The Top 10 Goat Breeds in Pakistan That You Didn't Know Existed

You have probably heard of the iconic Bannu Goat, but did you know there are many more goat breeds in Pakistan? From traditional breeds to miniature breeds, there are plenty of different types of goats in Pakistan that you will enjoy raising on your farm. Read on to learn about the top 10 goat breeds in Pakistan that you didn't know existed!

1) Anglo Nubian

Anglo Nubian goats are fairly new to the world of goats. They were developed by a researcher at the University of Sydney named Adrian Gill who was trying to create an animal that had as much milk as a dairy cow but with no horns or hooves. The Anglo Nubian is an excellent meat goat with less lactation than most other dairy breeds.

2) Awassi

First of all, the Awassi is one of the most popular goat breeds around. They're good milkers, easy-going and docile. One of their most defining features is their long mane that they grow once they're two years old or so. What sets them apart from other breeds is their amazing ability to handle heat and hot weather better than any other breed.

3) LaMancha

#5: LaMancha, originated from the Spanish milk goat and raised mainly for milk production. This breed can produce large quantities of milk and is valued as a milking goat. They have been bred to withstand harsh climates because they are naturally resistant to parasites.

#8: Toggenburg, this Swiss dairy goat breed was imported into the US by Dr. Richard Toggennberg who has been credited with saving the dairy goat industry in the US around 1930.

4) Saanen

Saanen goats have a light, uniform coat that is more sensitive to the environment than other types of goat coats. The color ranges from pale yellow to light brown, with patches and flecks being common, and Saanens typically have a white muzzle. Saanens are sometimes referred to as 'milk goats,' because their easy-to-care for coats make them an excellent choice for producers who use animals primarily for milk production.

5) Nigerian Dwarf

Nigerian Dwarf goats are small and friendly, ideal for anyone that lives in a small home or city environment. They only grow to be about 3 feet tall and have a silky coat. This breed is best known for producing dairy products, with each doe giving an average of one gallon of milk per day. Nigerians are prolific breeders, too, so they're often found toting around five kids on their backs at once!

6) Meat goat breeds

Alpine, American Dairy Goat, American LaMancha, Boer, Checkered Giant, Dorper

Fainting goat, Golden Guernsey, Kiko goat

La Mancha (Spanish), Nubian goat

Oberhasli goat (Swiss)

7) Pygora

The Pygora goat is a beautiful and popular American breed that comes from interbreeding the Angora, Pygmy, and Nigerian Dwarf breeds. Because of their unusual appearance, the Pygora are favored for use in petting zoos or 4-H show settings. The species tends to be docile as well as attractive.

8) Myotonic goats

Myotonic goats are a rare breed with a genetic trait known as myotonia congenita. Animals with this condition display an extreme stiffening (called jacknife) of the muscles when they are startled. When myotonic goats get really scared, their eyes will open wide and they will lose the ability to blink or control their facial muscles.

9) Toggenburg

I was surprised to learn that there are so many different breeds of goats and the Toggenburg is just one of them. This breed originated from Switzerland, which means the country's name is written on its face.

10) Others

Pakistan is home to many species of animals and plants that are endangered. Along with the unusual, it also has rare goat breeds that don’t exist anywhere else on earth. Here is a list of the top ten such breeds that can be found in this part of the world.

#1 The Baluchistan goat breed: This breed is mainly found in Baluchistan and resembles a large type of Nubian goat with a long-haired coat. It has a very slow growth rate and is not recommended for commercial farming due to its low milk production. It’s mainly kept as an ornamental animal in small herds where they have plenty of grazing land available to them.

#2 The Desert mountain goat