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Published on 5th December 2022 by staff

Barbari Goat

Barbari Goat

The Barbari Goat is one of the 20 classified breeds of goats found in India. They are primarily a meat-type breed, but considering the number of animals reported, it is urgent to undertake conservation measures. It has also been surveyed that, most male goats are castrated early in life (within 7 to 30 days), and fattened for slaughtering at religious festivals. However, these live resources have a general mortality rate. They are highly manageable, and can adapt themselves in stall-feeding condition.

CharacteristicsAttractive looks, small to medium stature, compact body, bulging eyes, short, erect ears, well-set udders, concealed teats, males have thick, large beard
Personality TraitsIntelligent, alert, adapted to stall feed
Coat HairShort
Wool ColorCreamy white to golden with brown to rusty-brown marks
Horn StatusShort, straight; occasionally curly
UsesMostly for meat; also for farming and milk
Lactation Duration150 days
Lifespan/Expectancy15 to 18 years
WeightBuck: 40 kg (average);
Nanny: 24 kg (average)
Height (size)Buck: 70.5 cm;
Nanny: 58.7 cm
Litter Size1-3
Flock Details9.25 individuals (2 to 31) with 0.6 bucks, 5.3 nannies, 3.4 young goats
DietStubble of cultivated crops, tree leaves, fodders and grains including berseem, wheat straw, millets, maize, barley
Country of OriginIndia,
Somalia (Berbera)

History and Development

The Barbari goat, basically, originated in the east African country of Somalia. However, the route of their migration to India is yet not confirmed. The experts have inferred that, there is a high probability that these animals have reached the country with the traders during the medieval period through the land and sea routes.

This breed is common in the farms of the arid and semi-arid regions of north and north-western India. They have been adopted and extensively used in many Indian states under the respective goat development projects.

Barbari Goat Photos
Barbari Goats

Distribution

Barbari goats are found in Uttar Pradesh, prevalently in the Mathura, Etah, Aligarh, Agra districts, Bharatpur in Rajasthan, also in some parts of Gujarat, and in Jhelum and Sargodha districts of the Punjab Province in Pakistan.

Meat Production

On an average, a standard adult can yield a meat of 14.517 kg. A newborn kid can yield 1.739 kg, during weaning it is 6.661 kg. When they are 6 months of age, they can yield 7.800 kg, while at age 9 months it is 12.566.

Milk Production

The quality of milk of the barbaris is not too high. The daily milk yield average is about 750 ml to 1000 ml. The average lactation may be 130-200 liters of milk in a lactation length of 150 days. The fat percentage is about 5.

Barbari Goat Farming
Barbari Goat Pictures

Kidding

These goats are extremely productive, and characterized by early maturity and frequency in triple kidding. Females may kid twice in a period of 12-15 months. The chance of single kids in a litter is 25%, for twins – 65%, and for triplets – 10%.

Barbari Goat Images
Barbari Goat Babies

Interesting Facts

  • It is believed that these goats have derived their names from the place of its origin viz. ‘Berbera’ in East Africa.

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