Nigerian Dwarf (goat)

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Nigerian Dwarf goat on a farm in Ontario, Canada
Nigerian Dwarf goat on a farm in Ontario, Canada

The Nigerian Dwarf goat 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, the survivors originally lived in zoos. Nigerian Dwarf goats are popular as hobby goats due to their easy maintenance and small stature.

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[edit] Characteristics

Fully-grown animals range from 16-21 inches (40-56 cm) tall at the withers for does and 23.5 inches tall at the withers for bucks, and weigh 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg).

They come in many colors: white, black, red, cream and patterns such as buckskin (brown with a black cape over the head and neck along with other black markings) and chamoisee (similar to an Oberhasli goat) with or without white spots. Some have white "frosting" on the ears. Both the Nigerian Dwarf Goat association and the American Goat Association websites feature pages that describe color descriptions, disqualifying features and conformation. Although most are naturally horned, most breeders dehorn them at a young age (usually 2 weeks of age) for safety to the goat, his/her herd-mates, and human care-givers. Some Nigerian Dwarfs have blue eyes, which is a dominant trait in goats.

[edit] Kidding and Kid Kare

Unlike other goats, with the exception of Pygmy Goats, Nigerian does can breed year-round. Nigerian Dwarf does kid after approximately 155 days of pregnancy. Does usually have triplets, but twins or quadruplets are common.

Breeders differ in their care of Nigerian Dwarf kids. Some breeders bucket-feed or pan-feed kids from the beginning, believing that this makes the kids friendlier or healthier. Breeders participating in CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) prevention programs cannot allow the doe to lick the kids or the kids to nurse for fear of the kids contracting CAE. For more information about CAE, see the link below.

Bottle-feeding takes a great deal of commitment, especially for young kids, however it is very rewarding and results in a goat that is extremely socialized to humans. Pails with multiple rubber nipples are available for breeders who are bottle-feeding a number of kids.

Other breeders allow the kids to nurse their dams, believing that this is the more natural and less stressful way of raising goat kids. These kids are not as friendly to humans and do not make good pets.

Some kids begin to nibble solid food only a few days after they are born. It takes a while for them to be ready to be weaned from milk completely, however, as the kids' digestive systems must develop the bacteria needed to digest hard food. Buckling kids are usually weaned at around the age of 2 months, as some bucklings are fertile by this time. Doeling kids often stay with their mothers for at least another month.

[edit] Kids

Nigerian Dwarf kids are usually very active. Within a short time after birth they are able to stand, walk and nurse. After a day or two they are usually trying to bounce and jump.

Nigerian kids love to climb, run and skip. Some breeders provide their goat kids with rocks or wooden "play equipment". Siblings and groups of kids often race, butt or play "king of the mountain." When tired from play, the young kid will often find a quiet, hidden place and sleep until its dam bleats for it to nurse. An orphan kid may need to be bottle fed; usually lamb feeding bottles are used with substitute calf milk or diluted lamb's milk, as full strength milk would be too rich.

[edit] Milk

Nigerian Dwarfs give a surprising quantity of milk for their size, ranging from 2-6 pounds (0.9-2.7 kg) per day, with an average of 4. Since Nigerians breed year-round, it is easy to stagger freshenings (births) in a herd so that the entire herd is never dry. They are thus ideal milk goats for most families. Their milk has a higher butterfat content than milk from full-sized dairy goats, making Nigerian Dwarf goat milk excellent for cheese and soap making.

Nigerian-sized milking supplies such as stanchions, milk stands, pails, strainers and milking machines are available from online goat supply houses such as Caprine Supply and Hoeggers Goat Supply.

[edit] Behavior

Nigerian Dwarfs are gentle and easily trainable goats. This, along with their small size and colorful appearance, makes them popular as pets. Many breeders sell bottle-fed babies (kids) that are bonded with humans and easy to manage. Nigerians can easily be trained to walk on a leash and some enjoy coming into the house with their owners. Nigerians' small size also makes them excellent "visitor" animals for nursing homes and hospitals. Some goat supply houses even sell small harnesses and tiny wagons that fit Nigerians. As with all goats, neutered males (wethers) and does make the best pets, as bucks can have an objectionable odor.

[edit] Sources

Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats: Breeds, Care, Dairying by Jerry Belanger

[edit] External links

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