Savanna goat breed

THE development of the white savannah goat started on the farm of DSU Cilliers and Sons in 1955 in a minimum-care environment close to the Vaal River where the animals were expected to adapt, survive and breed on typical savannah veld.

Local multi-coloured lob-eared goats were used in the foundation herd and the result was a fertile, heat and parasite tolerant, drought resistant goat with a good meat quality.

Growing interest led to the recognition of the Savannah goat as a breed and to the establishment of a breed society in 1993.

Description

The Savannah is a medium to large white lob-eared goat with a thick pliable skin and a short smooth coat. Despite the white colour, the Savannah goat is extremely well pigmented. Pigmentation must be dark grey to black.

The horns are dark black and grow backwards from the crown of the head. The horns must be strong and oval shaped and must not press against the neck. Bucks have slightly stronger, heavier horns than does.

The does are of a medium size but should appear refined and feminine. Bucks must be masculine, robust and well-muscled.

Production norms

Savannah wethers have a good growth rate and are an early to medium-maturity type that produces carcasses with good confirmation.

100-day weaning weight buck kids: 30 kg 100-day weaning weight doe kids: 25 kg mature weight does: 60 kg.

Products

• Meat – Balanced lean carcass with tender tasty meat at a young age. Healthy, low fat meat.

• Excellent quality skin (value-added trait).

• Good quality white cashmere, although in small quantities (value-added trait).

Grain pattern of different Savannah goat skins.

The normal production environment for this type of breed is typical savannah veld.

Breed numbers

There are currently 20 Savannah goat breeders who are members of the breeders’ society. There are about 3 000 Savannah goats registered with the breeders’ society. The total number of Savannah goats in Namibia is unknown.

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