This
ancient native breed is known to have existed continuously since the
1380's. The name is derived from the Bagot family, of Blithfield Hall, 
Staffordshire,
who owned the earliest known herd which roamed wild in Bagots Park, three
miles from the Hall.
Its origin is the subject of discussion and research, which may be followed in the publications of the Bagot Goat Breed Society, affiliated to the BGS.
The Bagot is medium sized, with long hair, and horned and has a nervous character. The striking colour pattern which breeders aim for is entirely black from nose to shoulder, entirely white behind the shoulder line, however this pattern currently does not always bred true.
Bagot
numbers have fluctuated for a variety of reasons but the breed is now
secure as herds exist in many locations, and numbers are increasing, even
though it is not a productive breed, except possibly for meat. Purchasers
of Bagot stock should ensure that it is pure-bred. At one time a grading
up programme was operated to
increase numbers and decrease inbreeding. Bagot males were used on any
female goat and progeny were backcrossed. With hindsight this programme
produced unfortunate results.
The Bagot Goat Breed Society has all the pedigrees of registered animals on computer, so that pure breeding may be ascertained.
For
more details contact:
Mrs Rose Kent,
Pen-twyn,
Llangenny,
Crickhowell,
Powys,
NP8 1HD
Tel: 01873 810547
Web-site:
www.bagotgoats.co.uk
Ever
since the goat was domesticated it has been used as a beast of burden. In
the Roman times children used to mimic their elders and raced each other
in miniature chariots.
Even now in some countries they are being used to carry loads, small
children, wood for burning, their uses never end. From Victorian times
until the start of World War 2 in England, the goat and its chaise was a
popular sight around the seaside towns especially on the South and East
Coasts. Used for the half penny ride and also as a photographers tool,
unfortunately the goat and the donkey were much abused.
The Harness Goat Society was formed in 1986 to encourage the use of a working goat, pack or driven and to make sure no cruelty was involved.
All
breeds of goat of either sex can be trained, but the Society recommends a
disbudded or polled castrated male as being the most suitable.
More information and pictures on the HGS website: www.harnessgoats.co.uk
Further
information from the secretary:
Mrs Angela Rickerby, Meadow Court Farm, Alfrick, Worcester, WR6 5HY
Tel: 01886 832294
email: harnessgoatsociety.uk@virgin.net
Pygmy goats are miniatures, genetically dwarfed; they are kept mainly for enjoyment, interest and companionship.
The
Pygmy Goat Club has set breed standards regarding size and type, and
organises show classes for Pygmy goats. It has its own registration and
pedigree system aimed at improvement by selective breeding. Basically the
adult Pygmy has a maximum height at the withers of approximately 56 cm for
males, less for females, short legs and cobby bodies that give an
impression of perpetual pregnancy. They can be any colour except
completely white, with white Swiss markings on the face not allowed.
They are generally quiet and docile, but there is some variation, as one would expect with goats.
Housing requirements are less demanding than for the dairy breeds, since the goats are so much smaller. Kids are reared on the dams, so milking is only rarely necessary. Castrated males (wethers) make ideal pets, but entire males should not be kept unless separate accommodation can be provided for them. The goats like company, so keeping single Pygmies should be avoided.
Pygmies
need a high proportion of dietary fibre on a daily basis (80% by weight of
the diet is a guide), hay being the main feature; they also need small
amounts of low protein goat mix twice a day. They graze and browse well,
but tethering Pygmies should be avoided.
The Pygmy Goat Club publishes an excellent booklet “Pygmy Goats” that describes in detail all aspects of housing, feeding, breeding and general welfare of these goats. It is recommended that this booklet is purchased and read before deciding to go ahead with keeping Pygmies. The P.G.C. has a website: http://www.pygmygoatclub.org where further details can be obtained about the Club. There is also a network of P.G.C. Regional Advisers.
The
Secretary of the Pygmy Goat Club is:
Mrs. M. Thompson,
Solomons Farm,
Latchley,
Gunnislake,
Cornwall
PL10 9AX
Tel: 01822 834474
Copyright © 2000
The British Goat Society. All rights reserved.
Revised:
April 12 , 2006
.