Verata goat
The Verata goat breed from Vera, Caceres, Spain is used for the production of meat and milk. The Verata Goat has been known to be fairly easy to handle; they are popular in the dairy and meat industries because of that, and the fact that they can adapt well to the different management systems. They have been known to be very hardy, and can survive in many temperatures. They are best adapted to the mountain pastures because they have strong, long legs, and they can also survive on poor and scarce feed. More information on this breed can be found on sites like Central Pets.
The Verata Goat is smaller than the average goat, and found in their homes in the Vera in the Caceres region of Spain. They are especially valued for their milk there. Their milk is used in cheese production. Currently, there is approximately 17000 existing Verata Goats inhabiting in Spain. Generally speaking, these goats are found in herds of 100 to 150 goats. They have been known to be relatively easy to care for because of their adaptive skills, and the fact that they are extremely hardy. When graze is scarce, these goats do well on concentrated feed in the stable environments as well.
When they are mature, these goats will generally reach a height of approximately 70 centimeters, and will weigh an average of 70 kilograms as well; the does are a bit shorter and lighter than the males. These goats have glossy, short hair in either black or brown. They usually have a black facial fringe, a black underbelly, and a black dorsal ridge. They have horns that go outward, and spiral forward, and well-sprung ribs. They have an erect tail; Beards are prominent on the males, and about 40% of the females will also have prominent beards. They also have dark, hard hooves. The legs of these goats look rather small; thus, the joints look significantly larger.
The Verata Goats are able to breed year round, but breeders and farmers will usually breed them in October and November and again in the spring, sometime around March. They have a high fertility rate, and under good condition, the Verata Goats can have an average of three births every two years. Lactation period usually lasts around 175 days, and they will yield around 150 liters of milk. Kids that have reached around 45 days old can be slaughtered for their meat.