Yichang White Goat

Yichang White Goat

The Yichang White Goat is a geographical indication certification trademark.

The Yichang White Goat is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　The Yichang White Goat is the only goat breed from Hubei Province listed in China’s National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Protection Catalogue. Celebrated for thousands of years, renowned both at home and abroad, it enjoys brisk sales in Southeast Asia and is included in the "Chinese Sheep Breed Register", earning the title of “aristocrat” among Chinese goats.

　　Yichang has the densest distribution of White Goats in China.

　　Every part of the Yichang White Goat is valuable. The meat is delicious, high in protein, and low in fat and cholesterol, making it an important source of meat for humans. Goat milk has lower fat content than cow's milk and is easy to digest and absorb. Therefore, goat meat and milk are ideal foods for humans, especially for the elderly, children, and patients with hypertension and heart disease. In ancient times, it was considered a precious tonic. Goat hide is also an important material for high-end leather products.

　　Breeding and Management Goats reach sexual maturity earlier than sheep. The age of first breeding varies by breed and region, generally ranging from 8 to 12 months for early-maturing breeds and around 18 months for late-maturing ones. The weight of a young female goat at first breeding should be at least 70% of its adult weight. Female goats exhibit clear signs of estrus such as bleating and tail wagging. Estrus lasts 1 to 2 days, with an estrus cycle of 18 to 20 days. Most breeds breed in autumn and winter. However, some breeds, especially those in low-latitude regions, can breed year-round, producing three litters in two years or two litters in one year. The gestation period is 146 to 150 days. The kidding rate is generally over 150%, with single kids more common for first-time mothers and twins or triplets often born after the second pregnancy.

　　Goats are primarily raised through grazing. In pastoral and mountainous areas, they graze year-round, with supplemental feeding only during heavy snowfall or before and after kidding. In farming areas, goats are usually raised by individual households and are seasonally grazed along riversides, roadsides, and other open spaces or kept tied. In areas without grazing conditions, they may be stall-fed year-round. During the grass-growing season, each goat is fed 3 to 5 kilograms of cut grass per day; during the dry season, 1 to 1.5 kilograms of hay per day. Breeding rams, pregnant does in late gestation, and lactating does are given supplementary concentrate feed as needed. Goats are heat-tolerant but sensitive to drafts and cold rain, so attention must be paid to keeping them warm and dry. They should be given a medicated bath two weeks after shearing. Male kids not intended for breeding are castrated about half a month after birth.

　　Yichang White Goat

　　Geographic Scope

　　The production area of the Yichang White Goat includes Yiling District (formerly Yichang County), Changyang, Wufeng, Yidu, Zigui, and Xingshan counties and districts in Yichang City, Hubei Province. Specifically, it spans from Xisaiguo Forest Park in Yiling District and Gufu Town in Xingshan County in the north (bordering the Shennongjia Forest District and Xiangyang City), to Yaqueling Town in Yiling District and Yuan’an County in the east; extends southward to the lower reaches of the Qingjiang River Basin, covering counties and cities such as Changyang, Wufeng, and Yidu; and borders Zigui, Badong, and other counties to the west. The total production area covers 2.12 million hectares, with an annual inventory of over 580,000 goats. Geographically, it lies between 110°15′—112°04′ east longitude and 29°56′—31°34′ north latitude.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: The goats have a fine and compact build, white fleece, short and close-lying hair with little undercoat, and longer hair on breeding rams. Their heads are of moderate size, with beards under the jaw, medium-sized ears that are straight and upright. Does have relatively slender and elegant necks, while rams have shorter, thicker, and sturdier necks. Both sexes have horns that curve backward; the horn material is relatively solid, with slightly flat and thick bases, and pinkish in color. The back and loin are relatively straight, with the cross area slightly higher than the withers. The abdomen is large and round, with a distinct flank. The tail is short and curls upward. The limbs are strong and powerful with firm hooves, well-suited for climbing steep slopes. Does have two functional teats and two additional auxiliary teats. Rams are well-proportioned. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: The meat quality is excellent with high nutritional value. Total protein is ≥18%, with actual test values reaching 20.1%; total fat is ≤16%, with actual test values at 5.8%; cholesterol is ≤812mg/Kg, with actual test values at 563.3mg/Kg; it is rich in 17 types of amino acids, with a total amino acid content of 17.4%. 3. Quality and Safety Requirements: Strictly complies with the standards set by NY5147-2002 "Pollution-Free Food Goat Meat", NY5149-2002 "Pollution-Free Food Meat Goat Breeding Veterinary and Epidemic Prevention Guidelines", and NY5151-2002 "Pollution-Free Food Meat Goat Breeding Management Guidelines".