Raising Goats for Their Hair (1/2)

Goats are valuable not just for their milk and meat. Or for their ability to help renew grasslands and control weeds. Or even for their ability to be friendly and gentle around children. Goats can also be valuable for their hair.

Cashmere goats produce cashmere and Angora goats produce -- thought we were going to say angora? No, angora fiber in fact comes from rabbits. Angora goats produce mohair. Mohair is used in sweaters, scarves, coats and other clothing. Mohair is also used in floor rugs and carpets and things like doll hair.

An adult Angora can produce as much as seven kilograms of hair each year. As the goats grow older, however, their hair becomes thicker and less valuable. Hair from white or solid-colored goats is the most popular, but the appeal of mixed-color mohair has grown in recent years.

The United States is one of the main producers of mohair, and exports most of its production. Angora goats are also popular show animals. They require little special care.