Abaza goat

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Abaza
Conservation statusAt risk[1]
Other namesAbkhasian, Abkhazskaya
Country of originTurkey
DistributionNE Turkey
UseMilk, Meat
Traits
Horn statusMales horned, females usually hornless
BeardMales bearded
TasselsWithout tassels

The Abaza is an indigenous breed of goat from north-east Turkey. They are used for dairying,[2] but also have relatively good meat production.[3] Due to its small population size, there is a high degree of inbreeding within this breed, placing it "at risk".[4]

Their hair is short, soft [3] and pinkish-white in colour, with coloured markings around the mouth, eyes and on the legs.[2] The males have long, flat, scimitar-shaped horns, while the females are usually polled.[3]

As dairy goats, this breed has well-developed udders, and an average lactation yield of around 200 kg (440 lb).[3] The milk produced from Abaza goats is used to create Abaza cheese, a nationally and internationally renowned semi-hard, lightly salted cheese.[4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Yilmaz; Kor; Ertugrul; Wilson (2012). "The domestic livestock resources of Turkey: goatbreeds and types and their conservation status". Animal Genetic Resources. 51: 105–116. doi:10.1017/S2078633612000331. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  2. ^ a b Porter, Valerie (2002). Mason's World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. New York: CABI. ISBN 9780851994307.
  3. ^ a b c d Yalçin, B (1986). "Sheep and Goats in Turkey". FAO Corporate Document Repository. Food and Agriculture Organisation. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  4. ^ a b Yilmaz; Kor; Ertugrul; Wilson (2012). "The domestic livestock resources of Turkey: goat breeds and types and their conservation status". Animal Genetic Resources. doi:10.1017/S2078633612000331. Retrieved October 10, 2015.