Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Which species of livestock reaches puberty based on the season rather than age?

1. Cattle

2. Pigs

3. Goats

4. Sheep

The correct answer is: Goats

Goats are classified as seasonal breeders, meaning that their reproductive cycles are influenced by the changes in daylight length rather than merely age. This seasonal breeding behavior is typically associated with the breeding of goats during the fall, when the days start to shorten. The decrease in daylight stimulates endocrine changes that lead to the onset of estrus (heat) in does (female goats). In contrast, while cattle, pigs, and sheep also have specific reproductive characteristics, their breeding cycles are more influenced by age and health factors rather than being primarily dictated by seasonal changes. Cattle can breed year-round depending on management, pigs have a consistent cycle unaffected by seasons, and sheep do display seasonal breeding behavior but not to the same extent as goats. Therefore, recognizing goats as the species that reaches puberty based on seasonal cues emphasizes their unique reproductive physiology within livestock.