Nigerian Dwarf Goat: Characteristics, Facts & Breed Info

The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a miniature goat breed originated from West Africa. These goats are usually used for milk production, and sometimes to keep them as pets. You can identify these goats through their smaller bodies with many colors. Keep reading to learn more about them.

History

In the past, Nigerian Dwarf goats were domesticated goats kept by families in tropical Western Africa in order for them to have some milk and some meat. Before it was exported to the United States in the year 1930 to 1960s to be exhibited to the zoos and to introduce these goats in their country.

Origin

Nigerian dwarf goats originated in West Africa, where they are usually used for milk production.

Nigerian Dwarf Goat Characteristics

• They are small-sized goats.
• Their bodies are well proportioned.
• Their conformation looks like larger dairy goats.
• They can be horned or polled.
• Their coats are fine and short.
• They have too many colors, but their most common colors are gold, chocolate, and black, with frequently have white markings.
• Their facial profiles may be concave or straight, with ears that are upright.
• The average height of their adult bucks is around 17-23.5 inches, while for their adult does they are around 17-22.5 inches.
• The average weight of their adult bucks and their adult does is around 75 pounds.
• They can adapt to different types of climates and environments.
• Their temperament is usually gentle, lovable, playful, and calm.

Facts

• They can be domesticated.
• They originated in West Africa.
• They are miniature goats.
• Nigerian Dwarf goats are different from pygmy goats.
• They have the same origin as pygmy goats.
• They are good for milk production.
• They always have triplets and quadruplets each time they give birth, but quintuplets can also occur.
• Their lifespan is 15 years.
• Their gestation period is 145-150 days.
• Their does breeding age is usually at the age of 7-8 months. This is the time when they get mature.
• Their usual diets are hays, plants, grasses, grains, weeds, and shrubs.
• Their milk production per day is 2 quarts of milk.
• Their milk fat content is 6-10%.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• They are easy to handle.
• They only need a small amount of food.
• They only need a small amount of living space in order for them to live.
• They are good for producing milk even though they are small.
• Their milk has a high fat content.
• Their milk tastes sweet and delicious.
• They can adapt to different types of climates and environments.
• They have a longer lifespan.
• They always give multiple births.

Cons

• They can go into heat every month.
• They eat everything in their sight.

Uses

Nigerian Dwarf goats are normally used for milk production. This is where they are good at with. But they are also good for meat production, and to keep as pets.

Breed Profile Information

Breed Name	Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Other Name	None
Breed Purpose	Milk Production
Uses	Milk, Meat, and Pets
Size	Small
Height	Adult Bucks 17-23.5 inches, Adult Does 17-22.5 inches
Weight	Adult Bucks and Adult Does Weight Around 75 pounds
Horns	Yes
Climate Tolerance	All Climates
Colors	Many Colors
Life Expectancy	15 years
Temperament	Gentle, Lovable, Playful, and Calm
Good for Stall Fed	Yes
Milk Production Per Day	2 quarts/day
Milk Fat Content	6-10%
Rarity	Common
Country/Place of Origin	West Africa

Final Thoughts

Nigerian Dwarf goats are small-sized goats that are good for milk production, and to keep as pets. If you want to buy these goats, they can cost you around $50-$500 per goat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do Nigerian Dwarf goats make good pets? Nigerian Dwarf goats are very good pets. In fact, children love to play with them.

What are Nigerian Dwarf goats used for? Nigerian Dwarf goats are usually used for their milk because this is where they are good at. But if you want to use them as pets or for meat. You can do that also.

How long do Nigerian Dwarf goats live? They can live for 15 years.

Are Nigerian Dwarf goats easy to care for? Yes, Nigerian Dwarf goats are easy to care for. This is because of their small size and few basic requirements in order for them to keep.

How much does a Nigerian Dwarf goat cost? The Nigerian Dwarf goat can cost around $50-$500 per goat.

Are Nigerian Dwarf goats quiet? Nigerian dwarf goats are not totally quiet goats. Some Nigerian Dwarf goats are sometimes quiet, and sometimes others of them are not.