Valais Blackneck goat

Typical specimen of the Valais Blackneck goat breed (Edwin Eggel)

Origin and development

The Valais Blackneck goat is native to the mountains and valleys of the Valais region. By grazing steep slopes, it makes a valuable contribution to landscape management. Distinctive features of this breed are its long hair and clearly divided black-and-white colouring, together with the horns found in all males and females. Its hair provides protection against the elements, but requires appropriate care. The Valais Blackneck is not usually milked and is therefore subject to an evaluation of growth performance (estimation of daily gain in kids based on weight at birth and at 40 days).

Description

h Long hair h Head and forequarters jet-black, hindquarters snow-white h Fore hooves black, hind hooves white h Sure-footed mountain breed h Horned animals

During the summer pasturing season, Blackneck goats and their kids cover long distances (Silvia Zahnd / Schweizerischer Ziegenzuchtverband)

Performance traits of animals registered in the herdbook (over 30 months; 2018: 309 litters)

h 1.37 kids per litter h 212 g daily weight gain h 3.46 kg birthweight h 11.81 kg weight at 40 days