Daisy the Bagot Goat.
Rare Goat Breeds
Goats were first domesticated in the Middle East. Goats are descended from the Bezoar wild goat. Their ancestors lived in rocky upland areas so they are more susceptible to problems such as respiratory complaints and footrot. This is why native breeds who have evolved to adapt to the UK climate are less susceptible to these health problems. With resistance to antibiotics increasing and footrot a severe problem, hardy native breeds could have an important part to play in the future. Goats have now spread to all parts of the world and have been bred for many different purposes, for their wool, meat and milk.
Bagot Goat
The Bagot goat has a growing reputation for usefulness in conservation grazing schemes. The first known Bagot goat was owned by Sir John Bagot in 1389. Some people think that it was given to him by King Richard II or that they came to Britain with returning crusaders.They are a tough breed and are easy to look after. Bagot goat numbers have gone up and down over the years mainly because they do not produce a high yield of meat or milk compared to other breeds. In 1974 just one pure-bred nanny goat was registered. Bagot Goats are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust endangered watch list, there are less than 200 breeding females in the UK.