Expert: Cheryl K. Smith - 11/4/2009

Question
Hi Cheryl , we where wondering and think one of our male sheep has bred with our female goat we now have a little thing that has sheep wool on its body and long hair on its head and feet and is black and white spots on it . Is it likely to be a cross bred . It is a very cute little thing . What do you think .
Regards Rebecca

Answer
They can crossbreed, but normally they are aborted by the first two months. I know there have been a few cases, but they rarely survive. I would love to see a picture of it. You should get it tested to see if it has 57 chromosomes--that's the only way you can tell. How old is it? Is it male or female? Acting normal and healthy?  You could probably make some money, or least get some media attention if it is truly a surviving hybrid.