Raising Angora Goats

Raising Angora Goats

Raising Angora Goats

Raising Angora goats is a specialized and rewarding pursuit for those interested in fiber production, sustainable textiles, or heritage livestock. Originating from Turkey (the Ankara region, formerly Angora), these elegant goats are prized for their luxurious, silky mohair—a lustrous, durable fiber used in high-end clothing, blankets, and crafts.

1. Know the Breed

• Origin: Ankara, Turkey

• Size:

  • Does: 80–100 lbs

  • Bucks: 120–180 lbs

• Fleece:

  • Grows 1–1.5 inches per month (clipped twice yearly, in spring and fall)

  • Yields 8–16 lbs of mohair per adult goat annually

  • Kid mohair (first shearing) is the softest and most valuable

• Temperament: Gentle, quiet, and docile—but more delicate than other goat breeds

• Lifespan: 10–12 years with proper care

❗ Angoras are not cold-hardy when shorn and are highly susceptible to parasites and wet conditions.

2. Why Raise Angora Goats?

• Produce mohair, a premium natural fiber (often called “diamond fiber”)

• Support heritage breed conservation (listed as “watch” by The Livestock Conservancy)

• Low odor and calm demeanor make them suitable for small farms

• Mohair is in demand among handspinners, weavers, and eco-fashion brands

❌ Not ideal for milk or meat—Angoras are fiber-only goats.

3. Housing & Shelter Needs

Angoras must stay dry and clean—their fleece mats easily and holds moisture, leading to health issues.

• Shelter:

  • Fully enclosed (not three-sided) in wet or cold climates

  • Draft-free, well-ventilated, with dry bedding

  • Minimum 20 sq ft per goat indoors

• Bedding: Use absorbent materials (straw or wood shavings); change frequently

• Outdoor space: Well-drained dry lot or pasture with no mud

• Shearing prep: Provide a clean, dry holding area before clipping

❄️ After shearing (especially in fall), goats need immediate protection from rain, wind, and cold—consider goat coats in chilly weather.

4. Fencing

• Height: 4–5 feet (Angoras aren’t jumpers like other breeds)

• Material: Woven wire or cattle panels

• Predator protection: Secure at night—Angoras are vulnerable due to docile nature

5. Nutrition

Angoras need high-quality forage to support fleece growth.

• Hay: Premium grass or legume hay (alfalfa for kids, pregnant, or lactating does)

• Browse: They enjoy leaves, vines, and safe shrubs—but avoid wet or moldy forage

• Grain: Supplement with 0.5–1.5 lbs/day of goat ration during growth, pregnancy, lactation, or winter

• Minerals: Loose goat minerals with copper (critical for fiber quality)

• Water: Clean, fresh water at all times—dehydration affects fleece quality

🚫 Never feed moldy hay—Angoras are highly sensitive to mycotoxins.

6. Health & Special Care

Angoras are less hardy than other breeds and require vigilant care:

• Parasite control:

  • FAMACHA scoring + fecal testing

  • Rotational grazing essential

  • Avoid overgrazing—keep pasture >3" tall

• Hoof trimming: Every 6–8 weeks

• Vaccinations: CD&T standard; consult a vet for regional needs

• Lice & mites: Check fleece regularly—treat at first sign

• Shearing stress: Minimize handling around shearing time; avoid shearing in extreme weather

⚠️ CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) and CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis) are serious concerns—buy from tested herds.

7. Fiber (Mohair) Harvesting

• Shearing frequency: Twice a year—March/April and September/October

• Tools: Electric shears with fine blades (like those for sheep)

• Process:

  • Withhold feed 12–24 hours before shearing

  • Keep goat clean and dry

  • Skirt the fleece (remove stained/tangled parts)

  • Store in breathable cotton bags (not plastic)

• Yield:

  • Kids: 2–4 lbs of ultra-fine mohair

  • Adults: 5–12+ lbs, depending on quality and care

💡 Sell raw mohair to spinners, mills, or fiber cooperatives—kid mohair fetches the highest price.

8. Breeding & Reproduction

• Breeding age: Does at 12–18 months (must reach sufficient size)

• Gestation: ~150 days

• Kidding: Usually 1–2 kids; assistance rarely needed

• Kid care: Keep dry and warm—first shearing at 6 months

• Buck management: Keep separate; use only from disease-free lines

📝 Register with the American Angora Goat Breeders’ Association (AAGBA) to maintain breed standards and market value.

9. Challenges to Consider

• High maintenance: Require more shelter, nutrition, and health monitoring

• Weather sensitivity: Vulnerable to cold, rain, and heat stress

• Market niche: Requires effort to find buyers for mohair

• Not beginner-friendly: Best for those with goat experience or strong mentorship

10. Getting Started

1. Source from reputable, tested herds (ask for CAE/CL/Johnes test results)

2. Build secure, dry shelter before arrival

3. Start small: 1–2 does + arrange for a buck or AI

4. Learn shearing or partner with a professional shearer

5. Join AAGBA or fiber farming groups for support and marketing

Raising Angora goats is a labor of love for fiber enthusiasts and conservation-minded homesteaders. While they demand more attention than other breeds, the reward—glistening, golden mohair and a connection to a centuries-old textile tradition—is truly special.

🐐 “From pasture to skein—Angoras turn sunshine and hay into silk-like fiber.”

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