Cashmere goat

Cashmere goats are not a single standardized breed, but rather a type of goat known for producing cashmere fiber.

There are many different goat breeds that produce cashmere-quality fiber. Some are distinct breeds or local types that have naturally adapted to produce high-quality cashmere, while others have been selectively bred for this purpose.

Some of the common breeds or types of goats that produce cashmere are:

• Australian Cashmere Goat
• North American Cashmere Goat
• Changthangi (Kashmir Pashmina Goat)
• Hexi Cashmere Goat
• Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat
• Liaoning Cashmere Goat
• Licheng Daqing Goat
• Luliang Black Goat
• Tibetan Plateau Goat
• Wuzhumuqin Goat
• Zalaa Jinst White Goat
• Zhongwei Goat

How many cashmere goats are there?

The global number isn’t exact, but it is estimated that tens of millions of goats are involved in cashmere production worldwide. However, not all of them are considered “cashmere goats” in the strict sense.

China is estimated to have over 120 million goats, based on some figures from 1994, and is responsible for about 60 to 70% of the world’s cashmere production.

Mongolia contributes around 20% of global cashmere, with a goat population of over 30 million. Other producing countries include Turkey, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Australia, and New Zealand.

In Australia and New Zealand, there are small populations of cashmere goats, as the first imports occurred in the 1980s. The United States also has a small but growing population, thanks to breeders and growers working to establish the industry there as well.

Fleece

Different regions and goat breeds produce slightly different types of cashmere in terms of softness, length, color, and strength.

In general, cashmere is graded by the diameter of the fiber, the finer it is, the softer and more valuable the cashmere becomes.

• Ultra-fine or Pashmina: 12–15 microns
• High-Quality Cashmere: 15–16.5 microns
• Standard Cashmere: Up to 19 microns
• Over 19 microns: Considered too coarse to be called cashmere in luxury markets

In terms of color, natural cashmere comes in white, gray, brown, and black. The most valuable color is white, because it can be dyed into any other color.

Australian Cashmere Goat

The Australian Cashmere Goat produces high-quality fleece with several important characteristics. The fleece of these goats can be white or coloured. Some white goats may have a few coloured guard hairs, but not many. Coloured goats can have guard hairs and down in different shades, from light to brown.

These goats have a lazy crimped style in their fleece. The fiber length is 1.77 inches (45 mm) before shearing, which gives a minimum usable length of 1.38 inches (35 mm ) after cutting.

Australian cashmere is sorted into three grades:

• Premium: below 16 microns
• High quality: 16 to 16.6 microns
• Standard: 16.7 to 18.5 microns

The fleece is also even, meaning the fiber has the same thickness from the neck to the back. This makes the cashmere easier to process and more comfortable to wear.

Production varies from herd to herd. The most productive herds produce an average of 8.8 ounces (250 grams) per goat, with a fiber diameter of around 15 microns.

North American Cashmere Goat

The North American Cashmere goat produces a high-quality fleece that meets clear standards for fine fiber. The fiber diameter is 19 microns or less. This gives the fleece a soft and valuable texture.

The fleece also shows good uniformity. This means the fiber is even in size and feel throughout the sample. The Coefficient of Variation (CV), which shows how much the fiber changes in thickness, is 24% or less. There are no transitional fibers, which are in between soft down and coarse guard hair.

In North American Cashmere goats, the fibers show a three-dimensional, irregular crimp along their whole length. The style measurement is at least 45 degrees per millimeter (deg/mm), showing good fiber character.

Length is another important feature. The fiber, in its natural wavy state, is at least 1.25 inches (32 mm) long. This length makes the cashmere easier to work with during spinning and processing.

Good fleece also shows clear differentiation between the soft down fibers and the thicker guard hairs. The guard hair is coarse enough to remove easily, so the soft cashmere down can be separated.

The Total Down Weight (TDW) is the amount of clean, usable cashmere collected from one goat. A healthy fleece gives at least 2 ounces (60 grams) of down after cleaning and processing.

Lastly, the fleece has complete and consistent cover. This means that all four main parts of the goat like the neck, shoulder, side, and hip grow cashmere, and the quality is the same in each area.

