Abstract

Goats are multifunctional species and play an important role in the livelihoods and food security of farmers particularly in rural areas. Goats are well‐adapted animals to the various ecological zones in the tropics and dry zones of developing countries such as Jordan. In the country, goat farming is a major component of the agricultural system. This chapter provides an overview of the present status and prospects of Jordan’s goat production sector, changes in goat populations, and includes an evaluation of constraints and their impacts on goat production in the region. It discusses the general trends occurring in goat raising, diversity, and characterization of the prevailing production systems. The chapter also focuses on the major breeds of goats and the differences and unique characteristics of each goat breed. Additionally, this chapter covers a considerable contribution of goats in terms of meat, milk, and culture to the socioeconomics of householders and its role in poverty and hunger alleviation in Jordan. Moreover, this chapter also discusses basic goats’ productive and reproductive performance. Management calendar for goat production in Jordan is reviewed. Finally, the chapter covers goat health, diseases, and approaches or management practices for prevention and control of goat diseases.

Highlights

  • In tropical and subtropical regions of the world, goats are kept over other livestock because of their adaptive capacity, tolerance, performance, and importance to the livelihoods of the farmers. 368 Goat ScienceIn Jordan, goat farming is a major part of agricultural systems as goats play a sig‐ nificant role in the economy, food security, and livelihoods of farmers in rural areas

  • 368 Goat Science In Jordan, goat farming is a major part of agricultural systems as goats play a sig‐ nificant role in the economy, food security, and livelihoods of farmers in rural areas

  • Goats are raised in different production systems that are classified into sedentary, transhumant, and nomadic systems

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Summary

Introduction

In tropical and subtropical regions of the world, goats are kept over other livestock because of their adaptive capacity, tolerance, performance, and importance to the livelihoods of the farmers. In Jordan, goat farming is a major part of agricultural systems as goats play a sig‐ nificant role in the economy, food security, and livelihoods of farmers in rural areas. The goat breeds in Jordan include Shami (Damascus goat), Mountain Black goat, Dhaiwi (Bedouin goat), and Desert goat in addition to crossbred goats. Goat breeds are dis‐ tributed across different regions. Mountain Black goat is the main goat breed with the largest population. Jordan is an Arab kingdom in Middle East region (Figure 1) with a total area of approximately 89,342 km (land 88,802 km, water 540 km2) and has a population estimated at 9.5 million people. Between 1985 and 2014, the average annual rainfall in whole country was about 226 mm, with the lowest amount in the eastern and southern desert and the highest amount in the northern highlands [3].

Research methodology
An overview of the present goat farming status
Changes in the population of goats throughout the country
Black Bedouin goats
Damascus goats
Goat performance
Current and prospects for goat breeding in Jordan
Goat diseases and health management
Findings
Conclusion
Full Text
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