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.
The first reason why people prefer them is due to their small size which makes them easy to raise even on small parcels of land. The US Department of Agriculture classifies these goats under dairy goats. There are other goats which fall in the category of dairy goats but they are larger. The bigger goats require more space to be reared and feed requirements are high too.
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.
Even though these goats have the capability to produce a lot of milk in a day, most farmers who keep them do not do so for milk. In fact, most of the people do not milk the animals in order to benefit from the milk supply for domestic or commercial purposes. Instead, they raise the animals as pets. The company that these animals provide is loved by many people.
The Nigerian dwarf is an authentic breed which has stringent conformation standards. The standards for the breed are similar to those adhered to by large dairy goats. First, body parts of the goats are supposed to be proportional. The nose ought to be straight with ears standing upright. Also, the coat is supposed to have hair that grows 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.
The first reason why people prefer them is due to their small size which makes them easy to raise even on small parcels of land. The US Department of Agriculture classifies these goats under dairy goats. There are other goats which fall in the category of dairy goats but they are larger. The bigger goats require more space to be reared and feed requirements are high too.
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.
Even though these goats have the capability to produce a lot of milk in a day, most farmers who keep them do not do so for milk. In fact, most of the people do not milk the animals in order to benefit from the milk supply for domestic or commercial purposes. Instead, they raise the animals as pets. The company that these animals provide is loved by many people.
The Nigerian dwarf is an authentic breed which has stringent conformation standards. The standards for the breed are similar to those adhered to by large dairy goats. First, body parts of the goats are supposed to be proportional. The nose ought to be straight with ears standing upright. Also, the coat is supposed to have hair that grows 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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