Goat (Domestic)
(Capra hircus domestica)
#59-55






Whole brain image

Whole brain photographs
• Special views
• Rotating brain cast

Brain section image

Coronal section through middle of brain
Movie Atlas

Physical characteristics and distribution

There are eight species of goats. Our specimen is a Domestic Goat (Capra hircus domestica). Domestic Goats are descendents of Capra aegagrus (Wild goat) and Capra falconeri (Markhor). There are many different breeds of Domestic Goats in various forms and colors. Some, for example, are completely black and white as oppose to being all black, off white or chestnut-brown. Some Domestic Goats are hornless or have horns either scimitar-shaped or spiraling. Their head and body lengths vary from 1,200-1,600 mm and weigh anywhere from 25-95 kg. Adult males tend to be larger with bigger horns and a prominent beard. They are very nimble and can be very aggressive.

They also can live and obtain food in places that most domestic mammals cannot. Food is taken by grazing and browsing depending on its availability.

When mating, females have a single kid annually. Males fight by clashing horns for the right to mating.

Goats can be found in Afghanistan, Caucasus region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, NE Georgia, and S Russia), Iraq, Iran, S Pakistan, Turkey, and S Turkmenistan; anciently introduced into Greek isls and probably Oman. They are domesticated worldwide; feral populations in British Isles, islands in the Mediterranean, USA, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Australia, New Zealand and many oceanic islands including Bonin, Hawaiian, Galapagos, Seychelles, and Juan Fernandez Isls.


Description of the brain


Animal source and preparation
All specimens collected followed the same preparation and histological procedure.

Other Related Resources (websites and publications)



List of Specimens | Explore Collections | Brain Sections | Brain Evolution | Brain Development | Brain Circuitry | Brain Functions | Location and Use | Related Web Sites | Contact Us | Search MSU Database | Personnel | Home