Goat

What is the technical term for goats?

Caprine

What is a male goat called?

Buck

What is a female goat called?

Doe

What is a young goat called?

Kid

What is a castrated male goat called?

Wether

What is goat birth called?

Kidding

What are goats used for?

Meat (chevon), milk, clothing, pets, research

Why can some people drink goat milk but not cow milk?

Goat milk has different proteins

Are goats herbivores or omnivores?

Herbivores

Are goats ruminants?

Yes

What does it mean that goats are browsers?

They eat shrubs, bushes, and trees

What supplements are given to goats?

Mineral blocks and concentrates for pregnant or lactating does

At what age do female goats reach sexual maturity?

6–8 months

At what age do male goats reach sexual maturity?

As early as 3 months (used for breeding 6–8 months)

When does the goat breeding season begin?

Late summer / early fall

How often do goats cycle?

Every 21 days

How long does heat last in goats?

2–3 days, ovulation at the end

What are signs of heat in does?

Frequent urination, vocalizing, tail quivering, mounting others

How long is gestation in goats?

150 days

How do kids present at birth?

Front limbs extended over head (“superman”)

How soon do kids stand and nurse?

Stand in 15 minutes, nurse within 1 hour

How are orphaned kids cared for?

Bottle-fed, kept warm, cross-fostered when possible

When are male kids castrated?

Within 1–2 weeks after birth (banding)

When are kids dehorned?

Within 1–2 weeks after birth

What does “polled” mean?

Born naturally without horns

Why are goats dehorned?

Protects humans, other animals, and the goat

What tool is used for dehorning kids?

Electric dehorner

Can adult goats be dehorned?

No

How are adult goats castrated?

With an emasculator or emasculatome