Damara lamb is a breed of domestic sheep. It was originally from Eastern Asia and Egypt. It is a small, fat sheep that has light brown or grayish wool with white markings around the eyes and muzzle. They have a straight back and no ruff at the neck.
The ewes weigh 140 to 210 pounds (63-96 kg) and the rams weigh 240 to 310 pounds (109-141 kg). It has been reported that some Damara lambs have survived up to four hours in water as deep as 20 feet. They are a common breed of sheep in the United States and parts of Canada but are less common in the United Kingdom and Australia.
They were developed by crossing native sheep, such as Navajo-Churro, with Mouflon. They were named after the area they were first introduced to in the United States, which was Montana and Idaho. The lambs will generally be ready to mate at 2 years old. The lambing season is between February and June.
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How to identify Damara lamb?
It is lighter gray or brown. The main wool of this breed is white and the ewes are generally light gray. Black eyes The ears are erect, facing forward and the nose is a black color. When it is born, it usually weighs between 14–22 pounds (6-10 kg) and its height is 36–42 inches (90-107 cm). The tail is a small tuft of hair running up the middle of the back which can be tied up when they shear them.
characteristics
• Light brown or grayish wool with white markings around the eyes and muzzle
• Light brown face and nose
• Straight back and no ruff at the neck
• Black hooves, except in snowy areas where they are light brown or pink to match their coat.
The Damara sheep is also known as an “Ovis aries-free” hybrid. It is known by several other names, such as “Blue-faced Mountain Sheep” or “Blue-faced Ovis”. Damara lamb is also known as Chinese mountain sheep or Chinese zodiac sheep. The Damara are an endangered hybrid derived from the Mouflon and the indigenous Mongolian sheep. In their native lands, the Mouflon is widespread, with a population estimated at over eight million individuals.
How to use Damara lamb?
The fat of the Damara sheep is mostly used as a cooking oil. It is also used for lamps and candles. The meat of the Damara lambs is tender and highly regarded by those who have tried it. The sheep are said to produce delicious, lean, and flavorful meat. The average slaughter weight is around 80 pounds.
The fleeces of the Damara lamb are also used to create wool. The wool of the Damara sheep is soft, “silky in quality and fine, typically under 12 microns (1.2-1.5”) long”. The Damara sheep wool can be used to make clothing. Wool from a season of shearing will weigh about 10 pounds for an adult ewe and about 14 pounds for an adult ram.
Diseases
Some diseases that affect this goat, these diseases are:
1. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a disease that can affect the eyes of this goat. In this disease, there is an inability to produce tears and it affects the whole body. This can result in blindness if not treated at an early stage. A buildup of sodium chloride in the eye can lead to KCS.
2. Psoriasis (PSO) is a skin condition that sores, scabs, and patchy redness can be seen on the skin. This disease resides mainly on the face, but can also be found on other body parts. It is a relatively common disease among goats, particularly in the colony farms of Kenya.
3. Encephalitis is a contagious disease that affects the brain and causes problems with coordination, vision, and nerve function.
Special Considerations
Damara lamb requires a lot of attention and care. Sometimes, they are even referred to as “wild sheep” because of their wild behavior. They require a lot of space as they can be quite destructive if left in the wrong environment and lack exercise.
Because they are “pack animals”, they need companionship and are more likely to do well if kept with other animals such as other domestic livestock, etc. However, review the full breed profile of the Damara lamb in the following table.
Best 10+ information
| Breed Name | Damara lamb |
| Other names | Chinese mountain sheep, Chinese zodiac sheep |
| Origin | East Asia |
| Country/Place of Origin | USA |
| Type | Wool animal |
| Size | Small, fat (140-210 lbs / 63-96 kg) |
| Color | Brown, grayish |
| Climate Tolerance | Cold and hot climates |
| Temperament | Wild, friendly, and aggressive |
| Rarity | Common |
| Diet | Grasses, grains, browse, salad |
| As Pets | Yes |
| Life expectancy | 5-7 years |
