GOATS

Meet our gorgeous goats – cheeky, independent, and always up for an adventure.

With their adaptability in agriculture and suitability for companionship, goats have been domesticated for thousands of years, dating back to around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East.

There are over 300 distinct breeds of goats worldwide, varying in size, colour and character. Most are small to medium-sized animals, with males weighing between 68 to 136 kilograms, and females weighing 45 to 90 kilograms. However, their weight can vary substantially depending on factors such as age, sex, and overall health.

Goats have coats of varying colours and patterns, ranging from blacks, greys and browns to golds, tans and whites. They usually have short tails that point up in the air. Many goats have curved horns, but some breeds are ‘polled’ – a term meaning naturally hornless.

Male goats are called ‘bucks’, while a female is a ‘doe’. A desexed male is referred to as a ‘wether’. Babies are called ‘kids’. A goat’s gestation period is five months, and when a mother goat is giving birth she is said to be ‘kidding’ – seriously! Much like human children, goats can be taught their name, and can learn to come when called (unless they’re feeling stubborn)! Goats are quite vocal animals, and can make a wide range of sounds, from the familiar ‘baa’ to grunts, bleats, and even screams. Listen for their unique voices in the paddock.

Goats are herbivores, typically grazing on grasses, leaves, shrubs, and other plant materials. Their diet may also include hay and grains, and our goats also feast on a feed of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. A goat’s life span is typically 10 to 15 years.

Goats are curious and social animals with independent and sometimes stubborn personalities. They can be playful, affectionate, and cautious, making each goat’s nature unique and interesting to get to know.

In agriculture, goats are commonly used for milk and meat production, and also for land clearing. Their leather and fibres are used in the textile industry for the production of rugs, shoes, clothing and accessories. They can also be treasured companions, adapting well to diverse settings.

Before you move on, here’s a few fascinating facts about our gorgeous goats.

Goats are known to be agile and clever climbers, but did you know they have a strong dislike for water? In fact, they’d rather leap over streams and soar over puddles than risk stepping in them!

And finally, did you know that goats have rectangular pupils, and this unique shape helps them see 280 degrees around their bodies! Talk about an eye-opening revelation!