Social behaviour

Individual distance

Adherence to rank order and individual distance ensure a peaceful coexistence in the herd. Spatial restriction (for example in the pen, especially in the feeding area) may not always allow goats to maintain the required individual distance to their neighbour so that threats and attacks may occur.

Voluntary distance: generally 1.5 to 2.0 m (e.g. on pasture)
Individual distance: 0.5 to 1.5 m

Approaches closer than the shortest individual distance lead to threats, chasing or pushing.