The humble goat that Mahatma Gandhi doted on found a glamorous admirer on Republic Day. Veteran actor Rajesh Khanna visited the famous Goat Research Institute at Farah in Mathura district, 30 km from here, to collect information about a documentary on goats he is reportedly planning to make.

The actor is also keen on setting up a goat farm in Mumbai. Institute Director N.P. Singh told a meeting of the staff on Republic Day that Rajesh Khanna 'had shown deep appreciation for the work done here'.

Informed sources said Rajesh Khanna collected preliminary information about the animals for his proposed documentary. The actor is interested in opening a goat farm in Mumbai, Singh said.

Goat farms, unlike poultry and cattle farms, are not as popular. It is difficult to breed goats and improve their stock.

Rajesh Khanna came late at night and met the doctors and staff to inquire about various goat species and other related issues, the sources said.

The Central Institute for Research on Goats (CIRG) at Makhdoom in Farah, near Agra is a pioneering institution established in July 1979 to undertake research, training and extension education programme to improve the quality of milk, meat and fibre from goats and help develop processing technology for goat meat.

Spread over 302 hectares along the national highway to Delhi, the institute has attracted lot of attention for its contribution to research work that has increased goat meat and milk output.

The institute's flock of the Muzaffarnagri breed of sheep and goats is one of the best available in the country. Jamunapari and Barbari, two important goat species, have shown remarkable improvement at the institute, officials of CIRG said.

The subcontinent has nearly 20 well-characterised goat breeds, which vary in their genetic potential for production of milk, meat and fibre. Indian goats make up 20 per cent of the world's goat population. The domestic goat Carpa Hircus is the common variety.