The Biology of the Goat
The Mouth
The process of digestion begins in the mouth.
The lips and tongue grip, sharp teeth grind, and saliva moistens food before it enters the stomach.
The tongue also squeezes fluid from cud, and the tongue and cheek muscles aid in swallowing.
Salivary Glands
Three pair of large salivary glands produce about 1 to 4 gallons of saliva every day.
Saliva buffers acidity in the rumen due to high concentrations of sodium, potassium bicarbonate and phosphate.
Contains high amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium and chlorine which supply nutrients to rumen microorganisms.
Teeth
Goats, like all ruminants have 32 teeth
6 incisors and 2 canines on the lower jaw
and 6 premoloars and 6 molars on both the lower and upper jaw
Eruption of Teeth
Age: Birth to one week
Age: 1 to 2 weeks
Age: 2 to 3 weeks
Age: 3 to 4 weeks
Age: 3 months
Age: 9 to 12 months
Age: 1 to 1 1/2 years
Age: 1 1/2 to 2 years
Age: 2 1/2 to 3 years
Age: 3 1/2 to 4 years
Age: 3 1/2 to 4 years
