Managing and Maintaining Angoras
These brief notes below are a guide only and for infomration on other
matters relating to health, fencing, kidding adn other management issues
you might like to look at the series of publications called Ag Facts relating
to goats and available at the NSW Dept of Agriculture website. CLICK
HERE.
Feed and Water Requirements
Angoras and sheep have similar nutritional requirements. An adequate
supply of protein, minerals, vitamins and energy is essential for maximum
production and good animal health.
Good nutrition is necessary for pregnant does from 6-8weeks prior to kidding
until the end of lactation.
Poor nutrition during lactation can reduce body weight of weaned kids
by 25%. Follicle development can also be effected.
To ensure maximum growth after weaning, kids should have access to the
best quality feed that is highly digestible and ideally around 14% protein.
Angoras also need access to a clean reliable water source. Water consumption
& requirements would be very similar to those of sheep.
When budgeting on a water allowance you can plan for average daily consumption
of 4litres per head per day, however this can change dramatically with
the weather. On very hot days you may need to supply the maximum rate
of 9litres of water per head, per day. Allow enough trough space so that
at least 10% of a herd can drink at any time i.e. 15metres for trough
edge (7.5metres lond if two sides are accessible) for 500 goats.
Shearing Requirements
Prior to shearing the angoras should be drafted (divided into) groups
according to age i.e. mature goats, full mouth, four to six tooth, two
tooth and kids.
This will assist with classing and ideally; they should be shorn in order
from oldest to youngest, (i.e. mature goats first, down in age order,
with kids to be shorn last).
The reason for this shearing order is, if your adults are shorn straight
after your kids, the adult hair will appear to be harsh and strong and
you could be inclined to class this fibre into a line stronger than required.
There are many and varied designs for shearing sheds and choosing a plan
will depend on your requirements, number of animals and financial constraints.
For detailed information regarding shearing shed design go to NSW
Agriculture Note 2408 Shearing Shed Design
Shearing team
You will need a producer or person who is competent to class the mohair
or an employed professional classer, competent shearers, and at least
one shed hand or rouseabout. Be sure to liaise with your shearer to determine
his exact requirements.
Sufficient bins should be available for sorting the fleeces. The bins
should be positioned to ensure adequate artificial lighting or natural
light is available, so that the contents of the various bins can be examined
and compared.
A good classing table is essential and the best one is covered with a
strong mesh of no less than 2.5cm squares to allow locks and second cuts
to fall through.
Depending on your shearer and what he supplies, you will need shearing
plant, a Grinder for sharpening combs & cutters Brooms, and wool press
to produce compacted bales.It is best to have a permanent marker on hand
to mark bales for consignment.
