Shuicheng Black Goat

Shuicheng Black Goat

Shuicheng Black Goat is a geographically protected product.

　　Located in western Guizhou, Shuicheng County has a long-standing tradition of raising black goats. The region features a subtropical humid monsoon climate with mild weather and an average annual sunshine duration of 1,430.7 hours, making it one of the sunnier areas in Guizhou Province. The county is primarily traversed by two rivers—the Beipan River and the Sancha River—with significant natural elevation drops between the rivers and the land, as well as rich vegetation, which makes it extremely suitable for raising black goats.

　　The southern regions tend to be humid, and locals favor eating lamb for its warming and nourishing properties. As a result, goats are widely raised. When the people of Shuicheng introduced Guizhou black goats to the area, they discovered that these goats had milder flavors and more tender meat compared to those from other regions. Over time, the reputation of Shuicheng’s high-quality black goats spread. To distinguish them, they became known as Shuicheng Black Goats. These goats have since become a benchmark for lamb consumption among the general public.

　　Guizhou black goats are of medium build with proportionate bodies, slightly rectangular in shape. Their heads are triangular, with straight bridges and ears that stand forward. Both males and females typically have horns and beards. Male goats have thick, sickle-shaped horns that curve slightly backward and outward, while females have smaller horns that usually curve upward and backward, also twisting outward. Their coats are glossy, mostly black, though some may be white, yellow, or mixed. Beneath the outer coat lies a layer of short, sparse downy fur. Adult male Guizhou black goats have an average height, body length, chest circumference, and weight of 57.69±4.48 cm, 60.58±4.61 cm, 73.62±5.23 cm, and 31.05±6.00 kg respectively, while adult females measure 56.01±3.59 cm, 58.93±3.97 cm, 70.67±5.01 cm, and 28.91±5.54 kg. The goats’ hides are large, spanning 5,000–6,400 square centimeters, with uniform thickness and good elasticity.

　　Shuicheng black goats are characterized by rapid growth, excellent meat yield, and high-quality hides. Their muscle fibers are fine, resulting in tender, delicious meat with minimal gaminess and high nutritional value. Recognized as a green goat variety, authoritative analyses show their protein content can reach up to 20%, fat below 3%, and cholesterol only 60 mg/kg. They contain all 15 essential amino acids, especially rich in those vital for humans, offering strong nourishing benefits. Regular consumption helps strengthen the body and remedy deficiencies—especially beneficial for the elderly, weak, or chronically ill. Pairing Shuicheng black goat meat with appropriate tonics enhances its health-preserving and life-extending effects.

　　Shuicheng black goats are highly disease-resistant and tolerant to cold, heat, and coarse feed, making them easy to raise. They thrive in the region’s temperatures ranging from 0–40°C, boast high fertility rates (typically two litters per year, with two kids per litter), and offer strong economic returns—serving as a key livelihood for mountain farmers. Areas rich in forage resources allow for extensive goat farming. The warm climate, abundant sunlight, ample rainfall, and lush grasslands of southern China, blessed with a favorable natural environment, have fostered the unique characteristics of black goats and other herbivorous livestock. This breed is now recognized as one of China’s pollution-free, high-quality local meat goat varieties.

　　The administrative regions of four counties/districts currently under the jurisdiction of Liuzhi Special District, Pan County, Shuicheng County, and Zhongshan District in Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province

　　“Report by the People’s Government of Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province on the Proposed Scope for Geographical Indication Product Protection of Shuicheng Black Goat,” Liupanshui Government Document [2015] No. 25

　　Guizhou Provincial Local Standard:

　　“Geographical Indication Product – Shuicheng Black Goat” (Draft)