Goat

A goat is a stout-bodied mammal with horns and cloven hooves, belonging to the family Bovidae, which also includes antelopes, cattle, and sheep.

Physical traits and behavior

Goats are closely related to sheep but are generally lighter in build and have backwardly arching horns. They are known for their agility and are well-adapted to living in rugged, mountainous areas. Goats are sociable animals and form close bonds with their companions. They are intelligent and curious, often exploring and investigating unfamiliar objects. They communicate with each other through bleating sounds. Goats are also known for their cleanliness and selective feeding habits, often choosing to eat leaves and shrubs rather than grass. Goats often show a dislike for rain, this is often more pronounced in domestic goats than wild likely due to domestication itself.

Domestic goats are smaller than wild goats on average. Domestic goats (Capra hircus) tend to weigh between 121-220 lbs. (55-100 kg), stand at 20.1”-29.1” (51-74 cm), and have a length between 26.8”-39.4” (68-100 cm). A wild mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus), can weigh between 125 to 180 lbs. (57 to 82 kg) and grow from 49 to 70 inches (124 to 178 cm) long. Their black horns can grow up to 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) long.

Breeds

• Boar
• Kiko
• Myotonic
• Spanish
• Savanna
• Angora
• Pygora
• Saanen
• Alpine
• LaMancha
• Nubian
• Toggenburg
• Nigerian Dwarf
• Oberhasli

Habitats and Range

Goats are versatile animals which can be found in a variety of environments. Goats are native to parts of Southwest Asia, Eastern Europe and the North America. They have been adapted by development of several breeds for different climates ranging all over the world. Each type of goat has adapted to its specific environment, whether it’s the harsh conditions of high mountains or the varied landscapes suitable for domestication.

Wild Mountain goat

Wild mountain goats are a distinct breed of goat that prefers steep, rocky, rugged and mountainous habitat. They have been found in the mountains of western North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, the Rocky Mountains, the Cascade Range, and Zagros and Taurus mountains in Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. Wild mountain goats are often found at elevations above 13,000 feet (4,000 meters)

Feral goat

Feral goats are those from domestic stock which have reverted to wild living. These feral goats can be found in many areas around the world, such as Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, the Galapagos Islands, and many more places. They thrive in habitats that provide an unlimited water supply and lack sufficient large predators.

Domestic goat

Domestic goats are raised all over the world in almost every type of terrestrial biome. They require grass to eat and a clean, ventilated shelter. Domestic goats are commonly found in areas suitable for farming and grazing, including Africa, the Americas, and Asia, where over 93% of the world’s goats live.

Usage as livestock

Goats have been domesticated for over 10,000 years and are still relied upon for sustenance in many cultures across South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Different breeds have been adopted to produce meat, milk, fiber, and to aid in land management. They are particularly valuable for their ability to thrive on low-quality grazing matter and for their adaptability to different environments. This aspect makes goat as livestock economically viable compared to other livestock. This often makes them a more sustainable animal to raise, especially in dealing with poor quality land, which they can help regenerate.

Meat

A large percentage of goat raising is dedicated to meat production. In Texas for example, nearly 40% of all goat raising is allocated to meat production. Breeds that are typically raised for meat are larger stock, smaller udders than milking varieties, and are easy to handle temperaments to make moving easier. These breeds include Boar, Kiko, Myotonic, Spanish, and Savanna goats.

Milk

Goat milk is popular around the world, India, Sudan, and Bangladesh lead among the top producers of goat milk. Goat milk is used to produce dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and kefir. Milking breeds can often produce up to 2 gallons per day, have large udders and teats, and are often friendly in temperament. These breeds include Saanen, Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Toggenburg, Nigerian Dwarf, and Oberhasli. EAch breed is utilized for various products based upon desired milk fat content, volume, and flavor.

Fiber

Certain breeds like Angora and Pygora goats produce mohair, while cashmere goats yield cashmere. These fibers can be spun into yarn and used for knitting, weaving, or crocheting.

Land Management

Goats are used to clear unwanted brush and invasive plants, contributing to land regeneration and fire mitigation. They can eat a variety of plants, including poison ivy and thorny rose bushes, which makes them useful for managing overgrown areas.

Fertilizer

Goat manure is valuable as a fertilizer, being rich in nitrogen, phosphate, potash, and other minerals. It can be composted and sold commercially.

Pack

Goats can be trained to carry gear on hikes, especially in steep and rocky terrains, reducing the need to pack food for them as they can browse along the trail.

Companionship

Goats provide entertainment and companionship, being sociable and trainable animals.