Goat's Anatomy & Physiology



Life Span: Usually 10-14 years

Temperature: 38.5-40.5'C

Pulse: 70 to 90 beats per minute

Respiration: 12 to 20 breaths per minute

Ruminal Movements: 1 to 3 minute

Rumen pH: 5.5 to 7.0

Teeth: Four pairs of lower incisors that line up with a dental pad on the upper jaw (goats have no upper front teeth), three premolars on each side of the upper and lower jaws, three molars on each side of the upper and lower jaws.

Stomach: A four-compartmented organ consisting of a rumen, a reticulum, an omasum and abomasum

Intestines: The small intestine is about 24m long and has an average diameter of 2.5cm. It lies on the right side at the rear of the abdominal cavity.

Caecum: The caecum marks the junction of the small and large intestines. It's about 20cm long and 5cm diameter.

Large intestine: The large intestine is about 5m long.

Goat has an extremely adaptable, clever, entertaining, fascinating (and occasionally exasperating!) mind. Adaptability is defined as being able to change to take advantage of the environment.