Sheep and goats

Sheep and goats, often referred to as small ruminants, are highly adaptable and social ungulate species which originally evolved to occupy upland and mountain areas. The social group is an important part of anti-predator behaviour in both species. Sheep and goats show a pronounced diurnal rhythm in their feeding behaviour in an unconstrained setting. Behavioural and neurobiological studies of the perceptual and cognitive abilities of sheep and goats have revealed that they make sophisticated use of both visual and olfactory cues from their environment to enable them to rapidly learn to recognise individual offspring, flock members. Goats have a tendency to eat their shade, which may constitute an enrichment in the short term but can then contribute to both overheating and poisoning, so should be monitored carefully. The key to catching and handling sheep and goats in a confined space is to move calmly and confidently.