The Zalawadi Goat is a breed of goat indigenous to the Indian state of West Bengal. It is frequently used in rituals and sacrifices by the different religious communities in the area, most notably by Hindus. Zalawadi goats are mainly bred for meat, milk, and skin production. The dollars are very quick off their feet so they are also sometimes used as racing animals.
They have dark brown hair, white faces with black ears and eyes, and black nose with long sharp horns which curve forward at their ends. The hair on their legs is blackish-brown and around their mouths, it is lighter. The males are larger than the females, but both have short tails.
Zalawadi goats are native to the Indian state of West Bengal. They are found mainly in places like Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas which have a large number of Hindu followers. These goats are usually raised in small agricultural holdings or even just in backyards for meat and labor.
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How to identify zalawadi goat?
It’s difficult to identify zalawadi goats without the help of their owners. So, you will have to find a Zalawadi Goat breeder or a trader. The breed’s distinctive appearance is what differentiates them from other dollars so be sure you get the correct breed.
The breed is easily recognized with its long, twisted horns which curve forward at the ends, similar to those of some breeds of European goats. They have a light grey to nearly white face, a black nose, and a brownish beige or olivaceous body. The hair is short, curly, and interspersed with black spots
If you want to know more about zalawadi goats and their origin, the breed was developed by cross-breeding domestic goats with Mongolian wild goats (Capra aegagrus spp.). The breed is also known as the Zalawadi dollar.
Origin
Zalawadi goats are most often found in the area encompassed by the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. They were brought to India by Arab traders and since then they have spread out all over the country.
Typical uses:
These goats are mostly exploited for meat, milk, and skin production. They were also used in religious rituals and sacrifices by the Hindu community in West Bengal. Nowadays, however, other breeds like the Murshidabad goat are frequently used for those purposes. The Zalawadi are very quick off their feet and so they are sometimes used as racing animals, a sport that is quite popular in this part of India.
Behavioral characteristics
Zalawadi goats are very intelligent and they can perform many tasks autonomously. They are also very alert and fast, which makes them great at racing and jumping. The breed takes a while to become accustomed to humans, but once they do they form strong attachments quickly.
The breed needs good living conditions and regular exercise – otherwise, they may become fatigued or even stressed and ill. Their milk makes excellent yogurt, cheeses, and butter. The skin is very soft and can be used for making leather products, everything from shoes to coats.
Best 10+ information:
| Breed Name | Zalawadi doelair |
| Breed Nickname | zalawadi goat |
| Sub-breed of | Indian Goat |
| Region of Origin | India, West Bengal, Murshidabad, Nadia, South 24 Parganas area |
| Breed Purpose | meat, milk, and skin production |
| Breed Color | brown to nearly white. |
| Breed Height | male – 90–105 cm / female – 80–90 cm |
| Breed Weight | 60–80 lbs (27–36 kg) |
| Climate Tolerance | dry and hot climate. |
| Rarity | moderately common |
| Conservation Status | Least concern |
| Lifespan | 8–9 years |
In summary
Zalabadi goats are hardy animals with thick coats which makes them excellent at coping with the hot climate of West Bengal. They are also intelligent and playful, traits that make them great as racehorses.
They have also been used as a source of meat and milk for centuries, but it is only recently that they have begun to increase in popularity because of the more recent development of goat farming in India.
