Liuyang Black Goat

Liuyang Black Goat

　　    The Liuyang Black Goat is one of the few pure black goat breeds in China. Originally known as the Xiangdong Black Goat, it was officially named Liuyang Black Goat in 1985 and included in the book *Chinese Goats*. In regions such as Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia, black goats are called “bu sheep” and are highly favored by consumers. The meat of the Liuyang Black Goat features fine muscle fibers, low hardness, tender texture, delicious flavor, and very little gaminess. It is highly nutritious, with protein content exceeding 22.6%, fat content below 3%, and cholesterol content much lower than that of pork—75% less—and 62% less than beef and mutton. It contains over 15 kinds of essential amino acids for the human body, especially high in glutamic acid at 11.03%. It has health benefits such as nourishing yin and yang, strengthening the body, boosting immunity, promoting longevity, and improving skin health. It is particularly beneficial for the elderly, the weak, and those with illnesses, making it suitable for all ages. (Changsha)

　　    The Liuyang Black Goat is of medium to small size, with a well-proportioned build, strong physique, tight and elastic skin, and short downy hair. It has a small and delicate head, large and bright eyes, slightly drooping ears, a slightly arched nose bridge, and both male and female goats have horns that are slightly flat and grayish-black. The horns of the male goat curve backward and sideways in a scythe-like shape, while the female’s horns are short and form an inverted V. The neck is relatively long and slender, the shoulder and chest are well-connected, the chest is narrow, the abdomen slightly droops, the hindquarters are well-developed, the withers are higher than the body height, and the body has a wedge shape. The back and loin of the male goat are straight, while the female’s waist is slightly concave. The limbs are short, straight, and sturdy, with firm hooves and a short, upright tail. The udder is hemispherical and neatly formed.

　　    The Liuyang Black Goat grows rapidly. By one year of age, its weight can reach more than 75% of that of an adult goat. During the autumn fattening period, adult male goats can weigh over 45 kilograms, and adult females over 40 kilograms.

　　    The meat of the Liuyang Black Goat is tender, with fine muscle fibers, low hardness, delicious taste, and no gaminess.

　　    The Liuyang Black Goat has a high slaughter rate. The dressing percentage for lambs is generally around 50%, and for fattened goats ranges from 51.2% to 55.6%.

　　    The Liuyang Black Goat matures early and has a high reproductive rate. Male kids can begin breeding at 50 days old. The productive lifespan of breeding males is typically 3 years, though well-fed, high-quality individuals may last up to 5 years. Female goats begin estrus around 3.5 months of age, with the first breeding typically occurring at 4–5 months. Adult females can come into heat year-round, but most breed during spring and autumn. The productive lifespan of breeding females is 6–8 years.

　　    The hide of the Liuyang Black Goat has a waxy yellow flesh side, is glossy and oily, with uniform thickness, high elasticity, and strong toughness. The area ranges from 0.15 to 0.26 square meters, the thickness from 0.56 to 0.15 millimeters, and the weight from 0.25 to 0.12 kilograms. The proportion of high-quality hides is 61%–65%.

　　    The leather strength of the Liuyang Black Goat is 1.0 kilogram per square millimeter, with an elongation rate of 30%, fat content of 10%, moisture content of 20%, and pH level between 4 and 6.