Sojat Goats
Origin
The Sojat area of Rajasthan is said to be the original home of the Sojat goat. The goats are found in a few regions in North India, notably Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The majority of this breed may be found in the Rajasthani belts of Sojat, Phalodi, Pipar, Jodhpur, and perhaps a few others. Jamunapari Hyderabadi goats were used to create the Sojat goat.
History and general information
North Gujarat is home to the little settlement of Sojat Goat. The town is well-known for its long, curled horned goats, and the wool they produce is even more sought after.
Sojat Goat is known for its luxuriously soft wool and high raw cashmere output because to the area’s favourable environment and high-quality diet.
Goats with long, curled horns are bred and grown in the wild because of a dominant gene. Because the goats are not excessively grazed, their fleece has little to no fat and a consistent texture from fibre to fibre. Animals’ natural instinct to avoid harm from predators is honed throughout their upbringing in the wild.
Characteristics of Sojat Goats
- Sojat goats may be divided into two categories: both white and black Sojat goats are available.
- The kids of both sexes are born with lengthy horns, but only the males have the horns curled like this.
- The belly and legs of the goat are white, while the rest of its coat may be any shade of grey or black. From their tail to their muzzle, white hair may be seen in a straight line.
- They might have skin tones ranging from a pale tan to a dark brown.
- The Sojat goat has tiny, round hooves.
- The fleece of a Sojat goat is distinctive and luxurious.
- Wild goats are reared in North Gujarat, one of the few areas in the world where they may thrive.
Feeding
Leguminous feed, such as Lobia, Berseem, garlic, etc., is delicious and appealing to them. The fodder is their preferred food source since it provides them with energy and is high in protein.
Sojat goats need a well-rounded diet to reach their full genetic potential. To ensure they get all the nutrients they need, their diet should include a variety of grains, forage, and minerals.
Meat quality and production
The high quality of Sojat goat meat is largely responsible for its rise in popularity. The meat is widely sought after in both local and foreign markets because of its soft, succulent, and well-marbled texture.
An optimal weight increase may be achieved in a short amount of time because of the breed’s rapid development rate.
Goats of the Sojat breed are normally slaughtered between the ages of 9 and 12 months, when the males reach 35 to 45 kilogrammes (75 to 99 pounds) and the females weigh 25 to 30 kilogrammes (55 to 66 pounds).
Advantages
This goat is notable for its large, curled horns.
Goats are considered to have a lot of muscle and respond well to training.
Due to the special environment and high-quality nutrition, this goat produces raw cashmere with a luxuriously silky fleece.
These goats may thrive on low-maintenance grasses and do not require a large amount of grazing space.
These goats thrive in chilly environments and can adjust to them with ease.
Since these goats get most of their moisture from the grasses they eat, they need less water.
Goats are well-suited to the rugged terrain of North Gujarat’s mountains because of their sturdy legs.
Farmers don’t waste money on a vet or medication since they take such good care of their livestock and property.
These goats are one of the few livestock species that can survive in Sojat’s environment.
Shelter and Space
Sojat goats need a well-ventilated and wide shelter to protect them from adverse weather conditions. They are able to de-stress and perform better since they have room to roam about.
Management tips
Feed newborns colostrum during the first hour. Colostrum has anti-infective characteristics and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including A, D, copper, iron, manganese, and magnesium. Milk intake should start at around 400 ml per day and gradually rise throughout the first month.
Goats need to be inspected and vaccinated on a regular basis to keep them healthy and disease-free. Proper management practises are important to maximise production and profitability.
Goats are vaccinated against clostridial infections mostly by the administration of the CDT or CD&T vaccine. The vaccination against tetanus should begin at birth. Booster vaccinations are administered between the ages of 5 and 6 weeks, and then annually thereafter.
Sojat goats have played and will continue to play an important part in the cattle sector Because of their regal demeanour and economic value. They are a hardy species that does well in the dry climate of Rajasthan, thus in addition to providing excellent food and useful by-products, they also aid in environmentally friendly agriculture.
However, conservation measures are required to maintain the cultural and genetic integrity of the breed. By adopting Sojat goat farming, communities may benefit from both economic success and environmental sustainability.
