The Murcian-Granadian breed is a hardy indigenous breed that originates from the southeastern part of Spain. Throughout history, it has been able to adapt to different geographical environments. Its phylogenetic ancestor is the bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus).
Where are they found?
It can be commonly found in warm, dry climates with very arid land (even in desertified areas), such as in all countries in the Mediterranean basin (both African and European), as well as in South America. However, it can also be found in colder, wetter climates such as the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula, along the Cantabrian coast and areas with more continental climates like Aragón or Castilla-León. The benefits of this breed are celebrated in countries such as France, Italy, Greece and Portugal. Therefore, it can be considered a very cosmopolitan breed.
Biotype
This is clearly a dairy breed, with a straight dorsal-lumbar line that starts at a marked withers and ends in a slightly drooping crupper with a short, erect tail. The chest is wide and deep, which allows for great lung capacity. The belly is barrel-shaped and wide. Udders are bulky, with a wide insertion area, strong suspending ligaments and slightly protruding nipples that are bent forward. All these features, along with the fast milk emission and the animal’s docility ensure excellent milking. Lactation is abundant, long and extremely profitable for cheese production.
Morphology
A small- to medium-sized type with an average weight of 45-50 kg for females and 60-75 kg for males. Only solid mahogany or black fur is accepted for this breed, with no presence of hairs of any other color. It has a subconcave profile, with a medium-sized, triangular head and lively eyes. Females have a fine, thin neck, whereas in males it is shorter and more robust. In some cases, they have two hanging appendages called mamellas (literally, small breasts).
Breeding
Average prolificacy is 2 – 2.2 kids born to does and 1.3 – 1.5 kids born to doeling giving birth for the first.It is a breed with short seasonal anestrus (April-June), easily interrupted with an effective handling of the “male effect”. Lactation periods are long (8-10 months), with an average production over 600 liters of milk with extraordinary quality, usually surpassing 9.5 % of dry matter. Doelings have shorter lactation periods (5-7 months) and a dairy production over 250 liters per lactation period, with the same dairy quality as does.
Doeling
Goats
Lactation (months)
5 – 7
9 – 10
Production (lts)
250 – 300
550 – 650
Crude fat (%)
5.55
5.6
Total protein (%)
3.4
3.5
Prolificacy
1.3 – 1.5
2 – 2.2