Goat Breeds of the World

During the recent past, awareness has increased of the goat's merits for producing meat, milk and fibre. The interest has been stimulated by the goat's ability to survive extended periods of drought better than other livestock, its capability of using some of the pasture resources not available to other stock, and the advantages of a small but efficient producer. Attempts to improve goat production should not resort to crossing with improved breeds unless the potential of local breeds has been fully explored. It is, therefore, important to know the local goat populations, their distribution and properties. This volume lists goat populations, which are described as breeds and for which basic data are available. The database is published documentation supplemented with information obtained through a questionnaire directed to livestock authorities in most UN-member countries. It includes 160 breeds. Data is given on conformation, growth, milk and fibre production.
 
During the recent past, awareness has increased of the goat's merits for producing meat, milk and fibre. The interest has been stimulated by the goat's ability to survive extended periods of drought better than other livestock, its capability of using some of the pasture resources not available to other stock, and the advantages of a small but efficient producer. Attempts to improve goat production should not resort to crossing with improved breeds unless the potential of local breeds has been fully explored. It is, therefore, important to know the local goat populations, their distribution and properties. This volume lists goat populations, which are described as breeds and for which basic data are available. The database is published documentation supplemented with information obtained through a questionnaire directed to livestock authorities in most UN-member countries. It includes 160 breeds. Data is given on conformation, growth, milk and fibre production.