Goad
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For Hindu religious associations of elephant goads, see ankus.
- For similar devices, and electrical devices, used to urge cattle to move, see Cattle prod.
The goad is a traditional farming implement, used to spur or guide an animal, usually oxen, which are pulling a plough or a cart. It is a type of cattle prod. Though many people are unfamiliar with them today, goads have been common throughout the world.
[edit] Description
An ox goad is traditionally a wooden stick or pole with a pointed tip.[citation needed]
Some are reported to have been 8 to 10 feet long, others 5 to 7 feet. The goad is cited as the origin of two units of measurement: the rod, which is 16.5 feet; and the goad, which is 4.5 feet. Some were 2 inches in diameter at the thickest end; others were 6 inches.[citation needed]
[edit] Goad for elephants: the ankus
An ankus is a hooked goad for controlling an elephant. See ankus for more information.
