ORIGINS OF MOHAIR Dating back to the 1850's, the distribution of mohair originated from fine quality fleece goats in Turkey. It is at this time, the Industrial Revolution created a high demand for these fine quality fibers. Genetics were primarily exported to South Africa, Texas region of the U.S.A. and Australia to meet this demand. Mohair is the fleece produced from the Angora goat Angora is the fleece produced from the Angora rabbit Goats are ruminant (four stomached) animals that require a diet of browse (scrub, leaves, weeds and grasses) similar to deer. This complex diet aids digestion improving overall health. As a direct result, goats produce a higher quality, low micron level. However; a diet rich in protein will increase the micron level, reducing the quality of the fleece. FOUNDATION HERDS Alternative established breeds are utilized for crossbreeding to increase livestock numbers rapidly. Inferior genetics are minimized by line breeding the goats to produce the finest mohair. Multiple generational refinements will eventuate in quality angora genetics. South Africa - Boer goat: a short haired, stocky animal, with pendulous ears and a tendency to have fine hair. Government support for the industry was well established for Boer herds since inception. Texas, U.S.A. - Spanish goat: a taller, dark and wiry (coarse) coated animal. Australia - Saanen goat: a stocky, fine-haired dairy breed brought in from Great Britain during colonization.  Stud quality genetics were imported from South Africa in the 1980’s resulting in the refinement of Australian mohair.  As goats have very little body fat, the short dry winter season in Australia reduces stress, which improves the overall health of the animal and the overall quality of the fleece.