fiber goat breeds
This list of fiber goat breeds will introduce you to the different options. Use this list to add to your herd or start a new journey raising goats with amazing fiber.
What is your homesteading goal? Decide if dairy, meat, or fiber, and use that as your jumping-off point. If you are overwhelmed by all the choices, you can check this goat breeds list to help make this process easier.
Our family has been homesteading for over 13 years. We started out with pigs, added on a flock of chickens and ducks, and finally rounded things out with a small goat herd.
Back then, I thought meat and dairy were the only breed options for raising goats, but I later learned that there are fiber goat breeds, which is amazing news.
Raising fiber goats can open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to tap into a market in your area that will generate an impressive income.
What are fiber goats?
Fiber goats are bred primarily for high-quality fiber rather than meat or milk. When you think of fiber, you probably first think of sheep; however, fiber goats produce some of the best fiber that is natural, making it a better choice than synthetic.
Raising fiber goats is a great way to provide cashmere to artisans and crafters, which is in demand making it a good option for producing an income with your herd.
Why is natural fiber better than synthetic fiber?
The biggest reason natural is a better option is that it is biodegradable. This means it can be composted and reused, leaving zero waste.
Natural fiber is warmer and if you have ever worn a pair of wool socks on a frigid day, you know this is true.
A unique point with natural fiber is that it is less likely to catch fire and burn. Worst case it will only smolder with no flame or melting.
Fiber Goat Breeds
Raising fiber goats is a great way to produce a good income with your livestock. The type of fiber you want will depend on the breed. The quality of fiber will depend on how you are raising your goats.
Be sure to check the bottom of this article for tips on producing the best fiber with your herd.
Angora Goat
Angora goats, also known as long-haired goats, are a popular fiber breed. They are known for their luxurious mohair fiber, which is durable, has a beautiful sheen, and is soft against the skin. Their mohair fiber takes dye well, making it valuable for knitters and crafters.
Angora goats have a gentle temperament and are smaller than common goat breeds, making them suitable for beginners.
They do well in mild climates but may not thrive in very cold and overly wet areas.
Angora goats are sheared twice a year, usually in the spring and fall.
Pygora Goat
A cross between a Pygmy goat and an Angora goat, Pygora goats produce a unique combination of cashmere and mohair fibers that are highly sought after by knitters and weavers.
Pygora goats are easy to care for and have a friendly disposition which makes them great pets as well as fiber producers.
They also come in a variety of colors, such as brown, black, and grey, making their fiber even more desirable with crafters.
Pygoras have a dual coated fleece making the yarn rougher. This means you may need to remove some of the coarser hair to make it softer for clothing next to the skin. Another option is to send the fiber to a mill to have them dehair and wash for you.
Pygoras are sheared, plucked, or combed twice a year. The process you use will depend on the type of fiber.
Nigora Goat
The Nigora goat is a relatively new breed in the United States that is a cross breed between an Angora and a Nigerian dwarf. This gives you a well-rounded goat that can fill multiple needs of a smaller homestead: fiber, and milk.
Nigoras produce soft, high-quality fiber similar to cashmere.
Nigora goats are small to medium-sized, and their friendly and playful nature makes them enjoyable companions.
They are hardy animals that thrive in various climates and can adapt well to different farm and homestead set ups.
With their unique combination of milk production and fiber quality, Nigora goats can be a profitable choice for homesteaders and hobby farmers.
Nigoras have a dual coated fleece making the yarn rougher like the pygora breeds. This means you may need to remove some of the coarser hair to make it softer for clothing next to the skin. Another option is to send the fiber to a mill to have them dehair and wash for you.
Dairy Goat Milking Guide+Bundle
Goat Care CalendarGoat Fencing Bundle
Tips for Producing High-Quality Fiber
Use these tips to ensure you are getting the best fiber allowing you to make a good income with your livestock.
#1. Proper Nutrition: Providing a well-balanced diet for your fiber goats is essential for producing high-quality fiber. Feed hay that is meant for goats and contains the grasses they love. If you can, supplement with alfalfa a great hay to feed to goats.
Make sure to supplement their diet with minerals keeping a mix out at all times. Goats will instinctively eat what their body craves.
#2. Regular Grooming: Regularly combing your goats keeps them clean and healthy and helps prevent matting and felting of their fiber.
Use a soft brush or comb specifically designed for goats to gently remove any tangles or debris from their coat.
#3. Shearing Schedule: It’s important to have a regular shearing schedule for your fiber goats. This can vary depending on the breed and climate, but most recommend shearing twice a year – in the spring and fall.
FUNTEN Sheep Shears 900W, Professional Electric Sheep Clippers, Farm Livestock Grooming Kit, 6 Speed Heavy Duty Electric Shears for Thick Coat Animals
oneisall Cordless Sheep Shears,Professional Sheep Clippers with 2 Batteries,Detachable Stainless Steel Blade Heavy Duty Sheep Grooming Kit for Thick CoatsAMYWMS Sheep Shears 600W, Electric Sheep Clippers Professional, 6 Speed Heavy Duty Livestock Haircut for Grooming Sheep Horses Large Dog Thick Coats Animals, Small Dog Forbidden
#4. Dehairing: If you have fleece that needs dehairing, you can do this by hand using a comb or carder. Or you can shear and send the fleece to a mill for them to dehair and wash.
This can include washing, carding, spinning, and knitting or weaving the final product.
What is the personality of a fiber goat?
Fiber goats are known for their friendly and docile personalities. They are social animals and enjoy the company of humans as well as other goats. This makes them excellent pets and easy to handle when it comes to grooming or shearing.
They are gentle and affectionate animals that form strong bonds with their owners. They also have a natural curiosity which can make them entertaining companions on the farm.
Whether you are looking for a productive addition to your farm or a friendly pet, fiber goats may be the perfect choice.
Fiber goats are unique and versatile animals that are a good fit for any sized homestead. If you want to add livestock but milking is not something you want to commit to, fiber goats are a great option to consider.
Keep this list of fiber goat breeds handy to help you choose the best fit for your homestead.
