Goat-To-Garment: Cashmere And Angola Fibers For Profit

Cashmere and Angora goats are two different types of goats that produce two of the warmest and most luxurious fibres in the world. While Angora goats exclusively produce mohair, a long, lustrous, and wavy hair used in fine garments, cashmere can come from two different types of goat. There are actual cashmere breeds, such as the Australian Cashmere Goat, the Changthangi Cashmere Goat, and the Tibetan Plateau Goat, but it can also be produced by crossing a non-fibre-producing goat with an Angora. Angora goats are native to Ankara, Turkey, and are usually smaller and more delicate than cashmere goats. They are also relaxed and docile, while cashmere goats are often flighty and high-strung. Angora goats are sheared twice a year and can produce up to 16 pounds of mohair annually. On the other hand, cashmere is the soft, downy undercoat of goats that is grown for insulation against the winter cold and then shed in early spring. While any goat can grow cashmere, certain breeds have been selectively bred to produce it in greater amounts. The quality of cashmere fleece is determined by its length, diameter, and degree of crimping. The average cashmere yield from one goat is about four ounces per year.

Angora goats produce mohair, a soft, silky, and luxurious fibre

Angora goats, a Turkish breed of domesticated goat, produce mohair, a soft, silky, and luxurious fibre. The Angora goat is native to Ankara, Turkey, from which it derives its name. The breed is characterised by its small size, slender build, and long ringlets of fine and lustrous mohair. Angora goats are primarily reared for their fibre, which is obtained through shearing twice a year.

Mohair is highly valued for its softness, durability, and ability to be dyed into vibrant colours. It is sought after by textile industries for its ability to take dye in a uniform manner. The fibre's strength and elasticity make it ideal for upholstery and apparel, as it resists wrinkling and has non-flammable properties. Angora goats are efficient fibre producers, yielding 20 to 25 percent of their body weight in soft, durable mohair annually.

The Angora goat's fleece grows continuously at a rate of about 2 to 2.5 cm per month, or one inch per month. As textile mills require mohair of a specific length, typically 15 cm, shearing is usually done twice a year. Each shearing yields an average of five to 10 pounds of mohair per goat. The fibre from younger Angora goats is the most valuable due to its finer texture.

Angora goats have specific nutritional requirements to support their rapid mohair growth. They require a well-balanced diet, including good-quality pasture or hay, and grain supplements during growth, breeding, and kidding. Proper nutrition is essential to ensure the health and productivity of Angora goats.

In addition to fibre production, Angora goats are also raised for their meat, which is considered succulent and tender. Angora goats have been prized for centuries, with historical records dating back to the 16th century. Today, they continue to be valued for the high-quality mohair they produce, making them a popular choice for hobby farmers and fibre enthusiasts worldwide.

Angora goats require little special care and can adapt to many conditions

Angora goats are native to Turkey and have a long history, dating back to Biblical times. They are smaller than standard goats, weighing between 70-100 pounds when mature. Due to their size and docile nature, Angora goats require extra protection from predators and other animals. They are also vulnerable to cold temperatures, especially when kidding or freshly shorn, so extra warmth and dryness are necessary during these times.

Angora goats are adaptable and can live in any climate, but they do need special attention, especially during the winter months. A raised shelter is recommended for areas with heavy rain or damp conditions, as it helps keep the goats, their bedding, and their environment safe and dry. Angora goats are susceptible to internal parasites, so a dry environment is crucial to maintaining their health.

Angora goats are excellent grazers and have friendly personalities, making them one of the most desired goat breeds. They are also efficient fiber producers, yielding 5-10 pounds of mohair each time they are shorn twice a year. The mohair produced by Angora goats is in high demand due to its durability, smoothness, and resilience.

In terms of care, Angora goats require more attention than other goat breeds. They need a well-rounded diet with the right amount of protein, carbs, supplements, and other nutrients to produce good-quality fiber. Their coats need to be regularly cleared of hay, brambles, and other debris to maintain their natural properties and value. Additionally, their hooves need to be trimmed regularly, approximately every six weeks.

Angora goats are susceptible to internal and external parasites, so regular bodily grooming and routine vet visits are essential. They are also prone to lice infestations, so lice prevention should be a regular part of their care routine. Overall, Angora goats require diligent care, but their friendly and gentle personalities make them a great addition to any homestead.

