Comparison of the performance of Shami (Damascus) and Saanen goats raised under similar environmental conditions in Lebanon.

In Lebanon, Shami goats which are raised and bred randomly by farmers have a large variation in their performance. As a result, many farmers are turning toward famous dairy European breeds. The performance (i.e. milk production, twinning and growth rate) of Shami and Saanen goats was studied for 3 years under local environmental conditions. Average milk yield (from 0-300 days of lactation) was slightly higher (P > 0.05) in Shami goats (450 ± 102.7 kg) compared to Saanen (445 ± 110 kg). Average twinning rate was also higher in Shami goats (1.75 kid/goat) compared to Saanen (1.08 kid/goat). Body weight of Shami goats ranged from 67.4 ± 14.1 kg at parturition to 64.8 ± 10.4 kg after 270 days whereas that of Saanen goats ranged from 51.5 ± 9.3 kg to 51.2 ± 6.6 kg. Average daily growth (g/day) of kids after 270 days was higher (P < 0.05) for Shami kids (males 132.8 ± 31.2; females 108.6 ± 26.5) as compared to Saanen kids (males 117.5 ± 27.2; females 98.6 ± 25.2). Overall, Shami goats have a milk production potential similar to that of Saanen. Shami goats have a higher twinning rate and kid growth rate than Saanen goats, so they can be considered as a dual purpose breed. Apparently, Shami goats seem to adapt well to the environmental conditi ons (climate, diseases and nutrition) of Lebanese and Mediterranean climate. Thus there is a potential to exploit the genetic productive traits of this breed to enhance milk and meat production in Mediterranean countries.