GOATS - ANGORA

System and Layout:
Irrespective of the number to be clipped, have a system - design and build be it temporary or permanent - whatever you like, but make sure it works! Animals irrespective of the breed are great at exploiting weaknesses - they can spot a weakness in your carefully planned layout in seconds! Create a strong "holding" pen for the total to be sheared - use "substantial" hurdles, which don't go "walkabout" with the occupants! Have a good baseboard, flat and level to work off. Have your "finished" pen close and handy for "finished" persons!

Spend a little time constructing something at a comfortable working height, which is both comfortable to you and your working stance. Many goats are similar in size to an average sized dog, so one could copy the dog groomer who always works off a table - usually portable and at a height around 33 to 36 inches. This has the benefit of reducing in particular back strain. Do have all you tools accessible!

As described with sheep try not to enter into a "waltz" round the floor with each goat you catch hold of - select the candidate required taking a firm and secure hold. The less stress the better! For both of you! As the fibre is a valuable item - a moment spent removing any foreign matter caught up in the fibre is worthwhile.

It helps greatly if you have a system of clipping movements. Develop any system with which you are comfortable. Ideally it should have both purpose and direction, rather as the sheep shearer has adopted the "Bowen" system, but above all avoid the "sin" of making double cut when performing the clipping action. The importance of good length fibres rather then double cuts with the resulting shorter lengths is really vital for the processors.

Remember as you are busy clipping - lubrication of the clipper blades is important. Always have your can of oil handy and remember to use it! REGULARILY!!!

A FEW KEY FACTORS TO SUCCESSFUL CLIPPING

Have total control of the Goat:
Position it so that you are in control throughout the whole clipping process

Positive clipping:
Know in your mind's eye exactly the direction you are going. Don't poke about! Be positive with each stroke. Keep the blade flat to the body and allow the machine to do the work - you provide the guidance!

Rhythm and timing:
Essential it makes for a successful operation. Don't however rush!

CLIPPERS

Universally popular for the clipping of the Angora goat is the Aesculap Favorita II both in the UK and in Western Europe. Aesculap are one of the few manufacturers who have developed a specific blade for the very purposes of clipping both the Angora goat and the rabbit.

The Aesculap Favorita II (See fig 1) it is a German made machine engineered to a very high standard, which is why it has the reputation for reliability especially as a professional dog parlour clipper. It is of innovative design with an attractive style slim shaped handpiece, incorporates a combination of good balance and lightness, to help ensure the operator precision clipping to the highest standards.

Many engineering features lift this machine into a superior category, including the ball bearing universal motor, which provides great durability and long life, with almost total vibration free running. The Aesculap Favorita II has a history of long levity!

The Aesculap Favorita II is an excellent choice for clipping Angora Goats and Rabbits and is clearly the best of any similar machine. The GT746 blade is recommended for use on both goats and rabbits. There is a wide selection of other blades within the manufacturer's range some of which may well be found suitable to the Angoras requirements. A recent introduction is the new wide blade.

Details of all these clippers can be viewed on our main website under "CLIPPERS" - scroll down to "Mains powered dog clippers. (You can view the main Peasridge Web Site by clicking on "Peasridge Web Site" at the top of this page.) Any of the other five clippers as shown (See fig 2) will and can be used to clip the Angora goat, but you will need to experiment with the various blades available, as unlike the Aesculap GT746 blade they are not essentially designed clipping Angora Goats.

Regular oiling is an important feature with any make or model of clipping machine. One needs to be mindful that two metal objects are tightly clamped together and usually passing across the surface of each other at speeds well in excess of several thousand strokes per minute.

Lubrication is there essential and at regular intervals. Make sure you are using the correct type of oil (see your handbook,) that you have plenty of oil available, and that you direct a few drips on the blades and in various oiling points frequently!

PEASRIDGE

Repair & service all makes of clippers and trimmers
and professionally sharpen all types of blades

Tel: 01424 882900 or E-mail info@peasridge.co.uk

Whilst every care has been take to ensure the accuracy of the information given both in the written text and pictures created, neither PEASRIDGE nor any of its staff can accept any responsibly of any type for injury or damage inflicted by or caused to persons or animals by any operator or a third party who has made reference to this web site. Owner/Operators of all such appliance should satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any statements made, and if they are unsure on any point consult the manufacturer direct.