5 Fun Facts About Goats

Kylie and baby goat

Goats have been gracing the world’s fields and farms for millennia, providing not just delicious milk and meat but an endless supply of entertainment with their mischievous antics. Here at Goat Milk Stuff, we’ve been surrounded by goats for nearly two decades and just when we think we’ve seen it all, they still surprise us.

Here are 5 fun facts about goats that might be a surprise to you.

Goats have panoramic vision

Goats have almost 340 degrees of peripheral vision, which allows them to keep a watchful eye on predators and gives them an incredible level of awareness.

This panoramic vision is down to the unique shape of their pupils. Unlike humans, who possess round pupils, goats have rectangular pupils. Fascinating!

Nigerian Dwarf goat

They love coffee

Incredibly, historic documents credit goats with being the unlikely heroes behind our beloved coffee obsession. Ethiopian goat herders first discovered the energizing effects of coffee beans after observing their goats exhibiting increased activity after consuming coffee cherries. An observation that is believed to have spawned the human consumption of coffee that we see today.

They’re born with teeth

While the vast majority of baby animals come into the world toothless (humans included), baby goats are born with a small set of incisors in their lower jaw. This means that they are born ready to start exploring the world of solid food from day one.

Nigerian Dwarf goat and kid

Goats dislike mud and dirt

Goats are rather uniquely fastidious animals. They dislike muddy or dirty environments, preferring to create designated ‘bathroom’ areas within their pen; enabling them to keep the rest of the pen clean. This natural aversion to filth makes them relatively clean animals to raise and farm.

Biggest milk producers in the world

While it may be of a surprise here in the US due to our propensity for cows milk, goats milk is in fact the most consumed milk globally. Its ease of digestion and recognized health benefits make it a popular choice for people with lactose intolerance or those seeking a healthier dairy alternative. Learn more about how cows milk compares to goat milk.

Michael with Alpine goat

We have been surrounded by goats as a family and farm for many many years, and, and we’re proud to be a Grade A Dairy. Learn more about our farm and our family so that you can start to love goats just as much as we do.

2 Responses

Goat Milk Stuff

Hi Marilyn – That’s so great to hear! And so special for the residents! :) – Erin

Marilyn Boyle

I have a Nigerian dwarf, her name is Tootiejean and she is a registered service goat. She lives in the house, sleeps at the foot of the bed and just a great companion! I take her to nursing homes and the residents just love her!!!! But, she can be a character!!!

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