Laura Jane Murphy Animal Science Greenup County High School

 Name 5 things that come to mind when you hear the word, Goat.

I will describe how goats fit into the world economy I will be able to identify the new leverage the goat industry has in the US economy

 Goats (Capra hircus) are one of the earliest animals to be domesticated.  Most people feel they are second after the dog.  This is dated to around 10,000 years ago

 Unlike other species, such as sheep, goats can be traced back to one common ancestor, the Bezoar goat from the mountains of Central Asia to Africa

 Goats are found on every continent and in all parts of the world except the Arctic.  They are an important part of some cultures  There are more than 300 breeds of goats

 Goats have been and are still used for multiple purposes:  Milk  Meat  Fiber  Draft

Goats Worldwide  Goat meat (chevon) is the number one meat eaten in the world.  Goat is considered the poor man’s cow.  Goats are mostly dual purpose, being used for milk, meat, and fiber.

Goats in the US  Goat demand is steadily increasing in the US due to the increase of the Hispanic and Muslim populations.  Goats are raised for specific purposes dividing into milk, meat, fiber, companionship, and work

People Profile  United States  Purposes  Economy  World  Purposes  Economy

 What products do goats provide?

I will be able to analyze and evaluate specific breeds of meat and fiber goats and choose the correct ones for specific scenarios and situations.

Goats Past and Present

 Originated in South Africa  Heavy muscle  Growth in harsh conditions  Red to brown head with white body

 Originated in New Zealand  From crossing of feral goats and Saanens  Known for ruggedness

 Originated from goats left by the Spanish Conquistadors in the Southwest US  Known for hardiness, disease and parasite resistant

 Developed in Smokey Mountains  Has a neuromuscular condition that causes muscles to “freeze”  Known for muscular conformation

 Originated in South Africa  Known for carcass traits  Can grow in harsh environments  Excellent mothers

Goats Past and Present

 Angoras originated in Central Asia, Turkey, from the Ankara District  Fine lustrous fiber known as Mohair

 Any breed of goat that produces cashmere – the soft, downy winter undercoat of some goats.  Not all goats produce cashmere, which is why the American Cashmere was developed breeding those goats.

Exit Slip

 Name one meat breed and one fiber breed of goats?

I will be able to analyze and evaluate specific dairy breeds of goats and choose the correct ones for specific scenarios and situations.

Goats Past and Present

 Developed in the Alps region  Large, rangy  Many colors and patterns  Excellent milkers  Lower percent fat  Erect ears and dished face

 Only dairy breed developed in US  Medium sized  Any color pattern  Very small ear cartilage: Gopher has very little to none, Elf has 1 inch or less

 Originated in West Africa  Developed for milk not meat production  Produce high amount of milk compared to body size  High in milk fat  Pygmy Agouti color discriminated against

 Originated in England from goats from Nubia region from Africa and India  Large frame, with more muscle than other dairy (dual purpose)  Long pendulous ears and Roman nose  High butter fat in milk

 Swiss Origin  Bay color with black stripes on face, black on legs  Small size  Erect ears and dished face

 Originated in Saanen Valley in Switzerland.  White or cream  Erect ears and dished face  Highest milk production

 Originated in Toggenburg Valley of Switzerland  Smallest and most compact  First registered breed  Brown with white stripes on face, white legs and white triangle under tail

 A Saanen that is not white  White gene is dominant

Goats Past and Present

 Developed in the Cameroon region of West Africa  Very hardy and gregarious  Well muscled  Miniature size  Agouti most common color pattern

Exit Slip