Yes, goats are classified as livestock and considered small ruminants in agricultural terms. They are domesticated animals primarily raised for food products such as milk, meat, and fibre, as well as other productive uses rather than as typical pets.
Goats are good livestock because they are versatile and provide numerous products including milk, meat, fibre, and manure. They are relatively easy and cost-effective to maintain compared to larger animals like cattle, adapt well to different farming environments, and can be kept in small enclosures or allowed to forage.
Goats are generally low to moderate maintenance animals; they require proper fencing, shelter, adequate nutrition, health care, and grooming especially for fibre breeds. They thrive in social groups and need regular monitoring to maintain their health, but overall their care is manageable for most farmers.
The livestock name for goats is simply 'goats,' classified as small ruminants. Scientifically, goats are known as Capra aegagrus hircus and are often managed in herds, with females called does, males called bucks, and young ones referred to as kids.