Nigerian Dwarf Goats

These wonderful goats offer so much versatility. Self sustainability has long been my goal on our farm. Raising these delightful creatures fits in perfectly with that objective. Nigerian Dwarf goats bring their wonderful disposition, manageable small size, gentleness and ease of training. Of course Nigerians have wonderful milk which is nutritious, delicious and great for drinking, cheese and soap making. Their milk is plentiful; producing between 2-6 pounds per day. Nigerian Dwarf goat milk has higher butterfat content than milk from full-sized dairy goats. The Nigerian is a miniature dairy goat breed of West African ancestry. Originally brought to the United States on ships as food for large cats such as lions.

Some Nigerian Goat Facts:

Size & Weight Range: 16-21 inches tall at the withers for does and 23.5 inches tall at the withers for bucks; weighing an average of 60-80 pounds.

Color: Nigerian Dwarf goats come in many colors; white, black, red, cream and patterns such as buckskin (brown with black cape for the head and neck along with other black markings) and chamoisee with or without white spots. Most are naturally horned. Usually breeders dehorn them at a young age for safety to the goat, herd-mates and human care-givers. Some Nigerians have blue eyes, which is a dominant trait in goats.

Nigerian dwarfs can breed year-round. Gestation is 155 days. Twins, triplets, or quadruplets are not uncommon.

As 2008 ends and 2009 begins, we will be enjoying the arrival of our new Spring kids. We will continue to update our site with breeding schedules, and availability of Nigerian Dwarfs kids for adoption.

Links:

Nigerian Dwarf Association
Ruminations, The Nigerian Dwarf and Mini Dairy Goat Magazine
The American Goat Society
Fias Co Farm