cabra

Cabra is the common name used for the domestic goat, a ruminant mammal scientifically known as Capra aegagrus hircus. It is descended from the wild bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus) and was domesticated in the Near East and South Asia thousands of years ago. Today the domestic goat is one of the most widely kept livestock species, valued for milk, meat, fiber, leather, and as a work animal. Breed variation leads to a wide range of sizes, coat colors, and horn presence, but all goats share traits such as agility, curiosity, and a versatile diet.

Goats are browsers by nature, meaning they prefer woody vegetation, shrubs, and leaves but will also consume grasses and other forage. They are social animals that live in herds and establish hierarchies. Their feeding behavior and adaptability allow them to inhabit diverse environments, from deserts to mountainous regions, where forage quality and water access influence management.

Reproduction in goats is generally seasonal or year-round, depending on breed and climate. The gestation period is about 145 to 155 days, with single or twin births common. Kids are typically weaned after several weeks to months, and does may lactate for around 6 to 10 months after kidding. Milk production and lactation management vary by purpose, from dairy breeds prioritized for high milk yield to meat and fiber breeds where growth rate or fiber quality is emphasized.

Common uses include milk and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, meat (chevon or kid), and fibers like mohair from Angora goats and cashmere from cashmere goats. Goats are also used in vegetation management and, in some regions, in research and education. While domestic goats are not endangered, certain wild caprine relatives face conservation concerns.