Don Goat

The Don breed was discovered in 1933-34 in the former Lower Volga territory. Because their habitat covers the basin of the Don river and its tributaries, these goats were named "Don". The Don goats are of medium size with a strong constitution, good conformation and adequate undercoat wool on the body, neck and belly. Bucks are larger than does and have a greater live weight. The average live weight of 3.5-4.5 year-old bucks is 70 kg, but may range from 65-85 kg. The buck's body shape is roundish and the skeleton is bigger than that of does. Their horns are large and variable in shape. The buck's back is long, straight and wider than the doe's. The average live weight of adult does is 36 kg, but may range from 35-40kg. Kids weigh 2 kg at birth, 14 kg at weaning, 27 kg at the age of 1.5 years and 30 kg at 2.5 years.

Don goats are predominantly black, but may be white. Adult does have the following measurements (cm): height at withers 60.3, height at sacrum 62.1, oblique body length 64.5, chest girth behind shoulder blades 81.7, chest depth 30.7, chest width between shoulder joints 15.9 and width at hips 19.5.

Don goats have the highest wool production among all goat breeds, though with significant individual deviations. The average wool yield from females is 500 g, but may range from 330-1430 g; from bucks it is 1015 g, but may range from 550-1600 g. The average wool content in the fleece is 79.4%, but may range from 61.5-92.2%. As in all cashmere breeds and related varieties the guard hairs are much longer than the wool fibers. In this respect Don goats, compared with other breeds and varieties, have coarser wool that is not uniform in fineness. The average fineness of wool fibers, fine and coarse combined, is 22 µm.

Don goats are quite satisfactory milkers. The average yield in a 5-month period is 130-140 litres. The milk is noted for high fat content with an average of 4.6% and a range of 3.3-8.2%. In the first two days after kidding the fat content is 7-12%.

Don goats are very prolific. The average kidding rate is 145-150 kids per 100 females.

The goatskin is mainly used for low-grade footwear. The pelt of Don goats slaughtered in autumn has good fur quality determined by the structure of the fleece, as its density and wool fibers are longer than the guard hairs. They can be used as a basic material in the fur industry. The fur quality Don goats is comparable to Ramanov sheep which produce the best sheepskin.