This is a popular method for keeping constant milk production, while avoiding some of the expense and challenge of owning your own buck. If you’re looking to start a farm, start with at least two so that they have a companion. Forage and feed. Mature does weigh 190-230 pounds, while bucks can weigh 200-340 pounds.They average about 2.5 feet tall at the withers. This breed is also known for its calm disposition. This post contains affiliate links. Difference between Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Nigerian Pygmy Goats. The good thing about Nigerian Dwarves is that they’re quick learners. And even bucks that need to be separated from the herd still have social needs, and should be kept with other animals or a wether for company. Woven/goat wire can be purchased in rolls that are already 4 feet high. If the doe is pregnant, her milk will continue to dry up and at 10 months you should stop milking. Mature does will usually weight between 50-75lbs and mature bucks between 60-100lbs. The American Goat Society and American Dairy Goat association have different conformation standards than the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association. Nigerian Dwarf goats can quickly become lonely if they’re the only one. Free feed the goats quality hay. But they are also low-maintenance dairy goats, giving a surprising amount of high-quality, high-fat milk despite their small size. The myotonic goat or Tennessee fainting goat is an American breed of meat goat. The Saanen is considered to be an excellent pack goat because of its hardiness. Water. In case of bottle feeding dwarf goats, you need to bottle-fed the kids for about three to four months. Nigerian Dwarf Goats for Sale: Where can I buy Nigerian Dwarf Goats in the USA? A single Nigerian Dwarf goat produces a surprising amount of milk and is basically a miniature dairy goat. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. The gestation cycle of a doe is approximately 155 days where they can give birth to most commonly three or four kids. © 2021 American Dairy Goat Association. The gestation period of a Nigerian Dwarf doe is between 145 and 150 days. Become an ADGA Member today >>, Milk production averages are collected through ADGA’s Dairy Herd Improvement Registry  (DHIR) program  and provide an idea of pounds of milk, butterfat and protein by breed. Saanen does are at least 30 inches tall and weigh 135 pounds while bucks are at least 32 inches tall and weigh 170 pounds. These goats browse on grass, weeds, plants and shrubs. Weigh scale $30.00 Calf sling $15.00 Order Correct Color Prints of Dairy Goats >>, contact the American Dairy Goat Association. Pasture provides all the required nutrients the goat needs. It is also a good source of additional income from a Nigerian Dwarf goat farm. These aren’t technically a goat breed. Nigerian Dwarf goats, on the other hand, are proportioned more delicately overall, like normal-sized goats scaled down smaller. Most goats are hoof trimmed every 4 to 8 weeks and wormed after several months and vaccinated annually. Goats love food, so treating them with foods they love will encourage them to follow your instructions. When milking, the Nigerian Dwarf goat milk can go as high as 3 and 4 pounds of 6% to 10% butterfat milk on a daily basis. Nigerian Dwarf Goat Associations: What are the major Nigerian Dwarf Goat Associations in the USA? Which means you can keep 10 goats per acre. And since goats digest foods differently than humans, learning a bit about how they process food helps in understanding how best to feed them.. Goats are ruminants and as such have four different chambers to process food rather than one stomach like humans. Mature LaMancha bucks should be at least 30" tall at the withers and should weigh at least 155 pounds. The parts of the body are balanced in proportion to their size. The milk fat content is 6.5% while the protein content is 3.9%. The Nigerian Goat is the only true miniature goat breed of dairy type and character. ADGA Members outside North American may receive the ADGA Guidebook and other printed material for a nominal shipping fee. Answer: Yes. However, they can make for some of the most productive mid-sized dairy goats in a homestead setting. Oberhasli does are at least 28 inches tall and weigh 120 pounds while bucks are at least 30 inches tall and weigh 150 pounds. See the difference between the numbers. Grains are also an important supplement, particularly for mothers and kids. Alfalfa hay is high in calcium, which is essential when goats are kidding and producing milk. There are a growing number of people who appreciate the easy care and versatility of these goats, and they can be enjoyed both as companion animals and for profit in a dairy farm. Nigerian dwarf goat, formerly known