Changthangi (Kashmir Pashmina Goat)

The Changthangi goat, also known as the Kashmir Pashmina goat, produces the finest cashmere in the world. These goats are usually white, but you can also find black, gray, and brown animals.

The fleece from this goat is extremely fine. The average fiber diameter is between 12 and 13 microns (μm), which is much finer than regular cashmere. The fiber length is also very good, usually between 2.17 to 2.36 inches (55 and 60 mm). This makes the cashmere both soft and strong, ideal for making luxury products like Pashmina shawls.

Because of its high quality and limited supply, this type of cashmere is very rare. It makes up less than 0.1% of the world’s total cashmere production.

Pashmina from the Changthangi goat is highly valued for its softness, warmth, and light weight. It is often hand-spun and handwoven, making it one of the most expensive and exclusive types of cashmere on the market.

Hexi Cashmere Goat

Hexi goats produce high-quality cashmere. The fiber diameter is about 15.7 microns, which is fine enough for soft, valuable cashmere. The fiber length is usually between 1.6 to 1.85 inches (41 and 47 mm) , which is good for spinning.

An adult female goat gives about 6.5 ounces (184 grams) of soft down each year. About 60% of Hexi goats are white, which is the most desired color in the cashmere industry.

Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat

This goat produces very fine cashmere, with an average fiber diameter of about 14.3 and 15.8 microns and a fiber length between 1.6 to 1.85 inches (41 to 47 mm).

Each goat produces between 6 to 30 ounces (170 and 850 grams) of greasy cashmere per year. After cleaning, the amount of usable down is still high, making this breed very productive.

Common fleece colors include white, gray, and brown, but white is the most popular because it can be dyed easily.

Thanks to its fine, long, and plentiful fleece, the Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat remains a key source of the world’s best cashmere.

Liaoning Cashmere Goat

The Liaoning Cashmere Goat plays an important role in China’s cashmere industry, helping the country remain a leading global producer of high-quality cashmere.

The average fiber diameter is around 15 microns, which meets the standard for fine cashmere. Selected does (female goats) can produce approximately 11.5 ounces (326 grams) of soft down each year, showing a high yield compared to other cashmere breeds.

As for color, the fleece can be white, gray, or brown.

Tibetan Plateau Goat

The Tibetan Plateau cashmere goat produces fiber with a diameter ranging from 12.2 to 14.7 microns. According to data from 1994, a mature doe can yield approximately 0.43 lbs (197 grams) of down annually, while an adult buck yields about 261 grams.

This goat is native to the high-altitude regions of the Tibetan Plateau, including Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Gansu provinces in China. Studies have shown that the fiber diameter traits in Tibetan cashmere goats are influenced by their natural adaptations to stress, low oxygen levels (hypoxia), and metabolic processes.

Wuzhumuqin Goat

This goat produces fiber with an average diameter of 15.6 microns, which fits well within the standard for fine cashmere. The down length averages around 1.8 inches (46 mm), making it ideal for spinning soft.

A mature doe yields about 0.63 lbs of down per year (285 grams), placing this breed among the more productive cashmere goats. The Wuzhumuqin goat is mostly white, about 98% of the herd, which is highly valued for dyeing.

Thanks to its high yield, good fiber quality, and dye-friendly color, the Wuzhumuqin goat is a valuable contributor to China’s cashmere industry

Zalaa Jinst White Goat

The Zalaa Jinst White Goat is the only entirely white cashmere goat breed in Mongolia, primarily found in the southwestern region of the Gobi Desert.

The fiber diameter of this goat’s fleece ranges from 16.0 to 16.5 microns, indicating fine-quality cashmere.

Males can produce about 0.84 lbs (380 grams) of down annually, while females produce slightly less, around 0.64 lbs (290 grams).

Zhongwei Cashmere Goat

While it is mainly bred for kid pelts, it also produces very fine cashmere with a fiber diameter of about 12.5 microns. The fiber length is around 2.75 inches (7 cm).

Annual down yield is about 0.31 lbs (140 grams) for males and 0.26 lbs (120 grams) for females.

Despite their small size and lower yield, Zhongwei goats are valued for the exceptional fineness of their cashmere.

