A manual of Angora goat raising, with a chapter on milch goats by Thompson George Fayette

Author:Thompson, George Fayette
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Angora goat
Publisher: Chicago, Ill., American Sheep Breeder Co. Press
Published: 1903-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

of "Milch Goats and Their Management," says: "The goat is of all animals the most fastidious in the matter of the cleanliness of its food, refusing, even though ever so hungry, to eat food that has been soiled or trodden under foot. For this reason a rack should be provided for the hny, and only as much given at each meal as the animal will consume, for that which has been trampled under foot will ever be rejected, even though carefully collected and replaced in the rack."

When the production of mohair is reduced to a fine art, the question of feed in addition to browse will receive the most careful attention because of its influence upon the fiber. With this thought in mind, the reader is advised to see what Dr. McMurtrie says, as quoted in the chapter on "Mohair and mohair manufactures."

Wet Grass Considered Injurious.

The Angora goat breeders of Asia Minor attribute the health-fulness of their animals, as well as the excellent quality of mohair produced, to the very dry climate. They believe that moisture, even in the form of dew and sleet, is injurious and often fatal to the goats, and are very careful not to allow their flocks to go to pasture until the grass and other herbage is dry. While this view may be exaggerated, many of our breeders follow the Turkish practice with excellent results.

The Question of ^Vatering.

Goats do not drink much water, but what they do drink must be clean. They have an inherent abhorrence of filthy water and filthy food. A running stream is a valuable thing in a pasture. If that is not present, water from a spring or well should be afforded.

The Question of Salting.

Goats require more ^■alt than sheep, owing to the more astringent character of their feed. If loose salt is used, the general custom is to give it once a week on regular days. If rock salt is used, it should be placed where the animal can get to it at any time. Eock salt is preferable, as it can be placed in ])oxes or troughs raised from the ground, and thus be kept out of the dirt and be of easy access to the goats at any time; and, too, there is no waste and do danger that the animal will eat too much of it.

The Question of lUarliing.

The question of marking is always proper. Several devices are in use, but the metal tag in the ear is probably best known.

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