Behavioral Problems of Goats

Overview of Goat Behavioral Problems

• 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.