Capra aegagrus hircus

Capra aegagrus hircus, commonly known as the domestic goat, is a subspecies of goat domesticated from the wild goat of southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the animal family Bovidae and the subfamily Caprinae, meaning it is closely related to the sheep. There are over 300 distinct breeds of goat.

History

Goats have been used for milk, meat, fur, and skins across much of the world. In the 20th century they also gained in popularity as pets. The domestication of goats is believed to have been completed around 8000 to 9000 years ago. This process was mainly completed by cultures in the Middle East, which is considered the natural habitat of the wild progenitor of Capra aegagrus hircus.

Characteristics

Domestic goats are one of the oldest domesticated species. For thousands of years, goats have been used for their milk, meat, hair, and skins over much of the world. They are able to adapt to virtually any terrain and climate. They are also good at foraging and thus can be kept in a variety of settings.

Breeds

There are over 300 distinct breeds of goat and they are most closely related to sheep, with which they can cross breed, though this is not a common occurrence. Breeds range in size from the large Boer goat and Jamnapari, which can weigh over 100 kg (220 lb), to the small Pygmy goat and Nigerian Dwarf goat, which can weigh as little as 20 kg (44 lb).

Uses

Goats are considered small livestock animals, compared to bigger animals such as cattle, camels and horses, but larger than micro-livestock such as poultry, rabbits, cavies, and bees. They have been used for their milk, meat, hair, and skins over much of the world. In the 20th century they also gained in popularity as pets.

See also

• Goat farming
• List of goat breeds
• Sheep–goat hybrid