Domestic Goat (Lamancha, Pygmy & Nigerian Mixes)

Because of its long history of domestication, goat breeds vary dramatically in size, weight, and color. Weight is a large range from as little as 20 lbs (9kg) in smaller breeds to as much as 250 lbs (113 kg) in larger breeds. Height will also change drastically from a little as 2 ft (60cm) to as tall as 3.5 ft (107 cm) at their shoulder.

Domestic goats have horns that are hollow on the inside, but grow in either a corkscrew or scimitar (curved to a point) fashion. Goats generally have straight hair that varies in color. Goats can be solid colored or have patterns ranging from spotted, striped, blended, or even with facial striping.

Domestic goats are all thought to be descended from the wild goat Capra aegagrus, which is from southwest Asia and eastern Europe. Similar to dogs, domestic goats have one common ancestor and now have multiple different breeds, each with their own unique adaptations. Domestic goat breeds exist worldwide, and can handle just about any habitat aside from tundras and deserts. They prefer open pastures or fields, needing grasses and other vegetation to graze upon.

Domestic goats are herbivores. They feed on vegetation like grasses, shrubs, weeds, bushes, and even trees. In human care they will eat a large diet of hay along with browse, or tree clippings. Goats do not prefer to graze close to the ground and would rather reach up for trees or other tall shrubs. Domestic goats belong to a classification of ruminants. Ruminants have four chambered stomachs and chew cud. Cud is a semi-solid mass of food that is regurgitated, chewed, and then swallowed again.

Goats are diurnal, and spend most of their day grazing. They are usually described as sedentary, since they live under human care. Domestic goats are a social animal. They prefer to stay in their herds, and not stay too far away. Herd sizes can vary, and are usually controlled by humans. Herd sizes can be as small as 5-20 individuals or as large as 100 individuals. Goats do have a rank structure within their herds, and individuals will headbutt or clash horns to determine hierarchy status.

Domestic goats typically breed in a polygynous structure, where only one male will breed with a given group of females. Gestation for domestic goats varies by breed, but is usually within 145-153 days. Young are born with their eyes open and fully furred, ready to stand up and follow their mothers. Young will typically stay with their mothers until they are weaned at 10 months of age.

Because this species of goat has been so far domesticated, other than specific species that are still wild, goat population hasn't been evaluated by the IUCN.

• Goats have rectangular pupils. This allows them a wider field of vision to look out for predators.
• Goats don’t have 4 stomachs. They have what is called a four-chambered stomach, or one stomach with 4 separate sections. The four stomach compartments are called the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum, and the abomasum. Because plant forage is difficult to digest, the rumen contains bacteria to help break down the botanical fibers, allowing the goats to access and absorb the nutrients from their selected browse.
• California uses goats to help prevent wildfires! These Fire abatement goats eat old or dead vegetation that could easily ignite.

Oakland Zoo has a herd of goats that live in the Contact yard. Guests can meet, touch, and brush our goats. They act as animal ambassadors, allowing guests to connect and learn from them.