How to Groom and Shear a Cashmere Goat

These goats need to be sheared once per year, which is similar to the shearing schedule of many goat breeds. Shearing can be done in late winter or early spring.

It is important to start shearing before the goats begin to shed, as this can affect the quality of the final product. If you wait too long, the goat may rub the fiber off or lose it in the field.

Choose a clean area

The place where you shear your goats has a big impact on the quality of the final product. It’s very important to make sure the area is clean before you begin. If the fleece falls on a dirty surface, it can pick up dust, hay, or manure. This makes the fiber harder to clean and lowers its value.

A clean barn floor, pen, or a large tarp on the ground works well. Keeping the shearing area clean helps protect the cashmere and keeps it ready for sale or spinning.

Gather your tools

A good practice before shearing is to gather all the tools you will need and keep them close by. This helps you stay organized and makes the process smoother. When your tools are within easy reach, you don’t have to stop or walk away in the middle of shearing. This not only saves time but also helps keep the goat calm and comfortable.

Interruptions can make the animal nervous and make the process longer and more difficult. Being prepared is key to a safe and stress-free shearing experience for both you and the goat.

The tool you need are:

• a cashmere comb or electric clippers
• a bag or basket to collect the fleece
• a brush or grooming comb
• scissors in case you need to trim small areas
• gloves for comfort

Groom before shearing

Before you begin shearing, you should groom the goat to get rid of any dirt, leaves, or knots in its coat. This process of removing debris from the goat’s coat keeps the fleece cleaner. Clean fleece is easier to process and is worth more when sold.

At the same time, it protects the fiber quality. Tangles and dirt can damage the delicate cashmere fibers. If the comb or clippers catch on matted hair, it can break or pull the fibers, reducing their length and value.

To do this, you need to secure the goat in a small, clean area and use a brush or wide-tooth comb to clean the coat. Try to remove large pieces of dirt, hay, or seeds if possible. Remember to be gentle, as goats have sensitive skin.

Shearing or Combing the Fleece

You can shear the goat or comb the fleece. Some people prefer combing because it keeps more of the soft fiber and removes fewer guard hairs.

For the shearing method:

• Start at the shoulders and move along the back.
• Carefully shear in the direction of the hair growth.
• Keep the clippers close to the skin, but don’t press too hard.
• Remove the fleece in large pieces if possible.
• Be extra careful around the belly, legs, and neck—these areas are more sensitive.

For the combing method:

• Use a special cashmere comb to pull the soft undercoat away.
• Hold the topcoat down and comb through the fiber.
• Work slowly in small sections.
• Repeat until most of the cashmere is collected.

Collect and Sort the Fleece

After shearing or combing your goat, it’s time to collect and sort the fleece.

Start by laying the fleece out flat on a clean surface, such as a table or tarp. Carefully pick out any dirt, leaves, or short, unusable pieces of fiber. Next, separate the soft undercoat, this is the valuable cashmere, from the coarse outer hairs, known as guard hairs. This process is called dehairing. You can do it by hand, which takes time but keeps more control over the quality, or you can send the fleece to a professional mill for processing.

Proper sorting is an important step to make sure your cashmere is clean, soft, and ready for spinning or sale.

Temperament

Cashmere goats are known for their calm and gentle nature.

Unlike some other goat breeds, cashmere goats are not very active jumpers. This makes them easier to keep inside fences. A regular goat fence is usually enough to hold them.

Cashmere goats are friendly but independent. They enjoy being around other goats, so it is important to keep them in small groups. Goats are herd animals and can feel stressed or lonely if kept alone.

They are also quiet and low-stress animals, which is helpful during grooming and shearing. If treated gently, they usually stay calm and relaxed.

These goats are also curious and smart, so they may explore their surroundings. Giving them space to roam and things to nibble on, like bushes or branches, keeps them happy and active.

Raising

Feeding

Goats are natural browsers, so they enjoy eating a mix of plants, leaves, weeds, and shrubs more than just grass. In spring and summer, you can let your goats graze freely on fresh pasture and browse. This gives them most of the nutrition they need.

You should always give them access to clean water and a salt or mineral block. If the pasture is not enough, you can give them some good hay. For young goats, pregnant does, or nursing mothers, you can add a small amount of grain or goat pellets to support their extra energy needs.

