Arsi-Bale goats

Description

The Arsi-Bale goats are widely distributed covering the whole of Arsi, Bale and western Hararghe zones of the Oromia Region, and the high altitude areas of Sidama Zone of the Southern Region. Arsi-Bale goats are also found in most areas of the Rift Valley from Lake Abaya to south Shoa Zone. They are mostly kept in small flocks in mixed farming areas.

The Arsi-Bale goat has a straight facial profile. Males have curved and backward-pointed horns. Females mostly have shorter horns. Some males have ruffs while most have beards. Wattles are also present in some males and females. The coat color varies considerably with white as the most common color in males, and brown in females. Goats at higher altitudes have longer hair. Arsi-Bale goats have fairly long ears, and some of them have pendulous ears. Mean height at the shoulders is 73.2 cm and 66.1 cm for adult bucks and does, respectively. Arsi-Bale goats are reared for meat, milk and skin production. Manure is also a valuable product used to fertilize backyard farms.