Anglo-Nubian goats are an interesting breed of goats. They are well appreciated in foreign countries, the same cannot be said for Russia. But they are not difficult to distinguish from our ordinary goats by their specific appearance and manners. What about their keeping, breeding? Get acquainted with the reviews of people for the final opinion.
The history of the origin of Anglo-Nubian goats
Goats of this breed are among the oldest breeds in the world, or at least in the first three. It is proved that they first appeared in northeast Africa - there were ardent connoisseurs of animal breeds, which created the Anglo-Nubian. More precisely, their earlier version. This happened more than 10 thousand years ago.
Goats were sold and exported to different countries. Of the most hectic sales, the French can be distinguished - they were carried away by Anglo-Nubian goats.
But at that time it was not the breed that exists now. English breeders brought to light the current breed, relying on the ancient. In this work, we are grateful to them, because all the same qualities inherent in African remained in the breed. Those skills remained for which they were appreciated, and are now valued in the new breed. In the experiments of breeders, which, incidentally, took place in the 19th century, a wide variety of breeds took part. These include such as:
- Some Indian breeds.
- Part from the Swiss.
- Middle Eastern breeds.
- Russian goats.
But it is not completely known when they nevertheless appeared in the world. Opinions are divided in two, some believe that this happened at the end of the 19th century - the end of the experiments. Others defend the view that this continued until the 30s of the 20th century.
In any case, it does not matter anymore. At the end of the experiments, it turned out that at that time most of the genetics were occupied by local, English goats and Nubian goats, which were only brought to them from the Middle East. From there it becomes clear where they got their name from. But even now, goats are often confused with Nubian goats, calling them that. And do not forget that the current Anglo-Nubian goats and Eastern goats are two different things.
After creation, goats began to show their relevance and value in those days. Many foreign farmers and landowners became interested in them and goats began to be exported vividly to neighboring countries. Then, spread to other states, which were also not averse to replenish the quantity. In Russia, the Anglo-Nubian goats appeared almost the very last - after the collapse of the USSR, and then, in small numbers. Large numbers of goats appeared only in the 21st century, in the last 10-15 years.
Breed description
Anglo-Nubian goats have a very memorable appearance, which definitely remains in memory after a trip to England. They are large goats, known for the quantity and taste of the milk they give out. It is free from unpleasant odors, and the taste affects everyone. Let's take a closer look at all the features of the appearance and productivity of the breed.
Appearance
The first thing that catches your eye is the color, which can be of several types. Among them:
- Ordinary blacks.
- Standard white.
- Unusual color - cream.
- Coffee shades with a soft milky color.
Often, they do not use the same color for one individual, and the shades are combined, grouping even 3 and 4 pieces on one goat. And the colors chosen at the same time add to the animal a specific look in which the goat becomes only more beautiful. If the combined colors include black, white and cream, it will look very beautiful, and sometimes the arrangement of colors on the body can be in the form of a leopard color. Such an opportunity is much appreciated.
Weight categories are the most common, except that females weigh 80 kg - a very large indicator for them. Males weigh about the same, although for the most part their weight still reaches 100 kg. Anglo-Nubian goats are built with emphasis on dairy production, but these indicators also suggest that meat production with their help also does not fail. Very successful breed.
According to other external criteria, goats have the appearance of a Roman species. Let's look at the smallest details of the body:
- Dense, fleshy body. It is distinguished by its length. The udder is quite massive in relation to the body.
- Long legs are a noticeable difference.
- Goats are extremely horned. Large, swirling horns are turned in opposite directions. Goats are usually hornless, although the opposite also occurs.
- The head is flat and long in shape, and a small hump is visible on the nose, which is characteristic of the Roman profile. Cheekbones on the face are pronounced. The eyes are large enough, and the lips are of various shapes. The upper one is much shorter than the lower one, which is why the teeth are often clearly visible and open.
- A thin layer of wool covers the body.
- The ears are long, dilapidated, hanging low enough from the head.
- There are no catkins - purebred Anglo-Nubian. Other countries have exceptions.
- The beard is present in goats in a small size. Goats are deprived of it.
- At a height, males can reach 90 cm, females - 80.
Basically, the Anglo-Nubian goats are calm and always easily follow the orders of the owner. In this they are compared with dogs. Although, there are not calm. They will make quite loud sounds, will be able to bring you and your neighbors.
Productivity
Uniqueness is manifested in this case. Goat productivity is good, both in meat production and in dairy. Now we will analyze exclusively meat.
In many regions of Russia it is not customary to breed Anglo-Nubian goats for meat, to slaughter them, getting valuable. But still, their meat has a tasty, juicy and tender appearance. The meat is completely devoid of the unpleasant odor that is inherent in many breeds. For this meat is appreciated, although it is supplied in small quantities, because not everyone is engaged in these goats, meat production.
Adults are not as good as young animals. Their meat becomes rubbery and begins to stretch. This does not add taste, but there is some disgust. It also manifests itself with age, the very unpleasant smell, which can no longer be eliminated.
