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]

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
  • Goat
  • Capra aegagrus hircus

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

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  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.