Pygmy goat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A pygmy goat is a small breed of domestic goat. Although they produce a very large amount of milk for their size, and can be eaten, pygmy goats are not typically used for milk or meat, unlike larger dairy and meat goat breeds. Pygmy goats tend to be more robust and breed more continually throughout the year than either dairy or meat goats. They have stomachs with four compartments: the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum, and the abomasum. As browsers, goats are similar to deer and enjoy variety in their diet, including woody plants.
Contents |
[edit] Appearance
Females weigh about 23 to 34 kg (35 to 50 lbs) and males about 27 to 39 kg (40 to 60 lbs). Wither height ranges from 16 to 23 inches. Their color can range from light/white carmel, medium carmel, dark carmel, dark (red) carmel, silver-light grey agouti, medium grey agouti, dark grey agouti, black with frosted points, solid black, and brown agouti. Also, the males are usually darker than the females.
[edit] Origin
Pygmy goats originated in the Cameroon Valley of West Africa. They were imported into the United States from European zoos in the 1950s for use in zoos as well as research animals. They were eventually acquired by private breeders and quickly gained popularity as pets and exhibition animals due to their good-natured personalities, friendliness and hardy constitution. Today you can find them as house pets and at petting zoos. There are also one - two males in a herd so the goats can breed.
[edit] References
- Colby, Brian, et al. Dairy goats-breeding/feeding/management. American Goat Society. 1972.
- Kinne, Maxine. Pygmy goat care and management. 1987.
- National Pygmy Goat Association. Best of Memo I. 1982.
- National Pygmy Goat Association. Best of Memo II. 1989.
- National Pygmy Goat Association. "Color Choices for Registration". 2003.
[edit] External links
National Pygmy Goat Association (United States)
 |
This goat-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
