NIGERIAN DWARF
FAST FACTS
NATURE
Very gentle, loving and easily trained.
SIZE
57cm or under for does and 60 cm or under for bucks.
LIFESPAN
Nigerian Dwarf goats can live anywhere between 10 to 15 years.
BREEDING
Nigerian Dwarf goats can be breed from 12 months or 18+ kilos,
PRICE
The Nigerian Dwarf Breed
ORIGIN
The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a miniature breed of dairy goat originating in West Africa and developed in the United States. The first breed genetics were imported to Australia in 2013. The MGBA has adopted standards and rules (including DNA parent verification) to support the use of imported semen in genetic recovery programs (percentage breeding) in Australia.
TEMPERAMENT
Very gentle and loveable, easy to train.
USES
Miniature milking breed and great pets. Dwarf goats are bred to have the length of body and structure, in proportion, of a dairy goat. Dwarf goats are characteristically a high milk producing miniature dairy breed at around 1.8 litres per day. Their milk has a higher butterfat content than milk from full-sized dairy goats, averaging 6.5% according to the American Dairy Goat Association. Later in lactation, butterfat can go up to 10% or even higher. This makes the Dwarf goat milk excellent for cheese and soap making. Easy to train, this, along with their small size and colourful appearance also makes them popular as pets.
SIZE
Purebred Adult does up to 57cm and Bucks/wethers up to 60cm.
LIFESPAN
If in good health and well looked after, Nigerian Dwarf goats can live anywhere between 10 to 15 years.
BREEDING
Pairing can be younger than the other miniature breeds generally based on weight, rather than age. Ideally breeding from 12 months or 18 kgs+. Gestation is 145 to 153 days. Dwarf does can have several kids at a time, 3 and 4 being common and sometimes even 5. Easy birthers with very few birthing problems.
PRICE
As this is a relatively new breed to Australia, Nigerian Dwarf goats are individually priced by studs based on % genetics, gender, breed type, availability, show status and demand.
Nigerian Dwarf goats should be advertised with their % genetics. MGBA recommends you obtain a copy of the DNA parental verification papers before buying Nigerian Dwarf breeding animals.
| NIGERIAN DWARF TYPE | PRICE |
|---|---|
| PETS - DESEXED MALES (WETHERS) | $300 TO $500 |
| BREEDING STOCK – ANIMALS UP TO 50% DWARF (DNA VERIFIED) | UP TO $1,000 |
| BREEDING STOCK - 2ND CROSS NIGERIAN DWARF OVER 50% (DNA VERIFIED) | $1,000 TO $4,000 plus |
| BREEDING STOCK – PUREBRED DWARF OF 87.5%+ (DNA VERIFIED) | PRICES START AT $3,000 |
All prices quoted are an average only and vary dependent or quality and availability and a rough guide at June 2019.
SUITABILITY
The Nigerian Dwarf has an impeccable temperament, and their small size makes them easy to handle and milk for people or all ages. They make wonderful pets for young and old alike.
REGISTRATIONS
Nigerian Dwarf percentage and purebred animals enter the MGBA registry with DNA parental verification documentation.