The Finnish Landrace goat, or Finngoat, comes from western Finland and dates back 4000 years. It thrives in the cold with its medium size and thick coat. This breed varies in color from white to black and has either horns or none.
These goats are friendly and fit for cold weather. They don’t need a warm place to live. Finnish Landrace goats eat from bushes and trees easily. The best milkers can produce up to 11 lb (5 kg) of milk each day.
People mainly keep them for milk and wool. These goats aren’t as common for meat, except for young ones. In Finland, their numbers have changed a lot over the years. But, in recent times, they are doing better with 5,278 goats in 145 farms by 2017.
Key Takeaways:
- The Finnish Landrace goat is an ancient breed local to western Finland.
- They are medium-sized with a coat of coarse guard hairs and a dense undercoat.
- Finnish Landrace goats have a friendly and amenable temperament, making them easy to handle.
- They are highly productive milkers, with top performers giving up to 11 lb (5 kg) of milk per day.
- These goats are primarily used for dairy production, but they are also valued for their wool.
Breed History and Origin of the Finnish Landrace Goat
The Finnish Landrace goat has a long and rich history. It goes back thousands of years to Finland. For over 4000 years, this breed has been a part of the Finnish landscape.
Goats were first noted in Finland in a grave someone buried between 2800-2300 BCE. These people, part of the Corded Ware Culture, mixed farming with herding. They were some of the first to have goats in the area.
Pieces of pottery and animal hairs found at digs tell us goats were in Finland from an early time. It seems goats arrived in northern Europe through the movements of early people. These findings give us a window into the goat’s beginnings in Finland.
Norse mythology has a special place for goats. It tells of Thor’s chariot being pulled by two magical goats. This ancient story adds to the goat’s cultural value in the Nordic world. It may also connect to the modern Yule goat celebrations in Finland.
In later centuries, goats faced tough times in Finland because of religious reasons. They were important for farm life, providing milk and materials for clothing. Finnish Landrace goats, despite challenges, kept their spot as a vital part of the country’s heritage.
Today, the Finnish Landrace goat’s numbers have been boosted by genes from other countries. Swiss and Norwegian goats have mixed in over the years. Despite this, no new goats from Finland have arrived in the last 30 years. Breeders work hard to keep the unique Finnish goat genetic line going strong.
The Finnish Landrace goat is still a key part of Finland’s farming story. Its history and genes are both deeply tied to the area. This makes them more than just animals; they are a living link to Finland’s past.
References:
- Äyräpää, A. (1960). Parhaillaan käynnissä olevasta Perttulanmäen Kauhavan-Soten mäenpaasien kaivauksesta. Virittäjä, 64(3), 131-137.
- BreedingGoals. (n.d.). In Finnish Landrace goats. Retrieved from http://felinetwork.fi/files/finnish/d247f706f7d1c33d0e93ff21a4b30015/f5bd2dff7c8ea88931408b9dbb46a704.pdf
- MoominValley.fi. (n.d.). Joulupukki. Retrieved from https://www.moominvalley.fi/en/people/joulupukkipukin-historia/
Goat Characteristics and Appearance
Finnish Landrace goats are known for their medium size and unique look. They have long, coarse guard hairs. This cover grows thicker in winter with a dense undercoat. They also sport long beards, making them look charming.
These goats come in various colors like white, black, or gray. You may see them in self-colored, pied, or saddled patterns. However, white is the most common. Finding a brown one is a bit rare among this breed.
Does, or female goats, stand about 24 inches tall on average. The bucks, or males, are a bit taller at 28 inches. Does weigh between 88-132 pounds and bucks from 110-154 pounds.
Both males and females of the Finnish Landrace may have horns or be polled. Their horns vary in shapes, like the Dorcas horn or a scimitar look. Some even have various twists and turns, making them look unique.
To sum up, Finnish Landrace goats stand out with their medium size and vibrant colors. They have different horn shapes and charming beards. Overall, their unique features make them a captivating choice for goat lovers.
Climate Tolerance and Adaptability of Finnish Landrace Goats
Finnish Landrace goats are famous for their toughness in cold weather. They come from western Finland, known for harsh winters. Their genes give them the power to handle cold and bounce back from it, ideal for places with extreme weather.
These goats excel at finding food by browsing on bushes and trees. This means they can eat well even in snowy conditions without needing a warm shelter. Their skill at foraging helps them do well in areas where food is naturally found.
When it comes to food, Finnish Landrace goats are not picky. They do fine with natural grazing, so they don’t need to eat commercial feed. It’s important they have access to a variety of plants. Rotating the areas where they graze helps keep the land healthy.
Their toughness is a standout trait. They endure cold, find food even when it’s scarce, and deal with tough environments. They are also not easily sick and handle heat well. These abilities are key to their survival in tough spots.
In the end, Finnish Landrace goats are a strong choice for cold regions. Their natural toughness and resourcefulness make them a reliable option for farmers facing challenges. They stand strong in the farm world, thanks to their unique abilities.
Care and Maintenance of Finnish Landrace Goats
Finnish Landrace goats are loved for their milk, meat, and tough nature. They need the right care for their health and happiness. These goats can live in tough conditions and do well in different roles, like producing milk or being friends.
Feeding and Nutrition
It’s vital to feed these goats a good mix for their health and to work well. They eat high-quality hay, fresh grass, and grains. Make sure they have a range of plants, including leaves and shrubs. They also need minerals and vitamins. On average, they eat about 3-4 kg of food daily and must always have fresh water.
Keeping Clean and Grooming
Keeping their space clean and dry is key for the goats’ health. A good groom helps keep them clean and free from pests. You might need to shear their coarse hairs in spring to help them stay cool.
Health Issues and Veterinary Care
Goats may face health problems like worms and ticks. Regular check-ups and grooming are important. These help spot and treat issues early, keeping the goats healthy.
Number of Goats per Acre
How many goats you should have per acre depends on the land’s quality. Rotational grazing is best to keep the forage in good shape and to stop overgrazing.
If you take good care of Finnish Landrace goats, they can live 12-15 years. They are sweet, and you can form a strong bond with them. Their milk is high quality, they are calm, and they can take a lot, making them great for farms of any size.
Want to learn more about these goats? Contact the USDA-TAG at 1-866-USDA-TAG for help.
Products and Uses of Finnish Landrace Goats
Finnish Landrace goats are known for their many roles. They give us milk, meat, and wool. Their main job is producing milk, but they’re also great for meat and wool.
In the west of Finland, these goats shine in the milk department. They can give up to 11 lb (5 kg) of milk a day. In a year, it’s between 2200-3300 lb (1000-1500 kg). The milk is top-notch, perfect for cheeses like Finnish cheese and feta.
Even though they focus on milk, Finnish Landrace goats are also good for meat. The meat of young goats is tasty. It has a special quality that many people like.
These goats are not just about milk and meat. They also provide wool. Their wool is good for making all sorts of woolen items. It’s strong and warm.
These goats are really versatile and helpful. They give dairy, meat, and wool. This makes them important for those who farm and those who make things with wool.