**3. An overview of the present goat farming status**

Goats play an important role in the economy of the country. Goat farming in Jordan is the most important among all livestock activities in regions such as mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west, and the Great Rift Valley separating the eastern region. Jordanian goat breeds are used to produce meat, milk, and milk products. Market demand for these different products varies. Goats contributed about 24.8 and 9.6% of red meat and milk yield of the total local production, respectively [4].

In fact, goat products are the basis of the livelihoods of farmers in some regions, particularly, in remote areas that have no other source of income. Goats are the only source of cash income, food, and savings for those households. Therefore, the maintenance of a viable goats sector is crucial to Jordan's economy. **Table 1** shows the estimated production value and quantity for goats in 2015. The goat meat production (newborn goats) in the country reached 610,243 head. The sheep and goat milk production (including dairy products) were 98,781 and 2496 (M.T), respectively.

The breeding organizations that should control the genetic improvement and management of the various breeds are still lacking. The current condition of the goat sector needs to be assessed and appropriate measures need to be implemented to ensure that it is developed sus‐ tainably. Goat meat production should be improved to meet the increasing demand for goat meat by human population.

#### **3.1. Changes in the population of goats throughout the country**

During the time period from 2000 to 2015, the goat population increased, reaching up to 860,220 animals in 2015. Most of these goats are owned by individual household. **Table 2** provides data


**Table 1.** Livestock production value and quantity for goat holdings in 2015.


**Table 2.** Number of goats by governorates during the period of time from 2000 to 2015.

on the changes that have occurred in Jordan's goat populations throughout the country from 2000 to 2015.
