Female goats often mount each other primarily to attract the attention of male goats, especially when a male is not readily available or his ability to interact is limited.
Understanding the Behavior
Female-female mounting in goats serves a specific purpose related to reproduction and social signaling. It is not necessarily indicative of sexual preference but rather a strategic behavior to enhance mating opportunities.
Key Reasons for Mounting Behavior
- Attracting Male Attention: This is the primary driver. The increased activity and visual display of mounting behavior makes the females more noticeable to nearby males.
- Signaling Estrus: Mounting behavior can be a signal that a female is in estrus (heat) and receptive to mating. This can stimulate a male to investigate and initiate courtship.
- Competition for Male Attention: Females may compete for the attention of a male, and mounting behavior can be a way to assert dominance and increase their chances of being chosen.
- Social Dynamics: In the absence of a male, mounting can also be a form of social interaction and dominance display within the female goat herd.
Evidence from Studies
Research, such as that by Billings and Katz (1999), indicates that female-female mounting activity increases when males are not present or their access is restricted. This supports the theory that the behavior is primarily driven by the need to attract male attention.
Example Scenario
Imagine a situation where a male goat is separated from a herd of female goats. The females, sensing his absence, might engage in increased mounting behavior. This activity would serve as a visual signal, potentially drawing the male's attention back to the herd or attracting other males from the surrounding area.
Conclusion
In summary, female goats mount each other predominantly as a strategy to attract the attention of male goats, especially when a male is not immediately present or readily accessible. This behavior is linked to estrus signaling, competition, and social dynamics within the herd.
