Goats do not use sweating as an effective cooling method, unlike humans or horses. While goats possess biological structures similar to sweat glands, their function is fundamentally different. Understanding this difference is important for recognizing how goats regulate their body temperature and for protecting them from overheating.
The Straight Answer: Goats and Sweating
Goats are equipped with apocrine glands across most of their skin, often referred to as sweat glands. Unlike the eccrine glands in humans that secrete a watery substance for direct evaporation, apocrine glands in goats primarily empty into the hair follicles. This means the secretion is trapped beneath the goat’s coat rather than spreading freely across the skin’s surface.
The fluid produced by these glands is oily and contains pheromones and waste products, which is not conducive to rapid evaporation. Consequently, the act of “sweating” is biologically ineffective for reducing the animal’s core body temperature. Goats do not rely on this process as a functional means of thermoregulation.
Goats’ Primary Cooling Mechanism
Instead of sweating, goats primarily rely on respiratory evaporative cooling, commonly known as panting, to dissipate internal heat. This process involves a controlled increase in the animal’s respiration rate, which moves air over the moist surfaces of the upper respiratory tract. Increasing the frequency of breathing enhances the evaporation of water from the lining of the lungs, nasal passages, and mouth.
This evaporation carries heat away from the body, cooling the blood circulating near these moist surfaces. A goat’s normal respiratory rate ranges from about 10 to 30 breaths per minute, but this rate increases dramatically when the animal is experiencing heat load.
Goats also employ various behavioral tactics to manage heat exposure. They actively seek out shade, such as under trees or in shelters, to reduce the amount of direct solar radiation absorbed. They reduce physical activity during the hottest parts of the day, conserving energy and minimizing metabolic heat production. Postural changes, like standing rather than lying down, are also common strategies to reduce contact with the hot ground.
Recognizing and Preventing Heat Stress
Recognizing the signs of heat stress is necessary, as the goat’s primary cooling mechanism can be overwhelmed in high heat and humidity. Early signs include a noticeably faster and shallower breathing pattern that progresses to open-mouth panting. As stress intensifies, goats may exhibit excessive salivation or drooling.
A goat experiencing severe heat stress may become lethargic, show decreased interest in eating, and display physical weakness or staggering. Rectal temperatures above the normal range of 101.5°F to 103.5°F indicate a failure in thermoregulation, with temperatures over 105°F requiring immediate intervention.
Prevention involves providing constant access to clean, cool water, as goats can drink between one to two gallons daily. Adequate shade and sheltered areas are also important, allowing goats to escape direct sunlight during peak heat hours. Ensuring good ventilation with fans in sheltered areas can further enhance cooling by increasing air movement and evaporation.
If a goat shows signs of overheating, move the animal immediately to a shaded and well-ventilated area. Offer cool water but never force the animal to drink. Apply cool water to areas with less hair or wool, such as the legs, neck, and inner thighs. This external application facilitates heat transfer away from the body, providing a quick way to lower the animal’s surface temperature.