Goats are often dismissed as simple farm animals that eat tin cans. However, they are actually highly intelligent survivors with incredible climbing skills. You might be surprised to learn that we owe our morning cup of coffee to them. Furthermore, their strange rectangular eyes allow them to see the world in a way humans cannot. They were one of the first animals tamed by humans, yet they maintain a wild, mischievous streak. Let’s explore the life of the kids.
Goats
Goats have rectangular pupils instead of round ones. Uniquely, this shape allows them to see 320 to 340 degrees around their bodies to spot predators approaching from almost any direction.
Legend credits goats with the discovery of coffee. Reportedly, an Ethiopian herder named Kaldi noticed his goats became energetic and started dancing after eating red berries from a specific bush.
They possess specific accents that change depending on their social group. Researchers found that goats modify their vocal calls to sound more like their friends as they spend time together.
Fainting goats do not actually lose consciousness. Instead, a genetic condition called myotonia congenita causes their muscles to freeze temporarily when they feel sudden panic or excitement.
Male goats urinate on their own beards and front legs during mating season. Surprisingly, this foul smell acts as a powerful perfume that female goats find incredibly attractive.
They do not possess teeth in their upper front jaw. Consequently, they use a hard dental pad to grind food against their lower teeth, which helps them snap tough branches.
Goats in Morocco frequently climb argan trees to eat the fruit. Amazingly, these agile climbers balance on thin branches high above the ground to reach the tasty treats.
They are picky eaters and do not actually eat tin cans. While they explore objects with their mouths to test them, they strictly refuse to swallow metal or inedible trash.
They can remember how to solve complex puzzles for years. Studies show that goats can learn to operate mechanical levers to get food and recall the exact solution ten months later.
Goats hate water and will do anything to avoid rain. Therefore, they will race to the nearest shelter at the first drop of a storm, unlike sheep who often stand in the rain.
Cashmere wool comes from the soft undercoat of specific goats. Consequently, it takes the wool from nearly four goats to create just one sweater, making the material very expensive.
They are incredibly social animals that can become depressed if left alone. Thus, farmers usually keep them in pairs or herds to ensure they remain healthy and happy.
A baby goat, known as a kid, can stand and walk within minutes of birth. Instinctively, they must move quickly to keep up with the herd and avoid predators in the wild.
They were the first livestock species to be domesticated by humans. Historians believe ancient people tamed them over 10,000 years ago in the Zagros Mountains for milk and meat.
Goats serve as eco-friendly lawnmowers for companies like Google. Specifically, the tech giant hires herds of goats to clear dry brush from their headquarters to reduce fire risks.
