Damara sheep are raised primarily for breeding and meat. The breed is originated in Eastern-Asia and Egypt. The breed can survive harsh environmental conditions, breed vigorously and can sustain on low feed. The sheep look like a goat, they are present in Namibia and Angola.
Damara sheep breed information
The sheep belong to one of the fat-tail breeds.
Damara meat tastes different and doesn’t have much fat. Approximately a 1mm to 2mm layer of fat deposit in its carcass.
The mature Damara ram weighs at 50kg (110 lb) and ewes weigh 35 kg (75 lb)
At 30 to 36 weeks the Ewes can be mated, with first lambing at 52 to 58 weeks.
Multiple births are common, with an average inter-lambing period is between 30 and 34 weeks.
Lambing weights are around 4kg to 4.5 kg.
The breed thrived in the hostile desert-like conditions.
The reproductive lifespan of Damara sheep is around 9 years.
The rams have spiral horns and are not polled. But ewes have small horns.
Best tolerance against internal parasites and resistance to most sheep diseases.
There are no significant lambing problems. The lambs born will be active.
Things to know
The name Damara has come from the area Damara of Namibia.
The Damara is the best breed for Africa’s harsh and arid farming areas.
The Damara breed is well suited for the modern-day farmers to decrease the input and production costs.
Even during the drought situation, the Damara has achieved 100% lambing.
The sheep are very alert and can spot a predator from afar.
Brief characteristics of Damara sheep
| Breed Name | Damara sheep |
| Other Name | |
| Country/Place of Origin | Eastern Asia and Egypt |
| Breed Purpose | meat |
| Breed Size | small |
| Weight Ram(Male) | 50kg (110 lb) |
| Ewe(Female) | 35 kg (75 lb) |
| Kidding | single or twins |
| Good for Stall Fed | open grazing |
| Climate Tolerance | local conditions |
