The Surti goat is an important breed of domestic goats in India. It is a dairy goat breed and mainly raised for milk production. Surti goat is one of the best dairy goat breeds in India.
Name of the breed derives from the place called ‘Surat‘ in Gujarat state of India. The breed is found in pure form in this area. But the total population of this breed is very small when compared to other goat breeds. And it is one of the endangered breed of goats of Indian origin.
The Surti goat is distributed in surrounding areas of Surat, Baroda and Nasik of Maharashtra.
The breed is very popular in it’s native areas, and they are raised and maintained in small flocks ranging from 2 to 15 goats. Most of the flocks are raised on extensive grazing system. But a few numbers are seen kept under intensive conditions and fed in stall.
The Surti goat is most suited and can perform well under stall fed goat farming system. It is mainly kept as a dairy goat for milk production. But the breed is also good for meat production.
Today the total number of Surti goat is very less. And it is one of the most endangered goat breeds of Indian origin. Read more information about this goat breed below.
Surti Goat Characteristics
Surti goats are small to medium sized animal with compact body. Their coat is predominantly white in color with short and lustrous hairs. They have medium sized dropping ears. Their forehead is prominent and face profile is slightly raised.
Both bucks and does usually have medium sized horns. Their horns are directed upward and backward. Udder of the does is well developed with large conical teats. They have relatively short legs, and they usually unable to walk long distances.
The Surti does are pretty large than the bucks. The does on average weight about 32 kg, and average body weight of the bucks is about 30 kg. Photo and info from Animal Genetics Training Resource.
Uses
Surti goat is mainly used for milk production. But they are also good for meat production. They are very well suited for commercial dairy goat farming business. And also good for commercial meat goat farming business.
Special Considerations
The Surti goat is an excellent dairy goat compared to other Indian goat breeds. It is most economical to raise, because it can live on leaves or on food waste.
The does are excellent milk producers, and on average they can produce about 2.0 to 2.25 kg of milk daily under stall fed system with supplementary feeds. But under village conditions with grazing goat farming system, they can produce about 1.2 kg of milk daily.
The Surti goat is noted for it’s kidding percentage. The flock can be large within a very short period of time, because the does can give birth to twins and triplets. Usually first kidding age varies from 400 to 500 days. However, review full breed profile of the Surti goat in the following table.
| Breed Name | Surti |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Milk, and also good for Meat |
| Breed Size | Small to Medium |
| Buck | About 30 kg |
| Doe | About 32 kg |
| Horns | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | White |
| Good for Stall Fed | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | India |
