SMALL STOCK
The difference between sheep and goats
A
lthough there is an
expression in the Bible
that refers to a
shepherd separating the
sheep from the goats, the
difference between these two
common small farm animals is
not as universally understood
as one may think.
Town-dwellers, especially,
often can't tell one from the
other so at the risk of being
labelled elementary, we set
out below the differences
between a sheep and a goat.
While sheep and goats have
many similarities, each is a
distinct species and genus.
Sheep (Ovis aries) have 54
chromosomes, while goats
(Capra aegagrus hircus) have
60. While sheep and goats
will occasionally mate, fertile
sheep-goat hybrids are rare.
Hybrids made in the laboratory are called chimeras.
Hard to believe, perhaps, but some people glands between the toes.
DON!T know the difference between the two Male goats develop a distinct
The easiest way to tell the
difference between a sheep
and goat is to look at their
tails. A goat's tail goes up
(unless it is sick, frightened, or
in distress). Sheep tails hang
down and are often docked
(shortened) for health and
sanitary reasons.
There are a number of
physical differences between
the two species. Most goats
have hair coats that do not
require shearing or combing.
Most sheep grow woolly coats
that need to be sheared at
least annually.
Lamb tails are sometimes
docked or shortened whereas
goat tails are not.
Another major difference is
that sheep have an upper lip
divided by a distinct philtrum
or groove. This is something
that a goat does not have.
Male goats have glands
beneath their tail. Sheep have
face or tear glands beneath
their eyes and foot or scent
Awww.... CUUUTE!!!
46
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odour as they grow in sexual
maturity. The odour is very
strong during the mating
season. Sexually mature rams
have much less of an odour, if
they have an odour at all.
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