The La Mancha
© Julie Green Encyclopaedia Britannica
The La Mancha is a breed of goat developed in California. In particular, a Murciana buck of Spanish origin, was used as well as some of the native short-eared La Mancha goats of California. These La Manchas were apparently descendants of goats taken to California by Spanish missionaries and settlers. Purebred goats of the Swiss breeds were also used in the development of the breed. The American Dairy Goat Association opened a herd book for this breed and the first American La Manchas were registered in January, 1958.
La Manchas are reputed to have excellent dairy
temperament and are generally calm and unexcitable . They are a
relatively small breed of goat, yet are strong and hardy. They are well
fleshed and make a good meat animal though they are slower to reach
acceptable size. The LaMancha has good milk production with the second
highest butterfat.
For a La Mancha doe to be registered,
she must have one of two types of ears:
she must have one of two types of ears:
a) 'Gopher' ear- maximum length of one inch with
little or no cartilage;
the end of the ear must turn up or down.
the end of the ear must turn up or down.
b) 'Elf' ear- Maximum length of two inches;
the end of the ear must turn up up or down.
Some cartilage shaping the small ear is allowable.
the end of the ear must turn up up or down.
Some cartilage shaping the small ear is allowable.
Only bucks which have gopher ears are eligible for
registration.
