Quick Facts
Breed Overview
The Salem Black is a tall, jet-black meat breed from the Salem, Erode and Dharmapuri districts of Tamil Nadu. Long-legged and well-grown, it is one of South India's leading meat goats and also yields a good-quality black skin used in the leather trade.
Hardy and heat-tolerant, the Salem Black thrives on extensive grazing across the dry plains of western Tamil Nadu and is a mainstay of the region's active chevon and skin markets.
- Uniform jet-black coat
- Tall, long-legged, well-grown frame
- Medium drooping ears and backward-curving horns
- Good meat conformation and quality skin
🐐Physical Characteristics
A tall, well-grown breed with a uniform jet-black coat and long legs. It has medium drooping ears and backward-curving horns, giving a good frame and dressing percentage, plus a fine black skin valued for leather.
🥛Milk Production
A low 0.5–1 litre/day — sufficient only to raise kids, as the breed is kept for meat and skin rather than dairy.
🌦️Climate Suitability
Well-adapted to the hot, dry tropical plains of western Tamil Nadu. Hardy and heat-tolerant, it does well on extensive grazing with minimal shelter.
🌾Feeding Requirements
Largely grazing-based on the dry plains, with a little concentrate for finishing and breeding stock. Efficient on local browse and crop residues.