Saanen
Saanen dairy goat originated in the Saanen valley in the south of Canton Berne,
Switzerland. Female Saanens (does) are
heavy milk producers and usually yield 3-4 percent milk fat. It is medium to
large in size (65kg) with rugged bone and plenty of vigor. Saanens are white or light cream in color, with white
preferred. Spots on the skin are not discriminated against. Small spots of
color on the hair are allowable, but not desirable. The hair should be short
and fine, although a fringe over the spine and thighs is often present. Ears
should be erect and alertly carried, preferably pointing forward. The face
should be straight or dished. This breed is
sensitive to excessive sunlight and performs best in cooler conditions. The
provision of shade is essential and tan skin is preferable.
The Saanen temperament is as a rule, calm and mild mannered; breeders have
been known to refer to them as living marshmallows. Saanens are the largest and
one of the calmest of the dairy breeds. They are easier for children to handle
and are popular in the showmanship classes due to their calm nature. Saanens produce
the most milk on average and tends to have lower butterfat content, about
2.5%-3%.
The name is derived from the location of the breed beyond the river Jamna
(Jamna Par) in Uttar Pradesh. They are originated from a cross between a doe
from the Alwar region in Rajasthan and a Jamnapari buck; it has a typical nose
shape, even more like a parrot mouth than is usual1y observed in the true
breed. The strain is known to have better milk production and growth, but its
flocks are very limited in number.
Distribution: Agra, Mathura and Etawa districts in Uttar Pradesh and Bhind
and Morena districts in Madhya Pradesh. However the pure stocks are found only
in about 80 villages in the vicinity of Batpura and Chakar Nagar in Etawa
district.
No comments:
Post a Comment