The word “goat” is a general term applied to the entire species, Capra aegagrus hircus, regardless of the animal’s sex or age. Specialized terminology is used in agriculture to distinguish between males, females, and castrated animals. Understanding these specific names clarifies that the population is naturally divided between sexes, each serving a distinct biological role within the herd.
Defining Goat Gender Terminology
Specific terms are used to identify goats based on their sex and maturity level, offering a quick way to communicate their status. The adult female goat is known as a doe, though the colloquial term “nanny” is also widely used. The intact adult male goat is called a buck, which is often referred to less formally as a “billy”.
Young goats of either sex are referred to as kids until they are around six months old. When more detail is necessary, a young female is designated a doeling, and a young intact male is a buckling. A separate term exists for male goats that have been castrated, known as a wether. Wethers are unable to reproduce and are often kept as companion animals or for meat production due to their more docile temperament compared to bucks.
Distinct Physical Traits and Behaviors
The two sexes show clear physical differences, which is particularly evident in mature animals. Bucks are larger and more muscular than does, possessing a heavier bone structure and broader shoulders. This size disparity makes the adult male the dominant physical presence in the herd.
Mature bucks develop an intense, musky odor that becomes especially pungent during the breeding season, known as the rut. This strong scent originates from scent glands located near the horns, which are stimulated by testosterone. The male also displays a unique courtship behavior, often urinating on his own face, beard, and forelegs, a practice that the female finds attractive during estrus.
Behaviorally, does exhibit strong maternal instincts, focusing on the protection and care of their young kids. Bucks, especially during the rut, display increased territoriality and aggression toward other males and sometimes toward people. The presence of an intact male can also influence the reproductive cycles of females, as the buck’s scent can help stimulate the onset of estrus in the does.
The Reproductive Cycle of Goats
Reproduction in goats is a seasonal process, though some breeds, such as the Nigerian Dwarf, can breed year-round. The breeding season for many breeds begins in late summer and continues into the fall, triggered by shorter daylight hours. During this time, the doe enters estrus, or heat, with a cycle that repeats every 21 days until she is successfully mated.
Once conception occurs, the average gestation period for a doe lasts about 150 days. The duration can vary slightly depending on the breed and the number of developing fetuses. Does commonly give birth to twins, although single births, triplets, and occasionally quadruplets are possible. The birth process, known as kidding, concludes the cycle, allowing the female to enter a period of lactation before the next breeding season begins.