5 popular Indian goat breeds and what makes them special – The Times of India

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In many villages across India, goats are more than just animals– they are part of the family’s everyday life. For small farmers and people with very little land, goats are one of the easiest animals to keep.They don’t need a lot of food, they grow quickly, and they can live in tough weather conditions.Most importantly, goats give farmers a steady way to earn money by selling their milk, meat, or even their skin. That’s why, in many parts of India, goat farming is still a popular and trusted option.What makes this even more special is that India has many local goat breeds. These are goats that have lived in different parts of the country for many years and are used to the local climate and food.Each breed has its own features and strengths. Let’s learn about five such breeds that are helping farmers in simple but powerful ways.Black Bengal

The Black Bengal goat is mostly found in states like West Bengal,Odisha, andAssam. It is small in size and easy to take care of.These goats are usually black, but some are brown, grey, or white. Farmers keep them mainly for their meat and skin, which is used to make leather. They don’t give much milk, but they give birth more often, which helps farmers grow their herd faster.MarwariThe Marwari goat comes fromRajasthan, where the weather is hot and dry. This breed can live well even when there is not much grass or water.

These goats are mostly black and have long, rough hair. Their ears hang down, and their horns are short and curved. They are mainly raised for meat, as they don’t produce much milk. For farmers living in dry areas, this goat is a reliable choice.BarbariThe Barbari goat is common inUttar Pradesh, Haryana, and nearby places. It is a small-sized goat that is good for both milk and meat.These goats are usually white with light brown spots. They grow quickly and are known for having babies often. Because they don’t need much space, they are perfect for people living in towns or small homes.JamunapariThe Jamunapari goat is found in Uttar Pradesh and some nearby states. It is one of the biggest goat breeds in India and looks very graceful.These goats are mostly white, with some black marks near the ears and neck.They have long legs and ears that hang down. Farmers keep them mainly for milk, but their big size also makes them good for meat.

MalabariThe Malabari goat, also called Telicherry, is found in Kerala. It is a medium-sized goat and can be seen in many colours– black, white, or mixed.These goats are mainly raised for meat, but they also give some milk. Many of them have long hair, and the males usually have beards. They are strong and adjust well to Kerala’s weather, which makes them easy to keep for local farmers.Images: Canva (For representative purposes only)