Jining grey goats are produced in southwest Shandong, with a total number of about 1 1 10,000. Mainly distributed in Heze and Jining areas. This area is an alluvial plain in the lower reaches of the Yellow River. Flat terrain, semi-humid and warm climate, with continental climate characteristics. Annual accumulated temperature ≥ 10℃ is above 4500℃. The annual average temperature is 13.6℃, and the annual precipitation is 650 ~ 820 mm. More than 70% of the rainfall is concentrated in June ~ September. The climate is characterized by warm and rainy summer, cold and dry winter, and the annual relative humidity is 67% ~ 69%. The average frost-free period is 220 ~ 206 days.

(2) Variety characteristics

Jining grey goat is a small goat breed famous for its multiple births, high yield and high quality suede. The average weight of an adult ram is 30 kg, the height is 57 cm, the body length is 6 1 cm and the bust is 70 cm. The average weight of adult ewes is 26kg, the body height is 5 1cm, the body length is 55cm, and the bust is 62cm. Both the ram and the ewe have horns and beards. The ram's horns are thick and long, and the ewe's horns are short and thin. Ram has a thick and short neck, developed chest, high in front and low in back; The ewe has a slender neck and a wide and deep hindquarters. Strong limbs, small and upturned tail. Due to the different mixing ratio of black and white wool fibers, coats are divided into three colors: positive blue, metallic gray and pink blue, of which positive blue is the most. Coat color is related to the age of sheep. The older a sheep is, the darker its coat is. Another outstanding feature of this breed is that the coat, lips, horns and hooves are blue, while the front knees are black, which is simply described as "four greens and one black".

Figure 4- 1 1 Jining Grey Goat

(3) Productive performance Jining grey goats are sexually mature at the age of 3-4 months, and can be mated in estrus all year round. The lambing rate can reach 27.3%, and the ewes with three lambs and four lambs account for 52.8 1% and 3 1.46% respectively. Most lambs are slaughtered within 1 ~ 2 days after delivery. The produced lamb skin is shiny, can't be dyed by hand, and has beautiful wavy lines. It is very popular in domestic and foreign markets, and it is also a traditional commodity with a hundred years of export history in China. At present, there is no competitor that can compete with China goatskin in foreign markets. Therefore, its market prospect is good.

(4) Utilization ratio

This variety has strong adaptability to the local ecological environment and should be regarded as a valuable local variety resource. On the one hand, we should carry out pure breeding, improve or introduce exotic varieties, introduce hybridization and improve the quality of varieties. It can also be used as a hybrid parent to produce mutton and other commodities.