Cashmere
Cashmere is a goat fibre. Goats are from the Caprinae subfamily of the Bovidae family of animals, and are relatives of sheep. The domesticated goat is a subspecies of the wild goats of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. Most goats have the capability to yield fibre; however, the most important fibre-producing goats are the cashmere and angora goats. Cashmere goats originated high up in the plateau regions of the Himalayan mountains. The cashmere fibres are very adaptive, cashmere yarn can be spun into either fine or thick yarns to produce light or heavyweight garments. Cashmere is, weight for weight, warmer than wool. An important and luxurious fibre, global cashmere production is believed to be around 1% of the total textile market, putting into perspective its uniqueness. The fibre is harvested in Mongolia, China, Iran, Afganistan, Australia and New Zealand and sold to Italy, Japan and Scotland - the three principal countries renowned for sophisticated and innovative cashmere wool spinning, knitting and weaving