The West African Dwarf goat, also called the Nigerian Dwarf goat, comes from the regions of West and Central Africa. It is known for being adaptable and thriving in various climates. This includes the northern part of Nigeria’s sub-humid savannah, where its resistance and resilience are quite impressive.
Research shows that these goats are resistant to certain infections. They fight off trypanosome and gastrointestinal nematodes well, a big win for farmers. Their ability to resist Haemonchus contortus, a common parasite, shows their unique genetic makeup.
These goats are crucial for many small farms in Nigeria, making up about 30% of the area’s livestock. Nigeria has the largest number of these goats in all of Sub-Saharan Africa. Here, about 11 million of these goats roam, helping farmers and the local economy.
Key Takeaways:
- West African Dwarf goats show resistance and resilience to trypanosome and gastrointestinal nematode infections.
- They have acquired immunity to local isolates of Haemonchus contortus.
- These goats are genetically adaptable and exhibit variability in response to different infections.
- West African Dwarf goats are essential to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Nigeria and contribute significantly to the region’s economy.
- Nigeria hosts the largest population of West African Dwarf goats, estimated at around 11 million.
Breed History and Development
The Nigerian Dwarf goat has an interesting development history. Their exact origin in America is not clear, but they were brought over during the 1930s-1960s. Originally, they were kept in places like zoos and research centers. Later on, they started being sold to private breeders.
Breeders began to notice two main body types in the goats. One type was compact and had short legs. The other was more slim and had regular limb sizes. The slim type was favored, and those breeders sought registration with the International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR).
Conversely, the compact type was set as the Pygmy goat breed standard.
Changes in Recognition and Registration
The Nigerian Dwarf goat’s journey to recognition and registration is remarkable. The Pygmy goat was recognized by the American Goat Society (AGS) in 1976. But it wasn’t until 1984 that the AGS made a dedicated herdbook for Nigerian Dwarf goats.
In that year, breeders from across eight states and Canada registered 82 animals.
By 1990, only 400 Nigerian Dwarf goats were registered with the AGS. This led to extending the registration period until the end of 1992, with 2,000 foundation goats registered. The International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR) also contributed significantly, opening their Nigerian Dwarf goat registry in 1981 and hitting 384 registrations by 1987.
The American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) established a registry for Nigerian Dwarf goats in 2005. This added further legitimacy to their breed status. By 2013, the Livestock Conservancy had removed them from the rare breed list, reflecting their growing numbers.
Prolific Breeders with Exceptional Qualities
Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for their small size and great breeding capabilities. They often give birth to twins, with triplets not being uncommon.
These goats are prized for their milk too. They can produce 1–2 quarts of milk per day for up to 10 months. The milk has a higher butterfat content and protein than average dairy goat milk.
Nigerian Dwarf goats can live for 15-20 years if well looked after. But, there are some health issues being researched. The goal is to keep the breed healthy for the long term.
Their versatility, durability, and friendly nature make them great for many roles. These include making your own dairy at home, taking part in 4-H programs, and being beloved pets.
Characteristics and Care
West African Dwarf goats have many unique qualities that make them stand out. They are usually small, between 12 to 20 inches tall. They weigh around 20 to 25 kg for males and 18 to 22 kg for females.
These goats come in a variety of colors, from dark brown to white and even multicolored. Their diverse coat colors make them not only livestock but also charming companions.
West African Dwarf goats are friendly and enjoy the company of other goats. They are great for beginners and those who want to start a small herd. Their social nature makes them a delight to keep.
They are used to different climates, thanks to their African origins. But since they are small, you must ensure they are in a secure area. They can slip through fences if the gaps are too wide.
Nutrition and Feeding
Good nutrition is key to keeping West African Dwarf goats healthy. They need a mix of fresh grass, hay, and special goat feed. For the best advice, talk to a vet or a livestock nutritionist. They can help you create a diet that’s perfect for your goats.
These goats always need access to clean water. Water helps them stay healthy and aids in digestion.
Care and Maintenance
Taking good care of West African Dwarf goats is vital for their well-being. This includes giving them the right food and regular vet check-ups.
Keeping their living area clean is a must. This prevents disease and keeps them healthy. Goats need shelter that’s clean and well-ventilated.
Shearing is important, especially in hot weather. It lets goats cool off and keeps their hair free of dirt and parasites.
It’s best to keep these goats in small groups for their well-being. Add climbing structures and toys to keep them entertained and healthy.
Remember, these goats can get sick. It’s important to watch them closely and get help from a vet as soon as you notice anything wrong.
Breeding and Reproduction
West African dwarf goats are praised for their high fertility. Female goats, known as does, can start having kids at just 7 or 8 months old. This is quite young for them to begin their families.
Their pregnancy lasts around 150 days, which is less than other goat types. Nearly a third of the time, a doe will give birth to twins. This high twinning rate is fascinating.
Each birthing for these goats usually brings 1 to 3 kids into the world. These kids are small but strong. They need good food and care to grow up healthy.
Making smart choices in selecting breeding pairs boosts a farm’s success. Ideally, there should be 1 male to 15-20 females. This setup ensures all females have a chance to reproduce during breeding season.
It’s also vital to take great care of the goats and keep them healthy. This involves regular vet visits, vaccinations, and proper feeding. Fortunately, these goats usually stay healthy, with very few deaths.
Because of their breeding speed, West African dwarf goats can significantly boost meat supplies in sub-Saharan West Africa. By focusing on the best breeding strategies, more meat can be produced. The goal is to improve birth numbers and weight, and reduce waiting times between births.
In short, West African dwarf goats stand out for their strong ability to reproduce. They are great for producing meat thanks to their twinning and shorter pregnancy time. With good breeding methods, they can help answer the region’s need for more meat.
Products and Uses
Nigerian Dwarf goats are small but mighty. They offer a lot, especially in milk production. They can give up to half a gallon of milk daily, perfect for cheese and butter. Their milk is top-notch, with high butterfat and protein.
These goats are also good for meat. The meat tastes great, especially in stews or roasts. It’s a favorite among those who enjoy high-quality meats.
Wool from Nigerian Dwarf goats is another prized product. Though their fleece is short, it’s still valuable. People keep these goats for their wool, which can be used to make items like hats and scarves.
These goats serve other roles too, like companions or show animals. Their small size, calm nature, and cute looks make them a good fit. You can buy them from trusted breeders or auctions, but the price varies.