Sheep : DAMARA

Origin: Eastern Asia and Egypt, moving down to Namibia and Angola

Australian Status:

International Status:

Arrived in Australia:

Australian Population: Ewes: 101 (2018)

Distribution:

History: The Damara originated from Eastern Asia and Egypt. The breed then moved down to the present day Namibia and Angola. For many years the sheep were in an isolated region of Namibia and thus remained free from the influence from other breeds. They are found in north-western Namibia (Kaokoland) and southern Angola where they were herded relatively free from external influences, by the local inhabitants (Himba and Tjimba). The name of the breed was derived from the specific region where the sheep were originally encountered (formerly known as Gross Damaraland).

The Damara is a fat-tailed sheep that grows short, coarse hair. They can be uni-coloured (black, brown or white) or multi-coloured (black and white pied). Damara sheep can survive in a harsh environment and under poor nutritional conditions. The breed is exceptionally vigorous and can produce and reproduce where water and grazing is fairly restricted. This makes it very suitable for the communal areas of Namibia where extreme conditions are usually the norm rather than the exception. Research has however shown that the breed responds very well to optimum conditions.

It has a fairly high resistance to most sheep diseases and also good tolerance to internal parasites. The Damara sheep has a diverse diet. It feeds on grass, bush and shrubs and can almost be classified as a browser. Research has indicated that up to 64% of the diet of the Damara sheep can consist of browsing material. This places the Damara in the same feeding category as goats.

The mothering ability of the breed is exceptional. The ewes produce enough milk even to raise twin lambs which will occur in 5 to 10% of the births. They care well for their young and will even fight off predators when attacked by such. Orphan lambs are a rarity in the breed because of the outstanding mothering ability. It is known for example that ewes with small lambs can be transported over long distances without ending up with a single orphaned lamb.

Breed traits: Typically alert, lively, long-legged, large deep bodies, short hair varying from black, brown, white or all combinations of these.
Wedge shaped tail extends below the hock, stores body fat utilised in hard times, minimal body fat distribution. Predominantly horned sheep, though polls do occur mainly in ewes. Rams have spiral horns, ewes' horns smaller.
Mobile ears to repel insects, small lobes (wattles) can occur under throat. Rams have strong masculine head with pronounced horns, Roman noses, briskets and are more lively and robust than ewes. Ewes have finer bodies and appear more delicate and feminine.
Proven performers and good food converters. In wheat belt areas they are non-selective grazers, excellent at weed management by rotational grazing reducing herbicide requirements.
Highly fertile with polyoestrous cycles, reaching sexual maturity as early as six to seven months, Recommended first joining is 10-12 months.
Capable of producing three lambs in two years. Ewes have five month gestational period, lambs start grazing quickly. Ewes have strong mothering instincts, protective and can cycle again as early as eight weeks after lambing. Twins are not uncommon and are reared easily by mothers. A two percent ram-ewe ratio is typical in wheat belt areas.  
A high proportion of rams, typically three to six percent, are often used in pastoral country.

Uses: Meat

Breed Organisation: Damara Sheep Society of Australia Inc.  http://www.damaras.com.au/index.html

Additional Notes:

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