Cashmere goat farming is a highly profitable agricultural project that contributes significantly to rural economic development and helps adjust the industrial structure. It provides farmers with a sustainable source of income, promotes local economies, and supports the growth of the wool industry.
**I. Product Features and Value**
(a) **Cashmere**: Cashmere refers to the fine undercoat of goats, harvested from secondary hair follicles. It is known for its softness, warmth, and lightness, often described as "light as silk" and "white as snow." It is called the "pearl of natural fibers" and the "king of fibers" in Western countries. Due to its high quality, it is a premium raw material for the textile industry. With rising global demand, cashmere prices have been increasing year by year. For instance, in 2001, the local purchase price was about 340 RMB per kilogram, while foreign cashmere reached over 1,500 RMB per kilogram. This has earned it the nickname "soft gold," highlighting its immense market potential.
(b) **Meat**: Goat meat is rich in protein, low in fat, and has lower cholesterol than chicken or rabbit meat. It is widely consumed in Asia and Africa as both a nutritious food and a delicacy during festivals. Its popularity is growing, and its market price is higher than pork and beef.
(c) **Goat Skin**: The skin can be used to make clothing, shoes, bags, gloves, and other leather products.
(d) **Manure and Urine**: Goat manure is an excellent organic fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It improves soil structure, prevents compaction, and enhances fertility.
(e) **Production Performance**: Adult rams weigh around 47.8 kg, with birth weights of 2.4 kg for males and 2.1 kg for females. Lambing rates range from 103% to 105%, and survival rates are typically 97%. Ewes can be bred at 12–16 months of age, and natural mating usually occurs between October and November. Adult goats have a meat yield of about 40%, with a net meat rate of 33%. Cashmere production is also significant, with adult bucks producing 1.1–1.2 kg and does 0.8–1 kg annually. Based on current values, a breeding ewe can generate a net income of approximately 392 RMB (excluding manure).
**II. Living Habits**
Cashmere goats are active, agile, and enjoy grazing on steep slopes and cliffs. They are social animals that prefer to live in groups and show strong affinity towards humans. A well-trained lead sheep can manage the flock effectively. They are selective eaters, favoring hard stems, leaves, and seeds. Their cashmere grows in late summer and sheds in spring, making proper nutrition crucial for high-quality fiber production. They are also clean animals, avoiding contaminated grass, so pastures should be changed regularly.
**III. Feeding Management and Breeding Points**
Proper feeding and management are essential for maximizing cashmere yield, reproductive success, and lamb survival. Grazing should be managed strategically, using diverse pastures to improve health and reduce feed costs. During winter, sheep should be fed soybeans and corn, ensuring they are boiled or matured. Clean water and salt must be available daily. Salt supplementation improves appetite and overall health. Colostrum is vital for newborn lambs, so early and sufficient intake is crucial. Breeding typically starts in October–December, with births occurring in March–May. Careful management during pregnancy and lambing ensures high survival rates.
**IV. Disease Prevention and Control**
Regular deworming and vaccinations are necessary to maintain health. Selenium deficiency is common in some areas and can lead to serious diseases, so supplements are essential. Common ailments like stomatitis, foot rot, and intestinal blockage require prompt treatment. Vaccinations against contagious diseases and foot-and-mouth disease are also critical. Parasite control through baths and internal treatments helps keep the flock healthy and productive.
By following these practices, cashmere goat farming can be both economically rewarding and environmentally sustainable, offering long-term benefits for farmers and communities.
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