The Hailun goat is a breed of domesticated goat native to the Hailun region of Heilongjiang Province, China. The breed is also known as the Hailun goat, Heilongjiang goat or Hailun black goat. The breed is estimated to have been developed during the late 19th century and is known for its hardy nature and long, dense winter coats. The Hailun goat is a medium-sized animal, with bucks growing to a height of up to 66 inches and weighing up to 242 pounds. Does typically range in size from 45-55 inches and 120-180 pounds. The coat of the Hailun goat is black or dark gray in color and is composed of medium-length hair.
The Hailun goat is a degreed dual-purpose breed, raised both for its meat and for its milk. Bucks typically have a barre or late-maturing horn, while does may have perfectly smooth foreheads or curved horns. Bucks of the breed often feature a small beard on their chin. The breed is known for its hardiness and its ability to thrive in cold climates. It is also relatively disease-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures.
The Hailun goat is primarily used as a meat and dairy animal. The meat of the Hailun goat is highly prized for its low fat content and savory flavor. Its milk is also of excellent quality, with high butterfat and protein content. The breed is also used for the production of cashmere. The cashmere produced from the hair of the Hailun goat is considered to be of the highest quality.
The Hailun goat is a highly prolific breed, with bucks capable of producing over 100 offspring in a single year. Bucks typically reach sexual maturity at around six months of age, while does bring their first offspring at around ten months. The lifespan of the Hailun goat is typically between 8 and 12 years.
The Hailun goat is an excellent breed for small-scale grazing operations. The breed is known for its ability to thrive on minimal amounts of feed and water, making it well-suited to outdoor living. They can be used in both pasture and enclosed environments and are generally suited to both rich and poor soils. They are also known to be a relatively low-maintenance breed, requiring minimal amounts of care.
The Hailun goat is a rare breed, with only a few hundred animals estimated to exist worldwide. However, the breed is becoming increasingly popular due to its hardy nature and potential for both meat and milk production. The breed is also being used in efforts to conserve and restore native Chinese goat breeds, and it is listed as “Vulnerable” in the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s list of endangered species.
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