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Published on 5th December 2022 by staff

Chamois Colored Goat

Chamois Colored Goat

The Chamois Colored Goat is a breed of mountain goats that was developed in Switzerland. These are domesticated, dual-purpose goats that are popular for their good quality meat and tasty milk (and other dairy products). Known for their gentle disposition and good looks, these animals are also reared simply as house/farm pets in many places.

Also known asFrench: Chèvre chamoisée,
German: Gämsfarbige Gebirgsziege,
Italian: Camosciata delle Alpi,
British: Chamois Coloured Goat
CharacteristicsStrongly-built body with a vigorous appearance; medium built stature with a long face and a broad muzzle and deep jaws; the forehead is wide, while the eyes are prominent; the ears are set low and point forward
Coat HairLight tan to red
Body ColorationBrown wool with black dorsal stripes on lower limbs
Face ColorBlack to brown color-points/stripes
BeardOnly in males (sexual dimorphism)
HornSome are polled, others have long horns
UsesMilk production, Meat production
Vegetation management
Lactation Duration270 days
Lifespan/ExpectancyAverage
WeightBuck: 75 kg (minimum average);
Nanny: 55 kg (minimum average)
Height (size)Buck: 85 cm;
Nanny: 75 cm
Country of OriginSwitzerland
Climate ToleranceTolerant to all climates
Conservation StatusNot at risk

History and Development

The Chamois Coloured Goat originated in Switzerland, and belongs to the Swiss Mountain group. Other than the production of milk and meat, they also served as pack animals, helping in transporting of goods. Over the years, the breed spread throughout parts of Austria and northern Italy, and had even been exported to different other countries like France. The Swiss herd-book for this goat was established in 1930.

Chamois Colored Goat Photos
Chamois Colored Goat Pictures

Types

Two different strains of this breed are found:

  1. The Horned Type: These are found in the eastern parts of Switzerland in Grisons (Graubünden)
  2. The Hornless Type: This variety is common in central Switzerland in the Hasli region, as well as around the area of Brienz and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland.

Other than this, there can also be two different varieties, depending on body color. Coat colors can range from light tan to deep red. This pattern comes in two different shades: black and chocolate. A chocolate chamois will have chocolate points in place of black.

Temperament and Personality

They are known for their extremely docile and gentle nature, for which, it is also easy to keep them as pets. They are a highly adaptable breed, and are very good foragers. They are also not afraid of water, or any other natural elements that fall along their trails.

Meat (Chevon) and Milk Production

The does are good producers of milk. On an average, a female would yield about 700 kg milk per lactation period. The milk is nutritious and contains about 3.4% fat and 2.9% protein.

Chamois Colored Goats
Chamois Colored Goat Images

The live market weight of the goat is at least 55-75 kilos. The quality of meat is said to be tender.

Population

The number of chamois goats reported in Switzerland was 13,000, while the registered population figure was 6237 in Italy, in 2013. The 2012 census in Austria showed a population of 2526–3000.

Interesting Facts

  • Some countries consider the hornless variety an independent breed and have named them the Oberhasli goat.

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