Cashmere goat Farming: Starting a Cashmere Goat Farm

The cashmere industry is a lucrative one based on the production of cashmere wool. Cashmere wool is an expensive fiber obtained from domesticated goats.

 Its soft, fine texture makes the highly sort after product attract huge patronage. The Cashmere goat produces two coated fleece the guard and down hair.

There are a few goat species regarded as fiber producers such as the Nigora goat, Angora goat, Cashmere goat and Pygora goat.

Cashmere Wool

Cashmere wool is determined by the length, crimping and diameter. Selective breeding, and good nutrition are factors that influence better quality of cashmere fiber.

 Regardless of the length of the hair the coarse guard hair should maintain the same color consistency and shear-ability. Cashmere goats produce significant amount of guard hair in relations to down hair.

Features of the fiber include excellent insulation, low luster, soft, fine, light or strong texture. Determinants of acceptable cashmere are the dimensions of the fiber not exceeding certain diameters and microns. The specification is 1-1/4' long with diameter less 10 microns. 

Types of Cashmere Fiber Producing Goats

We have established that the Cashmere goat is not the only producer of cashmere fiber. A few goats in this category are hexi cashmere, Australian cashmere, Pashmina goats, and Tibetan plateau.

Others include zhongwei goat, inner Mongolian goat and Alashanzuoqi white. The goats are characterized by their location, selective breeding, country of origin and habitat.

Types of Fiber

The types of fiber obtained from Cashmere goat are raw, processed, virgin or recycled hair.  Virgin fiber is ideal for yarn then made into fabrics.

Unprocessed fiber is regarded as raw while processed fiber has undergone de-hair, wash, carding and weaving. Reclaimed fibers from fabric are acknowledged as recycled fibers.

How to Start a Cashmere goat Farm

Select the goat

Goats are farmed for milk, meat, coat or skin. Raising goats is highly profitable however you need to select the right breed.

Goats are herd animal and thrive in numbers. Select the breed that is native to your country and regarded as cashmere goats.

The goat you buy should be certified fit and healthy. Physical inspection or the services of a qualified veterinarian will be of tremendous assistance.

Make sure you purchase cashmere goats if you are interested in wool production. You need to purchase several Does and a single Buck for your breeding program.

Determine the age of the animal and choose according to your business goals and requirements. The price of goats varies according to the age young Kid, doe, and buck.

Before purchasing the animal you need to consider costs of feeding, labor and housing.

Prepare an Enclosure

You need to prepare an enclosure by providing a fence. The peripheral enclosure could be built with wire to prevent escape and wandering.

 Build a clean, dry shelter such as a shed or barn for the goats. Create separate housing for bucks, Does and fencing about 6 feet.

Feeding Cashmere goats

Goats are curious animals and will take a bite out off anything. This annoying trend could lead to disaster if any poisonous plant is eaten.

Therefore make sure the pasture is free from harmful shrubs and substances. One square bale of hat per head weekly is sufficient. They need clean water, grains and supplements.

Get licensing and Permits

Find out the local government regulations regarding goat rearing. Commercial goat farming follows strict guidelines and regulations as regards, fencing and trading.

You need a trade license and membership in goat breeders association. There are also environmental and health laws guiding the enterprise.Crocodile Farming

Conclusion

Before you start your Cashmere goat farm you need to write a business plan. Then carry out a feasibility study for the best location for your farm.

Study what other breeding programs are doing and learn some of their tricks. Carefully consider the breed of goat before purchasing the animal.

 Make sure you buy healthy goats from reputable breeders. Get the appropriate licensing and register your enterprise. Build stronger sustainable enclosures for your stock and provide good nutritious feed.

Build a parameter fence to void escape of animal. Invest in basic equipment to carry out the de-hairing and shearing.

Join Cashmere goat association for more information and guidance. Finally identify markets to sell your products depending on your business goals and structure. <