A pygmy goat (Capra
hicus) is a small species of goat; females weigh about 23 to 34 kg (35 to
50 lbs) and males about 27 to 39 kg (40 to 60 lbs). They were first imported
into the United States from Africa in the 1950s; they have since become popular
pets and exhibition animals. Although they produce a large amount of milk for
their size, and can be eaten, pygmy goats are not typically used for milk or meat,
unlike larger dairy and meat goat breeds. Pygmy goats tend to be more robust
and breed more continually throughout the year than either dairy or meat goats.
They have stomachs with four compartments: the rumen, the reticulum, the
omasum, and the abomasum. As browsers, goats are similar to deer and enjoy
variety in their diet, including woody plants.
Many breeds of goat are
good with children, but the pygmy goat is considered the most suitable; in
particular, it is small enough to be safe with young children. They are found
in petting zoos worldwide.
Pet pygmy goats can live in
a large dog house or small shed. Their housing requires a ventilation system
and a small hopper window or a stable split door with a mesh wiring over the
top. It is convenient to have a concrete floor covered with a rubber mat and
sawdust or straw for bedding; the floor should be tilted towards the door to
make cleaning simple. In the winter, cleaning is less often needed because
goats keep the straw warm as their bed. A bench with dividing slats as
suspension will suit the goat as a little bed; if it is very cold, a cheap
blanket can be added to add warmth.
A pygmy goat's diet
consists of forage, including hay (rough hay is good), and concentrates — i.e.,
oats, bran, and beet. Books describe ideal dietry regimens for goats.
Showing is where goats are
shown to a judge, who judges them. The public often show a lot of interest in
Pygmy goats. The judging groups are (generally):
Best (registered) female
goat - self explanatory
Best Pet goat - any
non-registered goat
Best wether - Best
castrated male
Veteran - Best goat +7 yrs
old
Best multi-coloured goat -
+2 colours
Junior handler - -14 yrs
old handlers
Prizes
Cups and trophies are donated to the classes, so that the winner can take home
a trophy, the trophies are inscribed with the winner each year
A young
pygmy goat as a family pet.
A young
pygmy goat
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pygmy_goat&action=history
http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html