Angora goat
The Angora goat is a domestic breed raised chiefly for its long, lustrous coat, which produces the animal fiber called mohair.
Mohair: A lustrous animal fiber made from the fleece of Angora goats. This is the fiber harvested from the breed’s defining coat.
Mohair production: The raising, shearing, and processing of Angora goat fleece into mohair. It is the main agricultural use of the breed.
Ankara: The capital of Turkey, historically known in English as Angora. The breed’s name reflects its historical association with this region.
Cashmere goat: A goat breed or type raised for cashmere, the fine undercoat fiber it produces. It produces a different luxury fiber from a different part of the coat.
Angora goat fleece: The long, lustrous coat of an Angora goat, composed of mohair fibers. Its growth and structure determine the quality and quantity of mohair.
Textile industry: The industrial production of yarn, fabric, and other goods from fibers. Mohair enters commerce as a textile fiber.
Anatolia: A large peninsula forming most of modern Turkey and a historic crossroads of Eurasia. Angora goats originated in this region.
Merino: A sheep breed renowned for its fine, soft wool. Merino wool comes from sheep and differs in structure and handling from mohair.
Keratin: A structural protein that forms hair, wool, feathers, nails, and other protective tissues. Mohair, like other animal hair, is made primarily of keratin.
Spinning (textiles): The process of twisting staple fibers into continuous yarn. Mohair fleece is spun into yarn before being knitted or woven.