Goats are adaptable, hoofed mammals with a history of domestication dating back approximately 10,000 years in the Fertile Crescent. Valued for products like milk, meat, fiber, and hides, the term “goat” encompasses a diverse group. This diversity makes a simple count of “types” complex due to various classification methods.
Understanding Goat Classification
Goats are broadly categorized into wild and domestic groups. The domestic goat, scientifically known as Capra aegagrus hircus or Capra hircus, traces its lineage back to the wild goat, Capra aegagrus. This distinction is important because domestic goats have been selectively bred by humans, while wild goats continue to exist in their natural habitats.
Domestic goats are further classified based on their primary purpose, such as dairy, meat, or fiber production. They can also be grouped by their geographic origin. Over 300 domestic goat breeds have been identified worldwide, highlighting their extensive diversity.
Domestic Goat Breeds and Their Purposes
Domestic goat breeds are developed for specific roles, leading to diverse traits and production capabilities.
Dairy Goats
Dairy goats are bred for milk production. Popular breeds include the Alpine, known for high milk yield and adaptability. Saanen goats, recognized by their white coats, are also high milk producers. The Nubian goat stands out with its long, floppy ears and “Roman nose,” producing milk with high butterfat content and tolerating warmer climates. LaMancha goats are notable for their unusually tiny ears and consistent milk production.
Meat Goats
Meat goat breeds are selected for efficient growth and muscle development. The Boer goat, from South Africa, is a premier meat breed due to its rapid growth rate and heavy muscling, often identifiable by its white body and distinctive brown head. Kiko goats, developed in New Zealand, are known for their hardiness and low maintenance needs. The Spanish goat is a resilient breed valued for its ability to thrive in range conditions. Myotonic goats, also called “fainting goats,” possess a unique muscle stiffness that causes them to stiffen when startled; they are also raised for their muscular build and docile nature.
Fiber Goats
Fiber goats are raised for their coats. The Angora goat produces mohair, a long, lustrous fiber that requires regular shearing. Cashmere is a fine, soft undercoat found on many goat breeds, highly valued for its warmth and softness. Specialized breeds like the Pygora (a cross between Pygmy and Angora goats) and Nigora (a cross of Nigerian Dwarf and Angora goats) are specifically bred to produce various types of fiber.
Miniature Goats
Miniature goat breeds, such as the Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy, serve multiple purposes, including dairy production and companionship. Nigerian Dwarfs are small dairy goats known for producing milk with a high butterfat content. Pygmy goats are compact and stocky, often kept as pets due to their friendly dispositions. These smaller breeds are popular choices for hobby farms or as companion animals.
The World of Wild Goats
Beyond domestic breeds, several wild goat species belong to the genus Capra. These wild relatives primarily inhabit rugged, mountainous regions across Asia, Europe, and northern Africa. The wild goat (Capra aegagrus) is found from Turkey to Pakistan.
Other notable wild goat species include various Ibex types, such as the Alpine, Siberian, and Nubian Ibex. The Markhor, recognized by its distinctive spiraling horns, is another Capra species. While the domestic goat descends from the wild goat, species like the North American Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) are not true goats but part of a related subfamily. Many wild goat populations face threats from habitat loss and poaching, leading to varying conservation statuses.