Capestrina

Did You Know?

• The average milk yield of the Capestrina, over and above that taken by the kids, is litres in 100 days for primiparous, litres in 150 days for secondiparous, and litres in 150 days for pluriparous, nannies.
• Kids are slaughtered at about 40–50 days, at a weight of; or, for Ferragosto, as caprettone ('large kid'), at a live weight of about.

History

The Capestrina goat is native to the provinces of Frosinone, Latina, and Rome, living across the Monti Aurunci, Ausoni, and Lepini ranges. It is also found in the Monti delle Mainarde, Val Comino, and Monti Prenestini. Its habitat overlaps with that of the Bianca Monticellana and Ciociara Grigia, but the Capestrina typically occupies steeper, more remote ground. This breed is one of forty-three autochthonous Italian goat varieties with limited distribution, tracked in a herdbook managed by the Associazione Nazionale della Pastorizia. By late 2013, its registered population had been given in different figures.

Characteristics

The Capestrina is a medium-sized goat. Nannies weigh and stand at certain averages, while billies are larger. Their coat is black or seal black, sometimes with white Swiss markings on the face that may extend to the beard, ear edges, lower legs, belly, and perianal area. Hair length varies. All goats have beards, with billies sporting especially heavy ones. Their horns are large, spreading, and notably flattened at the base.