The horns of a goat are primarily composed of which material?

The horns of a goat are primarily composed of keratin, which is a fibrous structural protein found in many animal tissues. Keratin is also the main component of hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin. In the case of goat horns, keratin forms a hard outer shell that protects the underlying bone structure of the horn.

This composition allows the horns to be strong and resilient while also maintaining some flexibility. The keratin in the horns is produced by specialized cells in the skin, which continuously add to the horn's length throughout the goat's life. This unique structure differentiates goat horns from antlers, which are made of bone and are shed and regrown annually in species such as deer.

Understanding the composition of goat horns allows for further insights into their growth, function, and the evolutionary adaptations of ruminant animals.