In autumn, as the pasture becomes dry and less nutritious, you can slowly start feeding more hay. Keep giving them minerals and clean water, and watch their body condition so you can adjust their feed if needed.

In winter, your goats will rely completely on hay since there is no fresh pasture. You should give them high-quality hay every day, and if they are pregnant, nursing, or in very cold weather, you can offer grain for extra warmth and energy. Make sure their water doesn’t freeze, and continue providing mineral supplements. You should also avoid moldy or dirty feed, as it can make goats sick.

Environment

You can raise cashmere goats in different ways, depending on your land, resources, and goals.

One option is the extensive system, where you let your goats graze freely on natural pastures or browse in large open areas. This works well in dry or hilly regions and is a low-cost method, but you need plenty of space. Goats in this system feed on grass, bushes, and wild plants.

You can also choose a semi-intensive system, where your goats graze during the day and get extra feed like hay or grain when they return. You can give them shelter at night and provide basic care. This system is common on small farms and gives you more control over their nutrition and health.

If you have less land or want to focus on high-quality fleece, you can use an intensive system. In this case, you keep your goats in pens or barns and feed them a balanced diet every day. This system takes more time and money, but it helps improve cashmere quality and allows you to monitor the goats closely.

Each system has pros and cons, but with good management, cashmere goats can do well in any of them. The key is to provide enough food, clean water, shelter, and regular care.

Climate and Shelter

You can raise cashmere goats in a variety of climates, but they do best in cold, dry areas.

Their soft undercoat grows thicker in cold weather, which improves cashmere quality. You can keep them in mountainous or semi-arid regions where there is plenty of natural browse.

But with the right shelter and care, you can also raise them in milder or even wet climates, as long as you protect them from constant moisture and give them dry bedding. Good ventilation and clean housing are important in any climate to keep the fleece in good condition.

How many goats per acre?

If you’re using natural pasture and not feeding extra hay or grain, you can usually raise 2 to 6 goats per acre. On high-quality, well-managed pasture, you might support up to 8 goats per acre, especially with rotational grazing.

If your land has low-quality forage (dry, rocky, or overgrown areas), you may only support 1 to 2 goats per acre without extra feeding.

When you supplement with hay, grain, or pellets, or keep goats in a semi-intensive or intensive system, you can raise more goats on less land.

Breeding

Breeding cashmere goats is generally the same as breeding other goats. You can breed does once a year, and the gestation period is about 150 days.

But if you want to improve cashmere quality, you need to be more selective. You should choose breeding goats based on their fleece traits, not just their health or size. For example, you want bucks and does with fine fiber (low micron count), long fiber length, dense coverage, and even fleece across the body.

You should also avoid crossing your cashmere goats with meat or dairy breeds unless you are okay with losing fleece quality. Breeding for cashmere takes patience because you can’t always tell how good the fiber is until the goat is at least a year old.

Some farmers test the fleece in labs to measure important traits like micron, length, and yield before deciding which animals to keep for breeding.

Health Issues

Cashmere goats don’t have diseases that are unique to them, their fleece production makes them more sensitive to certain issues like parasites, nutrition, and climate conditions.

Because of their thick undercoat, these goats are more likely to attract external parasites like lice or mites, especially in winter when their fleece is thick. These can cause itching, hair loss, and damage to the fleece.

Wet or dirty conditions can also lead to fleece rot, skin infections, or matted fiber, which lower the quality of cashmere. You should keep goats dry and well-groomed, especially before shearing.

Advantages

• High-value product
• Low-maintenance
• Low fencing needs
• Natural grooming cycle. They shed once a year, making fiber collection predictable.
• Efficient foragers
• Hardy and adaptable

Disadvantages

• Need selective breeding. To maintain fleece quality, you must be careful with breeding choices.
• Parasite risk. Thick coats can hide lice and mites if not managed well.
• Sensitive to wet conditions. Moisture can damage fleece and lead to health problems.
• Low individual fiber yield. Each goat produces only a small amount of cashmere annually.
• Slow return on investment. It can take a few years to build a profitable herd.