The Peacock goat is a stunning breed of domestic goat that first appeared in the Swiss Alps. It is said to be an old goat breed, and it has likely been around considerably longer than people know about the goat.
The breed came into existence initially in Switzerland, namely in the cantons of Graubünden and Upper Tessin. The precise beginnings of the Peacock goat are shrouded in mystery, as very little information about its history is known.
However, the Pratttigau Goat breed was not identified until 1887 and was given that name at the time.
Origin
There needs to be more information available regarding where the peacock goat came from. In the year 1887, it was first referred to by its recent name, which at the time was Pratttigau Goat.
This description closely corresponds to the current outer look in virtually every respect. Other names, such as the gray-black or gray-black-white mountain goat, the razza naz (Tessin), and the Colomba, were given to the species later (Bergell).
The front half of the body is predominately white with black boots, and the back half of the body is predominately black.
However, the breed did not receive official recognition until the year 1992. They first established the Peacock goat herd book in the year 1992.
The canton of Aargau became the site of the establishment of the first Peacock Goat Breeding Association In 1989.
In 1992, an exciting society came into existence, and the following year, a breeders union came into existence in the eastern region of Switzerland.
In 1994, the region of Beru gave birth to an association, while people may find a more recent one in the canton of Graubünden (according to the Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University).
An Overview of the Peacock Goat
Appearance
Peacock goats are animals around the size of goats and are predominately white with black boots. At the same time, the back part of their body is predominantly dark in color.
In addition, it has a dense coat of hair around shoulder length. The Peacock goat is famous for its big horns and dark facial markings, which run in a stripe or spot pattern from the base of the horns, across the eyes, and down to the nose.
In addition, you can see darkness on the inside of the ears and in the area around the lips.
Peacock bucks that have reached maturity weigh about 75 kg on average. Also, a mature doe weighs roughly 56 kg on average.
Purpose of Use
The primary reason why people rear the peacock goat is for milk production. Although people do not consider the peacock goat one of the top dairy goat breeds, the breed can produce as much milk as the vast majority of other mountain goat breeds.
Additionally, the climate is favorable for the production of meat.
Housing & Environment
Peacock It is possible to raise goats in either a small or an ample space; nevertheless, the living facilities that herders provide for the goats should be adequate to ensure that they experience no discomfort.
The open-housing design is better for feeding goats, and troughs are the best way to provide them with water. In addition, the shelter’s interior ought to have sufficient ventilation and air conditioning.
Breeding
There should be one male for every twenty females while raising peacock goats. Therefore, you should take steps to prevent inbreeding by switching out the breeding males every two years at the very least.
Age at first heat for indigenous breeds should range from 18 to 24 months, depending on the bodily state of the breeding doe.
Between the months of September and October, February and March, and May and June, peacock goats are in the midst of their breeding seasons. Therefore, the minimum age to breed is six to eight months.
Things to Consider
Peacock goats are an extraordinary kind of goat. They are incredibly tough and lively creatures. They can withstand the elements and thrive in alpine pastures because of their comfort level there.
In addition, people can describe their demeanor as exceptionally friendly and submissive.
They can exist on forages of poor quality, and they do not require a significant quantity of food of a high grade to maintain their health.
