Pygora Fiber Types
A registered Pygora goat may contain up to 75% of either Angora or Pygmy
genes—and as little as 25% of the other breed (as well as any
combination between these extremes). Not surprising, therefore, these
goats can have a range of fiber types. For this reason, the Pygora
Breeders Association developed carefully-defined breed standards for 3
Pygora fiber types (these definitions of the Pygora Fiber types come
from the PBA Pygora Breed Standards):
| Type A is a long fiber, averaging
6+ inches in length. It drapes in long lustrous ringlets. It may
be a single coat, but a silky guard hair is usually present. The
fiber is very fine, mohair-like, usually less than 28 microns.
The handle should be silky, smooth and cool to the touch.
Type A Fiber |
Type A Goat |
| Type B is a fiber with
characteristics of both mohair type and cashmere type fleece.
It’s usually curly and should average 3 to 6 inches in length.
There is an obvious guard hair. A second silky guard hair is
also usually present. There should be luster and the handle
should be soft and airy. The fiber should test, on average,
below 24 microns. The fleece color is usually lighter than the
guard hair color.
Type B Goat |
Type B Fiber |
| Type C is a very fine fiber,
usually below 18.5 microns, and can be acceptable as commercial
cashmere. It must be a least 1 inch long and is usually between
1 to 3 inches. It has a matte finish and a warm, creamy handle.
It must show crimp. There is good separation between a coarse
guard hair and fleece. The fleece color is usually lighter than
the guard hair color.
Type C Fiber |
Type C Goat |
None of these types is “better”
than the others. Each is unique with special characteristics all its
own.
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