The meat comes out quite a lot when you consider the weight. In adults, up to 100 kg, but if you do not take them into account, then the average weight of young animals is 50-60 kg, which in general is not bad either.
How much milk do they give?
The amount of milk also does not upset. After one milk yield, it is possible to get up to 3 liters of milk. According to calculations, up to 1000 liters can be obtained per year, although the average amount is slightly less - 850 liters. But the quantity of milk, as well as its quality will increase with each subsequent year, age and milk yield.
Now, let's analyze the quality of this very milk by standard standards:
- Fat content is standard, about 4.5%.
- The protein content is also average, 3.5%.
- The amount of lactose is 4.5%.
- Vitamins of groups A and C, as well as amino acids, are inherent in milk.
As we see, milk is simply irreplaceable, it has everything that is needed to maintain the body’s work and life - milk is very healthy, which you should not even expect from a regular goat. In quality, and especially in taste, milk surpasses most of the famous breeds. And some say, confirm that its taste resembles nuts and cream.
Anglo-Nubian kids
The kids are very susceptible to various diseases, and the survival of the breed is not so great. Under the wrong conditions, they die almost immediately. These conditions include:
- Diseases are the most common irritants and causes of death.
- Cold and drafts.
- Huge demands on water.
Features of care and maintenance
Anglo-Nubian goats are very demanding, if you wanted to put them in your yard, then strictly follow the rules, and certainly, prepare all the details of the room before the goats appear at your place.
Room requirements
You can’t keep them in a draft and damp conditions, the Anglo-Nubian goats are very susceptible to this, and young goats die almost immediately. Therefore, be sure to take care of them and the premises, thoroughly strengthening it and protecting it from all cold weather. Under opposite conditions, it is not difficult for them to catch pneumonia.
Also take care of the cleanliness of the room, which you will check and improve every day. An important role is played by ventilation, as well as warm and soft light, which is very important for Anglo-Nubian goats. Do not ignore these very characteristics of the containing premises.
You will need straw litter where the goats will rest. Lying down, they will select the most delicious and healthy straws, thereby strengthening their body. These very litter, you need to change every day, or the goat will give less milk, which is not very happy.
Do not keep them near goats of other breeds, they will not like it, and they will even begin to show vivid signs of aggression. It may come to a fight. And if they are females, this again will provoke less milk production. It looks very demanding, it is.
Feeding details
Diet and feeding are another tough area where you need to adhere to the rules. The daily schedule for eating is always respected, and they have three meals a day. The menu should include only special and verified products. Basically, the diet is:
- Hay is used in winter and grass in summer. 5 kg per day.
- Concentrated cereal feeds (only tested and recommended, Anglo-Nubian goats are very sensitive). 2 kg per day.
- Vegetables or silage, not much. Not more than 1 kg.
There is even a certain formula regarding this. 300 g of grain is given per day, and no less. But following it, there are supplements - 250 g for every liter of milk per day. It is also recommended to use ground oats and barley to increase productivity - an important part of the diet.
What to feed goats in winter, read here.
In addition to herbs, as a top dressing, you can use branches of shrubs and trees. Willow, pine and linden trees are great. Hazel is not excluded. Do not forget about vitamin top dressing. Suitable, such as chalk and salty licks, which should be installed next to the drinkers. Do not bother with the purchase of expensive drugs that do not exceed the materials at hand in quality.
How and how to feed the kids is described in the next article.
Breeding Anglo-Nubian goats
The breed is highly fertile; up to 3 kids can be born in one goat of a goat.
Types and features of insemination
Before the first insemination, care should be taken that the goat is already quite large, both in age and in weight. A common mistake is insemination at the age of 6 months. Then the offspring becomes incapacitated, lethargic and, in general, not very valuable in production. The goat itself will also be punished, in the form of injuries to health.
Better remember that you should carry out the procedure to achieve at least 50 kg by the goat - this is very important. Often feed, and wait until their age is 1 or 1.5 years. As for insemination methods, you can familiarize yourself with them below, here is a list:
- The most advanced method, as well as high-quality and fruitful, is artificial. At the same time, the entire process will be carried out by the veterinarian, and he will also be responsible for it, monitor the process, and in general, the method seems to be the safest.
- The second option is manual. In this method, the owner of the herd himself selects the individuals that will participate in the mating. Selected individuals are assigned to a separate room. Where mating will take place.
- Freestyle. A rare way, and is carried out only in farms of one breed.
When using the method of free knitting, all individuals of the economy, and does not depend on their gender, age, stick together. This method is not convenient in that the owner will not be able to look after the mating and the birth of offspring. The first two are the most effective.
Pregnancy and lambing features
If you believe the directories, then the gestation period is 151 days after mating - after passing - birth. But trusting books is not always good, and just in case, prepare to take birth on the 140th day. Maybe you are right. Although goats and without help can cope with childbirth on their own, but warned, then armed. Stock up with a knife, towels and warm water, in case there are complications. Although, these rarely happen. Remember that the first kid goes head first and hooves back. The rest are the other way around.
