Altai Mountain
The Altai Mountain goat, often called Gorno-Altai in Russian sources, comes from the Altai Republic and neighboring highland districts of southern Siberia. It is a regional fiber and meat goat shaped by steep pasture, severe winters, and long seasonal movements. Selection from local goats and improved fiber stock produced animals with a strong frame, sure feet, a coarse protective coat, and a dense underdown used for cashmere-type fiber. Many herds are dark coated, although local appearance can vary.
These goats are usually managed in pastoral range systems rather than intensive dairy barns. Good stewardship means protecting kids from spring storms, maintaining mineral nutrition on sparse grazing, and timing combing or shearing so the valuable down is collected before it sheds or mats. Fiber buyers look for fineness, length, and low contamination by guard hair or burrs. Outside its home region, the name should be checked carefully, because imported genetics and documentation are uncommon.
Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Brown, Brown and White, Buckskin, Chamoisee, Cou Blanc, Cou Clair, Cream, Fawn, Gold, Moonspotted, Pinto, Red, Red and White, Roan, Spotted, Sundgau, Swiss Marked, Tan, White