Angora goats are sheared twice a year, producing up to 16 pounds of mohair annually

Angora goats are named after Ankara (Angora), Turkey, where they originated. They produce mohair, one of the warmest and most luxurious fibres in the world. Angora goats are considered the most productive fibre-producing animals, as they grow more fibre per unit of body weight than other animals. Angoras are also relaxed and docile, making them easier to handle than other goat breeds.

Angora goats are generally sheared twice a year, once in spring before kidding, and once in autumn prior to the breeding season. The exact timing of shearing depends on the climate and the availability of shelter for the recently shorn animals. Angora goats are usually shorn in March and September.

The hair grows at a rate of about 3/4 of an inch per month, and adult hair should be 4-6 inches long at shearing. Angora goats produce between 8 and 16 pounds of mohair per year, with males producing 8 to 10 pounds of mohair fleece per shearing, and females producing 4 to 6 pounds.

To obtain a high-quality product, undesirable fibres, such as kemp and medulated fibres, must be separated from the mohair. The amount of these undesirable fibres varies by the individual goat and the age of the animal. Young goats tend to have the least amount of undesirable fibres, while older males tend to have the most.

After shearing, Angora goats are particularly susceptible to cold and wet weather, so it is important to ensure they have access to dry shelter.

Cashmere goats are usually larger than Angora goats and can be kept with sheep and cattle

Angora goats and Cashmere goats are two distinct types of goats that are valued for their hair. Angora goats produce mohair, which is used in sweaters, scarves, coats, and other products, while Cashmere goats produce cashmere, the fine, soft undercoat of the goat. Both types of goats are a great source of fibre, but there are some differences between the two.

Angora goats originate from Ankara (Angora), Turkey, and are relatively small animals when compared to sheep and other goat breeds. Angora goats are known for their mohair, which is durable, resilient, and noted for its high luster and sheen. Angoras are usually shorn twice a year, in the spring and fall, and an adult Angora can produce up to seven kilograms of hair each year. However, as the goats grow older, their hair becomes thicker and less valuable. Angora goats are also used as show animals and require little special care.

On the other hand, Cashmere goats are usually larger than Angora goats and can be kept with sheep and cattle. Cashmere goats have a double coat, with a layer of permanent hairs called guard hairs and a soft, downy undercoat that they grow in the winter and shed in the spring. Cashmere goats are selectively bred to produce a larger amount of this undercoat, which is highly valued for its softness and warmth without much weight. The quality of cashmere is determined by its length, diameter, and the degree of crimping. While Angora goats are typically shorn, Cashmere goats can be either shorn or combed to harvest their fleece.

It is important to note that while all goat breeds, except Angora, can produce cashmere, there is no such thing as a "purebred" cashmere goat. Additionally, Angora goats should not be crossed with Cashmere goats as it results in a fibre with limited uses and characteristics of neither cashmere nor mohair.

In terms of care, both Angora and Cashmere goats require proper shearing or combing, lice prevention, and a high-protein diet. However, Angora goats may need special protection from the cold for about a month after shearing, while Cashmere goats need shelter from wind and wet weather to prevent hoof problems, internal parasite problems, and kidding losses.

Cashmere is the soft, downy undercoat of goats, which is shed in early spring

The quality of cashmere is determined by three factors: length, diameter, and the degree of crimping. The fibre must be at least 1-1/4' long and have a diameter of less than 19 microns to be considered cashmere. The crimpiness of the fibre gives it "loft", allowing cashmere garments to be warm without being heavy.

While there is no such thing as a "purebred" cashmere goat, certain goats have been selectively bred to produce more cashmere. These goats are typically larger than Angora goats and can be kept with sheep and cattle. They are also rugged and adaptable, requiring minimal housing. However, they need shelter from wind and wet weather to prevent health issues such as hoof problems, internal parasites, and kidding losses.

To harvest cashmere, farmers either shear or comb the goats. Shearing is more common in commercial production, where specialised dehairing equipment is available. Combing is typically done by hand and is timed to coincide with the goats' natural shedding process.

Cashmere is a valuable fibre known for its softness, warmth, and lightweight nature. It is sought after for its unique feel and is highly prized in the fashion industry.

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