Murcia-Granada Goat

The Murcia-Granada goat, also known as Granadina and Murciano-Granadina, is a native breed originated in southeast Spain (Murcia, Almería, Granada and Alicante). Some years ago it was introduced to Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela. They have also been exported to North Africa. In Spain it has been selected for rusticity, high performance, and its excellent milk production.

The Murcia-Granada has a small-medium size with a live weight near 30-50 kg for does and 50-60 kg for bucks. It has a uniform black to brown color skin and hair. Does have short, thin hair, but buck's hairs are longer and stronger. Bucks usually have a pronounced beard and are horned. The ears are of medium size and erect. The tail is short and erect. The limbs are thin but solid and of medium length.

Two varieties are found: the "Veguesi" from irrigated and flat land, and the "Montana" from mountainous areas. The Veguesi goat is a better milk producer than the Montana and is larger. Coloration is similar for both varieties.

The Murcia-Granada is well adapted to the hot and dry conditions of the semiarid areas of southeastern Spain. It is the most productive domestic animal in this climate because of its ability to maintain a high milk production under less than ideal conditions. The Murcia-Granada flocks graze adverse terrain and feed on the by-products of the agricultural industry with a very good transformation index. This breed produces about 500 kg of milk in a 280 day period, with a composition of 5.3% fat and 3.4% protein - better than other breeds in Mediterranean areas. Most of the milk produced in Spain is used for cheese production.

Currently, the number of Murcia-Granada in southeast of Spain is about 400,000 animals, of which 150,000 are in the region of Murcia.