The Nigerian Dwarf is a modern American breed of dwarf goat, originally from West Africa. These miniature goats have gained popularity as pets and show animals, known for their graceful appearance and gentle temperament. This article delves into the lifespan of Nigerian Dwarf goats in captivity, along with their origin, characteristics, adaptability, and care requirements, providing valuable insights for current and prospective owners.
Origin and Development
Dwarf goats evolved in West and Central Africa, mainly in coastal countries with humid, sub-humid, or savanna climates. Known collectively as West African Dwarf goats (WAD), local types vary widely in size, body proportions, and coat colors. Their size and proportions are likely an adaptation to their native climate, but might also reflect local preferences. It remains unclear how Dwarf goats first came to America, although records indicate imports during the 1930s-1960s, and possibly as early as 1918.
Initially, Dwarf goats were kept in zoos and research centers. As herd sizes increased, they were sold to private enthusiasts and breeders. The first type was standardized as the Pygmy goat and recognized by the American Goat Society (AGS) in 1976, but some goats did not fit the agreed color patterns.
Breeders of the slender type sought registry with the International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR), whose herdbook opened in 1981. The AGS opened a herdbook in 1984 to register goats of the agreed type as Nigerian Dwarf. The breed was first shown in Texas in 1985. By 1990, only 400 were registered, so registration was kept open until the end of 1992. The book was then closed with 2000 foundation goats. However, unregistered goats meeting the standard and breeding true were accepted until the end of 1997. From then on, the AGS accepted only offspring of registered purebred parents.
Conservation Status
Once listed as a rare breed by the Livestock Conservancy, the population had sufficiently grown by 2013 to be removed from the priority list. By then, there was an estimated population of 30,000.
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Description and Characteristics
The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature goat of balanced proportions and dairy conformation. The facial profile is straight or slightly concave, and ears are medium length and erect. The coat is short to medium length. Eyes are occasionally blue.
- Height to Withers: Normally from 17 in. to 23.5 in. (for bucks) and 22.5 in.
- Weight: Around 75 lb.
The Nigerian Dwarf is small but well-proportioned; its conformation resembles that of larger dairy goats. It may be horned or naturally hornless. The coat is fine and fairly short, and may be of any color, or multicolored; common colors are gold, chocolate, and black, frequently with white markings.
Productivity
Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for their excellent milk production.
- Milk Production: 1-2 quarts/liters per day for up to 10 months.
- Milk Quality: The milk is sweet and exceptionally high in butterfat (over 6%) and protein (average 3.9%), making it excellent for cheese and butter. Standard-size goats have a butterfat around 3% to 3.5%, except Nubians, which average 4.5%, and Nigerians, which average 6.5%. Later in lactation, butterfat can go up to 10% or even higher.
Does usually breed in any season, so are sometimes bred three times over two years, leaving at least a six-month rest. Does rarely suffer from kidding problems. They make excellent mothers and can dry off naturally if required.
Prolific breeders, does are normally fertile from 17-22 weeks old, and bucks from 7-17 weeks. However, breeders prefer to wait a year before breeding doelings, so they can grow and develop. Dwarf does can have several kids at a time, 3 and 4 being common and sometimes even 5.
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Adaptability
They are hardy and adapt to most climates and husbandry conditions, although they do require fencing that accounts for their small size and propensity to explore. Despite their small size, Nigerian Dwarf goats' lifespan is comparable to that of standard-sized domestic goats.
Lifespan
Nigerian goat lifespan is about as long as dogs. Female goats live about 12-14 years, although I’ve had one live to 15 and another live to 16 years.
Biodiversity
The original WAD foundation has high genetic diversity with a great variation in size, color, and other traits, including useful health traits. WAD individuals at range are often smaller than those in research centers and those exported to Europe and America. For example, adult weights of 40-75 lb. (18-34 kg) and heights of 15-22 inches (37-55 cm) have been recorded in Nigeria.
