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A goat weighing 300 lbs will eat more than a 75-lb goat. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. how much land are we talking about 1/2 a acre can house up to a maxuim of 1 to 6 dwarfs stalls i build stalls 6x6 4 ft high for each goat but for bucks i build . The answer can depend on the day. Show your goats where you want them to go, then give them little treats for doing what you want. You'll also need to provide the right mixture of hay, grain, and supplements and ensure they see a veterinarian for vaccinations at least once a year. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. So now sounds like a great time to breed! Nigerian Goat Conservation Status Not Listed Nigerian Goat Locations Africa North-America Nigerian Goat Facts Name Of Young Kid Group Behavior Herd Fun Fact While a fully grown Nigerian Dwarf male would be just 23.5 inches tall, an average-sized Boer goat would be 30 inches. Here's what to know about owning Nigerian dwarf goats. The good news is that waste from Nigerian dwarfs is very low in odor. Nigerian dwarf goats are unlike other goats in that they go into heat roughly every 21-28 days. They always prefer standing or sitting on a raised spot or platform to levelled ground and whenever its raining they are always on the run for cover. Servings can vary based on how big your nigie is from a smaller doe to a larger buck. I have kept dairy goats and not always milked them. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Lets talk about what these animals do when they live on your property. For more information from our Veterinary co-author, like how to build a Nigerian dwarf goat herd, read on! For instance, maybe you have goats with low milk production, so you want a buck that helps increase production in the next generation. Many live as long as 14 15 years. It is better to have a dry dirt floor than a wood one; wood flooring can get slippery with mud or manure, and potentially injure a goat or cause foot problems. For weight, expect your Nigerian Dwarf . Unfortunately, a lone dwarf goat may be loud or difficult because it is lonely. Start small with a few high quality goats and grow your herd from there. These dwarf goats are proof that the best pets sometimes come in small packages. Alfalfa hay is high in calcium, which is essential when goats are kidding and producing milk. Stubborn is the name we call them here.in fact, goat is the common metaphor for stubborn children here in Nigeria. J Rodrick. Some worms, flukes, and other intestinal parasites grow and reproduce in snails found in stagnant water, while others lay their eggs on wet vegetation. Keep in mind she may give birth to 3-5 babies. This article is dedicated to helping you arrive at this figure based on the specific conditions on your farm. That means that they really want and appreciate companionship. Repeating this a few times will help you NDs break into your routine. A small stature or "mini goat" of this type can even be kept on a suburban homestead, using a dog box as a shelter and the fenced-in backyard as its home. The bars are angled at a "V," and you place the hay inside, where they can pull it out through the cracks. In addition, homesteaders who open their properties to the public for agricultural tourism also have a special affinity for Nigerian dwarfs. If you are solely raising goats for brush management, you can raise more per acre than if you are raising meat goats. Your veterinarian can perform the blood or milk test, or you can send a sample off to a lab. Hi, its great to get a comment from someone who knows the original landrace! This means you can have peace of mind about interactions with families and children. Nigerian dwarf goats are very playful, and they love to romp and climb on things. The economics of keeping Nigerian dwarf goats really works in your favor when you consider that female dwarfs produce a robust amount of milk for an animal of this size. How Many Goats Should You Have Per Acre? Essential Guide When feeding your Nigerian dwarf consider different components of proper goat nutrition. Some really milky dairy goats have trouble drying up naturally (I have an Alpine like this). While Nigerian Dwarf goats can be found in various parts of the world, there are certain regions where their popularity truly shines. However, he will be overall more challenging than a wether goat and dwarf does as he matures. One reason to wait a little longer is that, if she experiences dystocia, that may mean reaching inside her vulva to help assist in birthand this is much easier if she is fully grown. Ask around for the going rate in your area. Size is a consequence of the herds average age and the species of goats in consideration. The most obvious perk of this goat breed is its size. You have a little more control over when you'll have babies. Do you know of a reputable breeder we may look into for breeders to start our herd? The warm summertime temperatures have grass and forage production, allowing you to increase the number of goats per yard on your goat farm as theres plenty of food to go around. After the kids were weaned my veterinary suggested I stopped milking