Angora Goats
Angora Goats originated in Asia Minor and are even referred to in the Bible because of their fine fibre.What has developed is an international industry for the product of the goat,mohair.The gentle nature, handling ease , high fibre production and potential were the reasons we were intrigued with raising the angora goats.Although the main product of the goat is mohair, for breeders every aspect of the goat is marketable. Quality breeding stock is always in demand. Young bucks not kept as herd sires are often castrated (then referred to as "wethers") and kept for their mohair production. The meat is another saleable product,while the hides tanned with some mohair on them are irresistable to the touch and have numerous uses, from rugs to chair covers to chaps. In our breeding program,does are chosen for their size, hair quality, mothering ability,fibre density and confirmation. The choice of buck is extremely important, carrying a great influence on the breeding program. By careful selection certain traits can be improved. Evaluation of the doe at shearing time in the fall as well as examining her offspring indicate the strengths of the doe and thus the best choice of buck. A combination of management, nutrition, genetics ,testing and T.L.C. are given to ensure a breed line that ensures quality stock that are an asset to any herd. ve numerous uses, from rugs to chair covers to chaps.
In our breeding program, does are chosen for their size, hair quality, mothering ability, fibre density and confirmation. The choice of buck is extremely important, carrying a great influence on the breeding program. By careful selection certain traits can be improved. Evaluation of the doe at shearing time in the fall as well as examining her offspring indicate the strengths of the doe and thus the best choice of buck. A combination of management, nutrition, genetics, testing and T.L.C. are given to ensure a breed line that ensures quality stock that are an asset to any herd.

One of the most luxurious natural fibres available for use. Mohair, an arabic word meaning "choice" is just that. Its warmth makes it a perfect choice for garments,especially sweaters and socks, while its durability means it also has applications such as carpets and upholstry.It is also wrinkle and fire resistant. As the fibre grows about 1" per month for processing ease it is sheared from the goat in the spring and fall. The finest mohair comes from the kid goat and the micron diameter of the mohair increases to about age 4 where upon it levels off. This leads to the mohair being sorted into grades depending upon fineness. We generally sort into 5 grades with the first grade being kid and used for garments close to the skin. Young goat, grade 2 is used for garments of various types. Fine adult or grade 3 is typically outerwear garments. Adult mohair, grade 4 is mostly used in coats, rugs, saddlepads etc.Grade 5 is mature mohair and is used for anything requiring durability but not necessarily softness. Mohair's natural lustre comes from the fibre structure itself.As the scales on the fibre lie relatively flat to the core there is increased area for light reflection.Purebred angoras produce a creamy white fibre which makes it perfect for dyeing and because mohair takes dye extremely well it is always a popular choice with handspinners and manufacturers alike.Blends with silk, alpaca, llama, wool etc. open up wonderful possibilities for beautiful creations using the best qualities each fibre has to offer.
Mohair's natural lustre comes from the fibre structure itself. As the scales on the fibre lie relatively flat to the core there is increased area for light reflection. Purebred angoras produce a creamy white fibre which makes it perfect for dyeing and because moahir takes dye extremely well, it is always a popular choice with handspinners and manufacturers alike. Blends with silk, alpaca, llama, wool etc. open up wonderful possibilities for beautiful creations using the best qualities each fibre has to offer.

*Member of the Alberta Mohair Producers Association*

See felted mohair vest

Bashkir Curly Horse Fiber
The Curly horses grow more than their share of winter hair. As much as 6 inches of curls!

The fiber is unlike other breeds of horses in that the hair is oval, not flat and grows much longer in the winter. Testing has also likened the hair to mohair from the Angora Goat which also grows 6 inches of hair in a six month period. Some breeders have used the hair and created items such as bridles, sweaters, vests, and it has also been felted into hats.

It has also become apparent that while people may be allergic to "regular" horses they most often do not react to the Curly. A corelation between the hair structure/type and the allergies is under investigation. Meanwhile though many people can now enjoy the joy of horses without the misery.

Our Curly page

Canadian Curly Horse Association

Fiber Resources Page- a terrific page of fiber related links

Alberta Mohair Producers Association

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