Western Africa is the origin of the Nigerian dwarf goats. The small body size and beautiful marks on the body of the goats makes them very popular. The existence of these goats has a long history. However, their popularity has increased a lot in the recent years. Farmers get several advantages from raising the goats because of their small size. This is what Nigerian dwarf goat farms are all about.
To begin with, people prefer Nigeria Dwarf goats because their small size makes it easier to raise them even on small parcels of land. The breed is classified as a dairy goat by the US Department of Agriculture. There are several other breeds of goats that fall in the same category, but they are much bigger in size. Rearing them would require more space and feed.
The breed is safe to handle owing to their gentle nature and small size. Unlike other goats, this breed is naturally not aggressive. Hence, the goats can be easily handled. Children could be left to handle them without the risk of injuries or accidents. Given that they classified under dairy livestock, they are eligible for 4H and youth FFA 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.
Conformation standards permit the goats to be of any color or combination of colors. The standard height for females is between 17 and 19 inches. On the other hand, the males should grow to a height of between 19 and 21 inches. Female goats can grow to a height of 21 inches and males can attain a height of 23 inches in extreme conditions.
Seventy five pounds is the general acceptable weight. Normally, animals which are heavier or have other deformities are disqualified. Some of the deformities include Roman nose, pendulous ears, and a curly coat. When one is shopping for the goat, it is prudent to be accompanied by an expert who will help with ensuring conformity. Alternatively, one could request the farmer for the registration certificate of the goat to verify conformity.
To begin with, people prefer Nigeria Dwarf goats because their small size makes it easier to raise them even on small parcels of land. The breed is classified as a dairy goat by the US Department of Agriculture. There are several other breeds of goats that fall in the same category, but they are much bigger in size. Rearing them would require more space and feed.
The breed is safe to handle owing to their gentle nature and small size. Unlike other goats, this breed is naturally not aggressive. Hence, the goats can be easily handled. Children could be left to handle them without the risk of injuries or accidents. Given that they classified under dairy livestock, they are eligible for 4H and youth FFA 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.
Conformation standards permit the goats to be of any color or combination of colors. The standard height for females is between 17 and 19 inches. On the other hand, the males should grow to a height of between 19 and 21 inches. Female goats can grow to a height of 21 inches and males can attain a height of 23 inches in extreme conditions.
Seventy five pounds is the general acceptable weight. Normally, animals which are heavier or have other deformities are disqualified. Some of the deformities include Roman nose, pendulous ears, and a curly coat. When one is shopping for the goat, it is prudent to be accompanied by an expert who will help with ensuring conformity. Alternatively, one could request the farmer for the registration certificate of the goat to verify conformity.
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