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If you thought that beauty pageants were for people only, you might be surprised to find that there are beauty contests for camels, badgers, cats, and even goats. And, if typically the contestants who enter the pageants are absolutely gorgeous, a different kind of beauty is valued in goats, especially Damascus goats.
What is a Damascus Goat?
The goat beauty pageant, held in Saudi Arabia, prizes billies known as the Damascus goat, aka Capra aegagrus hircus, or simply Shami. If you ask the internet, ‘What is the ugliest animal in the world?’ it might show you this bizarre goat on the list of the ugliest animals in the world. And though we don't like calling our four-legged pals ugly, this goat breed has some very unusual characteristics.
What’s shocking about these strange animals is the stark difference between their looks when they’re young and when they grow up. What seems to be incredibly cute goats with very long ears later turns into a monstrosity with bulging noses that could scare many people. Yet, beauty is subjective, and some people absolutely adore this strange goat and even find it beautiful.
What is the Damascus Goat Used for?
The Damascus goat is generally used for milk production but also performs well in leather and meat production. This rare breed of goat has become extremely valuable, and according to goat connoisseurs, their price can go all the way up to 8,000 USD, depending on their beauty.
The average weight of this extraordinary creature is between 50-90 kg. Its bizarre appearance comprises a long neck and legs accompanied by a small head. It has long, curved horns that look threatening. But don’t be fooled by its appearance. It is extremely docile, gentle, easy to handle, and adorable. It also has a religious significance and appears in classic Arabic literature and folklore.
Below, we’ve assembled some incredible pictures of these goats that we can’t wait for you to see. From a Damascus goat baby to an adult one, take a look for yourself and decide whether they deserve to be called cute or ugly animals.
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#8
Happiness is Hippo 7 years ago
I wish they all had their ears uncut like this one. I can't understand why people insist on cutting ears and tails off animals, it's horrible. And they look so much better in their natural state, as they're meant to look!
#10
#14
Zenozenobee 7 years ago
OK, now, I'm sure they cut their ears... why creating a breed with unbelivable long ears, to end up by mutilate these poor animals?
Baa!
Although it might look scary, the Damascus goat skull is just like the skull of any goat. What we are trying to say is that their appearance should not be a factor in judging them. They are incredibly useful creatures that can truly be a farmer’s best friend. Don’t be too harsh on them just because of their scary looks. Give them a chance and get to know them more. Who knows, like many others, you might also find them beautiful!
FAQs About Damascus Goats
What is the Lifespan of a Damascus Goat?
The Damascus goat can live from 8 up to 12 years of age.
What Do Damascus Goats Eat?
Damascus goats can eat various plant materials like forage, grasses, weeds, or hay.
Do Damascus Goats Have Health Problems?
Like any livestock, even Damascus goats can have health problems like parasitic infections, respiratory infections, foot problems, or viral or bacterial diseases, to name a few.
How Much Milk Does a Damascus Goat Produce a Day?
A Damascus goat can produce approximately 1 to 2 liters of milk daily.
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What do you think ?
Cassie 7 years ago
The stubby face is not natural to the breed and is a mutation maintained by some breeders and I think that's irresponsible. The breed has long-flowing ears and the ones you see with stubby tube ears have been cut that way. This is objectionable treatment of the breed at best.
Tony Moon 7 years ago
Every time I see a pitbull with its ears and tail cut I cry for it. They were beautiful before they had their appendages cut. If you want a short eared animal, breed it that way.
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Carol Harrison 7 years ago
I really, really loathe the breeders who breed for extreme traits, usually to the detriment of the actual animal. They may be cosseted and well cared for, but often they have a hard time eating, breathing, moving.
M O'Connell 7 years ago
If you look up the breeding standards for Shami goats, you will see that the traits you mention usually eliminate the animal in question from the breeding population. They will be used for fiber, leather and meat, not dairy (since milk production requires breeding). Keeping those with exaggerated faces around isn't cruel, it's thrifty.
Load More Replies... Cassie 7 years ago
The stubby face is not natural to the breed and is a mutation maintained by some breeders and I think that's irresponsible. The breed has long-flowing ears and the ones you see with stubby tube ears have been cut that way. This is objectionable treatment of the breed at best.
Tony Moon 7 years ago
Every time I see a pitbull with its ears and tail cut I cry for it. They were beautiful before they had their appendages cut. If you want a short eared animal, breed it that way.
Load More Replies... Carol Harrison 7 years ago
I really, really loathe the breeders who breed for extreme traits, usually to the detriment of the actual animal. They may be cosseted and well cared for, but often they have a hard time eating, breathing, moving.
M O'Connell 7 years ago
If you look up the breeding standards for Shami goats, you will see that the traits you mention usually eliminate the animal in question from the breeding population. They will be used for fiber, leather and meat, not dairy (since milk production requires breeding). Keeping those with exaggerated faces around isn't cruel, it's thrifty.
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