• Reporting Frequency: Behavioral problems are not commonly reported in goats compared to other species.
• Reasons for Rarity:
◦ Maintenance Conditions: Their captive environments often closely mimic free-ranging situations, reducing stress-related issues.
◦ Domestication: It is suggested that domestication has had less impact on the social patterns of goats than on other livestock.
◦ Expectations: Some aggressive behaviors (like adult males charging people who enter their turf) are often expected by owners rather than being reported as a "problem" behavior.
Self-Suckling
• Context/Triggers:
◦ Occurs in goats that abort late in pregnancy.
◦ Seen in goats experiencing a second pregnancy subsequent to nursing.
• Clinical Observation: Interestingly, the behavior typically does not occur while the nanny is actively nursing kids.
• Treatment Options:
◦ Enrichment: Providing behavioral and environmental stimulation.
◦ Social Support: Ensuring stable social companionship that is established well before pregnancy begins.
◦ Pharmacology: Possible use of anti-anxiety medications.
Stereotypic Behaviors
• General Comparison: Stereotypic behaviors in goats are noted to be similar to those found in sheep.
• Specific Manifestations:
◦ Competitive "Rearing": Elevation or rearing behaviors.
• Primary Trigger: These behaviors are often developed when a goat is separated from its group.