The domestic goat is one of the subspecies of wild goats that were domesticated in Eastern Europe and southwest Asia. Goats and sheep are closely related because they both belong to the goat-antelope subfamily called caprinae. According to research findings, there are more than 300 different goat breeds. The large number of subspecies shows just how widespread these animals are in the world. They are found on all continents and in all countries of the world. When in need of Goats for sale Santa Cruz County should be visited.
The name goat has its origin in the 12th century or earlier and has changed over the centuries. Currently, a male goat is referred to as billy goat, a term that came into existence in the 19th century. The predecessor for billy goat is hegoote. A female goat is on the other hand referred to as a she goat. This term did not exist until the 18th century when it replaced the term she goat, which was in use previously.
Based on their history, they were among the first animals that human beings domesticated. From archaeological evidence, it is shown that the currently domesticated goats descended from the Bezoar ibex of Zargos Mountains. Neolithic man started the domestication of goats to gain easy milk and meat. They got fuel from the dung and used hair, hide and bones to make clothing. From approximations made, goats are thought to have been domesticated as back as 8000 to 9000 years ago.
Naturally, a goat has two horns, but incidents of polyceerate have also been observed where individuals have as many as 8 horns. This is a rare genetic situation that researchers think that is inherited. Successful breeding of polled goat has been very impossible unlike in cattle. The reason for this is that in goats, the genes responsible for horns are closely linked to genes that determine sex.
Every breed of goat is ruminant. As such, they have four-chambered stomachs comprising of omasum, rumen, abomasum, and reticulum. Udders which occur in females have two teats and not four like in cattle. The Boer goat is an exception is this, since it may have up to 8 teats on its udder.
The pupil in goats have a slit-shaped horizontal appearance. The irises around the eyes are pale, making them more visible compared to those of cattle, deer, sheep and most horses. Most breeds bearded, with some having wattles hanging loosely from either ear. They are even-toed ungulates as their legs are evenly toed.
Most breeds reach puberty at the age of 15 months. How fast the animal reaches puberty may depend on how it is fed and its breed. Does come into estrus after a period of 21 days every month. The estrus lasts between two and 48 hours. Does in heat wag their tails vigorously and stay near bucks if present. They also become more vocal and milk production goes down.
By nature, a goat is a browser and not a grazer. They are also very curious animals and will taste anything before deciding whether to consume it or not. They have a strong sense of smell that attracts them to any matter that resembles plant.
The name goat has its origin in the 12th century or earlier and has changed over the centuries. Currently, a male goat is referred to as billy goat, a term that came into existence in the 19th century. The predecessor for billy goat is hegoote. A female goat is on the other hand referred to as a she goat. This term did not exist until the 18th century when it replaced the term she goat, which was in use previously.
Based on their history, they were among the first animals that human beings domesticated. From archaeological evidence, it is shown that the currently domesticated goats descended from the Bezoar ibex of Zargos Mountains. Neolithic man started the domestication of goats to gain easy milk and meat. They got fuel from the dung and used hair, hide and bones to make clothing. From approximations made, goats are thought to have been domesticated as back as 8000 to 9000 years ago.
Naturally, a goat has two horns, but incidents of polyceerate have also been observed where individuals have as many as 8 horns. This is a rare genetic situation that researchers think that is inherited. Successful breeding of polled goat has been very impossible unlike in cattle. The reason for this is that in goats, the genes responsible for horns are closely linked to genes that determine sex.
Every breed of goat is ruminant. As such, they have four-chambered stomachs comprising of omasum, rumen, abomasum, and reticulum. Udders which occur in females have two teats and not four like in cattle. The Boer goat is an exception is this, since it may have up to 8 teats on its udder.
The pupil in goats have a slit-shaped horizontal appearance. The irises around the eyes are pale, making them more visible compared to those of cattle, deer, sheep and most horses. Most breeds bearded, with some having wattles hanging loosely from either ear. They are even-toed ungulates as their legs are evenly toed.
Most breeds reach puberty at the age of 15 months. How fast the animal reaches puberty may depend on how it is fed and its breed. Does come into estrus after a period of 21 days every month. The estrus lasts between two and 48 hours. Does in heat wag their tails vigorously and stay near bucks if present. They also become more vocal and milk production goes down.
By nature, a goat is a browser and not a grazer. They are also very curious animals and will taste anything before deciding whether to consume it or not. They have a strong sense of smell that attracts them to any matter that resembles plant.
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