The Angora goat also called Tibetan goat is a very old goat breed since we find the first evidence of it 2000 years BC. Around the 11th century, it arrived in Turkey, in the region of Angora, which has since become Ankara, which later transmitted its name to it. This is a fairly calm and docile goat, easy to raise. The farms of these goats are generally small in size and do not exceed 100 heads. “I have a herd of 40 castrated goats, all from the Gaec Puigmal in Labassère, where Maïté was my trainer before my installation in Loubersan at La ferme des Pitchouns (with an area of 3 hectares)”, reports Danièle Lacassagne.
The hair produced by this breed makes it possible to manufacture fabrics whose reputation has grown over the centuries to reach Europe around the 16th century. In addition to imports of yarn and clothing, it was finally the goat itself that was invited to Europe. The mohair industry was then in its infancy. The goats that make up the French herd were imported in the 1980s from various countries. Mohair hair grows at the rate of about 2.5 cm per month. After six months, a fleece of 13 to 14 cm weighs between 2 and 2.6 kg. The bristles have a fineness varying between 26 and 30 microns. Mohair is a natural fiber of very good quality, which makes it possible to make, alone or mixed with other fibers, clothing, woolen or drapery. Wool is harvested by shearing twice a year.
A recognized sector
This sector has a mark of recognition: “Le Mohair des Fermes de France”. This brand is adopted by 80 breeders who must respect a precise charter which assures consumers of the quality of their products. A journey that begins at Sica Mohair, in Castres, a group of breeders, where biannually deliveries of hair are sorted, examined, washed and packaged in balls.
Alongside the honey and jams exclusively made from fruit from the orchard of La Ferme des Pitchouns, the products are marketed for direct sale in this farm where daily work is combined with the happiness of a peaceful life rediscovered. Danièle Lacassagne is also present on the markets of Mirande on Mondays, Simorre on Friday afternoons, Gaujan in April, Bassoues on Sundays, or even in her store in Vic-en-Bigorre every Saturday morning.
