What is the difference between a goat and a sheep

Homestead Animals: What Is The Difference Between Goat and Sheep

When raising animals on the homestead or in the farmyard, understanding the differences between your livestock is essential. Unfortunately, for many novice homesteaders, this can be a bit challenging. 

Not to worry! Here at Hobby Farm Heaven we have been raising backyard livestock for years and we are about to share all we know about the differences between goats and sheep.

Are Goats and Sheep The Same Animal

Goats and sheep are NOT the same animal. Domesticated goats are scientifically categorized Capra aegagrus hircus, while domestic sheep are Ovis aries

What does this mean? That goats and sheep exhibit distinctive characteristics that can be realized by observers, and verified by molecular biology, calling for distinct recognition of these two different animals. 

Yes, goats and sheep are related. Both of these four legged friends are of the subfamily Caprinae of the family Bovidae. 

Regardless, goats and sheep cannot successfully interbreed, although there have been reports of hybrid geeps throughout the years. 

But the truth is that the reproductive biology of goats and sheep is different enough that, even if fertilization does occur, the fetus is not usually carried to term and, if born alive, is physically or immunocompromised and dies shortly there-after.  

Learn more about the legendary and evasive geep here

Explained: Three Difference Between Goat and Sheep

The three most important differences between goats and sheep are non visible biological differences, physical distinctions, and their form and manner of eating.

Goats vs. Sheep: Biological Differences

As stated, goats and sheep are distinct animals; this fact becomes very clear when taking a look at their biology. 

Goats have 60 chromosomes while goats have 54 chromosomes. This is a huge biological difference, and why almost all breeding between the two animals is not successful! 

A baby goat and sheep respectively receive exactly half of their chromosomes (which contain their DNA and genetic codes) from their mother and half from their father; the biological misalignment between the number of chromosomes between goats and sheep creates a distinct biological difference between the two animals. 

Goats vs. Sheep: Physical Differences

To the trained eye, goats and sheep are quite distinct physically as well. 

For example, sheep always grow wool hair that can be shorn off, while goats grow a much thinner, straight hair that cannot be shorn off. 

In addition, many female goats naturally grow horns while female sheep never grow horns.

And finally, the upper lip of sheep is always divided by a philtrum groove that is quite visible; this physical characteristic is never present in goats! 

Goats vs. Sheep: Foragers vs. Grazers

The eating habit of goats and sheep is also distinct: goats are foragers while sheep are grazers. 

What’s the difference between a forager and a grazer?

As foragers, goats are well-skilled in picking and choosing the best of what is available. They are also more inept at tending to their natural dietary needs by instinctively eating what they need and naturally eat more woody species and plants that grow high off the ground. 

On the other hand, as grazers, sheep are not nearly as picky and will focus on more palatable and low-lying grasses and greens than woody species. 

Read more about goats as foragers from Onion Creek Ranch

The Top Goat And Sheep Similarities

Now that we’ve established that goats and sheep are not the same animal, we will outline all the existing similarities between them so that you can better understand how to best tend to both. 

Both Sheep And Goats Are Ruminants

The fact that both these animals are ruminants is probably their most important similarity. 

As ruminants, sheep and goats share similar digestive biology, which naturally determines their dietary needs and restrictions. 

For example, both goats and sheep can synthesize their own B vitamins, vitamin K and certain amino acids through their rumen. 

Both Sheep And Goats Require High Fiber Diet

Because sheep and goats are ruminants, they both require high amounts of fiber in their diets. 

In fact, the rumen is what allows goats and sheep to efficiently metabolize and break down coarse, plant fibers that many other four legged mammals cannot digest. 

Without almost 90% of their diet being high fiber material, both goats and sheep are under risk of serious digestive imbalances and a compromised immune system. 

Both Sheep And Goat Have Similar Body Size

It can be most confusing to individuals who aren’t very familiar with goats and sheep that both animals are relatively the same size. 

They also share very similar growth patterns from newborn to adult; good thing we already mentioned those key physical differences between the two! 

Both Sheep And Goats Live In Groups

This is another notable similarity between sheep and goats: their social structure and behavior. 

Both animals will exhibit a hierarchy of individuals within groups, with male members usually living alone (at least in the wild). 

Equally noteworthy is that goats have been noted as being more aggressive, towards their own kind and towards predators, than sheep! 

Goats Eating Peas

Is a Male Sheep A Goat?

No, a male sheep is known as a ram, and is not a goat. But male sheep do headbutts just like male goats (known as billies), learn more about this unique behavior here

Is Goat Lamb Or Sheep?

Goat is neither lamb or sheep. A lamb is the name for a baby or immature sheep, while a baby or immature goat is called a kid. 

We address this question in more depth in our post on The Difference Between A Goat and A Lamb. 

Do We Eat Sheep Or Goat? 

Both sheep and goat meat can be, and is, eaten. Mature sheep meat is known as mutton while young sheep meat is called ‘lamb’. In addition, a goat is called simply ‘goat’ while a young goat is called capretto/cabrito. 

This video shares more information on goats and sheep if you are looking for more information about which to raise on your homestead! 

Final Thoughts On The Differences Between A Goat and Sheep

There we have it, you are now in the know about the primary differences and most important similarities between goats and sheep! 

Without a doubt, these two livestock are great additions to your homestead or hobby farm. And feel free to browse our goat post archive to learn more about this awesome ruminant. 

Finally, check this out: goats are better problem solvers than sheep!

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