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Goat Care Information
Goats and Goat Care
The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin.
Nigerian Dwarves have three different color lines -- black
and white, brown, which can be broken with white, and gold which can also
be broken with white. Bucks are to be no more than 23 inches at the withers,
and does no more than 21 inches. Dwarf goats are gentle and lovable. Even
breeding bucks are handled easily. They make wonderful pets and great animal
projects for young children in 4-H. Breeders of other types of goats find
that their Dwarves blend in with the rest of their herd well and do not need
special quarters; just adequate fencing to contain them because of their
small size.
Dwarf goat's breed year round. Many breeders breed their
does three times in two years, giving the doe a 6-month plus break. This
is of course a personal choice for each breeder.
Kidding is always an exciting time for Dwarf
breeders. New babies are too cute! They average about 2 lbs. at birth but
grow quickly. Watch out for those little bucks! Those little guys have been
known to breed and be fertile as young as 7 weeks of age. Make sure you wean
does and bucks separately so this does not happen. Does can be bred at 7-8
months of age if they have reached good size. Some breeders prefer to wait
until they are at least 1 year or older. Dwarf does can have several kids
at a time, 3, and 4 being common and sometimes even 5. Dwarfs are generally
good mothers able to take care of their babies should you leave them to do
the raising of the kids. They can also provide a surprising amount of milk
for their size if you decide you want your own delicious goat milk. Bucks
can be used for service as young as 3 months of age and easily by the time
they are 7 or 8 months old. Dwarf bucks are vigorous breeders but are gentle
enough to be used for hand breeding or pasture breeding. Both methods are
used successfully.
Most breeders feed a 16-18% protein goat feed or dairy ration.
It must not contain urea, as this is toxic to goats. Free choice grain may
be fed to kids via a creep feeder or just whatever they can get "mom" to
share. Many breeders give less grain if good pasture and browse is available.
Hay or pasture should always be available free choice. Fresh, clean water
in clean containers should also be available at all times.
Dwarf goats, like all other breeds, need some basic care
for good health and long life.
·Hooves should be trimmed regularly, about every 4
to 8 weeks. A properly trimmed hoof should be shaped the same as kid goats'.
·Vaccination for tetanus, types C&D enterotoxemia are the basic
types given. Check with your local vet for further information or other
vaccinations recommended for your area. ·Worming should be done several
times a year. Your vet can suggest a good schedule for your particular herd's
needs. ·Goats should be kept in clean pens free of dampness, drafts,
and pests like flies and rodents. (Not air tight buildings; they need to
be well ventilated)
Dwarf goats are not allowed in 3 registries. American Goat
Society (AGS), International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR), and Canadian Goat
Society (CGS). Dwarf shows are growing in popularity and becoming more and
more available. Most are sanctioned by (AGS) and some by an organization
that provides alternative sanctioning (NDGA).
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