Goat

Goats (Capra hircus) are a subspecies domesticated from the wild goats of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. There are over three hundred distinct breeds of goats. The domestic goat has cloven hooves, a long beard on its chin, a short and upward-turned tail, and horns that grow upward from the head instead of twisting to the sides like those of sheep.

Size: Goats are 28 to 48 inches in height and weigh between 100 to 120 pounds.

Life Span: Domestic goats will live 10-14 years.

Color: Goat skin color ranges from black, light brown, mahogany, and lateral stripes.

Range: North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Habitat: Goats are found in habitats with mountain steppe, grasslands, or desert.

Food: Goats eat fresh or dried grasses, foliage of trees, shrubs, bushes, and various other plants.

Reproduction: The doe gives birth to only one or two kids, rarely 3, in April or May after a five-month gestation period. Within a few hours of birth, the kid is alert and frisky.

Fun Facts: Goats originated in Egypt and now are farmed throughout the world. They have an efficient four-chambered stomach that allows them to survive on sparse vegetation. Their digestive process also allows them to eat large quantities of food quickly.