Damascus or Shami goats

Description

Damascus goats are among the known dairy goat breeds of eastern Mediterranean countries and Iraq. This breed belongs to the Nubian group. It is believed that Nubian and Jamnapari goats of India might have the same ancestry. The dairy characteristic of this breed has been particularly developed through breed improvement programs in Syria and Cyprus

Damascus goats are tall with a pronounced Roman-type nose. Ears are pendulous reaching 25-30 cm in length. The breed is normally polled.Horns, if present, are moderate in length and diameter with a back and downward orientation and have a homonymous twist in males while they are sickle-shaped in females.

Mature body weight ranges 50-90 kg and 35-65 kg for males and females, respectively. Damascus goats weigh 3-4.2 kg at birth and 19 kg at weaning. Height at the withers for mature males ranges 75-89 cm, and for mature females 60-76 cm. Age at first kidding ranges 15-24 months. Multiple births occur in about 70% of the births. Milk production ranges 250-558 kg in lactation periods ranging from 155 to 300 days