Origin of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat
The Nigerian Dwarf Dairy goat is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin that were originally called Pygmy’s or possibly the West African Dwarf goats. These little goats were primarily used as food and were brought over on the ships, many years ago, as a meat source for the large cats that were being delivered to zoo’s. Some of these small goats made the trip unharmed and were left at the zoo’s as an added attraction. Some ended up at Glady’s Porter Zoo in Brownsville Texas. After a few years there were some distinct differences developing within the herd. Some stayed stocky much like the meat goats they were used for and others were developing more dairy characteristics. The goats showing the most dairy character were used by a handful of dedicated breeders to develop a new breed, the Nigerian Dwarf.
The two ladies we believe to be responsible for the development of the Nigerian Dwarf, are Kathleen Clapp of Goodwood Farms and Sharla Parker of Willows herd name. The first of these goats were named after Gladys Porter Zoo and you will see that name in some pedigrees today.
The dairy characteristics of the Nigerian has become more defined over the last 20+ years as well as focusing more on higher milk production.
The Nigerian has also been enjoying a rise in popularity due to their small size, colorful markings, dairy characteristics and their wonderful easy temperament. Their small stature means they do not require as much space or feed as their larger dairy goat counterparts. Their gentle nature and friendly personalities make them good companion pets and 4 H project animals for the younger children.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also approved the Nigerian Dwarf Goat as a livestock dairy goat, which makes them eligible for youth 4H and FFA projects. The milk they produce is also higher in butterfat and has a sweeter taste.
Nigerian goats are gentle, loveable and playful. Their calm, even temperament and engaging personalities make them suitable companions for all, including children, the disabled and the elderly. Even breeding bucks are handled easily. They make wonderful pets and great animal projects for young children in 4H or FFA. Owners often find their Nigerian goats blend in with other farm animals and do not need special quarters; they do require adequate fencing that will be able to contain them due to their small size. Many Nigerian goats share pastures peacefully with other livestock such as cattle, horses, llamas and donkeys.
Accommodations
Goats should ideally have a dry, shaded shelter during wet, cold or hot weather. It does not have to be fancy, a
large dog house works great for bucks and dry does. A larger sheltered area should be provided during kidding time, giving the does enough room to move around while kidding without laying on newborn kids. They should not be housed in airtight buildings; ventilation is required for optimum health.Many owners provide “toys” for the goats to play on, tree stumps, rocks or large cable spools are great for “king of the mountain” games and jumping. Many hours of entertainment while watching the kids and often adults take advantage of the “toys” can be enjoyed by all. Just be sure to keep any ‘toys’ away from the fence to avoid any escape artists the means and opportunity to roam your neighborhood!
Good fencing is paramount due to their small size.
Nigerian goats can breed year round. The gestation period for a doe is 145 to 153 days. For the most part, Nigerian goats are a hearty breed with few kidding problems. New babies average about 2 pounds at birth but grow quickly. Watch out for those little bucks! Bucklings can be fertile at as young as 7 weeks of age. Make sure you wean does and bucks separately to help you avoid those unintentional breeding’s.
Does can be bred as early as 4-5 months of age or once they start cycling.
Most breeders prefer to wait until they are at least 1 year or older before breeding. Nigerian does can have several kids at a time, 3 and 4 being more common than singles or twins, with some quintuplet births occurring. Nigerian goats are generally good mothers able to take care of their babies with ease.
See the Milk Program page for more information about milking.
Bucks can be used for servicing does as young as 2 months of age and definitely by the time they are 4 months old. Nigerian goat bucks are vigorous breeders but are gentle enough to be used for hand breeding (contained) or pasture breeding where one buck is available for several does as they come into estrus.
Both methods are used successfully.
The biggest mistake any breeder can make is to assume bucklings cannot successfully breed a doe at 8 weeks or the doe is not able to get bred at a young age.
Kid'n Acres 