About Pygora Goats
A Pygora is an American fiber goat purposely bred to produce fine fiber for hand spinning. The Pygora goat produces a wonderful, lofty, soft, fiber that does not coarsen as the goat ages. Add in an affectionate, engaging personality, a manageable size, good health and fleece in a range of colors and you have the perfect fiber goat.
Pygora kids weigh about 5 lb. at birth. Adult does (female Pygoras) average 80-120 lb. and must be at least 18 in. tall. Adult bucks (male Pygoras) and wethers (neutered males) average 75-140 lb. and must be at least 23 in. tall.
A Pygora goat will have one of three fleece types:
Photos courtesy of Linda Marak
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Type AType A is a long fiber, averaging 6+ in. in length. It drapes
in long lustrous ringlets. It may be a single coat, but a silky guard hair is usually present. The fiber is very fine, usually less than 28 microns. The handle should be silky, smooth and cool to the touch. Type-A goats usually are shorn twice a year. Weight when shorn: 3+lbs .Staple length: 6+ inches .Micron count: less than 28 micron |
Photos courtesy of Linda Marak
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Type BType B fiber is curly and average 3-6 in. in length. There is an obvious guard hair. A second silky guard hair is also usually present. . It is lustrous fiber and the handle is soft and airy. The fiber averages less than, 24 microns. The fleece color is usually lighter than the guard hair color. Type-B goats usually are shorn twice a year.
Weight when shorn: 1-2lbs Staple length: 3-6 inches Micron count: less than 24 micron |
Photos courtesy of Linda Marak
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Type CType C is a very fine, cashmere-like fiber, usually below 18.5microns. It averages 1-3 in. long. It has a matte finish and a warm, creamy handle. It must show crimp. There is good separation between a very obvious coarse guard hair and the fleece. The fleece color is usually lighter than the guard hair color. A type-C coat can be harvested by brushing, plucking or shearing. The yield is quite small, but the effort is worth it. Type-C fleece is unbelievably soft.
Weight when shorn: 8oz .Staple length: 1-3 inches .Micron count: less than 18.5 micron |
