Animal of the Month

1. Female goats are called does or nannies. Males are called bucks, billies or wethers, their offspring are called kids.
2. Goats are farmed for their hair, milk, meat and skin. This intensive farming causes goats suffering and pain.
3. More than 240 breeds of goats can be found throughout the world.
4. Kids have eight small sharp teeth in their lower front jaws. Like human children, their baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth when they fall out. The age of a goat can often be closely determined by his or her teeth.
5. Goats’ pupils are rectangular instead of round, as many other animals’ pupils are. Goats have excellent night vision and often browse at night. Goats’ eyes are typically yellow and brown.
6. Goats are very sociable, lively, inquisitive and independent animals. They are also quite intelligent and have been known to open latches on farm gates.
7. Goats have a very good sense of balance and enjoy jumping and climbing games with their herd mates.
8. Goats were domesticated by humans as early as 7000 BC; they are pictured in ancient Egyptian art and mentioned in the Bible.
9. Goats are herd animals, so they need to be around other goats. Every goat herd has a leader.
10. Goats often smell or nibble on food before eating in order to ensure it is clean and tasty. Goats don’t just eat anything, as some people mistakenly believe, and they often prefer to go hungry than eat soiled food.