The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a miniature dairy goat that has gained popularity for its friendly personality, manageable size, and high-quality milk. This article delves into the lifespan of Nigerian Dwarf goats, their unique characteristics, and how they compare to other goat breeds like Pygmy goats.
A Nigerian Dwarf goat buck.
Appearance and Characteristics
The Nigerian dwarf goat is a miniature dairy goat that comes in a wide variety of colors and markings. They have short faces with small, upright ears. As their name suggests, these goats are small, only reaching an average height of 23 inches. Both males and females of this species have horns, though it is common for owners to have them removed, or disbudded, at a young age.
Adaptations and Benefits
Nigerian dwarfs produce very sweet milk that is high in butterfat and protein. Standard-size goats have a butterfat around 3% to 3.5%, except Nubians, which average 4.5%, and Nigerians, which average 6.5%. Despite their small size, a healthy female will produce up to two quarts of milk per day. Excess goat milk can be used to raise calves or pigs, since a goat's milk can be used for almost any orphaned animal.
Another benefit of Nigerian dwarf goats is their manure, which can be used as natural compost for gardens, and is virtually odorless. Due to their small size, they don’t require as much feed or space as larger breeds, making them a good choice as a pet. They also have very friendly and gentle personalities and are easily trained.
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Female goats (does) weigh about 60 pounds with male goats (bucks and wethers) weighing about 70 pounds. Because of their small size, they can easily be transported in large or extra large dog crates, which fit in SUVs and mini-vans. Over the years I’ve sold many Nigerian dwarf goats to people who had small children and felt the smaller goats would be easier for them to handle.
If people want milk and meat, they are not likely to consider NDs, but Nigerian dwarf goat meat is delicious!
Origins and History
Although the Nigerian dwarf goat is an American breed, it’s descended from the West African dwarf goat. Goats in general are a popular livestock option in Africa thanks to their small size and ease of movement. However, the West African dwarf and many other species have been specifically bred to be resistant to heat, humidity and even some strains of disease.
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 to be an adaptation to their native climate, but might also reflect local preferences.
How Dwarf goats first came to America is unclear, although there are records of imports during 1930s-1960s, and possibly as early as 1918. Dwarf goats were first kept in zoos and occasionally in research centers. Then, as herd sizes increased, they were sold to private enthusiasts and breeders.
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Initially bred as pets and show animals, enthusiasts aimed for a graceful appearance and gentle temperament. Since the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) started a registry in 2005, the market for kids has soared.
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.
RAISING NIGERIAN DWARF GOATS - Our Daily Goat Routine - Collaboration
Nigerian Dwarf vs. Pygmy Goats
Nigerian Dwarf Goats are another very popular breed of miniature goats. Like pygmy goats, they originated in Western Africa but are now found throughout the world. They share many similarities with pygmy goats, but they are a distinct breed. While pygmy goats are bred to have a cubby appearance, Nigerian Dwarf Goats are bred to look more like traditional dairy goats.
Pygmy goats originated in West Africa. Originally named the Cameroon Dwarf Goat, pygmy goats made their way from Africa to zoos in Sweden, eventually ending up in America in 1959. Pygmies are characterized by medium to long straight hair. Pygmy goats can thrive in almost all climates. Their docile, pleasant nature makes them ideal for family pets.
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Comparison Table
| Feature | Nigerian Dwarf Goat | Pygmy Goat |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Dairy and pet | Pet and meat |
| Appearance | Dairy goat-like | Cubby |
| Milk Production | High butterfat content | Lower butterfat content |
| Average Lifespan | 12-14 years | 10-15 years |
Care and Maintenance
In addition to providing a proper diet for your miniature goats, you must ensure they have a safe and enriching environment. 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.
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. 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.
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.
Feeding Nigerian Dwarf Goats.
Toxic and Poisonous 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 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
Lifespan
Regardless of which breed you choose, keep in mind that this is a long term commitment. 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. The average lifespan of a pygmy goat is 10 to 15 years, so you should be prepared for a long-term commitment if you decide to keep one.
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.
