African Pygmy Goat
Small and feisty
The African Pygmy Goat is the world’s smallest goat breed – and it is very adaptable. Thanks to its miniature size, it requires less food and can therefore survive in drier regions. The breed is also highly fertile: females become sexually mature early and give birth to an average of three young once or even twice a year.
Steckbrief
- Origin
Originally from West Africa, now present on all continents
- Diet
Grasses, herbaceous plants, leaves, twigs, bark
- Size
45 cm
- Weight
up to 25 kg
- Gestation period
5 months
- Achievable age
up to 15 years
What are domestic animals?
Domestic animals are those animals that are of direct use to humans in some way. They include livestock such as cattle, pets like cats and dogs, and even semi-domesticated wild animals like red deer and trout. Present-day domestic animals are the descendants of wild species that human beings saw a use for. Although the domestication process was different for each species, the outcome was the same: a few individuals ended up in the hands of humans and were gradually bred to better meet our requirements. Sought-after characteristics included, for example, less aggression in dogs, or cows that produced greater quantities of milk. This Tierpark Berlin blog explains why some domesticated animals are now endangered and why it is important to conserve domestic species: Helping the animals that help us – Where do we get our tasty cheese, warm socks, and sizzling sausages?
