The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a breed from America, known for its small size and found on small farms. They are not just cute but also have a rich story and are quite useful on farms and homes.
The scientific name for the African dwarf goat is “Capra aegagrus hircus”.
Originally from West and Central Africa, Nigerian Dwarf goats are called West African Dwarf goats (WAD). They arrived in America in the early 20th century and soon became a favorite. This was mainly because of their small size and friendly nature.
Nigerian Dwarf goats are amazing because of their wide range of colors and patterns. You can find them in any color, from solid black and white to spots and patches. Each one is unique and beautiful.
These goats are not only cute but also very useful. They are great for their milk, which is sweet and perfect for cheese and butter. They also make good friends because they are so friendly and kind. Some use them to help clear land by eating underbrush and weeds.
Key Takeaways:
- Nigerian Dwarf goats are an American breed developed for small-scale dairy production and companionship.
- They have a long history and are known collectively as West African Dwarf goats (WAD).
- Nigerian Dwarf goats come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- They are used for milk production, companionship, and land management.
- Their milk is sweet and high in butterfat, making it excellent for cheese and butter production.
Breed History and Development
The Nigerian Dwarf goat has a deep history dating back to the early 20th century. Its exact start in America is unclear. Records show it arriving as early as the 1918. They likely came from West and Central Africa. There, these goats are called West African Dwarf goats (WAD).
At first, Nigerian Dwarf goats were kept in zoos and for research. But soon, private enthusiasts and breeders started to love them. Their small size and friendly nature made them popular. They served as both dairy producers and lovely companions.
As the breed grew, two body types emerged. One type was stocky and short with achondroplastic dwarfism. The other was slender and had normal limb proportions. They decided to call the stocky ones Pygmy goats and the slender ones Nigerian Dwarf goats.
Breeders worked hard to get these goats registered with top associations. This includes the American Goat Society (AGS) and the International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR). Through this, the Nigerian Dwarf goat became an official breed.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Breed Associations:
- American Goat Society (AGS)
- International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR)
The Nigerian Dwarf goat is now beloved around the world. It’s appreciated for its history, unique build, and multiple uses.
| Importance | Year |
|---|---|
| American introductions | 1918s |
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Size, Weight, and Characteristics
Nigerian Dwarf goats are small but well-proportioned. They stand between 17 and 23.5 inches high. This makes them one of the tiniest goat breeds. Even though they are small, they are strong.
Bucks weigh 55 to 75 pounds, and does weigh 50 to 70 pounds. A goat’s weight can change based on its genes, what it eats, and how healthy it is.
“The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a little jewel. It has all the virtues of pigs, dogs, and cats in one, along with its own endearing, engaging personality.” – Gail Pasco, Nigerian Dwarf goat breeder
Nigerian Dwarf goats have unique looks. They come in many colors and patterns. Their coat can be short or long, and some have wattles.
They also have cute faces. Their profile is usually straight or slightly curved. They have big, sweet eyes. These features and their small size make them lovable pets.
Gentle and Friendly Temperament
Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for being kind and friendly. They love to be around people. They are easy to teach and fun to be with.
Keeping Nigerian Dwarf goats brings happiness. They are good for families with kids. They are also great for those wanting a friendly farm animal.
Care and Maintenance
Taking good care of Nigerian Dwarf goats keeps them healthy and happy. There are some key things to keep in mind:
Housing
Nigerian Dwarf goats need a shelter that’s well-ventilated, secure, and dry. This shelter should let them move around easily. Make sure the floor stays dry and their bedding is clean.
Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet is crucial for these goats. They need quality hay for fiber and grains for nutrition. Always have fresh water ready for them. Giving them goat-specific mineral supplements helps too.
Veterinary Care
Visiting the vet regularly is key for their health. They need vaccinations to avoid common illnesses and deworming to fight parasites. A goat-savvy vet can help with the right schedule for your herd.
Socialization and Exercise
Nigerian Dwarf goats love being with other goats. They should have friends to hang out with. Regular grooming and hoof trimming keeps them in top shape. And, they need space to exercise for their fitness.
| Aspect | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Housing | A secure, well-ventilated, and dry shelter with clean bedding |
| Diet and Nutrition | Quality hay, grains, fresh water, and mineral supplements |
| Veterinary Care | Regular vaccinations and de-worming under veterinary guidance |
| Socialization and Exercise | Companionship, grooming, hoof trimming, and ample space for exercise |
With the right care, Nigerian Dwarf goats will flourish. They’ll be happy and beloved friends for many years.
Breeding and Reproduction
Nigerian Dwarf goats are prized for their abundant breeding skills. Does can become fertile at 17 to 22 weeks, while bucks at 7 to 17 weeks. Most breeders hold off breeding doelings until they’re around a year old to ensure full maturity.
These goats are known to give birth to three or four kids at a time. Their pregnancy lasts 150 days. It is crucial to feed the pregnant does well during this time for the kids’ proper growth.
After birth, Nigerian Dwarf goats shine with their mothering skills. Newborn kids weigh about 2 pounds but grow quickly with care. The does can produce milk for up to 10 months. This means there’s milk available most of the year, which dairy fans love about them.
Breeding Best Practices
For successful breeding of Nigerian Dwarf goats, certain tips can help:
- Pick healthy goats from varied gene pools for breeding.
- Make sure the parent goats get proper food before mating.
- Check that the doe is healthy and in top shape.
- Wait for the doe to go in heat naturally to avoid problems.
- Ensure mating and kidding happen in a clean, secure place.
- Watch over the pregnant doe closely and get a vet if needed.
Whether breeding as a hobby or for your farm, Nigerian Dwarf goats offer great benefits. Their easy fertility and strong mothering skills are perfect for sustainable milk and kid-raising pleasures.
Products and Uses
Nigerian Dwarf goats are very useful. They are great for home dairy. Their milk is sweet and rich in butterfat and protein. This makes it good for cheese and butter.
They are also used for meat but because they are small, the meat cuts are small. However, the meat is tasty and tender. They can be kept for their wool too.
These goats are excellent for 4-H projects. They are friendly and teach kids responsibility. This makes them valued project animals.
In conclusion, Nigerian Dwarf goats are amazing for different tasks on farms. They can support your dairy needs, meat needs, or be a friendly addition. This versatility makes them a great choice.