Description and characteristics of Kalakhara goats, rules of keeping
The Kalahar goat breed is considered a meat one. It was bred relatively recently, but managed to gain popularity among many farmers. This is due to high productivity and undemanding content. A distinctive feature of animals is considered to be a red shade of wool. However, they are impressive in size and quickly gain weight. This is considered the undisputed advantage of the breed.
Description and characteristics of the Kalahara goat
Red goats are considered a fairly rare breed in Russia. It was registered relatively recently and did not have time to get widespread. However, these unusual animals are increasingly gaining in popularity.
The breed's name comes from their red hue and the Kalahari Desert, which spans the borders of South Africa. A distinctive feature of animals is their unusual appearance. These robust animals are distinguished by their attractive appearance and arouse real admiration.
By the age of three, goats develop a dewlap and folds on the neck. In this case, the horns of animals are bent back. They have large ears that hang down. The legs are considered rather short in comparison with the length of the body. At the same time, the limbs are powerful and thick and complemented by strong heavy hooves. Well-developed muscles are characteristic of animals.
The male has a height of 90 centimeters, and the female - 75. At the same time, an adult goat weighs 120-140 kilograms, and a goat - 90. Animals are distinguished by a red shade of wool with occasional splashes of chocolate. Kalahari goats produce delicious, high-fat milk. It does not have a specific smell. This product is perfect for making cheese. A distinctive feature of animals is considered to be high productivity. These goats are capable of producing 2-3 liters of milk.
Today there is little information regarding the origin of this breed. Some sources claim that these are African goats, which were obtained by crossing with local species. According to other sources, the Kalahara goats do not belong to Africa in any way.
This type of animal is often crossed with Boer goats, which helps to improve their breed characteristics. If you combine a beef breed with a dairy breed, you will be able to get excellent results - make the milk more fatty and increase the weight of the goats.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
This beef breed has many advantages. The main advantage of goats is their fast growth.As a result, they can be used commercially for the manufacture of meat products.
The kids grow quickly and gain weight - up to 1.5 kilograms per week. Some individuals are able to add up to 400 grams per day. Animals are distinguished by excellent fertility and are able to independently feed their offspring. Another advantage is the pleasant taste of meat. It is devoid of a specific smell.
So, the main advantages of the Kalahara goats include the following:
- beautiful appearance;
- rapid weight gain;
- high milkiness parameters;
- excellent meat productivity.
At the same time, some disadvantages are characteristic of the breed. These include:
- the complexity of the content;
- insufficiently strong immunity in young animals;
- high price.
How to choose the right one
To choose the right animal, you should pay attention to the color of its coat. Kalahari goats have a red tint. In this case, there should not be white or light blotches. Deviations in color are also undesirable.
Long and flexible ears are considered another distinctive feature of this breed. The skin around the neck should be loose and easy to stretch. The horns are higher than the ears. Females should have large and symmetrical udders.
Subtleties of maintenance and care
These animals are considered to be very active. They are characterized by a high degree of endurance. Goats thrive even in harsh conditions, including arid regions. In order for the goats to develop normally and not get sick, they need careful care. Animals need a mandatory shelter. If you keep pets in the rain, there is a high probability of developing pathologies.
A small barn should be used as a sleeping place. It is also permissible to make flooring under a canopy. If the goat is kept with other animals, it is recommended to provide a latch in the barn. Animals need free range. It is recommended to keep pets in a pen. If necessary, it is permissible to tie the animal. However, it is important to keep an eye on the goat, since she will not be able to stand up for herself.
It is not recommended to use a rope for a leash, as animals can chew it. The chain is also considered not the best option, since there is a risk of injury to the pet.
It is important to ensure access to fresh water during the grazing period. It is desirable that it be cool. It is recommended to add a little apple cider vinegar to the liquid. This product includes potassium and other beneficial elements that will help prevent the appearance of worms in the body.
Diet
Goats are considered undemanding to food. They feed on various types of grasses and grains. Kalahari goats are distinguished by a high degree of endurance and are able to do without food for a long time. It is recommended that alfalfa and red clover be included in the diet. At the same time, you should not use straw for food. It contains few nutrients. This product is only suitable as bedding. When growing Kalahara goats without steroids or other chemical additives, it will be possible to obtain tasty meat, which is characterized by excellent texture.
Breeding rules
Female Kalahara goats are distinguished by a pronounced maternal instinct. They are capable of caring for their young. On average, each goat gives birth to 3 kids with an interval of 2 years. Newborn kids are distinguished by great strength and excellent appetite. They are growing rapidly. Average parameters of weight gain are 1.5 kilograms per week. Individuals grow faster.
Pets need a little attention.When grown commercially, they can be very profitable and a good source of meat.
Diseases and methods of dealing with them
This breed is highly resistant to disease and parasite attacks. Therefore, it needs less careful care than other varieties. However, sometimes animals still suffer from common diseases.
Sometimes pets are faced with brucellosis or tuberculosis. These pathologies pose a danger not only to the goats themselves, but also to humans. However, they are rare. Also, animals are susceptible to goat encephalitis and lymphadenitis.
Kalahari goats are relatively new animals that have gained popularity. To achieve success in their cultivation, it is recommended to fully care for the pets.
