Goat

Physical Characteristics:

• Goats range in size from as small as 20 pounds (9.1 kg) and 18 inches tall (female dwarf goats) to up to 250 pounds (113.5 kg) and 42 inches tall (Indian Jamnapari, Swiss Saanen, Alpine breeds).​

• Their horns, if not removed, continue to grow throughout life and typically reach 8–12 inches (20–30 cm), though some species like the markhor have horns exceeding 39 inches (100 cm).​

Diet and Digestion:

• Goats are ruminants with a four-compartment stomach, allowing efficient digestion of fibrous feed.​

• They are browsers, preferring foliage from shrubs, trees, and weeds that other livestock may not eat, and are valued for their ability to selectively feed for optimal nutrition.​

Social Behavior:

• Goats are intelligent, sociable, and inquisitive. They are known for curiosity, independence, and the ability to learn various habits quickly.​

• They are less easily herded than sheep and display behaviors like climbing, jumping, and standing on hind legs to reach shrubs.​

Reproduction:

• Many goats breed seasonally, influenced by daylight length, with sexual maturity reached around 6 months.​

• Gestation lasts about 5 months, and twins or triplets are common.​

Global and Economic Importance:

• Over 720 million goats exist worldwide, making them a critical farm animal, particularly in regions with poor feed resources.​

• Goat milk is often hypoallergenic and is more widely consumed globally than cow's milk, with substantial importance in cheese production.