In the year of the goat, why not buy one for a needy family?

Ancient Chinese folklore characterises the goat as shy, but amicable and sympathetic, and with strong inner resilience.

People born in the year of the goat prefer to be in a group, but not the centre of attention. They are kind-hearted, with a strong sense of justice. Yet the goat is often maligned in pop culture.

In cartoons and film, the goat is portrayed as the naughty one on the farm, chewing blossoms or tearing up the vegetable patch, and is the butt of many jokes on YouTube for its funny sounds or fainting spells.

The scientific name of the poor old domestic goat, Capra aegragus hircus, has even lent its etymology to modern English in the word "capricious", meaning impulsive, unpredictable - and unreliable.

Yet, throughout history the goat has been one of man's most reliable beasts. It was one of the world's first domesticated animals, and its use is more widespread than the cow for both milk and meat production.

Goats are raised around the world for their meat, hair and milk. As much as 70 per cent of the world's population has some intolerance to cow's milk, but few are allergic to goat's milk. It is lower in cholesterol, higher in vitamins A and B, calcium and potassium, and is digested more easily. And since the fat in goat's milk does not separate, it is naturally homogenised, and can be easily used in the manufacture of luxury soap.

Goat hair can be made into a versatile textile: cashmere, known as the "fibre of kings", is not wool, but hair, collected when goats naturally shed their winter coat, making it a sustainable material, lightweight and durable.