Pack goat
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A pack goat is a goat used as a beast of burden, for packing cargo. Generally, large wether (castrated buck) goats are used for packing, though does may also be packed.[1] While does are generally smaller and therefore able to carry somewhat less cargo,[1] they may also provide fresh milk.
Goats are domesticated herd animals. They will usually stay near camp and follow their human masters on the trail, much as dogs will, without having to be leashed or tethered.[2] They are generally used in wilderness camping settings.
A healthy and fit pack goat can carry up to 25 percent of its weight and walk up to about 19km (12mi) per day depending on its load weight, the terrain, and the animal's conditioning.[3] They are generally less expensive to own and operate than other pack animals since they are natural browsing animals and can feed themselves along the way.[3][4]
In the United States
The North American Packgoat Association is a
Craftspeople and enthusiasts in the U.S design and build specialized goat packing equipment, publish newsletters and raise pack goats for personal use and sale.Goat packing is popular with both young families, and older individuals who want to be able to go into the
Goat packing was popularized in the U.S. in the 1980s and 1990s by John Mionczynski of
See also
References
- ^ a b Goat packing Basics: Why pack a Goat?, archived from the original on 2011-07-15, retrieved 2010-07-21
- ^ a b c Goat packing Basics: Breeds of Goats, archived from the original on 2012-01-07, retrieved 2010-07-21
- ^ a b c High Uinta Packgoats FAQ, archived from the original on 2010-09-22, retrieved 2010-07-22
- ^ Goat packing Basics: Advantages and Disadvantages, archived from the original on 2011-07-15, retrieved 2010-07-22
- ^ North American Packgoat Association, retrieved 2010-07-21
- ISBN 978-0-87108-828-4