Goat behavior (Exam 3)

When did goats (Capra hircus) domesticate and from who?

• 11,000 in Middle East

• Bezoar goat

Goats are the most ? and geographically ? livestock species

Adaptable; widespread

Goats are ? as opposed to being grazers

Browsers

What is browse?

Consumption of bush

What is unconfined grazing system?

Goats reject any plants contaminated with the scent of their own species' urine or feces; it limits parasite infestation

What are characteristics of food behavior in goats?

• More time eating vs or their ruminate (11 hrs)

• Long periods of rumination (during semi-somnolent state rumination may become irregular

• Well adapted to limited water intake

What type of pupils do goats have?

• Horizontal (rectangular shape pupil)

• Unable to look up or down without moving the head

What vision do goats have?

Panoramic and binocular vision

What colors can goats see?

Yellow, orange, blue, violet and green from grey shades of similar brightness

Goats have a ? vision in ? light conditions,

Good; low

Bucks (male goats) often ? on their front legs and ? them on ? as part of the ? ritual

Urinate; rub; does; courtship

What hearing does goats have

78 Hz to 37kHz

What tastes do goats taste?

• Bitter, salt, sweet, and sour tastes

• Higher tolerance for bitter tasting

How do goats self-medicate?

By identifying and consuming specific plants that help them with they’re ill

What tactile sensitivity do goats feel?

Vibrations and changes in texture

What is horn sensitivity like for goats?

Sensitive to touch and pressure allowing them to detect subtle changes in their environment

What type of vocalizations do goats use?

Bleating, calling, and grunting

What is bleating?

• Express distress, hunger, contentment

• Ach goat has unique bleat that can be recognized by other goats

What is calls?

Mother goat uses to locate offspring

What is grunts and snorts?

Indicate contentment or as warnings to other goats

What is alarm calls?

Alert herd of potential threats (help coordinate group responses to danger)

How can you oversee goats body language

Tail and posture

What is head butting?

Establish dominance and resolve conflicts within the herd

Why are ear movements important in goats?

Express curiosity, alertness, and other emotions; forward-facing ears typically indicate interest or curiosity

What is agnostic encounters (non-contact) in goats?

Non-contact" threat (staring, a horn-threat with chin down and horns forward, rush or rear as a challenge threat)

What is contact encounters in goats?

Pushing the forehead against another goat, butting, clash

What is the definition of the “Top Buck” (dominant buck)?

• Protection of the herd and will usually guard the rear when the herd is moving

• Allowed to breed any doe in the herd before the other bucks

What is the definition of the “Flock Queen” (dominant doe)

• Leading the herd to the best grazing areas

• When she finds a suitable spot to graze, the other goats will graze in the same area

• If she’s gone, flock will act confused until another is chosen

What happens during the plant ritual?

• Flock queen will sniff and grunt (show dislike)

• Every flock member sniffs for remembrance of plant

• Top Buck will trample plant

What is the maternal-offspring bond?

• Very individual-specific

• Female aggressively rejects the sucking attempts of alien offspring

What is the definition of feral goats?

Hide the neonate to prevent attack by a predator