67 ± 0.13 cm . Males are horned; females
are polled. Tail is medium-sized and thin; tail length:
15.77 ± 0.47 cm . Udder is small and round, with small
teats placed laterally.
• Flock structure. The average flock contains 17
individuals (range: 2 to 40 , of which 1 buck, 11 does
and 6 young.
80 to 85%; litter size: singles: 90%; twins: 10%.
• Performance. Animals are maintained primarily for
meat and are not milked.

Goat breeds in the eastern region

GANJAM /Dalua
• Distribution. Southern districts of Orissa: Ganjam and
Koraput.
• Conformation. Tall, leggy animals. The coat may be black,
white, brown or spotted, but black predominates. Hairs are
short and lustrous. Ears are mediumsized; ear length: 14.50
± 0.15 cm (175). Both sexes have long, straight horns,
directed upward; horn length: 20.97 ± 0.33 cm (175). Tail is
medium-long.
individuals (26) (range: 20 to 500), of which 2.9 adult
• Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 82.0 ±
4.2% (17); litter size: singles: 98.4%; twins: 1.6% (17). Under
farm conditions (10): age at first kidding: 1 066.9 ± 25.6
days; kidding interval: 376.1 ± 6.7 days; service period:
216.8 ± 5.1 days.

• Mortality. Young: 27.5 ± 3.5% (18); adults: 0.9
± 0.38% (18).
• Performance
• Milk. In farmers' flocks: average daily yield:
319.44 ± 28.62 g; average lactation length:
141.6 ± 9.9 days.
• Body wt (kg): M-44.05 ± 0.13, F-31.87 ± 0.37

BENGAL
• Individuals of this breed are sometimes distinguished
by colour as Black, Brown, Gray and White Bengal.
Personal surveys suggest that the breed could be
separated into two types, one found in the hot humid
plains of West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, and the other
in the sub-temperate and humid uplands and plains of
Assam and other northeastern States. The latter were
earlier known as Assam Plain and Assam Hill goats,
depending on their location, but are not substantially
different from the former.
• Distribution. Distributed throughout all eastern and
northeastern India, from Bihar through northern Orissa
to all West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal
Pradesh and Meghalaya.

• Conformation. Small animals. The predominant
coat colour is black; brown, grey and white are
also found, the former two sometimes with black
markings along the back and on the belly and
extremities. In a survey of 230 goats in Assam, 96
were completely black, 51 completely white, 11
brown, 45 white with black markings, and 17
brown with black markings. In another survey in
Bihar, the proportion of grey to brown was 35:65.
The hair coat is short and lustrous. The nose line
is slightly depressed. Both sexes have small to
medium horns, directed upward and sometimes
backward; average horn length: 6.4 cm (range:
5.8 to 11.5 cm). Beard is observed in both sexes.
The ears are short, flat and carried horizontally;
average ear length: 13.8 cm (range: 11.5 to 14.1
cm).

• Flock structure. Generally, only 2 or 3 animals. A
Bihar survey showed a range of 5 to 20.
• Reproduction. Under farm conditions: kidding
percentage on the basis of does available :
71.16% . Litter size: singles: 44.6%; twins: 51.3%;
triplets: 4.1% . In another study of Black Bengal
does: kidding percentage: 85%; litter size: singles:
22.4%; twins: 54.0%; triplets: 20.9%; quadruplets:
2.7%.
• Milk. Average lactation yield : 58.00 ± 4.64 kg;
average lactation length: 118.9 ± 9.58 days
• Body weight (kg):M=32.37 ± 2.74,F-20.38 ± 0.16

GADDI/ White Himalayan
• Distribution. Chamba, Kangra, Kulu, Bilaspur, Simla,
Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and
Dehradun, Nainital, Tehrigarhwal and Chamoli hill
districts in Uttar Pradesh.
• Conformation. Medium-sized animals. Coat colour is
mostly white, but black and brown and combinations
of these are also seen. Both sexes have large horns,
directed upward and backward and occasionally
twisted. Ears are medium long and drooping. The nose
line is convex. The udder is small and rounded, with
small teats placed laterally. The hair is white, lustrous
and long.
• Flock structure. Flock size ranges from 20 to 500.
• Reproduction. Essentially single; twinning occurs in
only 15 to 20% of births.

