Types of Goats
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Goats are a group of hoofed animals in the same family (Bovidae) as cattle, sheep, antelopes and a variety of other hoofed animals.
Two different types of goats, mountain goats (Genus Oreamnos), and domestic goats (Genus Capra) inhabit areas around the United States.
The Capra genus consists of both goats and ibexes, and the types of domestic goats usually found on farms in the United States are a breed of Capra hircus.
Most domestic goats are raised for their dairy, meat and fiber production. Their docile nature also makes them a good pet choice.
Most goats can be considered meat goats, however the term generally refers to breeds raised specifically for the meat. The top picture shows a Boer Goat, a South African breed generally considered a meat goat. Introduced to the United States in the 1990s, it is also considered a great pet.
The dairy goats link in the box on the right provides additional information on domestic goats in the United States.
© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels