The Mehsana goat is a dual purpose breed of domestic goat which is raised primarily for meat and milk production. The breed originates from the Gujarat state of India. And it’s an important breed in it’s place of origin. Not surprisingly, the Mehsana goat breed derives it’s name from the origin place called ‘Mehsana‘ in Gujarat.
The breed is found in it’s most pure form in this area. The Mehsana goat is widely spread and distributed in Banaskantha, Palanur, Gandhi Nagar, Ahmadabad and nearby areas in varying intensity.
The flock size of this goat breed vary from 15-300, even some very smaller flocks of 2-5 goats are also found. Read more information about the Mehsana goat breed below.
Mehsana Goat Characteristics
The Mehsana goats are medium to large sized animal with convex face profile. Their coat color is mainly black with white spots at the base of the ears. The hair on the coat is long and shaggy. Their nose line is straight.
Ears of the Mehsana goat are of medium size and white in color, which are leaf-like and dropping. Both bucks and does are bearded and usually have horns. Their horns have one or two twists and curved upward and backward with pointed tips. Their tail is usually short and remains upward.
Udder of the Mehsana does is well developed, and the teats are large and conical. The bucks on average weight about 37 kg, and average body weight of the does is about 32 kg. Info and photo from Animal Genetics Training Resource.
Uses
Mehsana goat is a dual-purpose breed of domestic goats. It is raised for both milk and meat production. But the breed is also pretty good for hair production.
Special Considerations
Mehsana goats are relatively hardy and active goats. Most of the flocks are stationary and raised on extensive grazing system. And only a few flocks migrate seasonally to the nearby areas.
The Mehsana does are pretty good milk producers. And they produce about 1.3 kg of milk daily. Their first kidding age vary from 600 to 650 days. Single kidding is common, and twinning is low and ranges from 10-15 percent. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the table bellow.
Breed Name | Mehsana |
Other Name | None |
Breed Purpose | Dual-purpose (Meat & Milk) |
Breed Size | Medium to Large |
Buck | About 37 kg |
Doe | About 32 kg |
Horns | Yes |
Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
Coat Color | Black |
Good for Stall Fed | Yes |
Rarity | Common |
Country/Place of Origin | India |