We've got you covered. We hope this post provides some insight into whether Nigerian dwarf dairy goats are the right choice for your farm.   Known for their small size and friendly personality, Nigerian dwarf goats can be a great choice for both small farms and families. Let’s explore what makes these goats unique, including their size, weight, personality, feeding requirements, milk potential, butter fat content, and offspring production.

Size and Weight
Nigerian Dwarf goats are small animals, making them ideal for limited spaces. Adult males, also known as bucks, usually weigh between 75 to 100 pounds, while females, or does, typically weigh around 60 to 80 pounds. Their height averages between 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder, which is quite short compared to other dairy goat breeds.

                                                                                                 Photo Credit: American Dairy Goat Association

Proper fencing is crucial for keeping dairy goats safe and contained. Goats are curious creatures and can escape if given the chance. Due to their size, Nigerians can be a little harder contain than full sized goats.  A sturdy fence should be at least 4 to 5 feet high and made of materials like woven wire or electric fencing. Make sure there are no gaps or holes where goats could squeeze through. Regularly check the fence for damage and repair it as needed. We use electric netting to create multiple paddocks, breeding pens, or provide extra security when needed.

Personality
These goats are known for their friendly and playful nature. They are social animals that enjoy being around people and other goats. Their curious and affectionate behavior makes them great companions. Nigerian Dwarfs are also intelligent and can be trained to follow commands, which can be fun for both owners and the goats. They love routine, so it has been easy to train them to a specific milking routine, which makes milking so much easier and less chaotic.

Feeding Requirements
Feeding Nigerian Dwarf goats properly is essential for their health and milk production. They require a balanced diet that includes hay, pasture, and specially formulated goat feed containing grains. Goats also need access to fresh water at all times. It’s important to monitor their diet to ensure they receive the right vitamins and minerals for optimal growth and milk production. We feed our pregnant does and milkers a mix of high-protein goat pellets, alfalfa pellets, black oil sunflower seeds, and oats.

Milk Potential
Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for their impressive milk production relative to their size. An average Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce around 1 to 2 quarts of milk per day. This milk is rich and creamy, making it perfect for making cheese and butter. Their milk production can vary based on factors such as diet, health, and genetics.

Butter Fat Content
One of the standout features of Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats is the high butterfat content of their milk. On average, their milk contains about 6% to 10% butterfat, which is significantly higher than many other dairy goat breeds. This high butterfat level contributes to the rich flavor and creamy texture of the milk, making it highly sought after for dairy products.

Offspring Production
Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for their reproductive efficiency. A healthy doe can give birth to one to four kids per pregnancy, with twins being the most common. The kids are usually born in the spring, which is an ideal time for their growth. Proper care during and after pregnancy is crucial to ensure the health of both the mother and her offspring.

Nigerian Dwarf Dairy goats are an excellent choice for those interested in raising goats. Their small size, friendly nature, and high-quality milk make them a valuable addition to any small farm or homestead. Whether for companionship, or dairy production, these goats are sure to bring joy and productivity to their owners.