General
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Information
Nigerian Dwarf Goats for Sale
Nigerian Dwarf Bucks for Stud Service
Farm and Health Books for Sale
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT NIGERIAN DWARF GOATS
Nigerian Dwarf Goats
The Nigerian Dwarf Goat is a small goat from West Africa. Because they are small, they do not require as much space as larger dairy goats. Their gentle and friendly disposition make them good pets. Even breeding bucks are handled easily. Nigerian Dwarfs are considered rare by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
Most Nigerian Dwarf goats share pasture peacefully with other livestock such as cattle and horses. These goats improve pasture by eating brambles, undergrowth, weeds and ivy that other livestock refuse to eat.
Breed Characteristics
The Nigerian Dwarf coat is soft with short to medium hair. Dwarfs can be dalmatian-spotted, pinto-patterned, tri-colored or shades of solid jet black, white, chocolate or gold. Buckskin patters are common which is contrasting facial stripes, a cape around the shoulders with a dorsal stripe and leg markings. Brown eyes are the most common. Dwarfs with blue eyes are available. The best height for Nigerian Dwarf goats is 17" to 19" for does with does up to 21" allowed. The best height for bucks is 19" to 21" with bucks up to 23" allowed. Ideal weight is about 75 pounds.
Nigerian Dwarfs and African Pygmies are separate and distinct breeds. Pygmies are cobby and heavy boned. Dwarfs have length of body and more elegant structure that's similar to their larger dairy goats. Pygmies are usually agouti patterned with black, silver and caramel being the most common colors.
Caring for Goats
Goats should be housed in clean pens with no dampness, drafts and pests like flies or rodents. They need fencing to keep them in and to keep away predators. Their housing needs to have ventilation for good health. For only a few goats some owners use a large dog house or two. Housing should be clean with fresh hay or straw for bedding. Tree stumps, large rocks or cable spools are good toys for goats.
Hooves should be trimmed about every 4-8 weeks. A properly trimmed hoof should look like a kid goat's foot. Vaccinations for tetanus and types C&D centermost are the most common ones given. Check with your local vet. Worming is done several times a year. Your vet can suggest special supplements (selenium), other immunizations, type of wormer and worming schedule for your herd based on your area.
Most goat owners feed a 12% - 18% protein goat feed or dairy ration. It must not contain urea as this is toxic to goats. Give less grain if good pasture and browse are available. Plenty of hay or pasture should always be provided. Fresh water in clean containers should always be available.
Breeding and Milk
Nigerian Dwarf goats breed all year. Many owners breed their does three times in two years, giving the doe at least 6 months without breeding. The gestation period is 145 to 153 days (about 5 months). Nigerian Dwarfs goats have few problems when giving birth. New babies are about 2 pounds at birth and grow quickly. Does can be bred at 7-8 months of age if they have reached a mature size. Some breeders wait until they are 1 year or older. Usually only one kid is born for a first time mother. But after that does usually have several kids at a time even four. Nigerian Dwarfs are good mothers.
A Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce a lot of milk for her size- up to two quarts a day. Nigerian Dwarf milk is higher in butterfat (6-10%) and higher in protein than milk from most dairy goat breeds.
Bucklings can be fertile at as young as 7 weeks of age. Bucks are able to be used for service as young as 3 months and are definitely ready by 7 or 8 months. Dwarf bucks are vigorous breeders but are gentle enough to be used for hand breeding or pasture breeding where one buck is available for several does as they come into heat.
Nationwide Average Cost
Average cost for registered breeding stock is between $200 and $500. Champion pedigrees, milk production recorded animals, and unusual coloring at higher prices. Pet quality stock costs less with wethers (neutered males) available for $50 to $100.