Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure
7.22.
Suffolk sheep ewe.
Goats were probably domesticated about 10,000 years ago in the area of present-
day Iran. They were descended from the wild bezoar (Capra aegagrus). Genetic studies
indicate that the development of goats differed from that of cattle and sheep. Cattle and
sheep have localized variations, but goats seem to be remarkably uniform in their
genetic composition around the world.
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This means that there has been continuous
and extensive interbreeding among goat populations from different parts of the world
since they were domesticated. Goats have, therefore, been a part of human trade and
migration for thousands of years while sheep probably have not.
Goats are multipurpose animals, providing meat, milk, and hides. A typical meat-
type goat is shown in Figure 7.23. Until the invention of the printing press in Europe,
goatskin (parchment) was the most common writing surface in Europe. Goat breeds are
divided into five categories: dairy, fiber, meat, skin, and pet. Fiber breeds of goats
produce fine wool prized by the garment industry. Most goats have fine, soft fibers
beneath surface guard hairs. Cashmere goats have been selected for more soft (cash-
mere) fibers and fewer guard hairs. Angora goats produce mohair, an equally fine
and valuable type of wool used in clothing.
Fainting Goats, Myotonic, or wooden leg, goats will fall over (faint) and lie still
when frightened. This is caused by a genetic mutation that reduces muscle chlor-
ide conductance. When frightened, the goat cannot move and appears to faint.
Goat milk is considered easier to digest than milk of cows or buffaloes. It is fre-
quently recommended for infants and adults with lactose intolerance. The milk lacks
the protein agglutinin so it does not require homogenization (breaking up of fat glo-
bules). Goats bred specifically for milk production (such as Nubians) under good man-
agement will produce 3 to 4 liters per day for 200 to 250 days of lactation. Most goats in
developing countries do not produce nearly as much milk as specialized breeds under
