How to Raise Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats

Nigerian dwarf dairy goats have many dedicated breeders and owners, as they are temperamentally suited to both family life and homesteading. They were imported into the U.S. from Africa originally, as food for big cats. Their popularity has grown and they were eventually accepted into the American Goat Association handbook in 2002. One reason for their success as a milking goat breed is that their milk is high in butter fat --- making it particularly suited to making into cheese, as well as drinking. Nigerian dwarf goats are a gentle breed. The does grow to 17 to 19 inches in height, and the bucks to 19 to 21 inches.

Things You'll Need

  • Feed
  • Shelter
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your Nigerian dwarf goat wisely, preferably from a recognized breeder rather than from a barn sale. If possible, ask a mentor who already keeps this breed to come with you. This type of goat comes in many colors, and often has brown, brindle and white markings. Look at the teats, which should be well-defined and evenly placed, and should not have any signs of disease or deformity.

    • 2

      Provide your goat with a pasture to live in. It will need a three-sided shelter with a top on, to protect from inclement weather. The goat should always have access to clean water. Many experienced owners leave the goats out, unless the weather is extreme, because pneumonia is more common in goats that are kept in the barn. Your decision on this will depend too on your local climate.

    • 3

      Feed the milking doe a couple of cups of Purina Goat Chow. Otherwise feed the goats hay or alfalfa, when the grass is not growing. If the mineral content of your hay is not adequate, you many need to supplement the goat's diet with minerals. Some owners also give grains, but too much has been shown to cause urinary stones in bucks. Overfeeding grains can also cause thiamine deficiency and goat polio in either sex.

    • 4

      Ask your veterinarian's advice on any foot problems, as the goat may need to have its feet trimmed. You may also need to treat the goat for worms, as parasites can be a problem.