Tauernschecke

Species profile - Tauernschecke Goat

The Tauernschecke Goat is a robust, vital, long-living and sure-footed Austrian mountain goat breed that has its origins in the Hohe Tauern region. The local goat farmers have always tried to grow goats that were easier to find on the high alpine pastures in all weather conditions due to their spotting. The breed is very vividly coloured - brown-white-black, sometimes only black-white piebald with a continuous pallor on the head. The leg colour is black to brindled, the coat short and without hangings. Both sexes are horned.

The longevity of this goat breed is particularly worth mentioning. Individual goats are reported to have reached a maximum age of 14 years. The oldest billy goats were 11 years old. The Tauernschecken form a very strict hierarchy within the herd. The curious and freedom-loving goats are completely unsuitable for mass livestock farming, which almost meant the extinction of this rare livestock breed.

The Tauernschecken goat is a multi-use breed, which is already evident in its physique. A dry foundation with hard claws gives it surefootedness even in steep and rocky terrain, which makes it particularly well suited for landscape preservation. Her high-set, tight udder reduces the risk of injury on rocky edges or brushwood and also produces a considerable amount of milk.

Key data

• Status: Rare mountain goat breed.
• Size: 70 - 77 cm (female), 75 - 90 cm (male)
• Weight: 50 - 70 kg (female), 65 - 85 kg (male)
• Shearing: not necessary, independent coat change
• Oestrus cycle: seasonal
• Suitability: extensive husbandry, landscape management