Goats a hardy domesticated ruminant mammal that has backward-curving horns and (in the male) a beard. It is kept for its milk and meat, and noted for its lively behaviour.

Conservation status

Domesticated

Scientific classificationKingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:ChordataClass:MammaliaOrder:ArtiodactylaFamily:BovidaeSubfamily:CaprinaeGenus:CapraSpecies:C. aegagrusSubspecies:C. a. hircusTrinomial nameCapra aegagrus hircus
(Linnaeus, 1758)Synonyms Capra hircus

The goat is a member of the family Bovidaeand is closely related to the sheep as both are in the goat-antelope subfamily Caprinae. There are over 300 distinct breeds of goat.^[1]Goats are one of the oldest domesticated species, and have been used for their milk,meat, hair, and skins over much of the world.^[2] In 2011, there were more than 924 million live goats around the globe, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.^[3]

Female goats are referred to as "does" or "nannies;" intact males are called "bucks" or "billies;" and juveniles of both sexes are called "kids". Castrated males are called "wethers".Goat meat from younger animals is called "kid" or cabrito (Spanish), while meat from older animals is known simply as "goat" or sometimes called chevon (French), or in some areas "mutton" (which more often refers to adult sheep meat).