Goat terminology is used to refer to different characteristics pertaining to various aspects of raising goats. There is a word for everything from gender, to age and appearance. Learn the words below and their definitions so that you will understand what in the world the other goat owners are talking about!
Some terminology is the same as pertains to deer, since goats are related to deer, if you know anything about deer, maybe you will recognize some of the words below.
Doe or nanny is a female goat.
A buck or a billy refers to a male.
When a male has been castrated or neutered, it is referred to as a wether.
A young goat under one year old is called a kid.
A group of goats is called a herd.
Wattles are like little bags that sometimes hang under a goat's chin on it's neck.
Caprine is commonly used to refer to goats in general, and is derived from the scientific name capra aegagrus hircus.
Musk is the strong odor given off by males during the rut, which is the breeding season.
Brush goat is any cross-breed, this word is the equivalent to 'mutt' in the dog world.
The hair used in the production of textiles and yarn is called cashmere, and it also refers to the breed commonly used to obtain it.
Goat meat is generally called chevon which is from the French word chèvre; if it is the meat of a young kid it is referred to using the Spanish word cabrito.
This is by no means the extent of goat terminology, but these are some of the most commonly used in the industry. Hopefully this information has helped you become more familiar with raising goats, and you will soon become an experienced owner.
[To become a goat expert yourself, click here to download the Beginners Guide to Raising Goats]
