The Nigerian Dwarf Goat is a miniature breed that originates from West
Africa. They have all the dairy qualities that their larger dairy cousins possess,
except in a much smaller package. Acceptable height for bucks is 20 to 23 ½
inches and 18 to 22 ½ for does. Conformation is similar to that of the large
dairy breeds, but parts of the body are in balanced proportion to their size.
Like other African breeds, Nigerians can be bred any time of the year , so with
careful planning you can keep your family in milk all year long. They produce
a sweet, rich, high butterfat, high protein milk that is considered the most
preferred among goats milk. A healthy, well fed doe can produce 1 to 2 quarts
of milk a day with 6 to 11 % butterfat.
Nigerian Dwarf Goats have become a favorite with goat fanciers, as well as
making believers out of passers-by that notice their striking color
combinations and patterns. Some are drawn in by those gorgeous blue eyes,
with brown eyes being the most common. Their most fascinating trait is that
you never know what color their offspring will be until they are born. An
average newborn weighs about 2 pounds at birth. A doe can deliver anywhere
from 1 to 4 offspring each delivery, but it`s possible for them to deliver 5 or 6,   
                                      with 2 or 3 being most common.                                
      Herd health is an important part of owning and raising goats. Regular
hoof trimming every six weeks to keep their feet in good shape and a worming
schedule every two to three months depending on the concentration of worms
in your soil. Safeguard (10% fenbendazole) or an Ivermectrin product usually
keeps those worms in check. A vaccination schedule is also a must, as well as
keeping good records. Goats need a CD&T vaccine and a rabies vaccine. You
can consult with your local vet to discuss anything further that might be
necessary for your area. A good goat specific grain ration, alfalfa pellet and
some black oil sunflower seed, mold free orchard grass hay, and fresh water
will keeps your goats in good health. Be careful feeding your bucks since they
have a tendency to develop urinary calculi. Feed in smaller amounts a low
protein goat specific feed with ammonium chloride, plenty of fresh water with
a little apple cider vinegar in it, and make the bulk of their diet fresh, clean,
mold free hay. A good goat specific loose mineral in a separate feeder is also a
must for bucks, does and youngsters to get the minerals that lack in their
diets. I know feed has many of the minerals in it, but they don`t get enough of
what they lack from feed alone. Baking soda should also be free fed in another
feeder. It helps relieve bloat and the goats will eat it as needed. Many areas are
selenium deficient, so in some cases an injection of BoSe might be necessary
for good health. Keeping their pens clean and free of feces and urine will also
keep your goats happy and healthy. Goats should be kept in a dry, well
ventilated, draft free structure. They don`t like to get wet, so they should have
access to shelter in case of a sudden rain shower or to escape from the sun.

I`m not going to kid you, keeping your goats healthy requires a lot of work
and time, but the rewards out weigh the sacrifice. Their warm personalities
and gentle nature is hard to beat. I can`t imagine my life without them.
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                                 OL`Country Nigerian Dwarf Goats
OL`Country Nigerians