Tellicherry Goat Characteristics – Growth rate, Milk Yield, and kidding

Tellicherry goats are one among the recognized breeds of goats in India and are widely distributed in the Malabar region of Kerala and also reared in different places of Tamil Nadu.

This breed is considered as a unique genotype exhibiting higher multiple birth percentages and higher milk yields. The goats are raised for Goat Farming Business in many parts of India.

The Tellicherry breed is also called a Malabari breed. They love feeding on Jack fruit leaves and coconut oil cakes.

Physical characteristics of the Tellicherry goat

1. Tellicherry Goats are in white, brown and black colors.
2. No uniform color and the coat varies from completely white to black.
3. The Tellicherry goats are medium in size.
4. Although they are similar to the Beetal goat, Malabari goats weigh more, have shorter ears and legs, and have larger testicles
5. Malabari(Tellicherry)  goats have a medium-sized head with a flat and occasionally a Roman nose with medium-sized ears directed outward and downward.
6. The body weight of an adult Bucks and Does varies from 50-60 kg and 30-40 kg respectively.
7. The age at sexual maturity in males and females varied from 5 to 6 months.

Production characteristics of the Tellicherry goat

The growth rate, milk yield, milk composition and reproductive(kidding) efficiency of Tellicherry goats are high.

1. Growth rate

• The body weight of an adult  Buck and Doe varies from  50-60kg and 30-40kg respectively.
• The newborn kid of Tellicherry goat weighs around 2.5kg on an average.
• The average growth rates of male and female kids were 120g/day and 90g/day
• In just 12 months, the goat can gain around 25kg.

2. Milk yield

• The milk yield ranges from 1 to 2 liters a day with an average of 90 kg in a lactation period of 178 days.
• The milk of the Tellicherry goat is very tasty and healthy.
• Does with multiple kids produced more milk than those with single kids.
• Milk will be thicker than other goats.

3. Reproductive efficiency(kidding)

• Twinning/Triple kidding Percentage is  80.
• Tellicherry goat can yield twin kids in a single birth cycle.
• There can be 2 kidding cycles in a year.
• There is a high chance to have 4 kids a year.
• The age at sexual maturity in males and females varied from 5 to 6 months.
• The average age of the first conception is the 7th month.

Advantages of Tellicherry Goat

1. Malabari(Tellicherry) goats are reared for milk and meat.
2. Tellicherry’s skin is popular in the tanning(leather) industry.
3. Yields excellent crossbreeds on crossing with Boer Buck and Jamnapari Buck.
4. Have a high feed conversion ratio, which means gains weight very fast in less span of time. Around 25kg in 12 months(under normal diet).
5. These goats can gain weight of 20 to 25 kg in 90 days, provided with a good feed.
6. Twinning/Triple kidding Percentage: 80%
7. The kids are sold for Rs 4,500 each at the age of 3 months.
8. Adaptability to stall-fed conditions.
9. Higher milk yields around 1 to 2 liters a day.
10. The Thalassery goats have high resistance for diseases and it is well adapted in the south Indian climate.

Brief characteristics of Tellicherry goat

Breed Name	Tellicherry goat
Other Name	Thalassery goat, Thalacheri, Malabari
Country/Place of Origin	India
Breed Purpose	Milk and Meat
Breed Size	Medium
Weight Buck(Male) first year	28 kg
Doe(Female) first year	23 kg
Kidding	Twins and Triplets  are common
Milk Yield	1 to 2 liters a day
Good for Stall Fed	Yes
Climate Tolerance	All Climates

Crossbreeding

Yields excellent crossbreeds on crossing with Boer Buck and Jamunapari Buck.

Upon cross-breeding, the chances of kids are 50:50 in ratio.  50% of Tellicherry and 50% of Boer/Jamunapari.

The average weight of 50 % Boer kids in one year will be

• For Male: 40 kgs or more
• For Female: 30 kgs or more

A significant high yield in weight can be seen.