The Nigerian dwarf goat traces its origin to Western Africa. The breed particularly rose to popularity because of its small size and beautiful body marks. These goats have been in existence for a very long period of time now, but they have not been as popular as they are today. The small size is an advantage to farmers in many different ways. Here are facts regarding Nigerian dwarf goat farms.
The first reason why people prefer them is due to their small size which makes them easy to raise even on small parcels of land. The US Department of Agriculture classifies these goats under dairy goats. There are other goats which fall in the category of dairy goats but they are larger. The bigger goats require more space to be reared and feed requirements are high too.
The small size and gentle nature of this breed makes it safe to handle. These goats are not aggressive by nature like other goats. As such, they can be handled very easily. Even children can be left to handle them without risk of accidents and injuries. Since they are classified under livestock dairy animals, they qualify for youth FFA and 4H projects.
The other factor which makes this breed so popular with people is their capability to produce milk. On a daily basis, they can produce up to two quarts of milk. Also, their milk is nutritious and very sweet. In the animal kingdom, the milk produced by these goats is among that with the highest content of butter. There is high protein content in the milk too.
Most people do not rear these goats for purposes of getting milk despite their high milk production capability in a day. In fact, the goats are not milked in most cases to benefit the owners either commercially or domestically. Rather, these animals are mainly reared as pets. Many people enjoy being in company of these animals.
Nigerian dwarfs are a legitimate breed that has strict conformation standards. Conformation standards in this breed are similar to the ones observed in other larger dairy goats. The first requirement for conformation is that body parts must be proportional. The nose is supposed to be straight with the ears being upright. The coat is required to be soft with the hair growing to a short or medium length.
These goats come in any color or combination of colors and it is acceptable according to conformation standards. The ideal height is 17 to 19 inches for the females. The males should reach a height of between 19 and 21 inches. Although rare, it is acceptable for the females to reach 21 inches while males can reach 23 inches.
Seventy-five pounds is the ideal weight for the goats. Presence of certain deformities or having too much weight can make animals to be disqualified from shows. Having pendulous ears, Roman nose, or curly coats are some of the deformities that can lead to disqualification. One should be accompanied by an expert when going to buy these goats so as to ensure that they conform to standards. Else, the farmer should provide registration papers for the animals they are selling for verification.
The first reason why people prefer them is due to their small size which makes them easy to raise even on small parcels of land. The US Department of Agriculture classifies these goats under dairy goats. There are other goats which fall in the category of dairy goats but they are larger. The bigger goats require more space to be reared and feed requirements are high too.
The small size and gentle nature of this breed makes it safe to handle. These goats are not aggressive by nature like other goats. As such, they can be handled very easily. Even children can be left to handle them without risk of accidents and injuries. Since they are classified under livestock dairy animals, they qualify for youth FFA and 4H projects.
The other factor which makes this breed so popular with people is their capability to produce milk. On a daily basis, they can produce up to two quarts of milk. Also, their milk is nutritious and very sweet. In the animal kingdom, the milk produced by these goats is among that with the highest content of butter. There is high protein content in the milk too.
Most people do not rear these goats for purposes of getting milk despite their high milk production capability in a day. In fact, the goats are not milked in most cases to benefit the owners either commercially or domestically. Rather, these animals are mainly reared as pets. Many people enjoy being in company of these animals.
Nigerian dwarfs are a legitimate breed that has strict conformation standards. Conformation standards in this breed are similar to the ones observed in other larger dairy goats. The first requirement for conformation is that body parts must be proportional. The nose is supposed to be straight with the ears being upright. The coat is required to be soft with the hair growing to a short or medium length.
These goats come in any color or combination of colors and it is acceptable according to conformation standards. The ideal height is 17 to 19 inches for the females. The males should reach a height of between 19 and 21 inches. Although rare, it is acceptable for the females to reach 21 inches while males can reach 23 inches.
Seventy-five pounds is the ideal weight for the goats. Presence of certain deformities or having too much weight can make animals to be disqualified from shows. Having pendulous ears, Roman nose, or curly coats are some of the deformities that can lead to disqualification. One should be accompanied by an expert when going to buy these goats so as to ensure that they conform to standards. Else, the farmer should provide registration papers for the animals they are selling for verification.
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