The Changthangi goat is a unique goat species that is found in low-temperature areas. In the region of Jammu and Kashmir, it is found in Ladakh. Other names used for this rare species of goat are Pashmina goat or Cashmere goat. This goat is mostly known for its fine wool production although it can be utilized for meat or milk. The world-famous Pashmina shawls of Kashmir are made from the wool of this goat. A fine, smooth and exceptionally warm fleece grows on their underbelly, which is processed to make luxury Pashmina shawls. The thickness of this wool is just 12 to 15 microns, making products made from it lightweight and easy to carry.

Does Pashmina Goat give Milk?

Even Though the Changthangi goats are the most famous for their Cashmere wool production, they do produce milk. But the quantity is so low that it is not enough for even their own herders. The goats only produce milk during the lactation period and can produce just one offspring at a time. 

Nevertheless, this does not stop the goat from being one of the most precious animals, and its Cashmere wool production makes it world famous. 

How much does the Pashmina goat weigh?

A large section of the admirers of Pashmina ask questions about the weight of a Pashmina goat. They do so as to know everything about the luxury pieces they wear. 

As far as the weight of a Pashmina goat is concerned, there is a minor difference in the weights of male and female goats. The buck (a male goat) weighs around 31 kg and the doe weighs around 25 kg. The male always looks smaller than the female one, but the weight of the female does vary when it is carrying an offspring (during pregnancy)

Size of a Pashmina Goat

Pashmina goats aren't too large, nor too small. These are medium-sized animals, sturdy, cautious, and beautiful. The buck is usually smaller than the doe, yet weighs more than it. There is a minor difference in the sizes of buck and doe, but the medium size of both makes them easy to handle and take care of. 

Also read: THE TRAIL OF INDIA’S CASHMERE GOAT MEN

Some interesting facts about the Changthangi or Cashmere goat

• Changthangi goats are mainly reared for their Cashmere wool. Hence these are good from a business point of view. They produce 150 grams of wool per year on average. This wool is processed to make the highly precious and expensive Pashmina shawls. 
• The goats give a decent amount of meat. The meat can also be used for selling purposes, but on a smaller level. 
• Changthangi goats are white, black, ash, and brown in colour. For this reason, Pashmina shawls are found in these four colours naturally. But they can be dyed in any colour or shade later.
• Pashmina goats are strong, hardy, and active. These are docile and lazy. 
• Pashmina goats are raised in an open grazing system. This is because they have the strength and temperament to survive in the coldest of temperatures and the hardest of conditions. 
• The acquisition of Cashmere wool every year keeps the goat well maintained and well groomed. Hence the goats look attractive all year round.
• The goats survive in temperatures below - 40 degrees C. This makes them adapt to any kind of harsh condition. The credit for this survival and endurance goes to the growth of Cashmere, the fine yet immensely warm fleece growing as an undercoat on their bodies. 

How much is a cashmere goat worth?

Knowing the uniqueness and peculiarity of a Pashmina goat, with the addition of it bearing the world’s most expensive wool type, the goat is pretty expensive. The male Changthangi goat may range from 350 to 375 rupees per kg, and the female one ranges from 280 to 320 rupees per kg. This makes the average goat worth about Rs 10000 - Rs 12000. 

Overall the goat is considered one of the most expensive animals in the world. The price is high due to its possession of the world’s most expensive wool type - Cashmere. 

Cashmere is one of the most sought-after wool types in the world. It is 8 times warmer than sheep wool but much lighter than the same. A large Cashmere wrap of dimension 200*100 cms weighs just less than 500 grams. This makes these wraps super light and luxurious. It is after enduring one of the harshest conditions in the world, that the Pashmina goat grows Cashmere wool as a protective layer. It is also noteworthy that the goats can only grow fine wool in these cruel conditions and not anywhere else. If the same Pashmina goat is carried a few meters away from its own habitat, its wool thickens and does not remain the same superfine. 

Pashmina shawls from Kashmir are crafted out of Ladakhi Cashmere, which produces the finest Cashmere in the world. For this reason, Kashmiri Pashmina shawls have been cherished from time immemorial. 

Also read: IS PASHMINA A WOOL?