Thuringian goat is a race that comes from Germany, especially in the eastern part of this country. This species was developed at the end of 1800 by the union of several races among them Toggenburg, Harzerziege, Rhönziege and Thüringer Landziege. The name of this breed comes from an area of ​​Germany called Thuringian. When this race was created, it was only in that area, but with the passage of time, it spread throughout Germany.
The Thuringian goat is one of the many breeds that produce milk. They are a variety of German Improved Fawn goats from central Germany, which derives from selective breeding between Toggenburg and Harzerziege to get this particular breed.
Characteristics of Thuringian Goat
Thuringian Goat is a medium-sized breed. And it has 2 versions. One of the versions is called the fine version, the other is the normal version. The coat of this breed is brown and black, with some white spots on the body including the legs and face. Usually, the tonality of the face is lighter in color than in the rest of the body.
In addition, this race has 3 types of fur, long, medium and short. Also, Thuringian goats were brought to the USA. from Switzerland at the beginning of the 20th century. And the coat can be both thin and thick. The ears of this race are straight, of medium size and with an upward direction, they are white, and usually, the white color comes from the snout and extends to the ears.
Both males and females can have horns, however, they have also been found without horns. The weight of this breed is between 60 to 80 Kg, for males. While the females when it reaches adulthood weigh between 40 to 60 Kg. You may also like to read Oberhasli Goat.
The height of this breed is 78 centimeters for males, while females reach 74 centimeters. In addition, females of this species usually have calving of twins, and in some cases calvings of triplets. The mating season is only once a year. Both males and females reach a sexual age which is average with other species.
Usage
Thuringian Goat is a race that is considered a dual purpose. Producing milk of excellent quality. The females of this breed can produce a total of 700 to 1000 Kg of milk during lactation. With a fat rate of 3.5%. As well as a meat of good quality and flavor, that is why the meat of this breed is lean.
Another characteristic that comes out of this breed is that they have extreme vigour , this is one of the reasons why breeders prefer it. Since that vigour is used for intensive feeding in open spaces. So much so that they have used it to clean an area with rough grasses.
Food
Thuringian Goat is a highly resistant breed, so it does not need large food requirements. That is why the breeders feed it in intensive feeding in pastures. Since they can feed and survive on poor and scarce pastures. That is why this breed is known as the goats that run out of forage. As Thuringian goat is a primarily dairy breed they need fresh good quality forage along with supplements.
Special Features
Thuringian goat is a resistant race, so much that it has adapted to the environment that surrounds it. Being able to travel through mountainous areas, as well as travel long distances. It is a very independent breed and does not need the daily care of the breeders. In addition, it has good resistance against diseases and parasites.
It is not a demanding race in terms of food. Something that this race is disqualified for is the color of the fur if it appears in red, or with white stripes on the sides, it will not be considered part of the Thuringian Goat breed. Today this breed is in danger of extinction since there are few specimens of this breed. That is why the crosses of this race have been limited with others, in order not to lose the original race.
In addition, the crosses of this breed made must be registered. Today there are around 300 individuals of the Thuringian goat race. That is why there is an artificial insemination program to last this race. Another characteristic of this species is those small goats have little weight gain compared to other species. You may also like to read Toggenburg Goat.
FAQ
What is the use of thuringian goat?
The Thuringian goat, also known as the Thüringer Ziege in Germany, is a rare breed of domestic goat originating from the central region of Thuringia in Germany. It was first documented in 1882 and became an endangered species by 1994. The breed has long been valued for its robustness and productivity of high-quality dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt.
Where did the Thuringian goat originate?
The Thuringian goat is a German breed of goat that has been around since the 16th century. It originated in Thuringia, located in modern-day Germany and specifically bred for its high quality milk production.
Which goat is known as the Queen of milk?
The Saanen goat is widely recognized as the ‘Queen of Milk’ for its incredible milk production capabilities. A purebred Saanen can produce up to three times more milk than other dairy goat breeds, providing an average of two gallons (7.6 liters) per day – that’s over 700 gallons (2,650 liters) a year!
Conclusion
If you are interested in starting a goat farm or developing your existing one, this guide should be helpful to you. There is much more information on the Thuringian breed available online and from experienced farmers who have raised many goats of various breeds. Agritecture Defense Coalition has been raising dairy goats for over 20 years and can offer advice on how to get started with breeding these animals if needed!
As a reference: Wikipedia