her. Standlee Pellets 26-40 servings per 40 lb bag, = 9-14 bags per year, $13 per bag = $117-182 per year. I dont want to hurt her. NDGA standards allow does no taller than 21 inches at the withers, and bucks to be no taller than 23 inches. Some vegetation is toxic to goats, including mountain and laurel ferns, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Thread starter FLChick; Start date May 9, 2011; May 9, 2011 #1 FLChick . Use a mineral supplement designed for goats or cattle, and avoid supplements designed for sheep, because goats and cows require copper, which is toxic to sheep. . (1834 kg) and heights of 1522 inches (3755 cm) have been recorded in Nigeria. In addition to making compost, goats will help control weeds and grasses by grazing. This is if the said acre of land has sufficient quality forage to sustain the goats. "I have confidence and knowledge, now I can start my farm. Naturally, the more space your goats have, the better they will do. We've really taken the next step in getting our garden up and running, we've added some fruit trees to the property, we've expanded our chicken flock, and perhaps most exciting of all, we adopted some Nigerian dwarf goats. Consider what lives in your area and what wildlife can be considered a predator. 15% forage (pasture/weeds/grassy areas), again because of their size they won't need as much space to forage in. Nigerian dwarf females are a reliable milk source helping with sustainable living. This buffer zone will not only prevent unwanted breeding through the shared fence, but it will also discourage him from attacking the fence and putting undue strain on it. Youll notice that Nigerian dwarfs stand much taller on their slender, longer legs than pygmy goats. Breeders then started to develop the breed for milk production and dairy conformation. Its important to keep the goats pen area free of dampness or moisture. Brush Goats are simply goats that are a mixture of different breeds of goats and that is not a registered breed. BIODIVERSITY: The original WAD foundation has high genetic diversity with a great variation in size, color, and other traits, including useful health traits. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Check to make sure the doe's teats are giving milk by pulling milk from each one. You wont want electric fencing near your goats; however, you can use it outside of the main wall or fence on your property to detract predators. If you're using your goats for milk, water is especially important. Rotational grazing allows the grass and the rest of the foliage to regenerate in the resting paddocks so that pasture is available throughout the year. Nigerian dwarf goats have coats that come in a variety of colors, although black or brown hair tends to be the most common. There is more on rotational farming below. Nigerian dwarfs dont actually require the acreage thats needed for larger varieties of livestock. About The Wee Powerhouses Are Nigerian Dwarf Goats Friendly? Many homesteaders actually prefer the milk of Nigerian dwarfs when making organic goat soap or cheese to sell. Im not sure what to do? Knowing the proper answer is very important for keeping healthy, happy goats! Nigerian Dwarf does give 1-8 pounds of milk per day when lactating, with an average of 2.5 pounds per day. Therefore, its best to begin with two or more Nigerian dwarf goats so they can romp and play together. The milk is sweet and exceptionally high in butterfat (over 6%) and protein (average 3.9%), making it excellent for cheese and butter. Before you get the goats, prepare your yard and barn so they have enough room to romp around. Some people swear herbs work for their herds and others have had goat die while using herbal dewormers. Your vet can remove the horns. If you want to see results, nurture them with guidance and patience and theyll be doing what you want in no time. Brush Control Using Goats - Goatworld.com You may be wrestling with the idea of getting a Nigerian dwarf. You shouldn't breed a single goat more than 3 times in 2 years. Im trying to do research before I go ahead with anything. A Nigerian dwarf goats lifespan varies but know that bringing a Nigerian dwarf goat to your property is a long-term commitment. Hi Marissa, Nigerian dwarf goats are herd animals. Small herd goats on acreage Purpose for Raising Nigerian dwarf goats milk is commonly used to create butters and cheeses. Their milk averages 6.5% butterfat, but can reach as high as 10% late in lactation. You would need to monitor the udders to ensure they dont develop inflammation from infection. Goats are resourceful, and have been known to breed through fences. Even with their friendly dispositions, like with many animals, its still best to socialize them when they are young. From the United States, where they thrive in diverse climates, to Nigeria, their country of origin, where they hold cultural significance, and Europe, where they serve urban farming and land management purposes, these charismatic goats continue to win over admirers with their charm, versatility, and practical value. According to the NDGA, Nigerian Dwarfs make wonderful pets due to their size and playful personalities. Their back, or shoulder area, is