Angora goat

a variety of domestic goat, raised originally in Angora, having long, silky hair called mohair. Also called Angora.

[1825-35]

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Breed of domestic goat that originated in ancient times in the district of Angora in Asia Minor.

Its silky coat yields commercial mohair. Angora goats are generally smaller than other domestic goats and sheep and have long, drooping ears. Both sexes are horned. The Western mohair industry developed after the animal was established in South Africa in the mid-19th century. Importation to the U.S. followed shortly, and breeding there has centred in the Southwest. The coat, with its strong elastic fibres, differs from wool primarily in its smoothness and lustre.

Angora goat

Grant Heilman Photography, Inc.

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▪ breed of goat

 breed of domestic goat originating in ancient times in the district of Angora in Asia Minor. The goat's silky coat yields the mohair of commerce. The Angora had been widely but unsuccessfully imported into Europe by the mid-18th century, but not until the animal was established in South Africa a century later did the Western mohair industry develop. Importation of the Angora goat to the United States followed shortly, with development centring in Texas and the Southwest.

 The Angora is generally smaller than other domestic goats and sheep. Both sexes are horned, and the ears are long and drooping. The strong elastic fibre of the coat differs from wool primarily in its smoothness and lustre. See mohair.

 

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