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 originated in the 12th century or before and has been changing over time. Today, the term billy goat is used in reference to a male goat. This term emerged in the 19th century. Hegoote is the immediate predecessor of billy goat. On the other hand, a female goat was known as she goat. It was not until 18th century that this term came into existence before which the term she was used.
According to history, goats stand among the earliest animals to be domesticated by human beings. Archeological evidence indicates that the domesticated goats of today are descendants of the Bezoar ibex of Zagros Mountains. The reason why Neolithic man started to domesticate goats was to gain access to easy meat and milk. Dung was used for fuel while clothing was made out of hair, bones, and hide. It is approximated that goats were domesticated as early as 8000 to 9000 years back.
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.
All goats are ruminants despite the breed. Their stomachs are four-chambered, comprising the reticulum, omasum, rumen and abomasum. The udders in females are paired in two contrary to the four set in cattle. The Boer goat is the only breed having more than two teats. In some cases some boers have been seen with up to 8 teats.
A goat has horizontal and slit-shaped pupils. Their irises are pale, a feature that distinguishes them from deer, horses, cattle and sheep. The occurrence of beards is almost present in most breeds of goats, although having wattles which dangle freely from both ears is confined to certain breeds. They are even-toed ungulates with even toes on all legs.
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.
Naturally, goats are not grazers as they are browsers. Interestingly, these curious animals are known to taste anything prior to deciding whether to proceed with consuming it or not. Their strong sense of smell guides them to anything in the shape of a plant.
The name goat originated in the 12th century or before and has been changing over time. Today, the term billy goat is used in reference to a male goat. This term emerged in the 19th century. Hegoote is the immediate predecessor of billy goat. On the other hand, a female goat was known as she goat. It was not until 18th century that this term came into existence before which the term she was used.
According to history, goats stand among the earliest animals to be domesticated by human beings. Archeological evidence indicates that the domesticated goats of today are descendants of the Bezoar ibex of Zagros Mountains. The reason why Neolithic man started to domesticate goats was to gain access to easy meat and milk. Dung was used for fuel while clothing was made out of hair, bones, and hide. It is approximated that goats were domesticated as early as 8000 to 9000 years back.
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.
All goats are ruminants despite the breed. Their stomachs are four-chambered, comprising the reticulum, omasum, rumen and abomasum. The udders in females are paired in two contrary to the four set in cattle. The Boer goat is the only breed having more than two teats. In some cases some boers have been seen with up to 8 teats.
A goat has horizontal and slit-shaped pupils. Their irises are pale, a feature that distinguishes them from deer, horses, cattle and sheep. The occurrence of beards is almost present in most breeds of goats, although having wattles which dangle freely from both ears is confined to certain breeds. They are even-toed ungulates with even toes on all legs.
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.
Naturally, goats are not grazers as they are browsers. Interestingly, these curious animals are known to taste anything prior to deciding whether to proceed with consuming it or not. Their strong sense of smell guides them to anything in the shape of a plant.
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