called their withers. I dont think we will be using them for milk and was wondering if it is bad for the goat NOT to be milked. We live in Central Oklahoma where weather varies, 5 acres ( not all fenced but wooded) so they wouldnt have full run. Nigerian Dwarf does give 1-8 pounds of milk per day when lactating, with an average of 2.5 pounds per day. Another option is to start by buying a mother and a baby doe. Nigerian vs. Pygmy Goats: Which is best? - Weed 'em & Reap All About These Little Powerhouses Are Nigerian dwarf goats friendly? In addition, there are care practices that must be followed to ensure the health and well-being of your goat. Routine hoof trimming every four to eight weeks (Its easy once you learn how to do it. Some considerations to factor in: Ideal conditions will be dry and warm. Making this decision would be much easier if you had a way to determine the capacity of your farm to accommodate healthy goats. Nigerian Dwarf milk is 6 to 10 percent higher in butterfat and higher in protein than milk from most dairy goat . How much land you have at your disposal will be a determining factor for the size of your flock or herd. Nigerian dwarf goats can cost anywhere from $50-$500 USD, depending on what your needs are. Another important piece of caring for Nigerian Dwarf baby goats is ensuring they have access to minerals. Bucks will need to be housed on their own. What do Nigerian dwarf goats eat? You need to keep males and females apart until you are ready for them to breed. As mentioned above, Nigerian Dwarf goats have two different breed standards. Every goat needs at least 135 square feet of space. Whether you want to raise meat goats such as kiko goats or dairy goats such as nubian goats or toggenburg goats, or a breed such an alpine goat which is good for both milk and meat, there is a breed for you and the acreage you own. We have created an extensive directory of Nigerian Dwarf Goat Breeders. Goats have a gestation period of about 5 months. Make sure that the goats always have access to fresh, clean water, especially if youre using them for milking. Normally, it is sufficient to allow their kids to suckle, especially if they have multiple kids in a litter, as NDGs normally do. Support wikiHow by If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. We are interested in getting NDGs so we are doing a lot of research. Typically, your goats will avoid toxic plants as long as they have plenty of other food. However, they have very different proportions. Goats vary from as little as 20 pounds (9.1 kg) in weight and 18 inches (45.7 cm) tall in the mature female dwarf goat, to 250 pounds (113.5 kg) and 42 inches (106.7 cm) in height for Indian Jamnapari, Swiss Saanen, and Alpine. This ultimately means that they are much less expensive to keep than alternative livestock options. The facial profile is straight or slightly concave, and ears medium length and erect. If you are providing high-quality food, they may only require small amounts of trace minerals. In fact, they tend to do exceptionally well with children. If you plan to breed Nigerian Dwarf goats, it is good to have some overlap in their milk production, because of the high possibility of having 5 kids in a kidding; a doe may give birth to more kids than she can nurse, and having another lactating doe available allows fostering or bottle feeding. The toxin in the Toxicodendron plant species seems to mainly affect humans, and goats cope with eating it. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/want-a-backyard-goat-10-things-to-consider, http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/whats-so-great-about-dwarf-nigerian-goat-milk-anyway/, http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/want-a-backyard-goat-10-things-to-consider?page=2, https://livinghomegrown.com/the-truth-about-keeping-backyard-goats/, http://www.wideopenpets.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-nigerian-dwarf-goat/, https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/heat-detection-and-breeding-in-meat-goats, http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/choosing-goat-herdsires-2/, http://www.tennesseemeatgoats.com/articles2/weaningkids.html, http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/feeding-nigerian-dwarf-dairy-goats/, https://www.weedemandreap.com/what-do-goats-eat/, http://nigerianpygmygoats.com/pygmygoats-health.html, So if you have 3 goats, for example, you'll need about 405 square feet (37.6m. Keep in mind that you'll need to have separate areas for males and females. If you do not breed your NDGs, they may not produce milk at all. Then, goats that came to the U.S. may have come from other West African countries (Cameroon is often cited). The benefit of owning Nigerian dwarf goat does is you will have the benefit of milk as the goats mature. We live in middle Tennessee, and anxiously want NDGs for our homestead. They will require less sleeping and housing space and more playing and romping space. % of people told us that this article helped them. I grew up on the farm but always had cattle and horses but never goats. Goats love food, so treating them with foods they love will encourage them to follow your instructions. Manage Settings 2023 BoerGoatProfitsGuide.comAbout UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerSitemap, Difference between Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Nigerian Pygmy Goats, Raising Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Pros & Cons. In addition, they are a great first choice for homesteaders who are just starting out with animals on their property. Another consideration is if you are raising goats to clear brush. If you wish to expand your herd, some adjustments must be made to ensure the space is sufficient for their grazing and browsing needs. Nigerian Dwarf goats can cost anywhere between $300 and $500. Even solid-colored goats tend to have white markings. