Distinguishing between goats and lambs can be difficult, especially if you aren’t familiar with these animals and/or have never interacted with them.
Fortunately, it is easier than you may think to learn the key differences between goats and lamb, and we are here to help you out with this quick, informative post!
Goat vs. Lamb: Is a Lamb and Goat The Same?
First things first: goats and lambs are two completely different animals.
That’s right, goats are ruminants from the scientific genus Capra while lambs are baby sheep, which are also ruminants, and part of the scientific genus Ovis.
Now both goats and sheep are members of the Bovidae family, which makes them cousins of sorts to each other as well as to cows and buffalos!
Secondly, the word “lamb” is simply the name used to describe a baby or immature sheep while the word “goat” describes any member of the Capra genus, either young or old.
Think about how all rectangles are squares, but not vice versa: All lambs are sheep, but not all sheep are lambs…and lambs certainly aren’t goats!
And while we are at it: the name for a baby or immature goat is a kid.
Check this out: the actual name for a group of goats is a trip of goats!
Is Lamb A Goat Or Sheep
As stated, a lamb is not a goat but it is a sheep. More specifically, a lamb is a baby or otherwise immature sheep.
You can tell the difference between a lamb and a goat because they look very different:
Physical Characteristic | Sheep Lamb | Adult Goat |
Body Weight | Around 120 lbs | Up to 310 lbs |
Hair | Wooly | Straight and coarse |
Tail | Long if not cut | Naturally short |
Presence of Horns | No | Yes, even on females |
Baby Goat vs. Lamb
While it can be easy to tell a baby sheep from an adult goat, what about the differences between a baby goat, or kid, and a baby sheep, or lamb?
Baby goats and baby sheep still look quite unique and can easily be distinguished:
Physical Characteristic | Sheep Lamb | Goat Kid |
Hair | Wooly and (usually) white | Straight and (usually) multicolored |
Ears | Naturally point up and out | Point up and out or down |
Tail | Points down | Points up |
One other reason to know the difference between goats and lamb is for eating purposes, as many people enjoy both goat and lamb meat.
What Is the Difference Between Lamb and Goat Meat
The most notable difference between the two types of meat, lamb and goat, is as follows:
Being from a young sheep, lamb meat is known for being quite tender and mild in flavor and is light pink in color. It is most often used for grilling or roasting.
On the other hand, goat meat is a bit stronger in flavor, I find it to be almost gamy, and can be used as a red meat in a wide range of dishes.
Which Is Best: Goat Or Lamb Meat
It is truly up to personal preference whether goat or lamb meat is better. Remember that goat meat has a much stronger flavor than lamb, so those with sensitive pallets may find it overwhelming.
A final note: goat meat is most often acquired from fully grown, adult goats. However, there is a market for kid goat meat, called capretto, or cabrito.
To learn more about all the different meat cuts of lamb, watch this professional butcher discuss and make cuts in the video below.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Distinguish The Difference Between Goat and Lamb
Is Mutton Goat Or Lamb?
Mutton is actually neither goat nor lamb. So what is mutton?
Mutton is meat from an adult, mature sheep. It is known for having a very strong flavor (more so than adult goat meat) that works well with heavy spices but definitely isn’t for everyone.
Final Thoughts On The Difference Between Goats and Lamb
Goats and lambs aren’t only distinguished by age and appearance, but they are also completely different animals!
The meat from both goats and lamb is edible, with notable flavor and color distinctions.
Finally, you’ll never forget the difference between a goat and a lamb if you remember that an adult goat’s offspring are called kids while an adult sheep’s offspring are called lambs!
We’ve been raising goats on our hobby farm for years; want to learn more about goats? Read our posts on Why Do Goats Headbutt and How Often Do Goats Go Into Heat.