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The goat is one of the smallest
domesticated ruminants (cud-chewing animals) and has
served mankind earlier and longer than cattle or sheep.
Goats are raised for the production of milk, meat and
wool, particularly in arid, semi-tropical and mountainous
countries.
Angora goats, like those seen,weigh between 70 to 110 pounds and are approximately
25 inches tall. Angora goats may be the most efficient
fiber producers on Earth. These makers of mohair came
from and were named after Ankara (Angora prior to 1930),
a Turkish province where they have thrived for centuries.
Turkey prevented these goats from exportation until
1949 when seven does and two bucks were imported into
the United States. Later, more were imported from Turkey
and South America, the two principal mohair producers
in the 19th century.
Goats come in many colors: solid black, white, red,
brown, spotted, two- and three-colored, and blended
shades, with distinct facial stripes and black and white
saddles depending on the breed.
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