The Nigerian dwarf goat traces its origin to Western Africa. The breed particularly rose to popularity because of its small size and beautiful body marks. These goats have been in existence for a very long period of time now, but they have not been as popular as they are today. The small size is an advantage to farmers in many different ways. Here are facts regarding Nigerian dwarf goat farms.
First and foremost, many individuals prefer Nigeria Dwarf goats due to their small size which makes them easy to raise even on small sizes of land. Under the US department of agriculture, this breed is classified as a dairy goat. Many other breeds fall in this category, but those are large in size. Keeping the other larger breeds requires a lot of feed and space.
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.
Many people also prefer these goats because of their high milk production capability. They can produce about two quarts of milk per day. Other than being too nutritious, the milk is also sweet. The milk produced by the goats is amongst those with highest butterfat content in the entire animal family. Protein in the milk is also very high.
Despite the fact that the goats can produce so much milk in a single day, many farmers who keep them do not do so for the milk. As a fact, many individuals do not milk the goats for commercial purposes of domestic use. Instead, these goats are kept as pets. The animals provide company to their owners that many people love and enjoy.
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.
These goats come in any color or combination of colors and it is acceptable according to conformation standards. The ideal height is 17 to 19 inches for the females. The males should reach a height of between 19 and 21 inches. Although rare, it is acceptable for the females to reach 21 inches while males can reach 23 inches.
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.
First and foremost, many individuals prefer Nigeria Dwarf goats due to their small size which makes them easy to raise even on small sizes of land. Under the US department of agriculture, this breed is classified as a dairy goat. Many other breeds fall in this category, but those are large in size. Keeping the other larger breeds requires a lot of feed and space.
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.
Many people also prefer these goats because of their high milk production capability. They can produce about two quarts of milk per day. Other than being too nutritious, the milk is also sweet. The milk produced by the goats is amongst those with highest butterfat content in the entire animal family. Protein in the milk is also very high.
Despite the fact that the goats can produce so much milk in a single day, many farmers who keep them do not do so for the milk. As a fact, many individuals do not milk the goats for commercial purposes of domestic use. Instead, these goats are kept as pets. The animals provide company to their owners that many people love and enjoy.
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.
These goats come in any color or combination of colors and it is acceptable according to conformation standards. The ideal height is 17 to 19 inches for the females. The males should reach a height of between 19 and 21 inches. Although rare, it is acceptable for the females to reach 21 inches while males can reach 23 inches.
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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