Carcass quality is good, with most of the fat concentrated in the tail region. The carcass and meat are preferred by Moslems. The wool from fat-tailed breeds is coarse and frequently has colored fibers. It would be of limited value in world markets. It is used primarily for rug making and other cottage-type industries.
Some shepherds sell their wool clip, while others give it away to the shearer.
The Bedouin women make beautiful rugs and blankets from the wool. Some of their handiwork can be purchased in the villages. Shearing is done once or twice a year with hand clippers. There is a reluctance to use electric shears because of wool quality and the difficulty in getting replacement combs and cutters. With the tropical climate, sheep and goats breed year-round, typically producing three crops in two years.