The Pyrenean 'Caprine' breed

This breed of goats from the Pyrenees has a certain genetic interest because its Iberian origin gives it a marked difference from other French breeds. What is more, its population has not been standardised, so it has many geographical variations. This breed has not even been officially recognised and its very identity is in jeopardy because they are so widely-dispersed in the mountains, where a lot of cross-breeding occurs.

The animals presently at the 'Ferme Conservatoire' are being used to study the characteristics of the breed and different pedigrees have been reared. As such, the Farm has done a very important piece of investigative work for the 'Conservatoire des Races d'Aquitaine.'

This breed is currently proving of great interest to a new generation of farmers and its future as a good income-earner, milked for the production of special 'ethnic' cheeses, now seems assured.