Goats were the first animals domesticated by man some time between 7,000 and 10,000 BC.
The Pharaoh Cephranes was said to have been buried with more than 2,000 goats.
Goats generally live 10 to 12 years. There have been cases of goats living up to 15 years.
There are over 150 recognized breeds of goat in the world today.
Both male and female goats can have horns and beards. Male goats can breed as early as 4 months old, and females at 7 months old. It is advisable to wait until goats are at least one year old though.
Goats prefer to eat leaves and branches from trees (and maybe the clothes on the washing line!) to grass. If you are buying a goat to eat grass, buy a sheep instead. Goats will only eat this in large quantities if there is no other food available.
Goats will eat all your plants before they touch your lawn.
Goats can eat most things but Yew is deadly poisonous to a goat.
There are approximately 500 million goats in the world.
Along with the octopus, goat eye pupils are rectangular. Goats are thought to have excellent night vision and can often be found browsing at night.
Goats have only one set of teeth – on the lower jaw. The upper jaw is a hard pad covered in what seems like soft skin. Yet they can eat the most prickly plants – just watch them crunch up holly leaves!
Goat should not be kept alone. They are herd animals and prefer the company of at least one other goat. They bond with humans very well and can become distraught if separated from ‘their’ people. Goats will also readily accept animals of some other species as companions including horses and cattle.
Have you any interesting goat facts you’d like to share? Let us know and we’ll add them to our next update.
