Introduction to the Cashmere Goat

GOATS are  the most ubiquitous ruminants and can be found on almost every continent in the world;  their origins amd their use can vary widely, and some of them produce minimal quantities of Cashmere undercoat naturally  as insulation from the cold;  for this reason the Cashmere industry does not recognize Cashmere goats as a true 'breed'.      

Cashmere is the fine, fluffy, downy undercoat produced by a Cashmere goat; and by definition,  is a wavy, opaque fiber of a thickness of 11-18 microns and is 10 times lighter and warmer than wool (Merinos, the best quality sheep's wool for example, is usually over 24 microns thick, although in recent years these values have been greatly improved by genetic selection to under 19,5 in some herds).    It, like the 'guard' hair which surrounds and protects it, may be any color, from pure white to near-black, with all the beautiful, natural shades in between.  Because it can be dyed pastel colors, the cashmere industry pays more for white Cashmere, but on our farm we select for the multitude of natural colors - cream, hazelnut, brown, grey, charcoal - to be used undyed in our hand-woven products.  Whether the goat has long or short "guard hair" is irrelevant:  the importance is the quality and quantity of the undercoat it is bred o produce. 

The quality and quantity of the fiber produced by any given animal and passed on to its offspring are more important than an animal's "pedigree", so it is important to test and select on an on-going basis to improve both the fineness and the yield.  By applying systematic, careful, and continuous genetic selection together with  state-of-the art fiber testing and reproductive techniques,  improved producers can be bred in only a few generations. 

The fiber is harvested once a year by hand in the spring as it sheds; ideally, a good Cashmere goat will produce 200 grams or more of long, highly crimped (wavy), non-lustrous fiber.   Once harvested the cashmere is dehaired mechanically or manually to separate the fiber from the coarse guard hair before being spun into yarn.

The beauty of Cashmere is its exceptional lightness and  softness - these caracteristics are DEPENDENT on the animal's geneology,  INFLUENCED by feeding and are  ENHANCED by the final  'finishing'  process - a special washing procedure which makes the fiber  'bloom'  and brings out its exceptional natural softness.  Thus, the quality of the finished product, is due to the sum of:  quality of the fiber (the goat's genetics) +  expertise in spinning and weaving  +  experienced finishing. 

RAISING CASHMERE GOATS

Goats are intelligent, stubborn and extremely entertaining animals that are suitable for either small family farms or large, extensive breeding systems. Cashmere goats in particular are hardy and adaptable and can survive almost anywhere if suitable shelter is provided from the rain and severe cold. We chose Cashmere goats for their suitability to natural, extensive breeding systems which require little time and a minimal investment in structures and equipment. They fit extremely well in many models of SUSTAINABLE  LIVESTOCK SCHEMES and can be raised alone or in addition to other animal species, to take full advantage of their SYNERGIC  grazing habits:  goats eat the unpalatable weeds that other animals scorn.

"GOATS TURN WEEDS INTO PROFIT" and thrive on unimproved pasture and abandoned farmland that sheep and horses cannot utilize.  Their preference for weeds, brambles, and thorny or prickly plants of all kinds that choke normal pastureland make them the  "NATURAL WEEDWHACKER WITH NO SPARE PARTS"   They can be used to great advantage to improve abandoned land, clear undergrowth in forests, maintain woodlands, roadsides and riverbanks, and complementary graze with other animals to increase the quantity of spontaneous legumes in pastures.  Castrated male Cashmere goats (wethers) make the ideal (and very "chic") companion for horses and donkeys.

Once a secure fence is installed, they require very little else in the way of care:  Cashmere goats are low-maintenance, requiring low percentages of protein and are capable of utilizing less costly high-fiber fodder.  They make excellent mothers and are perfectly capable of raising more than one kid when fed properly.   Together with their exceptional luxury  fiber, for which there is always a demand, Cashmere goats also produce top-quality low-cholesterol meat and excellent quality hides which command top prices

           For more information see www.CapCashIt.it, the site of the Italian Cashmere Goat Association

Photogallery