The Damascus goat is a breed of domestic goat generally used for milk production. It originated in Middle East countries, and was mainly raised in Cyprus, Lebanon and Syria.
Damascus goat – Premium Dairy & Meat Breed
The Damascus, also known as Aleppo or Shami , is a highly prized breed originating from the Middle East. Farmers value this goat for its exceptional milk yield, which makes it ideal for dairy production, especially cheese and yogurt. The breed also produces tender, flavorful meat, making it a popular dual-purpose goat.
At Farm Trade Global, we export Damascus goats from South Africa to international markets. Our animals come fully vaccinated, health-certified, and prepared for safe shipping worldwide.
Physical Characteristics
Size & Build – Large-framed goats with a muscular body. Adult males weigh 70–90 kg, while females average 50–70 kg.
Coat – The breed usually has a reddish-brown or golden coat, sometimes with white markings.
Head & Features – Known for their unique convex (Roman) nose, long pendulous ears, and short glossy hair. Some lines have long hair.
Distinctive Look – Their striking appearance makes Damascus goats popular in breeding programs.
Productivity & Purpose
Milk Production – A highly productive dairy breed, females can yield up to 2–3 liters of milk per day. The milk contains 5–6% fat and rich protein, perfect for cheese, yogurt, and specialty dairy products.
Meat Production – In addition to dairy, Damascus goats produce lean, tender meat with excellent taste, making them a reliable dual-purpose breed.
Fertility & Growth – They mature quickly, breed easily, and show high twinning rates, which improves farm profitability.
Damascus goats thrive in semi-arid and hot climates, making them suitable for farming in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
They show strong disease resistance, resilience under limited feeding, and adaptability to diverse conditions.
Their hardiness allows them to perform well in both small-scale and large-scale commercial operations.
The breed is also known by some other names such as Aleppo, Baladi, Chami, Damascene, Halep and Shami.
The Damascus goats were taken to Cyprus, where they were then bred and raised in large numbers. And during this time the breed acquired the name ‘Damascus’. Damascus was mentioned in many classics of Arabic literature. In fact, the breed appears in the religions and folklore of the region as well. Damascus goat for sale.
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