After birth, it is worth taking the kids from the goats, after allowing them to dry and place them in a place specially prepared according to all parameters. There, drink them in colostrum and keep them for a month. Colostrum will open all the mechanisms that will take place in the goat’s body.
Buying a purebred goat
Before buying a goat, be sure to ask for documents for it, if you do not want to get a cross, instead of a purebred individual. It is especially worth confirming the integrity of the breed if you purchase them from a large breeder. Either buy from well-known pedigree farms, or just abroad. The following describes how you can distinguish a purebred goat from an ordinary goat:
- Hanging ears in the form of bells are a feature that distinguishes the breed.
- The muzzle has a hump that gives Roman style.
- The skin under the fur is brown or black. Even if their fur is white, the skin of a purebred individual will always be dark.
- Anglo-Nubian goats are fleshy, large. They are also tall and stand on long and slender legs.
- If the horns were not cut, then in males they are in the form of a sickle, with an inclination back or forward.
- The udder is large enough, large nipples, and great for machine milking.
By color, you can not determine the thoroughbredness of a goat. Whatever he is.
Pros and cons of the breed
The main advantages of the breed can be considered:
- Appearance. It is difficult to find a goat that will amaze everyone with its appearance. Their motley color, powerful and graceful body is subdued.
- During the hot climate, under the baking sun, the Anglo-Nubian goats do not feel complications - everything is fine with them.
- Milk yield. 800 kg of milk per year is not a little, and in terms of sales and the quantity of this same milk, goats keep the bar in the world.
- Young growth quickly gaining weight, despite the fact that the breed is not at all intended for this. The taste qualities of meat are also preserved.
It would seem a miracle goat. But not everything is as simple as at first glance. This is not difficult to understand by looking below - at the list of cons:
- It is not so warm in Russia, especially if you count the northern regions. Anglo-Nubian goats do not tolerate cold and damp, and in order to have at least the slightest opportunity to successfully keep and breed them in their territory, it is necessary to create the most suitable greenhouse conditions.
- Huge demands on food and general maintenance. Even a small mistake in selecting food for nutrition can cause problems with milking, and sometimes with health. Great efforts will have to be made to keep them right and not to make mistakes.
- They can not be contained with other breeds nearby. Especially the females. This creates some problems on large farms, where it will not be possible to place them separately. And from this grow other problems, creating a branch.
Disease and Vaccination
With the help of breeders, the Anglo-Nubian breed has become more resistant to disease. Although, some may leak, and this requires vaccination with the help of a specialist. Let's highlight the most common diseases:
- Pseudotuberculosis appears completely unnoticed and can last long enough without showing any symptoms. Even at this time, the body will carry some negative effects. But when the symptoms appear, such as miscarriages in the female, pneumonia - consult a specialist.
- Respiratory diseases due to drafts.
- Diseases due to poor feed.
- Tetanus and botulism. They arise due to untreated wounds and food, chemical poisoning. For example, due to poor-quality food, as mentioned above.
- A rare disease is rotting of the hooves. It may not appear for a long time, but if the movement of the Anglo-Nubian goat began to buckle, and indeed, problems with movement began to appear - this is a clear sign of the disease. In such cases, urgent assistance to the animal is required.
To avoid this, do timely vaccinations and examinations at veterinarians. Vaccinations, by the way, are carried out in young animals, and some, after birth.
Profitability and prospects of breeding
Goat breeding is very poorly developed. And if we are talking about the Anglo-Nubian breed, whose whims and exactingness are great, then everything is complicated here. Only some people manage to keep them at home, creating the right conditions for life. Only a few such farms are known throughout Russia. Providing proper maintenance is financially costly. Few people are ready to provide goats with proper care and nutrition.
From what has been analyzed above, we can conclude that the population will not grow in Russia. Why does anyone need a demanding breed when you can get ordinary goats and keep them in a cold barn and feed them cheap food. Now the Anglo-Nubian breed of goats is bred mainly for sale and for milk with its further processing.
Reviews
Natalia, 65 years old, Farmer, Moscow Region. My grandson used to be a very sick boy, there are problems with the intestines. They decided to get a goat, and just got amazed, her milk cured him! The goat helped us a lot, do not mind the money that they gave for it! As for the other content issues, etc., everything is fine, there were no problems. True, we took care of her as a member of the family.
Anna, 37 years old, Farmer, Kubinka. Delighted with Nubian goats. I got myself a goat (I bought it from the breeders on the site nubilena.ru), so it does not cease to please me with delicious milk. Although very demanding baby. But in general, I am satisfied, I am going to look for a couple for her.
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As it now becomes clear, in the end, Anglo-Nubian goats, this is not a good choice. Their exactingness breaks all barriers, and Russia is a difficult place to live. But if you are experienced, confident in yourself, no one forbids you to try, it is not harmful. The main thing to remember is what common problems may arise with their content, and how to solve them. Then everything will work out.