Difference Between Goat and Sheep

 

For Javanese people, goats and sheep have the same nickname, namely wedhus. This may be because the voices of goats and sheep sound the same. In fact, these two types of livestock have many differences.

Quoted from organichcs.com, although these two types of animals have almost the same anatomy, based on taxonomy, these two types of animals have differences at the level of species and genus. Sheep have 54 chromosomal cells while Goats have 60 chromosomal cells.

In addition, there are characteristics of goats and sheep that you can see through their physical and behavioral:

Tail

The difference between goats and sheep that is easily visible physically is in the tail. In sheep, the tail always sticks down, while the tail in goats, sticks out, unless the goat feels scared, sick or in trouble.

Eating habit

Another difference from sheep and goats is in the habits of looking for food and choosing food. Sheep usually eat by grazing, looking for short grass on the ground. While in goats, looking for food, fresh leaves, eat slightly standing, and likes the tops of leaves.

Behavior

The behavior between sheep and goats also looks different. Goats tend to be serious and independent, while sheep are more dependent and aloof. Sheep have a stronger feeling of being in a group and are very restless when separated from the herd. 

Whereas goats will seek shelter faster than sheep, they don't like it when their feet are wet so they will seek grass on higher ground.

Physical Difference

Physically, goats and sheep also look different. Goats have long hair on most of their bodies and do not need to be sheared. Meanwhile, sheep can produce wool by shearing their fur regularly. Sheep also have an upper lip which is divided by a distinct philtrum (groove), whereas goats do not.

 The ears on most goats will be drooping down and long

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Whereas in sheep, the ears are upright. Goats have a very pungent smell gland under the tail, which sheep do not have. Most goats naturally have horns pointing upwards or sideways and not curling like sheep. While in sheep, not all have horns.