I live in the sub-urban part of Nigeria, here agriculture is mostly practiced as a source of income and for pleasure. Animal rearing is not stranger to my community, mainly livestock animals such as goats, cattle and pigs are reared. Goats, are the animals are come in contact with the most. I notice them mainly around local farms near me and in the bushes. When I am free, I do help my family in the farm by feeding the animals and cleaning them. The most common breed of goats in Nigeria are the West African Dwarf goats. There are currently over 300 breeds of goats on Earth and 3 in Nigeria. They have a life span of 15-18 years. A goat’s weight ranges from 27-140kg. They feed on green plants, shrubs, hay. They are said to originate from Southwest Asia.  They are usually afraid of water and  will not wallow or swim  in water (unless you train them out of this fear as young goats). 

Interesting facts about goats:

• They are able to go without water for longer than most other animals, excepting camels and giraffes.

•They are expert climbers capable of climbing trees.

• They were one of the pioneer animals to be tamed by humans and were herded since 9000 years ago

• Female goats have a gestation (pregnancy) period of 5 months

• The life span of a goat is almost equal to that of a dog.

Green cheers!