Tranquility Acres Farm

TRANQUILITY ACRES NIGERIAN DWARF GOAT FARM

INFORMATION SHEET

Did you know?

The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin. Their small size means they do not require as much space as larger goats and their gentle, friendly personalities make them good companion pets for children.
A healthy Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce up to two quarts of milk per day AND Nigerian Dwarf milk is higher in butterfat (6-10%) and higher in protein content than most other dairy breeds.
Ideal height of Nigerian Dwarf goats is 17” to 19” for does (adult females) with does up to 21” allowed in the breed standard and 19” to 20” for bucks (adult males) with bucks up to 23” allowed. Ideal weight is about 75 lbs.
For one to just a few goats, many owners find an oversized dog house or two with fresh hay or straw for bedding and adequate fencing to prevent “escapes” and to protect your goats from predators.
Most owners feed a 12-18% protein goat feed or dairy ration. The amount depends on how much pasture and browse are available. Hay or pasture should always be available free choice and fresh water in clean containers should also be available.
Dwarfs can come in many colors. Main color families are black, chocolate and gold with many different color combinations. They can be spotted, pinto-patterned, tri-colored or solid jet black, white, chocolate or gold. Brown eyes are most common; however, dwarfs with china blue eyes are becoming increasingly available
Although they have similar origins, Nigerian Dwarf and African Pygmy goats are separate and distinct breeds. Pygmies are bred to be “cobby” and heavy boned. Dwarfs have longer bodies and structure in proportion to their larger dairy counterparts.
Dwarf goats breed year around. The gestation period for a doe is 145-153 days. New babies average about 2 lbs. at birth. Dwarfs can have several kids at a time, sometimes 3 and 4 and does generally make excellent mothers.

Average cost for registered breeding stock is $200-500, with champion pedigrees, milk production record animals and unusual coloring such as blue eyes and moon spots receiving premium prices. Pet quality stock often costs much less, with wethers (neutered males), which make GREAT PETS, costing around $50 to $100.