Bagot goat
Scientific name
Capra aegagrus hircus
Body size
60 to 75cm tall at the shoulder and 27 to 41 kg
Diet
Leaves, twigs and shrubs, called browse, as well as longer grasses and grains
Conservation status
Considered vulnerable by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Native habitat
Domesticated
Lifespan
10 to 14 years
Meet our Bagot goats
Like most goats, our herd of Bagot goats are a nosey bunch. They like to be in the thick of it and when their keepers are trying to clean their enclosure, they do their best to ‘help’! This usually involves the younger ones jumping in and out of the wheelbarrow, and the older ones snuffling the keepers’ pockets to see if there are any treats hidden in there.
About Bagot goats
Bagot goats are one of the oldest documented goat breeds. They were first recorded in 1389 as a gift from King Richard II to Sir John Bagot. Their exact origin is a bit of a mystery though. It’s thought they may have descended from goats in Northern Europe.
Bagot goats are very hardy and not bothered by the rain. They are very good at gardening and are used in conservation areas to manage ecosystems and improve biodiversity.
In 2010 they were considered critically endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. There numbers have now upped slightly, although they are still considered vulnerable.
Did you know?
- both male and female goats have beards on their chins
- nannies usually give birth to twins, but can have triplets or single births
- goats are ruminants with a four-chambered stomach. They regurgitate their food to chew it a second time before swallowing it
- goats have rectangular pupils which gives them excellent peripheral vision to keep an eye out for predators
