Rare Jericho Goats Originated In Spain

Rare Jericho Goats Originated In Spain LIVESTOCK Sheep/Goats Broken Diamond Livestock is doing its part to preserve the unique Jericho line of Spanish goats that trace their lineage back to the Spanish conquistadors Today they’re most numerous in Texas Many common lines of the breed originated there under low parasite and low humidity conditions High humidity and worms can be an issue in other Southern states “Jericho goats were developed in this climate and are very parasite resistant ” says Courtney Norman Broken Diamond Livestock “We have been trying to produce goats that will work throughout the South by crossing different lines “ Courtney and her husband Shan have raised goats their entire lives but recently added the Jerichos to their goat and cattle operation They took over developing and refining the line from a woman whose family maintained the Jerichos for generations They are local to the area dating back to pre-Civil War times “She had been selecting and improving the family goat herd since the 1970’s but was no longer able to keep them ” says Courtney “She sold her herd to us and we have been working with them since Our daughter suggested calling them Jerichos for a natural feature in the area they came from called the Jericho Wall ” The Normans showed pictures of the goats to Dr D P Sponenberg Virginia Tech professor and technical advisor to the Livestock Conservancy He is an internationally recognized goat geneticist “He said ours were a unique line with nothing to compare to in the Spanish goat breeds ” recalls Courtney “He advised us to get our numbers up and continue to select and improve them ” The Normans now have around 30 Jerichos with plans to get them up to 100 head before offering any for sale She describes the Jerichos as being very meaty goats and deep bodied Mature nannies run about 130 lbs with billys reaching 175 lbs Colors vary from solid reds to the more common black and brown often with a badger face In addition to being parasite resistant they are also very hardy Courtney notes that every nanny bred back has had a kid except one It is no longer in the herd having been sold for meat “We cull pretty hard for meat hardiness and parasite resistance ” she explains “We don’t sell anything to buyers we wouldn’t keep ourselves If they don’t produce they go to the meat market “They provide weed and brush control ” says Courtney “Chinese tallow trees are a huge problem across the region but our goats have wiped them out in our pastures They do a good job holding down pigweed as well ” In addition to the Jerichos the Normans maintain 4 other purebred lines of Spanish goats They also sell crossbreeds selected for vigor Prices start at around $300 for nanny kids and $250 for billy kids Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Broken Diamond Livestock 925 W Fleming Rd Montgomery Ala 36105 ph 334 281-2198 or 334 207–1258; crayfishgirl78@yahoo com; www facebook com/Broken-Diamond-Livestock-2035557986704098/

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