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What is a Cashmere Goat?

Melissa King
Melissa King

A cashmere goat is any type of goat that produces cashmere wool; the goats are most often bred for commercial use. Cashmere wool grows as the goat's winter undercoat, which is then covered by a second layer of coarser hair, called guard hair. A single goat can produce about 4 ounces (113.4 grams) of wool annually. There are 11 breeds of goat that are raised to produce cashmere wool. Most of the world's cashmere goat supply comes from China, with the rest coming from New Zealand, Australia, India, Iran and Afghanistan.

Goats that are selected for their wool typically share several traits. It typically is preferable to select a cashmere goat with tightly crimped hair; the crimp is called the style or character. The diameter of the hair is an important quality, with measurements taken in microns. Normal hair measurements can range from 16 to 19 microns, and some goats measure at a very fine 14 microns. Any hair that measures greater than 19 microns cannot be labeled as cashmere. As a comparison, human hair measures at about 70 microns. Goats that have a coat of one solid color are generally preferred over those with a mixed-color coat. The most desirable goats often have an undercoat that is solidly white, brown or gray.

Cashmere goats produce the expensive cashmere wool.
Cashmere goats produce the expensive cashmere wool.

A cashmere goat's wool is collected in the spring, when the goats begin to shed their coats in preparation for the warm season. The fiber is usually collected in one of two ways. The first method is shearing, which can be done fairly quickly, but often results in a coarser, less pure fiber. Another method is combing, in which a comb is pulled through the animal's hair in order to extract the fiber. This method is usually much slower, taking up to two weeks to complete. The amount of pure cashmere that is gathered this way, however, is often higher than can be gathered by shearing.

Cashmere goats have very fine hair, which produces a silky wool.
Cashmere goats have very fine hair, which produces a silky wool.

Goats are generally considered easy to raise and can provide more to their owners than just wool. They can be used for milk and meat, and they have an affinity for eating weeds, brush and other lawn pests. Goats are grazing animals, so the cost to feed them is usually low. Cashmere goats that graze and roam outdoors also have the tendency to produce higher quality wool. Goats are social creatures that are happiest and most productive when in a herd. A lonely goat may become unhappy and sick, causing the quality of its wool to decline. For this reason, a cashmere goat should typically not be kept without a companion for any length of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Cashmere goat?

Cashmere wool is often used to make sweaters.
Cashmere wool is often used to make sweaters.

A Cashmere goat is a type of goat that produces cashmere wool, which is highly valued for its softness, warmth, and lightweight qualities. Unlike other goats, the Cashmere goat has a double fleece consisting of a fine, soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The undercoat is what is used to make cashmere yarn.

Where do Cashmere goats originate from?

Kashmir goats are widely raised in Iran.
Kashmir goats are widely raised in Iran.

Cashmere goats have their origins in the Himalayan region of South Asia. They are not a specific breed but rather any type of goat that produces cashmere wool. Over time, they have been bred and raised in various countries, including China, Mongolia, Iran, and Afghanistan, which are among the largest producers of cashmere wool.

How is cashmere collected from these goats?

Cashmere is collected during the spring moulting season when the goats naturally shed their winter coat. The fine undercoat is either combed out by hand or removed through a shearing process. This meticulous collection process contributes to the exclusivity and higher cost of cashmere products.

What makes cashmere wool so special compared to other types of wool?

Cashmere wool is renowned for its exceptional softness, insulating properties, and luxurious feel. It is finer, lighter, and can be up to three times more insulating than sheep's wool. These characteristics make it a sought-after material for high-quality garments and accessories, justifying its premium status in the textile industry.

How can I identify genuine cashmere products?

To identify genuine cashmere, look for labeling that indicates 100% cashmere or pure cashmere. The texture should be soft and not scratchy, and the weave should be dense with a nice luster. Real cashmere also tends to be quite warm and will spring back when stretched, indicating good quality and authenticity.

Are there any environmental concerns associated with cashmere production?

Yes, there are environmental concerns related to cashmere production. Overgrazing by cashmere goats can lead to desertification, particularly in Mongolia and China. The increased demand for cashmere has led to larger herds, which exacerbates this issue. Sustainable and ethical practices are being promoted to mitigate these environmental impacts.

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    • Cashmere goats produce the expensive cashmere wool.
      By: tribalmark
      Cashmere goats produce the expensive cashmere wool.
    • Cashmere goats have very fine hair, which produces a silky wool.
      By: PerfectLazybones
      Cashmere goats have very fine hair, which produces a silky wool.
    • Cashmere wool is often used to make sweaters.
      By: Serg Zastavkin
      Cashmere wool is often used to make sweaters.
    • Kashmir goats are widely raised in Iran.
      By: juan35mm
      Kashmir goats are widely raised in Iran.