as West African dwarf, is a small-sized breed of dairy goats, which originate from the western region of Africa. Would you like to renew your membership ? You may give your does a 6 month break which means you can breed then three times in two years, Nigerian dwarf goats are excellent mothers and have little kidding problems, Kids weigh 2 pounds at birth and grow really quickly, Bucklings can be fertile as early as 7 weeks of age, Does can have several kids at a time, 3 and 4 kids being common. True to dairy goat breeds, the Saanen weighs around 170 lbs, and of course, the bucks usually weigh a tad more. The best source for the best Nigerian Goat breeders is the website of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association. A Nigerian dwarf is considered mature at the age of 4 years old. If you have any questions, please contact the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) office before you buy. Monitor your kids closely, weight them and watch their activity and energy levels. Create an enclosure for the buck, with a clear area of 15 or more feet between it and the enclosure for the does. Depending on the plants in your pasture, local soil composition, and nutritional composition of your hay, it is likely that your goats will need mineral supplements. Since 2010, Lesa's writing has inspired new homesteaders on their journey to more sustainable lifestyles via this website. Nigerian dwarf goat vs pygmy goat? Remember that fences not only keep goats in, but should keep predators out, and Nigerian Dwarfs are especially susceptible to predation, depending on your local wildlife. Their milk averages 6.5% butterfat, but can reach as high as 10% late in lactation. Nubian does are at least 30 inches tall and weigh 135 pounds, while bucks are at least 32 inches tall and weigh 170 pounds. There are also two different breed standards for Nigerian Dwarf goats, depending on whether they are being used as dairy goats or not. Supplements. Some animals are quite a bit larger at around 28-30 kg, but that’s not very common. AGA standards allow any coat and have no preference for brown or blue eyes (blue eyes are common in the breed, but uncommon in other dairy goats). Height and weight. Have fencing that is five feet high as goats are very agile and good jumpers. 3. This breed eats everything in sight. They produce up to 800 pounds of protein-rich milk annually. Wethers to be sold as pets are generally available for as little as $50-$100. If you are keeping a Nigerian Dwarf as a pet, they will often not do well in an environment where they are alone for extended periods. Although a small goat, the Nigerian Dwarf doe produces a proportionate quantity of milk with high butterfat. Nigerian Dwarf goats go into heat every month. Training Nigerian Dwarf Goats: How hard is it? This, along with their sweet temper, makes them a family-friendly addition that can easily get along with your other pets. Supplement their diet with high quality hay greens and grains. 1915 Scott Street Lafayette, IN 47904 Phone: 765-807-1540 Email; FAQs. Like all goats, Nigerian Dwarf need periodic hoof trimming and deworming, depending on their diet and lifestyle. They say never work with animals, but Tiramisu the Saanan stands quietly … The hair is short, fine and glossy. How to do it? Milking a goat is an easy procedure if you do it right. How to bottle feed a Nigerian Dwarf goat kid is easier than you might think, and it ensures proper nutrition and forms more docile milk goats. Bedding should be dry. Each baby will be around two pounds in weight. Don’t force your goat to do anything. An enclosed area of approximately 200 square feet per goat with a fence at least four feet high should keep your Nigerian Dwarf goats happy. The breed was recognized by the American Dairy Goat Association in 2005.: 33 The Nigerian Dwarf was formerly listed on the heritage breeds watchlist of the Livestock Conservancy as "recovering", but was removed from the list in 2013. Do goats smell bad? While there is no weight requirement, 75 pounds is an average weight. They come in a variety of colors and are known for producing large quantities of milk. They are charming, playful and friendly. Nigerian Dwarf goats are pretty tiny which means they don’t require a lot of living space, and they’re easy to handle. With a weight tape, maybe tape using the Nigerian Dwarf calculation. The bridge of the nose may be straight or dished. According to the NDGA, Nigerian Dwarfs make wonderful pets due to their size and playful personalities. Does live longer than bucks. As the name implies, these goats originate from Nigeria. How long do Nigerian dwarf goats produce milk? A couple of places that ship Nigerian Dwarf goats nationwide include: Training goats, in general, takes patience. Mature