According to information provided by Turmush, local representatives of the ayil okmotu noted that Don goats are valued for their down and wool, which are in high demand in both domestic and foreign markets. These goats belong to the down direction, and their products are always sought after by livestock breeders.
Experts suggest that with favorable acclimatization in Jeti-Oguz, each individual can produce from 450 to 500 grams of high-quality down.
Currently, 200 goats have been transferred to the balance of the municipal enterprise of the Jeti-Oguz ayil aimak. A special route has been developed for their maintenance:
- in summer – grazing in the Ak-Tash pasture;
- further maintenance – in the high mountain valleys of Ak-Shiyrak and the foothill zone.
In the long term, district authorities intend not only to increase the herd size but also to organize the processing of valuable raw materials within the country, followed by the export of finished products. The successful start of the kidding campaign indicates the viability of the project and the good acclimatization of the animals to the new conditions.
Turmush previously reported that in August 2025, livestock farming is actively developing in the ayil aimak, focusing on improving the quality of livestock.
The head of the ayil okmotu, Urmat Dokoev, mentioned that in 2021, when the ayil aimak was still called Lipenka, a fattening site for livestock was created. Sponsors allocated 5 million soms for initial works, while funds from the ayil okmotu budget were used for the construction of a barn designed for 100 heads.
Initially, horses were fattened here, and now – beef cattle. The farm is managed by Ermek Chekirov, and four more people were hired.
According to the Jeti-Oguz ayil okmotu, this farm is self-sustaining, and the profits are directed towards the development of the region's social infrastructure.
Ermek Chekirov stated that currently, 100 calves are being fattened. They are fattened for a minimum of six months, after which the herd is renewed.
Urmat Dokoev also mentioned the breeding of down goats of the "Don" breed. In March 2025, at the initiative of the Jeti-Oguz district administration, 200 kids were brought in from the "Tegirmen-Bashy" farm in the Batken region, and they were transferred to the ayil aimak for further breeding.
This year, the first down has already been collected, and next year it is planned to obtain 500 grams of down from each goat.
The kids have successfully adapted to the local climatic conditions, and negotiations are currently underway with Kazakhstan for the purchase of an additional 200 heads.
If the project receives the necessary financial support, the herd will be increased. This year, a small amount of down was collected, but its price reaches 3800 soms per kilogram.
The main goal, as stated by the head of the ayil okmotu, is to expand the farm, transition from quantity to quality, and create new jobs.
One of the features of the Don breed is its dense and soft down, high growth rates, and hardiness to the diet. These goats can survive even in drought conditions.
The slaughter yield varies from 55% to 60%, and the weight of newborn individuals is 2-3 kg. At three months of age, their weight reaches 15-17 kg. Specialists note the good taste qualities of the meat without an unpleasant odor.
Although the milk productivity of this breed is low, only about 150-170 liters of fresh milk in 100-120 days, it is of high quality: fat content is about 4.3% and protein content ranges from 2.3 to 3.4%.
The length of the down is an important characteristic, and for Don goats, it is 9-13 cm, while for goats of other breeds, this figure is lower. The greatest growth of down is observed in the autumn months, and by the end of January, its growth stops, with molting occurring in February. The length of the down varies across body parts; the smaller the difference, the better its technological properties.
