Research on Goat Nutrition and Management in Mediterranean Middle East and Adjacent Arab Countries

Abstract

Research was reviewed on structural characteristics of digestive systems, feeding, nutrition, body characteristics, lactation, milk composition, growth, production, reproduction, management systems, and farm economics of goats in the Near and Middle East. Damascus goats are the largest in the area; Kil goats, native to Turkey, are with 16 million the most numerous although least productive in milk and meat. Angoras are raised for mohair. Birth weights, growth rates, kidding rates, and milk yields are most in Damascus goats, followed by Malta and Kilis goats, with Kil and Angora goats last. Different milk nursing, kid and doe feeding systems are discussed. Urea can substitute successfully for part of the protein in rations. Kid carcasses are leaner and tastier than similar lamb carcasses. Carob pods and distillers dried grains can be used successfully in goat rations in relatively large proportions. Single-purpose goats made more money than dual purpose goats, and larger goat farms (200 goats) were more profitable than smaller units (80 goats). Practical research data, written in native languages, are hidden in little accessible annual reports in Turkey, Cyprus, and others. © 1980, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.