Somali

The Somali goat is a local goat type of the Horn of Africa, kept in Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, and neighboring pastoral areas. The name may be used broadly rather than for a tightly standardized breed, but Somali goats are generally lean, mobile, short-coated animals selected for heat, dry-country travel, and survival on thorny browse. Coat color, ear length, and body size can vary between regional strains. They are kept mainly for milk, meat, and saleable kids in herding households.

Management usually follows nomadic or semi-nomadic flock systems, with seasonal movement to grazing and water. Outside their home range, they need dry footing, shade, and enough protein and energy during late pregnancy and lactation, because hardiness does not replace feed. In humid climates, internal parasites and hoof problems deserve close attention. Buyers should ask about the source herd and selection goals, since a Somali label may cover several related local goat populations.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Black and White Pied, Brown, Brown and White, Buckskin, Chamoisee, Cou Blanc, Cou Clair, Cream, Dark Red, Fawn, Gold, Light Red, Mixed Pattern with White Base, Moonspotted, Pinto, Red, Red and White, Red and White Pied, Roan, Solid Red, Spotted, Sundgau, Swiss Marked, Tan, White