Sheep and goats were among the earliest animals domesticated by humans after dogs. They are ruminants with four-chambered stomachs and chew cuds. Sheep and goats are raised for meat, dairy, fiber, and to control vegetation. They are vulnerable to predators and sometimes guardian animals are used for protection. The key differences are that sheep tails hang down while goat tails curl upward, and male goats have a strong odor while rams do not.
15. But some goats grow fibers that are similar to wool (mohair and cashmere) and must be sheared or combed out. Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulesson/2353307653/
29. Goats do not like to get wet. Sheep don’t mind, though they don’t like to get their feet wet.
30. Sheep tend to be bigger, fatter, and more muscular. The babies (called lambs) grow faster.
31. Goats tend to be leaner and more angular. The babies (called kids) grow slower.
32. Male goats stink, especially during the breeding season (rutt). A male goat is called a buck or billy (slang).
33. Rams do not have a strong odor. But they can be mean, especially during the breeding season.
34. Sheep are shy, timid, and aloof – easily spooked. They have a stronger flocking (grouping) instinct than goats. They get highly agitated if they are separated from the rest of the flock.
35. Goats are more curious, independent, and adventurous. The are harder to contain in fences.
46. The easiest way to tell the difference between a sheep and goat is to look at its tail. SHEEP GOATS Down Up Sheep tails are usually docked (shortened) so that manure doesn’t collect on the hindquarters of the sheep.
47. What do we raise sheep and goats for? Sheep and goats are multi-purpose.
48. Sheep and goats are raised mostly for meat. The meat from a young sheep (< 1 year) is called lamb. The meat from an older sheep (> 1 year) is called mutton. The meat from a goat is called chevon (French) or cabrito (Spanish).
49. Sheep and goats are raised for dairy (milk). Most sheep and goat milk is made into cheese. Sheep are goat milk have many healthful qualities. People that are lactose intolerant can often drink goat or sheep milk.
50. Sheep and goats are raised for fiber. WOOL FROM SHEEP MOHAIR AND CASHMERE FROM GOATS
52. Sheep and goats are used as research models and to produce medical products. Dissecting a sheep heart. Sheep blood is a common culture media.
53. I hope you have fun learning about sheep and goats. PowerPoint by Susan Schoenian, Sheep & Goat Specialist, University of Maryland Extension, sschoen@umd.edu