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Therefore, you will need to milk them to eliminate pain and reduce infection risk. Youll actually see these goats in a variety of different colors. If you are thinking that the breed history and American history of Nigerian Dwarf goats and Pygmy goats sounds extremely similar, you are correct. The baby should be born head first with 2 hooves, though it doesn't always happen this way. Nigerian Dwarf Goat Breed Info: Facts, Lifespan, Behavior & Care Guide When determining what is the ideal number of goats per acre, consider the average farm can support approximately six to eight goats per acre of land. Having a livestock guardian animal such as a dog, alpaca or llama, and female donkey will help protect your goats. For people who are interested in learning more about some of the health problems of Nigerians, http://www.nigeriandwarf.org has information about some scientific studies under way involving Nigerian dwarf goats at UCDavis and Oregon State University. They were intended to be a low-maintenance food source for African predators on the long journey across the ocean. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind when training your Nigerian Dwarf. You'll need well-maintained hoof trimmers and gloves to trim hooves. Protein content is roughly 4.4%. If a kid is screaming, you can help it find the milk. In fact, more and more towns and municipalities are actually loosening restrictions on keeping livestock specifically to accommodate the growing desire to keep Nigerian dwarfs. However, if you're new to raising goats, don't overwhelm yourself. I was told they are a great age for breeding, then told they are to old. The capacity to sustain goats can reduce drastically if the quality of forage is wanting. BREED: The Nigerian Dwarf goat is an American breed developed for small-scale dairy production and companionship. Those meeting dairy standards are popular as homestead and 4-H milkers, while wethers and unregistered doelings have found a market as pets. COLORING: A wide variety of colors and patterns are common. During winter, the grass becomes dormant, and you might have to resort to expensive hays and supplements if you let the herd grow too big in summer. How to bottle feed week old Nigerian dwarf goat. About the book author: Cheryl K. Smith has raised a small herd of Nigerian Dwarf and Oberian dairy goats under the herd name Mystic Acres since 1998. The Nigerian Dwarf described here is a breed developed through selective breeding from those imported from West African countries (likely including Nigeria), so will very likely vary in many traits. We hope this helped with what you want to know about Nigerian Dwarf goats. You don't have to wait for the fall season like with Boers and Nubians, among others. Also, watch for the afterbirth. Nigerian dwarf milk goats actually serve a big purpose on your land. She may eat it for the nutrients. As time goes on, and if you decide to add more Nigerian goats to your herd, you can learn more about what to look for regarding teats, utters, milking ability, and breeding. Danah, Can you tell me what is the difference between nigerian dwarf and pigmy Providing them with plenty of room to graze on good grass and brush also makes for a better herd. HEIGHT TO WITHERS: Normally from 17 in. The first benefit is Nigerian dwarf goats provide milk. As title says, I want to know how many times a day and how much milk replacer to give my ND buckling. Dwarfs are generally good mothers and able to take care of their babies should the owner leave them to raise the kids. Knowing the recommended number of goats per acre is a good place to start. Some predators become more of a threat around kidding season. A play area for them will help keep them active and mentally stimulated. By 1987, IDGR had registered 384 Nigerian Dwarf goats. Hi Judy, a Nigerian Dwarf in great health can live past 15 years, but I wouldnt recommend breeding her past 10 years since she can have more complications as she reaches her senior age. I need diffrence with picture. Like all goats, Nigerian Dwarfs are herd animals and will not be healthy or happy when kept alone. They will strip leaves from trees and devour shrubs before turning to fresh grass as the last option. Therefore, the part of the manger where food comes out should be under 2 feet (0.61m) but off the ground. By using our site, you agree to our. Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Breed Profile, Personality, History, Care Guide Ratios will vary by goat based on factors like diet and age. In Nigeria, these goats are appreciated for their economic value and their ability to provide sustenance for families in rural areas. Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for being friendly, playful, and outgoing. A Nigerian dwarf buck will be friendly and playful. Portions and ratios change based on factors like maturity and lactation. Access to FORAGE PASTURE AREA + MAIN PASTURE AREA for 1 day. Most owners wait until they are a year old, just to be safe. You can tweak this number when raising goats depending on the size of your goats and your farms available resources. Beware if you have a garden. Mature female Nigerian dwarf goats will produce milk. The Nigerian Dwarf goats were originally bred in West Africa, where they were valuable for being easy to care for in harsh conditions, requiring less feed than other goats, but still being a source of meat and milk. Nigerian dwarfs are becoming increasingly popular among hobby farmers due to their stellar milk production. You could fit more of the smaller breeds into an acre if you'd like a bigger herd. Your time is Sincerely appreciated. They have a sweet temperament. Breeding Nigerian Dwarf goats presents the challenge that all goat farmers have: keeping a buck so that you can breed your goats when desired, but isolating him from the does so that they dont breed to early, or more than once. When getting goats, make sure you have enough room for them to romp around and play, and provide them with a sturdy enclosure to keep them in their area. Check with your vet about alfalfa for pregnant and lactating goats. You may have already fallen in love with the lovable, adorable Nigerian dwarf goat after catching just once glance. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). I dont want babies just yet. Access to PASTURE #2 + MAIN PASTURE AREA for 1 day. Heres a rundown of what goes into caring for a Nigerian dwarf once you welcome it into your family: Nigerian dwarf goats need a clean pen, barn, or shed for shelter from predators and weather. You can raise more goats if the piece of land has sufficient levels of grains, grass, and other fodder that your goat breed can feed on than if it is an arid or bare tract. Each production cycle lasts for roughly 10 months. Typically, the bars are spaced 4 inches (10cm) apart. Establish a trusting and loving relationship with your Nigerian Dwarf, and theyll be eager to comply with your wants. Best Fencing for Pygmy and Dwarf Goats (+ What Fence to Avoid) - Farminence Like all goats, Nigerian Dwarf need periodic hoof trimming and deworming, depending on their diet and lifestyle. This is because they produce very nutrient-dense waste for composting. As you will learn, its imperative to feed your goat a balanced diet. A Boer goat farmer should limit his herd to six per acre, while you can rear up to eight Nigerian Dwarfs or Pygmy goats per acre. Toys and apparatuses that allow your goat to jump and romp around are best. Nigerian dwarf goats need shelter, sturdy fencing, food, and water to be happy and healthy. I read in one place it was ok and another not. Known as foragers, they will eat grasses and weeds as well. Dwarf goats are petite. You can search for breeders in your state. The Nigerian dwarf is the smallest goat, so you could fit in 10 goats per acre. Nigerian Dwarf Goat - Breed Profile - Backyard Goats How many goats should you have per acre? Many prefer to start with Nigerian dwarf goat kids (babies). Does rarely suffer from kidding problems. Nigerian Dwarf goats can quickly become lonely if theyre the only one. Pygmy goats have been primarily raised as meat goats. ", "I'm new to raising goats, and this was more than helpful. For this reason, some registries impose a minimum size to discourage breeding to extremes. Thank You, This makes their polyestrous nature favorable. Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for being friendly, playful, and outgoing. Others like coccidia thrive in confined spaces and are the most common causes of diarrhea in young goats who are yet to fully develop their own immunity. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. While a Nigerian Dwarf doe can come into heat when they are 4 months old, you are advised against breeding them until they are at least 8 months. The provision of ample browsing areas also decreases the instances of ingestion of parasitic eggs from grazing forages. CONSERVATION STATUS: Once listed as a rare breed by the Livestock Conservancy, the population had sufficiently grown by 2013 to be removed from the priority list. Even some stray dogs can pose a threat to Nigerian Dwarfs. There are also two different breed standards for Nigerian Dwarf goats, depending on whether they are being used as dairy goats or not. However, you may not know much about them other than the fact that they are downright cute. This mental picture is important as it will anchor how you interpret the rest of this article. If you want them for milk, consider starting with two high quality female kids. But four years isnt old at all, when it comes to breeding age. Ultimate Guide to Raising Goats for Profit - Rural Living