Capra Hircus

Description

Relatively small ruminants, usually with a crimped hair called wool and often with horns forming a lateral spiral.

Distribution

Generally farmed on the lower eastern and western side, and the upper eastern side of Australia.

Lifespan

10 - 12 years.

Size

Ewes typically weigh between 45 - 100 kgs and rams 45 - 160 kgs.

Diet

They are vegetarians and ruminants, like goats and cows, which means they have a 4-chambered stomach. Similar to cows they are a grazing animal, preferring to eat grasses.

Habitat

They have adapted to all sorts of climates and can be spotted anywhere from tropical regions to desert regions.

Breeding

Ewes generally reach sexual maturity at 6 - 8 months of age, and rams generally at 4 - 6 months. The gestation period of about 5 months. Most produce single or twin lambs although triplets and quads are not uncommon.