vuohi

Vuohi is the Finnish term for the domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), a small to medium-sized herbivorous ungulate in the family Bovidae. Domestic goats are among the world’s most widespread livestock, kept for milk, meat, fiber, hides, and as working animals. They are believed to have been domesticated from wild goats in the Near East or parts of Asia around 9,000 to 11,000 years ago and have since adapted to a wide range of environments and management systems.

Goats are versatile ruminants with a characteristic split upper lip, usually horned, and a short to long coat that may be solid or patterned. They are social, curious, and agile, capable of climbing rough terrain. Both sexes may be kept for breeding; males are typically called bucks or billies, females does or nannies, and young are kids.

Diet consists primarily of roughage and browse; goats can eat a variety of vegetation but require clean water and supplemental minerals. They are efficient converters of forage but can be prone to overeating on high-energy feeds if not managed.

Reproduction varies by breed and climate. Gestation averages 145 to 155 days, with one to two kids per birth. Kids are usually weaned at a few months old. Many producers practice seasonally or year-round breeding with natural or assisted mating.

Common uses include dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; meat; and fiber from certain breeds (for example, cashmere and mohair-producing lines). Goats also provide manure for fertilizer and can serve as pets or pack animals on small farms. Veterinary care, parasite control, hoof trimming, and shelter are important for welfare.