These brief notes below are a guide only and for infomration on other matters relating to health, fencing, kidding adn other management issues you might like to look at the series of publications called Ag Facts relating to goats and available at the NSW Dept of Agriculture website. CLICK HERE.
Angoras and sheep have similar nutritional requirements. An adequate supply of protein, minerals, vitamins and energy is essential for maximum production and good animal health.
Good nutrition is necessary for pregnant does from 6-8weeks prior to kidding until the end of lactation.
Poor nutrition during lactation can reduce body weight of weaned kids by 25%. Follicle development can also be effected.
To ensure maximum growth after weaning, kids should have access to the best quality feed that is highly digestible and ideally around 14% protein.
Angoras also need access to a clean reliable water source. Water consumption & requirements would be very similar to those of sheep.
When budgeting on a water allowance you can plan for average daily consumption of 4litres per head per day, however this can change dramatically with the weather.
On very hot days you may need to supply the maximum rate of 9litres of water per head, per day. Allow enough trough space so that at least 10% of a herd can drink at any time i.e. 15metres for trough edge (7.5metres lond if two sides are accessible) for 500 goats.
Important new guidelines for Animal Health Standards and the welfare of goats is available here. More information is available through the Animal Health Australia website.
Prior to shearing the angoras should be drafted (divided into) groups according to age i.e. mature goats, full mouth, four to six tooth, two tooth and kids.
This will assist with classing and ideally; they should be shorn in order from oldest to youngest, (i.e. mature goats first, down in age order, with kids to be shorn last).
The reason for this shearing order is, if your adults are shorn straight after your kids, the adult hair will appear to be harsh and strong and you could be inclined to class this fibre into a line stronger than required.
There are many and varied designs for shearing sheds and choosing a plan will depend on your requirements, number of animals and financial constraints. For detailed information regarding shearing shed design go to NSW Agriculture Note 2408 Shearing Shed Design.
You will need a producer or person who is competent to class the mohair or an employed professional classer, competent shearers, and at least one shed hand or rouseabout. Be sure to liaise with your shearer to determine his exact requirements.
Sufficient bins should be available for sorting the fleeces. The bins should be positioned to ensure adequate artificial lighting or natural light is available, so that the contents of the various bins can be examined and compared.
A good classing table is essential and the best one is covered with a strong mesh of no less than 2.5cm squares to allow locks and second cuts to fall through. Depending on your shearer and what he supplies, you will need shearing plant, a Grinder for sharpening combs & cutters Brooms, and wool press to produce compacted bales.It is best to have a permanent marker on hand to mark bales for consignment.
This is a list of shearers who have expressed or demonstrated their willingness to shear angora goats.
This list is supplied as a service and A.M.M.O. Ltd in no way either endorses or recommends shearers listed herein. Producers should try to contact other producers in their local area prior to engaging a shearer, to seek advice in this regard, or to seek to combine smaller flocks into one shearing appointment.
Mob: 0413 426 290
03 5433 2398
03 5792 2546
03 5798 5281
02 6733 6797 / 02 6725 5560
02 6343 7143
02 6020 5268
Mob: 0428 488 166
07 4627 7274
Mob: 0429 705 146
07 4683 2487 / 0428 140 809
03 5433 2548
Phone:
(02) 6959 2988 F: 02 6959 3004
Email:
Mail:
PO Box 16, Narrandera, NSW 2700
Office:
68 River St. Narrandera, NSW 2700