The demand for mutton is increasing day by day, especially due to its nutritional value and also because mutton is free from religious taboos. So the demand and popularity of mutton is showing a positive trend. It points out to the need for commercial goat farming.
Goat farming was not a significant part. Goats are grown by feeding kitchen leftovers and herbs in the front yard. They were grown for getting household consumption of milk and also for making ayurvedic medicine from goat milk. The popularity and rising demand for mutton has led to the commercial farming of goats, especially for meat. North Indian breeds are much sought after for this purpose. Goat farming is the most profitable also it attracts many farmers to this ventures.
There are several types of goat varieties. Some are good for milk while other for meat and also there are breeds exclusively for the hide.
Top Goat Breeds for Meat and Milk
1. Jamnapari
Jamnapari is the most popular breed for commercial goat farming in India. It is mostly found in Uttar Pradesh. Jamnapari goats are beautiful and have healthy genes. This goat is reared mainly for milk. Mostly they are white or yellow mixed white colour with grey patches. They have a curved nostril bone and have long flat dropping ears. The striking feature is that they lactate for more than 300 days per year and milk yield per day is around 3 liter. This breed usually gives birth to one lamb a year. Male goats gain up to 100 Kg weight and female to 80kg. Jamnapari is raised for meat also and is known for its taste.
2. Boer Goat
This breed was developed in South Africa and it is the most popular breed in the world for meat. Due to selective breeding, they have excellent growth. They have good resistance to heat and disease. They are fast growing and have a high fertility rate. They weigh up to 45kg.
3. Barbari
Barbari is a dual purpose breed, reared for dairy and meat purpose. This is a small breed and mainly found in India and Pakistan. Barbari is one among 20 classified breeds in India.
4. Beetal
This breed if from Punjab region of India and also found in Pakistan, it is used for milk and meat production. It is also known as Lahori Goat. It has a large body size and long ears. These goats are preferred for intensive goat farming.
5. Osmanabadi
This breed is mainly found in Maharashtra and also found in Western Maharashtra and adjoining parts of Andhra Pradesh. The name of this breed is derived from its place of origin. Though it is reared for both milk and meat, it is popular for meat. Most of the bucks are horned and does may not have horns.
6. Malabari
Malabari goats inhabit the Calicut, Kannur, Malappuram, Wayanad districts of Kerala. This goat breed is from Kerala. Malabari goats are a mix of various breeds. Malabari goats show early maturity and conceive in 8 to 10 months.
7. Jakhrana
This goat breed is found mainly in Rajasthan. This is good for both milk and meat. Jakhrana goat hides are popular in the tanning industry also.
8. Sirohi
They are highly resistant to heat and are mainly found in parts of Rajasthan. Sirohi is raised in Uttar Pradesh for meat production. Usually, doe gives birth twice a year, usually 40%singles and 60% twins.
9. Surti
Surti Goat is one of the best breed in India for dairy. This breed is very small and is native of Surat in Gujarat. They are most economical to the rear. Surti female goats are bigger than male goats. These goats are usually white in colour. They are easily manageable and graze in the open area.
Goat Milk
Although goat milk is not very popular in the Western countries but it is widely consumed in several other parts of the world. Goat milk is very rich in calcium, protein, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and vitamins A, B2, C, D. And all these nutrients provide great benefits to health. Goat milk is also known as a perfect substitute of cow milk.
To know the benefits of goat milk, read our next article..........