The greater Nigerian Dwarf goats’ weight and size seen in America may be due to the genetic potential of the chosen foundation stock and selective breeding for production, combined with easier living conditions and more plentiful feed. On the other hand, selective breeding for cuteness could lead to increased miniaturization, which might impact health.
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Care and Management
Caring for Nigerian Dwarf goats involves several key aspects to ensure their health and well-being:
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Diet
Providing your pygmy goat with an appropriate diet is the most important thing you can do to keep them in good health. Most health issues in goats are caused by an inappropriate diet. Goats should not be fed human food. Most of their diet should be composed of food they can forage, such as grass and hay. You should only give them minimal amounts of pellet feed or grain, since they can gain weight easily. Pellet feed and grain can also cause miniature goats to develop bladder stones, which can block their urethra and cause death if untreated. They also need access to a mineral block or loose mineral that's designed to complement their diet of grass and hay. Make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water available at all times.
Housing
Goats are herd animals, so they're happier with other goats. They'll need a place to shelter from extreme weather and plenty of room to explore and play. Your accommodations don't have to be fancy, but your goats should be protected from the elements and drafts. Plan for at least 15 to 20 square feet of housing per goat. They'll love niches where they can climb, sleep, and jump. There should be sturdy fencing around their housing and exercise area, so they can come and go as they please. The fencing will keep your goats safe from predators and protect them from toxic plants and other dangers.
Exercise and Play
Pygmy goats love to play and exercise. Watching your goats have fun playing is very entertaining. You can encourage their play and provide healthy stimulation by giving them toys and equipment. Although you can design elaborate playgrounds, simple toys will do just as well. Old tires situated about 18 to 24 inches apart will provide a jumping challenge for your goats. Another fun toy is a teeter-totter made from a log and a 2" x 6" board. Just avoid using a board that's too long so your goats won't get caught underneath. You can also adapt the idea by setting up a balance board with two posts and a cross board. Your goats will have a blast walking across it. Natural materials can also be used for playground equipment for your goats.
Health Care
You can help your pygmy goat live a longer, healthier life by ensuring they have proper veterinary care. They should be vaccinated yearly with a CD&T vaccine that protects against overeating disease and tetanus. As part of their routine healthcare, you should also monitor them for evidence of gastrointestinal parasites that can cause diarrhea and anemia. Your veterinarian can put your goat on a preventative worm control regimen.
Toxic Plants
Despite widespread belief, goats can't eat just anything. Many plants are harmful to goats, so they shouldn't be unsupervised in areas where you can't control what plants they have access to. Well-fed goats are less likely to ingest poison since they aren't as hungry. A hungry goat will be less discriminating about what it eats, so ensuring your goat has plenty of healthy food is the first step in keeping it safe. Some plants and substances are toxic in small amounts, while others are toxic over time, with the consumption of large amounts. Some possible toxins you should make sure your goat avoids include:
- All houseplants
- Flowering bulbs
- Landscaping plants
- Herbicides
- Fertilizers
- Pesticides
- Rodent poison
- Creosote-treated wood
- Lead paint
Nigerian Dwarf Goats in Australia
The first breed genetics were imported to Australia in 2013. As this is a relatively new breed to Australia, Nigerian Dwarf goats are individually priced by studs based on % genetics, gender, breed type, availability, show status and demand. Nigerian Dwarf goats should be advertised with their % genetics.
Temperament
The Nigerian Dwarf has an impeccable temperament, and their small size makes them easy to handle and milk for people or all ages. Dwarf goats are fun and lovable. They have a gentle nature that makes them particularly well-suited for children to raise. Many young children raise them for 4-H projects.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | West and Central Africa; Developed in the United States |
| Size | Miniature |
| Height | 17-23.5 inches (bucks), 22.5 inches (does) |
| Weight | Around 75 lbs |
| Milk Production | 1-2 quarts/liters per day |
| Butterfat Content | Over 6% |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
| Temperament | Gentle, friendly |
