At first glance, it is easy for an inexperienced person to confuse a goat with a sheep. In zoology, these animals are united by one superfamily - Caprinae, artiodactyl mammals from the Bovid family. Domesticated livestock share common ancestry and genetic similarities. Despite this, they belong to two independent genera of artiodactyl animals. Let's try to figure out what is the difference between a goat and a sheep.
Description of the goat
Animals are adapted to survive in hot and frosty climates. They do not tolerate high humidity well. Goat farming is developed among farmers due to the high value of milk.It has nutritional properties and is rich in vitamins and minerals. The skin and hair of the animal are especially valued. They are unpretentious in keeping: goats eat more varieties of vegetation than other herbivores. They require 6 times less feed per day than cows, and they give about two liters of milk.
Externally, goats differ from sheep in several ways. There are horns and a beard on the head. The body is covered with straight hair, which varies in length and quality depending on the breed. The color of the animal varies from white to black or variegated colors. The tail is small and raised up.
By nature, goats are curious and independent in nature. They are adapted to climbing mountain peaks. On a farm, goats are intelligent, obedient animals to humans. They do not require special care, are affectionate to their owners, and are squeamish, so they make caring for themselves a little more difficult. The lifespan of domestic individuals is 9-10 years, in rare cases they live up to 17 years of age.
What does a sheep look like?
Domesticated artiodactyls are valued for their tasty meat and thick fur. Sheep farming is common, and breeders receive fleece, hides, milk, cooking oil and cheese. The individual is externally characterized by thick, curly hair and spiral-shaped horns (males). The animals' legs are adapted for long journeys across the plains.
The weight of farm animals is 45-100 kg for females and 70-160 kg for males. The animal can reach a height of up to 110 cm. The muzzle of sheep is pointed, with a straight profile. The ram's tail can be long, hanging down or fat-tailed. There are twisted horns on the head that can reach up to 180 cm in length. There is a breed of sheep that do not have horns.
The peculiarity of the location of the eyes of sheep allows them to see what is happening around them without turning their heads. This helps you see approaching danger. Animals have a good sense of smell and hearing. The color of different breeds varies from cream to dark brown and black.
Sheep live in crowded conditions and prefer a herd lifestyle, unlike goats. Individuals are characterized by timidity; they communicate with sounds between relatives. This helps to inform the herd in a timely manner about the approaching danger. The lifespan of animals is 7-15 years.
The main differences between a goat and a sheep
According to historical information, man tamed the wild goat 10 thousand years BC. During that period, people learned to get milk, warm skin, which saved them from the cold. The sheep was domesticated later, approximately 6-8 thousand years BC.
Ruminant animals are similar at the genetic level, having almost the same number of chromosomes.
This is due to the common origin. Despite the genetic relationship, there are no common characteristics between them, either in appearance or in lifestyle.
Noticeable differences between the two animal species:
- Sheep and lambs are mammals, belong to the same family, but are different species.
- Goats have 60 chromosomes, sheep have 54.
- Goats eat the tops of plants, sheep feed on plants, eating them completely.
- Goats are considered independent animals. They are free and curious. Sheep are more timid and get lost outside the herd.
- The goat has a specific odor that attracts parasites and is susceptible to ringworm. Sheep tend to become infected with worms.
- Sheep milk is fattier than goat milk.
- Lamb meat is fatty and contains a lot of cholesterol. Goat meat is leaner as it contains less fat.
- Goat hair does not require regular trimming. Lambs are sheared annually.
- Sheep are adapted to the plains and run fast. Goats are adapted to climbing steep slopes and are able to climb to the tops of mountains in search of food.
The similarities and differences between a goat and a sheep are quite clear. There are significant differences in physical characteristics, appearance, lifestyle, and care. Sheep and goat farming are popular due to the production of valuable milk, furs, meat and food derivatives.