• Mortality. In farmers' flocks: kids: approximately
10%; adults: 5%. Under farm conditions : 0 to 3
months: 2.17%; 3 to 12 months: 1.24%; adults:
22.3%.
• Breeding. Pure breeding. There is little selection.
• Performance
• Milk ,Under farm conditions: milk yield: 308 g .
• Wool production and quality
• Average fleece yield per clip (g) 300 ± 4
• Average fibre diameter (μ)- 74.48 ± 2.04
• Medullation (%)- 73.4
• Body weight (kg); Adult males-,-27.45 ± 0.41 ,
Adult females24.72 ± 0.51

Chigu
• Distribution : Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal
Pradesh, Uttar Kashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh districts
of U.P.
• Breed Characteristics
• Size (Average) Adult Male Adult Female: Body weight
(kg) 36 25 Body length (cm) 75 69 Chest Girth (cm) 80
73
• Conformation Medium sized goats. The coat is
usually white, mixed with grayish red. Both sexes have
prominent horns, directed upward, backward and
outward with one or more twists very similar to
Changthangi breed.
• Performance:The breed is marked for Pashmina
production. Average yearly production is about 120
grams with 5.9 cm. fibre length having 10-12 micron
diameter.

Changthangi
• Distribution : The breed is also known as Pashmina due to the ability of
the breed to produce longer and finer pashmina on the sides and
shoulders. Pashmina goats are mostly reared in Ladakh, Lahul and Spiti
valleys and its neighboring areas of Himachal Prades. Large herds of
this breed are found in the Changthang region of Ladakh at an
elevation of 4,000 meters.
• Breed Characteristics
• Size (Average) Adult Male Adult Female Body weight (kg) 20 19.8
Body length (cm) 49 52.5 Chest Girth (cm) 63 65
• Conformation Medium sized animals. Half of the animals are white,
the rests are black, grey or brown. Both sexes have large horns, turning
outward, upward and inward to form a semi circle, but a wide variation
exists in both shape and size. The breed looks pretty having fast
movements and are used for transport in hilly areas. Body is covered
with long coarse hair including the facial areas.
• Performance: Apart from meat, the breed is highly prized for
pashmina. The fine costly hair is harvested once a year, generally in
June/July, either by shearing or by combing. Average production of
pashmina is 215 g with a variation range of 70-500 g per goats. Used
for making Kashmir "Rug or Shawl" of high quality.

Pashmina Goats, India, can produce
high quality wool

Toggenberg
• Country of Origin: The breed originated from the
Toggenberg Valley in north-east Switzerland.
• Height at withers (males & females) (cm.) : 65 to 75
• Average Daily Milk Yield in the Tropics (kg.) : 1.0 to 3.0
with a fat % of 3.5. lactation period extends up to 10
months.
• Color and Horn Character : Brown with white stripes
on each side of face. Hornless with some exceptions.
• Other Characteristics : These are large goats having
long thin neck which are kept erect. The skin of the doe
is very soft and pliable. The udder is well attached and
carried high. Toggenberg are adaptable to a variety of
climates, and have, therefore, been found in West
Indies, Venezuela, South Africa, Tanzania and in India.
Average live weight is 60-65 kg.

ALPINE GOATS
• Country of Origin: Originated in the Alps, probably
from crossing Swiss Alpine breeds with British goats.
with 3.6% fat
• Color and Horn Character : Color varies from black to
white to black. They may be horned or polled, when
present are of the scimitar (curved)
type.
• Other Characteristics : The breed is valued first for its
milk production. In tropic yield is about 0.9-1.3 kg. per
day with 3.6% fat. It has erect ears and straight nose.
The breed is more adapted to mountainous areas and
in tropical environment. Average live weight is 60-65
kg. The breed is not suited in areas of high humidity .
There are usually 2 kids in a litter.

Anglo-Nubian
• Country of Origin: The breed was derived from the Nubian
type goat (Jamunapari and Zaraibi) by crossing with English
breeds in the UK in the late 19th century.
with 4.5% fat
• Color and Horn Character : Color varies but brown and
white are usual. Horns when present lie flat over the coat.
• Other Characteristics : It is one of the most outstanding
dual purpose breed. The Anglo-Nubian is usually a big
animal with fine skin, glossy coat, long pendulous ears and
Roman nose and forehead. The breed has proved to be the
most suited to tropical climates and used widely for
upgrading indigenous stock for meat and milk in West
Indies, Malaysia, Philippines and India. Average live weight
varies between 60-70 kg. There are usually 2 kids in a litter

THE NORTHWESTERN ARID AND
SEMI-ARID REGION

Plan for Goat House:
4 does, 1 buck, 6 kids

VACCINATION PROGRAMME FOR GOATS
Months Vaccine Adult Goat Kids (above 6 months)
January
Contagious pleuro pneumonia
(C.C.P.P.)
0.2 ml I/dermal 0.2 ml I/dermal
March Haemorrhagic Septicaemia 5 ml S/c 2.5 ml S/c
April Goat Pox Scrach method Scarch method
May
Entero toxaemia
F.M.D.
5 ml S/c
5 ml S/c
2.5 ml S/c
5 ml S/c
June Rinderpest 1 ml S/c 1 ml s/c
July Black Quarter 5 ml s/c 2.5 ml s/c
August F.M.D. 5 ml s/c 0.5 ml S/c
September Enterotoxaemia 5 ml S/c 2.5 ml S/c

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