goats have an average weight of 75 pounds and come with a variety of coat color. The nose is straight, although there may be a small break or stop at the level of the eyes. Rentals. Bucks are gentle enough to be used for pasture breeding when one buck is available to service a number of does. The goats weigh about 60 pounds and are 3 1/2 feet tall, he added. It is better to have a dry dirt floor than a wood one; wood flooring can get slippery with mud or manure, and potentially injure a goat or cause foot problems. The Alpine is known for being a hardy, adaptable animal that thrives in any climate while maintaining good health and excellent production. The primary difference between Nigerian Dwarf goats and Nigerian Pygmy goats are their body proportions. The primary difference between Nigerian Dwarf goats and Nigerian Pygmy goats are their body proportions. However, unlike many breeds, Nigerian Dwarf bucks are more docile and easy to handle, so they are less of a challenge to keep or contain. One Nigerian dwarf goat can eat 1 square bale of alfalfa hay per month. The amount of milk produced depends on the individual goat. While Nigerian dwarf goats do need a lot of romping space, they don't need as much housing space as other goats due to their diminutive size. The following is a guideline for feeding Nigerian Dwarf kids but every kid is different. In spite of their size, Boer goats are notoriously calm and docile. If you want a steady supply of delicious, high-quality goat milk, you only need a couple does, and to stagger their breeding. 534 Likes, 9 Comments - University of Rochester (@urochester) on Instagram: “Rochester graduate Emma Chang ’20 is a classically trained musician. This makes their polyestrous nature favorable. Any color or color combination is acceptable. They are small and easy to manage, making them an excellent candidate for children's projects like 4H and FFA, They give a good quantity of high-quality milk for their size. Specifically Bred Goats for Milk Production Many people provide toys for their Nigerian Dwarf goats, to suit their playful nature and need for exercise. Nigerian Dwarf Goats for Sale in Pennsylvania: Current Directory of Nigerian Dwarf Goat Breeders in Pennsylvania, Pygmy Goats for Sale in Iowa: Current Directory of Pygmy Goat Breeders in Iowa, Nigerian Dwarf Goats for Sale in Wisconsin: Current Directory of Nigerian Dwarf Goat Breeders in Wisconsin, Best Goat Feed & Goat Feeders (2020): Guide for Beginner Farmers, Boer Goats for Sale in Texas: Current Directory of Boer Goat Breeders in Texas, First Time Goat Kidding: Supply List, Kidding Signs, After Care & More. Many color combinations are common, the ears are of medium length and erect, and the bridge of the nose is either straight or dished. They seek out and enjoy interacting with people, and will respond readily to vocal calls. The ADGA Guidebook is available on the ADGA Members website and one copy per year is upon request to ADGA Members in North America. You may feed one cup a day of grain per goat. The hair is short, and the ears should be erect. Many people find that a normal dog house is perfect for a Nigerian Dwarf buck or a dry doe. Like the Nigerian Dwarf goats, Pygmy goats also make very popular pets in some countries. More pronounced or unusual yelling or bleating. Forage and feed. You can milk your doe twice in a day. Nigerian dwarfs can be 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh about 75 pounds. : 396 It may also be known as the fainting goat, falling goat, stiff-legged goat or nervous goat, or as the Tennessee wooden-leg goat. Like all goats, Nigerian Dwarf goats are useful in pastures to clear weeds and underbrush and improve grass for grazing animals. All goats need shelter at night and in poor weather. They’re personality-plus. Nigerian Dwarf wethers make excellent and popular pets, and this popularity as a pet helps to reduce some of the stress of figuring out what do to with the unneeded male kids born several times a year. Their ears aren’t prone to ripping, their feet are tough, and they are … If you plan to breed Nigerian Dwarf goats, it is good to have some overlap in their milk production, because of the high possibility of having 5 kids in a kidding; a doe may give birth to more kids than she can nurse, and having another lactating doe available allows fostering or bottle feeding. Then tape again using the full sized dairy goat calculation. They can produce up to 3 quarts of milk a day depending on their lactation cycle. Adult Pygmy goats weigh about 75 pounds and stand under 2 feet tall. Please log in again. Nigerians have lots of different color combinations and can have bright blue eyes. Zoo. Oberhasli color is described as bay, ranging from light to a deep red bay with correct black markings.