- Swimmers: Goats are good swimmers (read more about this in the FAQ below)
- Pets: Goats have been kept as livestock for around 10,000 years, making them some of man’s first domesticated animals. The oldest archaeological finds of domesticated goats are from Ganj Dareh in Iran
- Connectivity: If goats are bottle-fed as babies, they bond with their caregivers
- Distribution and numbers: Goats are found in almost every country in the world and it is estimated that there are more than 860 million goats worldwide. The largest number of goats are found in Asia (approx. 511 million) and Africa (approx. 295 million).
- Wild goats: True wild goats still exist in the southern parts of Asia
- Breeds: There are over 200 recognized breeds of goats
- Replaced: A goat herd consists of 5 – 20 goats and is predominantly a female goat (matriarch)
- Food: Goats are not grazers, but browsers
- Omnivore: Although goats are considered omnivores, they don’t eat everything – e.g. not metal, stone, etc. Goats are very picky when food is plentiful
- Hop, skip and jump: Some goat species (e.g. mountain goats) can jump 3.5 meters and leap up to 1.5 meters into the air
Fact: Pygmy goats are a species – not a breed
Goat’s ability to climb
Goats have an extremely good sense of balance, which is one of the reasons why they can survive in steep and inaccessible mountains. They can even climb some types of trees. Find out more in the videos below:
Goats climbing a dam in Italy
Goats climbing trees
More facts about goats
- Diseases: Goats can catch colds and even pneumonia
- Transport animals: Goats make great transportation animals because they are more docile than many other animals. If properly cared for, goats can carry up to 25-30% of their own body weight
- Pupils: Goats have horizontal pupils that give them 320 degrees of vision without a blind spot in front of them
- Intelligence: Goats are highly intelligent and curious animals. They explore terrain and investigate anything unfamiliar
- Pygmy goats: Dwarf goats are a species of goat – not an outbred breed
- Age: Goats usually live to be 15 – 18 years old. The oldest recorded goat was 24 years old
Facts about goat’s milk
- Goat breeder: There are many different breeds of goats. Each breed’s milk tastes different
- Dairy products: All dairy products that can be made from cow’s milk can also be made from goat’s milk
- Butterfat: Goat’s milk contains more butterfat than cow’s milk
- Fat breakdown: The fat molecules in goat’s milk are 5 times smaller than the molecules in cow’s milk. In the human stomach, goat’s milk breaks down in 20 minutes, whereas cow’s milk breaks down in 1 hour
Frequently asked questions about goats
Common questions about goats
How fast can a goat run?
Goats can run at speeds of up to 10 to 15 mph (16 to 24 km/h). They are agile and quick, especially when they sense danger or are excited.
Can goats swim?
Yes, goats can swim! While it’s not a common sight, goats are natural swimmers and can paddle through water if necessary, although they generally avoid deep water unless they have no choice.
Can goats see in the dark?
Goats have excellent night vision due to their rectangular pupils, which allow them to see well in low-light conditions. While they can’t see in complete darkness, they have better vision than humans in dim lighting.
Can goats see color?
Yes, goats can see color, but their color vision is limited. They can distinguish between some colors, particularly blue and green, but may have difficulty with reds and oranges.
Can goats sweat?
No, goats don’t sweat like humans. They regulate their body temperature through panting and resting in shady areas, and they rely on their fur to help insulate against both heat and cold.
Can goats be pets?
Yes, goats can be kept as pets. They are intelligent, social animals that form strong bonds with humans. However, they require a lot of space, proper fencing, and care to keep them happy and healthy.
Can goats cry?
Goats can make crying or bleating sounds, especially when they are distressed, hungry, or looking for attention. These vocalizations can sound quite similar to a human cry.
Who can goats live with?
Can goats and chickens live together?
Yes, goats and chickens can live together. However, it’s important to make sure chickens have their own secure space to roost and lay eggs. Goats are curious and might investigate chicken feed, so feed should be kept separate to avoid competition and contamination.
Can goats and sheep live together?
Yes, goats and sheep can live together, and they often do in mixed farming situations. However, goats are more aggressive eaters, so it’s important to monitor their feeding to ensure sheep get their share. Also, certain copper supplements that are safe for goats can be toxic to sheep, so their diets need to be managed carefully.
