Goats have been prized for their unique fibers for centuries, with breeds like the Angora and Cashmere goats being especially sought after for their luxurious wool. Mohair, harvested from Angora goats, and Cashmere, obtained from Cashmere goats, are two of the most desirable natural fibers used in the textile industry for high-quality garments and accessories. Both of these fibers require specific harvesting techniques to ensure their quality and minimize stress on the animals.
In this blog, we will explore the process of harvesting Mohair and Cashmere from your goats, including the right time to shear, the tools required, and best practices for maintaining the health of your goats and the fiber. Whether you’re a goat farmer or someone looking to learn more about these valuable fibers, this guide will help you navigate the process efficiently and ethically.
Understanding Mohair and Cashmere
Before delving into the harvesting process, it’s important to understand the fibers we are working with:
- Mohair: Mohair is the fiber produced by the Angora goat. It is known for its smooth, shiny texture and is often used in luxurious clothing and textiles. Angora goats typically have long, silky fibers that are strong, lightweight, and can be dyed in vibrant colors.
- Cashmere: Cashmere is produced by the Cashmere goat, and it is highly prized for its soft, insulating qualities. The fiber comes from the undercoat of the goat, and it’s finer and softer than most other types of wool. Cashmere is often used to make high-end sweaters, scarves, and blankets.
Both Mohair and Cashmere are harvested from the goat’s fleece, but the methods and timing for harvesting differ slightly. Proper care during the harvesting process will ensure that the fibers are of high quality and that the goats remain healthy and stress-free.
1. Timing the Harvest
Timing is crucial when it comes to harvesting Mohair and Cashmere. Shearing at the right time will prevent damage to the fiber and ensure that you get the best quality.
- Mohair: Angora goats are typically sheared twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. The spring shearing is often the most productive, as the goats have grown the most fiber during the winter months. The fibers should be long enough (usually 4-6 inches) but not too matted. Shearing too early in the year may result in short, uneven fibers, while waiting too long may cause the fibers to become matted or dirty.
- Cashmere: Cashmere goats typically shed their undercoat in the spring, and the best time to harvest Cashmere is when the fibers have reached their maximum length, which is usually in late spring. The fiber should be fine, soft, and not mixed with coarse guard hairs. You can harvest Cashmere by combing the goats instead of shearing, as this method prevents damaging the fine undercoat.
2. Preparing for the Harvest
Before starting the harvesting process, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare both your goats and yourself for the task:
- Health Check: Ensure that your goats are healthy and in good condition. Sick or stressed goats may have poor-quality fiber, and shearing or combing may cause further stress.
- Clean Environment: Make sure that your goats are in a clean environment before harvesting. Dirty fleece can result in poor-quality fiber, as dirt and debris can be difficult to remove after shearing.
- Proper Tools: Having the right tools will make the process easier and less stressful for both you and the goats. You will need:
- For Mohair: A good pair of electric clippers or manual shears, combs, and clean, soft bags to collect the fiber.
- For Cashmere: A fine-toothed comb or specialized Cashmere combs for gently collecting the undercoat.
- Optional: A blow dryer or air compressor to blow excess dirt or debris out of the fiber before collection.
3. Shearing or Combing the Goats
- Shearing Mohair (Angora Goats): Shearing should be done carefully to avoid cutting the fleece or hurting the goat. If you are using electric clippers, ensure they are sharp and clean. Gently shear the goat’s fleece in long, even strokes, starting at the neck and working your way down the body. It’s best to work with another person to hold the goat steady during the process.
- Tip: Shearing should be done slowly and steadily to avoid stress. A calm, controlled environment helps the goat remain calm, reducing the chance of injury.
- Combing Cashmere (Cashmere Goats): Unlike shearing, Cashmere is usually harvested by combing the undercoat rather than cutting it. This method ensures the soft, fine Cashmere is collected without damaging the guard hairs. Gently comb through the goat’s coat, starting from the top of the body and moving downward. It’s best to use a gentle, specialized Cashmere comb that can pull the undercoat without pulling on the skin.
- Tip: Combing should be done when the weather is mild, as combing in hot or cold weather can stress the goats. You may need to comb them multiple times to gather all the soft fibers.
4. Cleaning and Sorting the Fiber
After you’ve harvested the Mohair or Cashmere, the next step is to clean and sort the fiber. While the fiber may not be completely clean right after harvesting, it’s important to remove any large dirt clumps, hay, or debris that may be mixed in.
- Mohair: After shearing, shake out the fleece to remove any dirt or debris. Then wash it carefully with warm water and a mild detergent. Once cleaned, lay the fleece flat to dry, making sure it doesn’t get tangled. Mohair can also be carded (combed to separate the fibers) or spun into yarn.
- Cashmere: Cashmere is a fine, delicate fiber, so care should be taken when washing it. Wash the fibers gently in cool water with mild soap, and avoid agitating the fibers too much. After washing, the fiber should be dried in a well-ventilated area, and then you can sort out the finer undercoat fibers from any coarser guard hairs.
5. Processing and Selling the Fiber
Once your Mohair or Cashmere is clean and dry, you can either process it yourself or sell it to a processor. If you choose to process the fiber yourself, you can spin it into yarn, use it in textiles, or even weave it into garments.
- Selling: High-quality Mohair and Cashmere can be sold to fiber mills, textile companies, or directly to consumers interested in luxury fiber products. The price depends on the quality of the fiber and how well it has been handled and processed.
6. Maintaining the Health of Your Goats
It’s essential to keep your goats healthy throughout the fiber harvesting process. After shearing or combing, provide them with adequate nutrition, shelter, and veterinary care to ensure their well-being. Regular grooming and health checks also help maintain the quality of the fiber in future harvests.
Conclusion: Ethical Fiber Harvesting
Harvesting Mohair and Cashmere from your goats is a rewarding process that requires attention to detail and proper care. By ensuring the timing is right, using the correct tools, and handling the goats gently, you can collect high-quality fibers while keeping your goats healthy and stress-free. Whether you’re using the fiber for personal projects or selling it commercially, ethical and sustainable practices are key to both your goats’ well-being and the quality of the fiber you produce.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to harvest Mohair and Cashmere successfully in 2024 and contribute to the preservation and appreciation of these fine natural fibers.
