Nigerian Dwarf Goats
At Krebs Dairy Goats, our priority is to breed Nigerian Dwarf goats that are practical, high-production milkers with the excellent dairy conformation that exemplifies a true miniature dairy goat. We breed for traits related to ease of hand milking, such as large teat size (large teats are vital for Nigerians, as many lines have small teats that are difficult to hand milk). All of our goats are dual-registered with the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) and the American Goat Society (AGS). We are an ADGA Plus member and participate in ADGA and AGS DHIR 305-Day Milk Testing and 1-Day Milk Testing. Our herd name is "Krebs."
Our herd is tested free of the goat diseases CAE, CL, and Johne's, and our milking does are annually tested free of brucellosis and Q-fever. Read more about our herd's health here.
Our herd is tested free of the goat diseases CAE, CL, and Johne's, and our milking does are annually tested free of brucellosis and Q-fever. Read more about our herd's health here.
About Nigerians
Nigerian Dwarf Goats originated in West Africa, and it is believed that they were first imported to the United States to serve as big cat food. Apparently, some wise people recognized their potential beyond dinner, and Nigerians are now an extremely popular goat for milk production, showing, and pets.
Nigerians' milk has the highest butterfat content of all breeds of dairy goats and cattle. Their milk is sweet and creamy, free of the unappealing "goaty" flavor people often associate with goats' milk. The high butterfat content also makes it ideal for making cheese, butter, and soap. A good Nigerian doe can produce over a half gallon of milk a day. People who are sensitive to cow's milk can often drink goat's milk since it is easier to digest.
Nigerian Dwarf Goats are the smallest breed of dairy goat and should look like a miniature version of the larger dairy breeds. The maximum acceptable height for bucks is 23 1/2" at the withers and for does is 22 1/2" at the withers. Their small size makes them practical homestead dairy animals since they are easy to care for, handle, and accommodate. They are also perfect for 4-H or FFA since children can handle them easily.
Nigerians does are known for their large litters and typically give birth to two to four kids at a time. Unlike many larger dairy goats that only breed seasonally, Nigerians have the advantage of breeding year-round, so you can "stagger" kidding in order to get the optimal amount of milk throughout the year.
Nigerians are extremely friendly, cute, and intelligent. Besides all their practical dairy qualities, they make great pets. They can be trained like dogs (even house trained). They also like to eat all kinds of weeds and brush and are excellent for controlling weeds, including knapweed, tansy, leafy spurge, etc. They come in a huge variety of colors, shades, and patterns and are the only ADGA/AGS-recognized dairy breed that can have either brown or blue eyes.
Further Reading About Nigerians and Dairy Goats
~ American Dairy Goat Association
~ American Goat Society
~ American Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Association
~ Nigerian Dairy Goat Association
Nigerians' milk has the highest butterfat content of all breeds of dairy goats and cattle. Their milk is sweet and creamy, free of the unappealing "goaty" flavor people often associate with goats' milk. The high butterfat content also makes it ideal for making cheese, butter, and soap. A good Nigerian doe can produce over a half gallon of milk a day. People who are sensitive to cow's milk can often drink goat's milk since it is easier to digest.
Nigerian Dwarf Goats are the smallest breed of dairy goat and should look like a miniature version of the larger dairy breeds. The maximum acceptable height for bucks is 23 1/2" at the withers and for does is 22 1/2" at the withers. Their small size makes them practical homestead dairy animals since they are easy to care for, handle, and accommodate. They are also perfect for 4-H or FFA since children can handle them easily.
Nigerians does are known for their large litters and typically give birth to two to four kids at a time. Unlike many larger dairy goats that only breed seasonally, Nigerians have the advantage of breeding year-round, so you can "stagger" kidding in order to get the optimal amount of milk throughout the year.
Nigerians are extremely friendly, cute, and intelligent. Besides all their practical dairy qualities, they make great pets. They can be trained like dogs (even house trained). They also like to eat all kinds of weeds and brush and are excellent for controlling weeds, including knapweed, tansy, leafy spurge, etc. They come in a huge variety of colors, shades, and patterns and are the only ADGA/AGS-recognized dairy breed that can have either brown or blue eyes.
Further Reading About Nigerians and Dairy Goats
~ American Dairy Goat Association
~ American Goat Society
~ American Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Association
~ Nigerian Dairy Goat Association
