Black Bengal
Feb 21, 2013
The Black Bengal is found in the eastern region of India, in the states of West Bengal and adjoining areas in Jharkhand, Bihar and Orissa, Assam, Mizoram and Tripura, with a few numbers found in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
The animals are predominantly black, brown or grey and sometimes white. They have soft, glossy short hair and are dwarfed in size. The legs are short with a straight back and a beard is found in both sexes. The horns, averaging 5.8 cm in both bucks and does, are slightly tilted upward or straight. It is the most prolific among Indian breeds. Multiple births are common - 2, 3 or even 4 kids are born at a time. Kidding takes place twice a year with an average litter size of 2 kids.
The meat is excellent and palatable. Milk yield is low and is barely sufficient to feed the kids. Skin of the Black Bengal goat is used for making chamois leather – a highly valued specialty leather. According to the 18th Livestock Census 2007, the number of Black Bengal goats in the country is 20,927,557. (Refer to maps below).
| West Bengal, Bihar1 and Orrisa | Adult male | Adult Female |
|---|---|---|
| Average Body weight (kg) | 30 to 35 | 20 |
| Average Body length (cm) | 61 to 65 | 51 |
| Average Height at withers (cm) | 55 to 61 | 55 |
| Average Chest girth (cm) | 70 to 73 | 63 |
Assam and other north-eastern States |
||
| Body weight (kg) | 15 | 14 |
| Body length (cm) | 53 | 55 |
| Height at withers (cm) | 49 | 49 |
| Chest girth (cm) | 58 | 59 |
Text Source: http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/x6532e/X6532E05.htm#ch4.3.2
Photo Source: SA PPLPP, CSWRI, Avikanagar
References:
- District-wise details have not been specified in the 18th Livestock Census data.
