Difference Between Ram and Goat

How do you describe a Goat?

Goat is one of the most adaptable domesticated animal species with horns, and hairs on their chin. Goats are either farm animals or wild animals that are about the size of a sheep. Goat is a hollow-horned mammal that belongs to the genus Capra. Goats are popular domestic animals, probably native to Asia, that are mainly kept for their milk, meat, hair, and fur production. Goat’s meat is a major source of meat in developing countries. They are the perfect livestock for marginal living situations. It is believed that goats were domesticated in the Middle East roughly 10,000 years ago. They were among the first domesticated livestock species along with sheep. Goats are mainly browsers, so they thrive on bushes, leaves of trees, and shrubs.

How do you describe a Ram?

Sheep is a farm animal covered with thick curly hair called wool. Sheep are typically kept as livestock. A male sheep or goat is called a ram. They are mainly a species of sheep native to North America. Rams are basically adult male sheep aged over 12 months. They belong to one of the most widely distributed genera (Ovis) of hoofed mammals in the world. Rams are known for their large, curled horns. These iconic horns of a ram can weigh up to 30 pounds, which is more than the weight of the all of the bones in their body combined. They use their horns to fight for dominance. Ram’s horns are massive and longer than those of ewes (adult female sheep). Rams are typically 5 to 6 feet tall, and weighs up to 300 pounds. They occupy some of the most inaccessible, rugged habitats in North America.

Difference between Ram and Goat

Size and Weight 

– Goats are horned mammals that belong to the genus Capra. The average goat is anywhere between 1.5 to 3 feet tall, and weighs between 45 to 300 pounds. An average lifespan of a goat is roughly 15-18 years. Rams, on the other hand, are male sheep or goats that are typically 5 to 6 feet tall, and weighs up to 300 pounds. Rams tend to be heavier and bigger than goats, and bulkier because of the thick wooly fur.

Horns 

–While both goats and rams are horned mammals, rams have massive horns that can weigh up to 30 pounds, which is more than the weight of all the bones in their body combined. The horns of a ram are large and curled over the back of their heads. While a goat looks a lot like a ram, the horns on a goat are smaller and less curved than ram’s. Goat horns tend to grow straight out or up.

Foraging 

– While both the animals are ruminant mammals, their mode of foraging greatly differs. That being said, goats are mainly browsers, so they thrive on bushes, leaves of trees, and shrubs. Goats are quite choosy when it comes to what they eat or like. They do not eat anything they find; hence, they are called browsers because they take their time to forage. Rams, on the other hand, are grazers, so they prefer short, tender grasses close to the ground.

Habits 

– Goats are generally adventurous and explorative. They are naturally curious and surprisingly intelligent which is exemplified in their constant desire to investigate and explore anything they come across. They, like dolphins and elephants, are sophisticated social creatures known for their keen memory. Rams are the mountain sheep of North America that are extremely loyal to their home ranges. They are tough, fast and quite aggressive. They usually hang out with the same group of males most of the year rather than roaming beyond their comfort zone.

Ram vs. Goat: Comparison Chart

Summary of Ram and Goat

While both rams and goats look a lot alike, they are genetically very distinct. They belong to the same caprine sub-family, but rams tend to be heavier and bigger than goats, and bulkier because of the thick wooly fur. One noticeable feature of rams is their long, curled horns which they use to fight for dominance. The weight of the horns is more than the weight of all of the bones in their body. Goats, on the other hand, are domesticated animals known for their explorative and curious nature. Rams are basically functional male goats or sheep with furry wool on them whereas goats have hair.

What is the difference between goat horns and ram horns?

While both have horns, the difference lies in their shape. Ram’s horns are longer and curved over the back of their heads whereas goat horns grow straight out and tend to be less curved or spiraled. 

Can a ram mate with a goat?

The two animals do not share the same number of chromosomes, so it’s highly unlikely for a ram and a goat to mate successfully. Ewes and does are bred to rams.

What are male goats called?

Adult male goats are called rams.

Can a sheep impregnate a goat?

It’s not very common for a sheep to impregnate a goat because a sheep-goat hybrid is rarely possible.

Is a ram a sheep or a goat?

A ram is a male sheep or goat aged over 12 months. Female goat is called an ewe.

Is Capricorn a ram or goat?

Capricorn is a goat as the word Capricornus came from Latin origins, which translated to “horned goat.” Even the zodiac sign Capricorn is represented in the form of a sea goat.

Is mutton a goat or sheep?

Mutton refers to the meat of an adult sheep or goat.

Is Aries a ram or goat?

Aries is the symbol of a ram because in Greek mythology, the ram was golden and sacrificed to Zeus.

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