(Capra aegagrus hircus)
Origin- Goats were first domesticated about 10,000 years ago in Iran, goat remains have been found at archaeological sites in western Asia also
Family- Bovidae
Lifespan- 15 -18 years
Diet- Herbivores, eating grasses, and weeds as their main diet supplemented with meals and hay in winter
Description- There are many different breeds of goats around the world varying in weight and height. Males are usually larger than females, have a beard, horns and a rank odour. Females can also have horns and a beard but no smell. Their hair is usually straight varying in colour from black, brown to white or red. Coat patterns include solid colour, spotted, striped, blended shades and facial stripes. The nose can be straight or convex. European breeds have erect ears and Indian breeds do not. The tail is short and curved upwards
Gestation-Between 145 and 150 days giving birth to mainly twins but singles and triplets common
A male goat is called a buck or a billy, a female is called a nanny or a doe. Male goats under a year old are called buckling and females are called doelings and a baby goat is called a kid. Goat meat is called chevon or mutton from older animals and cabrito from younger animals; it is lower in fat and cholesterol than beef, pork and even chicken. Throughout the world it is estimated that more people eat goat meat and drink more goat milk than any other animal. Mohair comes from the Angora goat and cashmere comes from the Cashmere goat.
The wild goat is a separate distinct species to the domestic goat and is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red list of endangered animals. Ibexes, Turs and Markhor other species of wild goat are also listed on the IUCN Red list as vulnerable to endangered.
