The Angora Goat.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 98, 11 September 1908, Page 3

The Angora Goat.

In view of the increased interest that has been manifested in New Zealand of late in goats as destroyers of noxious weeds, the following extract from the report of the American Angora Breeders' Association wiil be found interesting :—'' The Angora goat is particularly robust, and is credited with being the most healthy animal of all live stock. They are very seldom, if ever, infected by scab, require no dipping, and are far more prolific, more easily handled, and more cheaply kept than sheep. On these three points the experience of S. S. Brannin, apoineer in the industry in Montana, and the owner of a large number of Angoras, is that a very large increase may be safely relied upon, as from 386 nannies he last year raised 400 strong healthy kids. With a favourable location they do not require a herd, as they soon learn to come in from the range of their own accord at night. Mr Brannin seldom has anyone with- his goats excepting during the kidding season. But little provision is necessary for feeding Angoras during even the severe winter months throughout the north-west if opportunity is afforded them to browse on the underbush, in which they delight. The life of the Angcra is two or three times that of sheep—a valuable and important consideration in estimating profit. Mr Brannin is authority for the statement that does will breed up to 12 or 16 years of age, and that he has found it practical and profitable to keep wethers until they are six'years old, when they will make good mutton. The Angora will not injure a run," and horses and cattle feed about with them willingly, because they do not have the offensive odour of the common goat."