Why LaManchas
If you're curious about how this American-developed breed came into existance, check out this article:
"The Tale of the Ear" from Quixote Lamanchas.
"The Tale of the Ear" from Quixote Lamanchas.
Here are some facts about our favorite breed, gathered from data from the American Dairy Goat Association website:
- In 2019, the average LaMancha doe on milk test produced 2,298 pounds of milk in 275-305 days, beat out only by the Saanen, Sable, and Alpine. (https://adga.org/knowledgebase/breed-averages/) The LaMancha is considered a medium sized breed and is often smaller than these other standard breeds as well!
- In 2019, the average LaMancha doe on milk test produced an average of 3.7% butterfat. The Nigerian Dwarf (a miniature breed) and the Nubian are well known to be the highest butterfat producers; however, the LaMancha has earned the recognition of having both high milk and butterfat production! The LaMancha was third in protein and butterfat percentage after the Nigerian Dwarf and the Nubian (3.2%). (https://adga.org/knowledgebase/breed-averages/)
- ADGA's description of the LaMancha is as follows: The LaMancha goat was developed in the U.S.A. It has excellent dairy temperament and is an all-around sturdy animal that can withstand a great deal of hardship and still produce. Through official testing this breed has established itself in milk production with high butterfat.
The LaMancha face is straight with the ears being the distinctive breed characteristic. There are two types of LaMancha ears. In does one type of ear has no advantage over the other.
*The “gopher ear” is described as follows: an approximate maximum length of one inch (2.54 cm) but preferably nonexistent and with very little or no cartilage. The end of the ear must be turned up or down. This is the only type of ear which will make bucks eligible for registration.
*The “elf ear” is described as follows: an approximate maximum length of two inches (5.08 cm) is allowed, the end of the ear must be turned up or turned down and cartilage shaping the small ear is allowed.
The ear is to be measured with a rigid measure placed firmly against the head at the base of the ear that is neither pulled nor stretched. Natural folds and creases of the ear are to be unaltered during measurement. Any color or combination of colors is acceptable with no preferences. The hair is short, fine and glossy. (http://adga.org/breed-standards/)