Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Tim with is favorite baby goat. Little Miss Frappe
nigerian dwarf goats relaxing in the sun
happy young goats wanting attention
Nigerian Dwarf does eating minerals
young buckling male goat

Livestock details

Nigerian Dwarf goats are a small breed of dairy goats that originated in West Africa. They are known for their miniature size, friendly disposition, and high milk production relative to their size. Nigerians are versatile animals suitable for small farms, suburban homesteads, or as enjoyable pets. Their manageable size and friendly nature make them a popular choice for goat enthusiasts.

Small in size, great for dairy

Small in stature, does typically stand about 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder, and bucks slightly larger. They usually weigh up to 100 pounds. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. Common coat colors include black, chocolate, gold, and cream. They can also have various markings and patterns such as moon spots, stripes, and roaning.

Despite their small size, Nigerian Dwarf goats are excellent dairy producers. They have a high butterfat content in their milk, making it suitable for cheese and soap production. On average, a Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce over a quart of milk per day.

Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are often kept as pets or companion animals because of their gentle disposition. They can also be easily trained, making them suitable for various purposes, including 4-H projects and educational programs. With proper care, Nigerian Dwarf goats can live up to 12 to 14 years or even longer. These goats are capable of breeding year-round, and they often have multiple kids (baby goats) per kidding. The gestation period is approximately 145 to 150 days. They are prone to common goat health issues, such as parasites and hoof problems. With regular veterinary care, vaccinations, and proper nutrition Nigerian Dwarfs are relatively easy to keep healthy.

Diet

  • Pasture and forest vegetation including vines, leaves, tree nuts and fruit
  • Hay
  • Alfalfa
  • Fruit and vegetables year round, pumpkin and squash in the fall
  • Supplemental mixture of commercial goat feeds

Details about the Nigerian Dwarf goats

  • Multicolored, white, cinnamon, tan, black with spots
  • Horned or naturally hornless (we do not disbud our goats)
  • Smaller goat with a shy to playful temperament
  • Adults are less than 100 pounds
  • Great tolerance to the Florida weather except rain
  • 1 doe can produce up to 95 gallons of milk per year
  • Milk is high in butterfat and protein
  • Excellent ice cream, cheese, butter and rich ingredient in desserts

Click here to learn more about Nigerian Dwarf Goats.

Recent Nigerian Dwarf Goat blog posts

young goats grazing

Goat Safe Fruit Trees

Florida’s warm and subtropical climate provides a conducive environment for growing a variety of fruit trees. When selecting fruit trees for a goat farm in Florida, consider those that thrive in the state’s climate and offer nutritional benefits for goats. Here are some suitable fruit trees for a goat farm in Florida.