Yimeng Black Goats

Yimeng Black Goats

Yimeng Black Goats are a product with geographical indication.

　　The “Yimeng Black Goats” of Pingyi County, Shandong Province, have a breeding history of several hundred years and are mainly distributed in towns such as Bianqiao, Ziqiu, Bolin, and Wutai in the heart of Mengshan Mountain. Currently, there are over 60,000 goats in the county, belonging to four strains: “Huamizi,” “Huoyanzi,” “Erfenzi,” and “Tutou.” They prefer dry and clean environments, are disease-resistant, can tolerate coarse feed, adapt well to their surroundings, are good at climbing mountains, and are raised on pasture all year round, earning them the nickname “goat monkeys.” Adult male goats weigh between 40–50 kilograms, while adult females weigh 35–40 kilograms, with a litter rate of 1.5 per birth.

　　The meat of Yimeng Black Goats is tender, low in fat, delicious, and virtually odorless, with rich nutrition. The meat yield is 43%, and for well-fattened goats, it can reach up to 50%. They also produce a high yield of cashmere: adult males produce 450–550 grams per year, and females produce 400–500 grams per year. The cashmere fibers are fine, long, soft, glossy, and low in impurities, making it premium raw material for high-end wool and cashmere products.

　　【Yimeng Black Goats】 Yimeng Black Goats are one of the excellent local breeds in our province and are a multipurpose breed used for hide, cashmere, and meat. Black goats have a long breeding history in the mountainous areas of central and southern Shandong. According to an inscription at the Jade Emperor Temple in Feixian County: “During the reconstruction of the Jade Emperor Temple in the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, black goats were used to carry bricks and tiles up the mountain.” This indicates that the formation of the black goat breed dates back at least 140 to 150 years. Black goats are mainly distributed in counties such as Yiyuan, Yishui, Pingyi, Feixian, Mengyin, and Yinan in the Linyi region, with a total population of over 250,000.

　　The main characteristics of black goats include a short head, wide forehead, large eyes, long and curved horns, whiskers under the jaw, straight back and waist, deep chest with rounded ribs, sturdy limbs, solid hooves, and a small, pointed, and upward-curving tail, indicating a well-proportioned body structure. Measurements show that adult male goats average 32.5 kilograms in weight, while adult females average 26 kilograms. Around 70% of the goats are entirely black, about 10% are brownish-red, and the rest are of mixed colors.

　　Black goats are agile and lively, earning the nickname “goat monkeys.” They are adept at climbing mountains and can graze on steep cliffs. They tolerate coarse feed, are disease-resistant, enjoy being in groups, prefer clean and dry conditions, and refuse to eat contaminated forage. Their breeding method involves year-round grazing. Black goats have strong reproductive capabilities, reaching sexual maturity at 6–7 months of age. The gestation period is 150 days, with one litter per year or three litters every two years. Typically, each litter produces one kid, with a survival rate of over 90%.

　　The meat of black goats is tender, low in fat, has minimal odor, and is rich in nutrition. It tastes delicious without being greasy, making it a premium choice among meats. The slaughter rate is 44.2%. The cashmere fibers of black goats average over 18 centimeters in length, are glossy, soft, low in grease, and contain few impurities. Adult male goats produce around 300 grams of cashmere, while females produce about 200 grams, mostly classified as first-grade cashmere. The hide of adult male goats typically covers an area of 4 square meters, with uniform thickness,

　　and elasticity. Autumn hides are rich in fur and have good leather quality, making them ideal for making fur products.

　　Geographical Scope

　　The protected geographical area for Mengshan Black Goats: within Linyi City, Shandong Province, extending east to Yinan County, south to Lanshan District, west to Pingyi County, and north to Mengyin County, covering five counties. The geographical coordinates are: longitude 117°36′–118°25′, latitude 35°02′–36°02′. The total production area is approximately 200,000 hectares, with an annual production volume of 400 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Mengshan Black Goats are relatively small in size, with a delicate head and horns; their ears are symmetrical and slightly drooping, the forehead and bridge of the nose are slightly protruding, and the area around the lips has sparse hair and visible nose sweat glands. Horn types include: knife-shaped (47.33%), double-twisted (46.15%), single-twisted (2.36%), and large spiral (1.18%), with 2.98% being polled. The neck is thick and cylindrical; the chest circumference index is large, the chest depth index is small, with ribs spread out and a straight back and waist; the limbs are short, thick, and powerful, featuring cloven hooves with symmetrically placed “eight-character” hoof prints, symmetrically suspended toes, and solid hoof shells; the tail is short and slightly upturned; the overall body is compact, sturdy, and well-proportioned, with black fur, though a minority may have white patches or spots on the head, ear roots, tail tips, or limbs. The fur is coarse and short, with generally consistent length. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Mengshan Black Goats are a unique goat breed from the Yimeng Mountain area, grazed in the deep valleys, and are known for their fine muscle fibers, low hardness, tender and delicious meat, minimal odor, easy digestibility, and high nutritional value. The meat is bright red in color, tender, flavorful, with little odor, making it an ideal high-protein, low-fat, nutrient-rich health food containing various amino acids. Each 100g of Mengshan Black Goat meat contains: protein >18g, fat <13g, selenium >0.005mg, iron >1.3mg, zinc >3.0mg. The whole-goat meat soup made from Mengshan Black Goats is produced using traditional methods, modern techniques, and high-temperature sterilization. It features rich meat aroma, thick and mellow broth, and abundant nutrition. The goat hides are of uniform thickness and elasticity. Autumn hides are rich in fur and have good leather quality. 3. Safety Requirements: Product quality complies with the Food Hygiene Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China, and related standards.