INFORMATION
CHARACTERISTICS
The Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association (NDGA) reports Nigerians Dwarf Goats have gained popularity over the years due to their wonderful temperaments, small size, wide range of colors and their quality milk production. Not only are they wonderful pets, but they are approved by the US Department of Agriculture as a livestock dairy goat allowing them to be used for 4-H and FFA projects (NDGA.org).
MILK PRODUCTION
Don't be fooled by their small stature. Nigerians can surprisingly produce up to 2 quarts or more of goat's milk per day! Their milk is known for its sweetness, as well as its higher than average buttermilk and protein content when compared to other dairy goat breeds (NDGA.org). You and your family could have fresh goat milk year around. It is also used in making cheese, yogurt, and soap products. Recent studies have shown goat's milk to be a good alternative for those suffering from allergies and digestive aliments due to its lower levels of certain proteins and molecules linked to inflammation (milkgenomics.org). And Guess what?! Choosing not to milk your goats is just fine too! They will go about their happy business either way.
COLORS & HORNS
One of the funnest qualities about this goat breed is their vast array of colors and patterns. You really never know what your going to get! The American Goat Society website has a great chart with descriptions on colors and patterns. Nigerians also have the ability to produce offspring with blue eyes. ND's are most commonly born with horns, but can also be polled, meaning they are born without. It is common for people to request their goats be disbudded shortly after birth for several reasons. Horns can get stuck in things and can also injury people or other goats as well as causing damage to property. According to breed standards, most dairy goats cannot be shown with horns although it's best to check with local extension offices. In the end, there is no right or wrong answer, and it is up to the buyer to decide what suits their situation. Here at Hare Meadows, we dis-bud most of our baby goats and this is included in the purchase price. We will also neuter or band male kids if you chose.
BREEDING
Nigerians can be bred anytime of year and many breeders will breed them 3 times in 2 years, giving them a 6 month break inbetween. They can be bred at 7-8 months of age as long as they have met 75% of their body weight. It is typical for does to have 1-3 kids but are capable of having up to 5 at once! The typical gestation is 145-150 days. Here at Hare Meadows, we wait until does are over 1 year of age before breeding.
PEDIGREES
Understanding goat pedigrees can be a daunting process. You can search dairy goat pedigrees at the American Dairy Goat Association at this link. You can find all our registered goats by searching our herd name, Hare Meadows, on the ADGA website or by clicking the link next to the goat you are viewing on 'Our Goats' and 'Goats for Sale' tabs on our website.
NDGA. (2020). All about the Nigerian Dwarf Goat. http://www.ndga.org/all-about-the-nigerian-dairy-goat.html
Petherick, A. (2018). Goats milk: An easily digestible and hypoallergenic option. International Milk Genomics Consortium. https://milkgenomics.org/article/goats-milk-an-easily-digestible-and-hypoallergic-option/
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