The Pet Goat: All You Need To Know About Goats as Pets
Goats are most commonly found on farms however they are becoming increasingly popular as pets? However, like any other pet, a goat is a big commitment and the decision to keep a goat as a pet should not be taken lightly or something that is rushed in to.
For the most part goats make good pets. They are easy to handle, curious, friendly and make great companions. There are many breeds available and nearly any breed can be raised as a pet or companion.
Most people prefer smaller breeds such as dwarf or pygmy goats. As well, female goats and castrated male goats (also known as wethers) are preferred to intact males. This is because intact males tend to get larger and will be more aggressive. It should be noted and taken in to consideration that male goats will have an offensive odor during the fall (mating season).
Parasites in Goats
Parasites continue to be an important concern for goat farmers and producers. These parasites can cause economic and production losses and even serious illness and death in goats. In fact, internal parasites are recognized as a common disease among goats.
An infected goat may show symptoms and become lethargic, have diarrhea, lose weight or barely be able to maintain their weight. However these signs can easily go unnoticed, posing a serious threat to the health and safety of your animal.
Internal parasites infect the gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs, blood system, lymphatic system, and skin of a goat.
Parasites are present in almost every herd in the United States. The most common parasites that infect these herds are barber pole worms, round worms, stomach worms, Cooper’s worms, wire worms, hookworms, threadworms, whipworms, and nodular worms, lung worms and meningeal or brain worm.
Goats: The Facts
Who knew that goats were such interesting animals?
Did you know…
- Goats were the first animals to be tamed by humans.
- Humans began herding goats approximately 9000 years ago.
- Goats are members of the cattle family. They are closely related to sheep, deer and bison. Distant relatives include giraffes, ibex, and antelopes.
- There are over 210 breeds of goats.
- The world population of goats is estimated to be 450 million.
- Approximately 6 to 8 % of the world’s goat population can be found in North America. The majority of the world goat population however can be found in the Mideast and Asia.
- Goats have no upper front teeth but instead a hard “gum pad”. A goat’s age can be determined by the configuration of and wear on their teeth.
