Intersex condition, hermaphrodite

The intersex condition is the most important genetic anomaly of goats. This condition is particularly prevalent among polled goats and results in offspring which are female in appearance but develop portions of the male reproductive tract including testicles. The kids have decidedly male behavioral characteristics beginning at the time of puberty. The actual mechanism of the development of intersex is unknown. During fetal development, the intersex kid is exposed to high levels of endogenously produced testosterone. This results in a masculinizing effect on the kid’s genotypic female reproductive tract. This condition has been reported to be as high as 22% of all offspring in certain lines of goats.

Signs and symptoms

Kids should be carefully examined for abnormalities in external sex organs. Testicles in intersex kids are often confused with the developing mammary gland. The depth of the vagina can be checked for normality. Usually, by the time of puberty behavioral attributes clearly suggest that the goat is an intersex. Additional tests would include measurement of serum testosterone levels and chromosomal typing.

Treatment, prevention, and control

There is no treatment. The existence of the intersex trait is the primary reason why goat breeders select against the polled trait. The polled trait is dominant to horns meaning that horned goats may be homozygous for the horned trait and almost always free of the intersex trait.

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