for small-scale dairy operations.

Nigerian dwarf goats can produce up to two quarts of milk each day. Their milk has 10 percent more protein and butterfat than is found in most dairy goats’ milk. These goats have easygoing temperaments and can live peacefully with other kinds of livestock.

Physical Features and Characteristics:

As the name implies, these are small goats with a short, straight coat in a wide variety of black, white, brown, red and gold color patterns. Average adult weight is 40 to 60 pounds, length is 24 to 30 inches, and height is 16 to 20 inches (males can stand up to 23 inches).

Lifestyle and Reproduction:

These goats live about 10 years. Females can be reproductive by 4 or 5 months of age, and males perhaps as young as 2 months. Gestation lasts 145 to 153 days and results in several kids at a time, 3 and 4 being more common than singles or twins.

Bucks smell to tell if a doe is in estrus by the behavior known as “flehmen.” In this behavior, they extend their necks and heads into the air and curl up their upper lips.

Range:

The Nigerian dwarf goat is a miniature dairy goat breed of West African ancestry. Nigerian Dwarf goats are popular as pets and family milkers due to their easy maintenance and small stature. However, because of their high butterfat, they are also used by some dairies to make cheese.

Diet:

At the PAALFARMERS, we offer the goats a varied diet of Bermuda hay, some grain and produce.