Nera Verzasca

A large, powerful male Nera Verzasca goat, perfectly exemplifying its breed (Silvia Zahnd / Schweizerischer Ziegenzuchtverband)

Origin and development

The Nera Verzasca goat originated in the Verzasca valley, in the canton of Ticino. This black goat breed is considered to be at risk, with the total number of animals being the smallest recorded for any of the Swiss Goat Breeding Association’s herdbook breeds. It is highly spirited, and its ability to adapt to high and low temperatures makes it a robust breed. Many Nera Verzasca are kept mostly outdoors, where they help to control scrub and tree growth, ensuring that the landscape remains open.

Description

h Short, fine hair h Shiny black coat, with no markings of different colours h Robust breed with strong character h Horned animals

A herd of Nera Verzasca goats in their native Ticino (Ruedi Pulver)

Performance traits of animals registered in the herdbook (over 30 months; 2018: 151 full lactation records)

h 398 kg milk h 3.47% fat h 3.12% protein h 4.79% lactose h 179-day lactation period