Can goats and cows live together?
Yes, goats and cows can share the same space. Goats are smaller and generally do not compete with cows for resources. However, you’ll need to ensure that each species has access to appropriate feed, as cows may dominate food sources if not managed.
Can goats and horses live together?
Goats and horses can live together, and goats are sometimes used as companion animals for horses. However, care should be taken because horses are much larger and may accidentally injure goats. As long as there’s enough space and resources, they can coexist peacefully.
Can goats and ducks live together?
Goats and ducks can live together, but they should have separate areas to ensure safety and proper hygiene. Ducks need water sources like ponds, which can get dirty, and goats should not have unrestricted access to wet, muddy areas where they could slip or get foot problems.
Can goats and donkeys live together?
Yes, goats and donkeys can live together, and donkeys are sometimes used to protect goats from predators like dogs or coyotes. They generally get along well, but as with any animal pairing, it’s important to monitor their interactions to ensure harmony.
Can goats and pigs live together?
It is generally not recommended for goats and pigs to live together. Pigs can be more aggressive, especially when it comes to food, and might harm goats. Goats also need clean, dry living conditions, while pigs tend to prefer wallowing in mud, which could create an unhealthy environment for goats.
Can goats and alpacas live together?
Yes, goats and alpacas can live together, but alpacas tend to be more peaceful and may be stressed by the more active nature of goats. It’s important to provide enough space so that alpacas can have their own quiet area if needed.
Who can goats live with?
Can goats eat watermelon?
Yes, goats can eat watermelon. It’s a hydrating and sweet treat for them, and they can eat both the flesh and the rind. However, it should be given in moderation as a treat and not as a regular part of their diet.
Can goats eat apples?
Yes, goats can eat apples, but it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces to prevent choking, especially if the apples are large. Apple seeds contain cyanide, so it’s a good idea to remove the seeds before feeding apples to goats.
Can goats eat grapes?
Yes, goats can eat grapes. Grapes are safe and nutritious for goats, providing them with vitamins and minerals. As with any fruit, grapes should be offered as a treat and not replace their regular diet of hay and grains.
Can goats eat tomatoes?
Goats can eat ripe tomatoes in moderation, but you should avoid feeding them the leaves, stems, or unripe green tomatoes, as these parts of the plant are toxic to goats. Always ensure the tomatoes are fully ripe before offering them to your goats.
Can goats eat cucumbers?
Yes, goats can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are a healthy and refreshing snack for goats, providing them with hydration and some nutrients. They can eat the cucumber whole, including the skin and seeds.
Can goats eat carrots?
Yes, goats can eat carrots. Carrots are a crunchy and nutritious treat for goats, providing them with beta-carotene and other vitamins. It’s best to cut large carrots into smaller pieces to avoid choking.
Can goats eat bananas?
Yes, goats can eat bananas. They enjoy the sweetness of bananas, and the fruit provides them with potassium and other nutrients. You can also feed goats banana peels, though some goats might not find them as appealing.
Can goats eat strawberries?
Yes, goats can eat strawberries. They are a tasty and nutritious treat for goats, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Like other fruits, strawberries should be fed in moderation as a treat rather than a staple food.
Can goats and sheep eat the same feed?
Goats and sheep can generally eat the same basic feed, such as hay and certain grains, but goats require more copper in their diet, while sheep are sensitive to copper toxicity. You should avoid feeding copper-supplemented goat feed to sheep to prevent copper poisoning. Therefore, if feeding both animals, it’s essential to manage their diets carefully.
What can goats drink?
Can goats drink cow milk?
Yes, goats can drink cow milk, especially in cases where young or orphaned goats (kids) need extra nourishment or milk replacers. However, goat milk is naturally easier for them to digest, and cow milk may cause digestive issues in some cases. If feeding cow milk to goats, it’s important to monitor them for any signs of discomfort or digestive upset.
Can goats drink salt water?
No, goats should not drink salt water. Like most animals, consuming salt water can dehydrate them and lead to health problems. Goats need fresh, clean drinking water at all times to stay healthy.
Can goats drink beer?
No, goats should not drink beer or any alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is toxic to goats and can cause severe health problems, including liver damage and intoxication, which may lead to life-threatening conditions.
See also our article with facts for children here: Facts about goats for children