Goats in large range bands will usually kid from 60 to 70 percent, but in well-managed small bands of purebred goats the rate of reproduction may be slightly over 100 percent. The Angora is among the most delicate of our domesticated animals. They are more susceptible to damage from internal parasites than are sheep. They are extremely delicate at birth, and the young need some protection during their first few days if the weather is cold or damp. Although the mature goat is fairly hardy animal when in full hair, it cannot withstand cold wet rains immediately after shearing.
Storms cause excessive losses in Angora flocks at kidding time or at shearing time.
For many years, goat carcasses have been sold as low-grade sheep carcasses. It is maintained that the flesh is quite acceptable, particularly from young goats in good condition, and some people refer to it as a delicacy. The carcasses are characteristically thinner fleshed and the dressing percentages correspondingly lower than those of sheep that have been fed in a similar manner. Modern Breeds of Livestock. Third Edition, MacMillan Company Brochure, Select Genes Ltd., PO Box 494, Irene 1675, Republic of South Africa.