Nigerian Dwarf Grading System

ELIGIBILITY

Animals with Nigerian Dwarf genetics entering the MGBA database must be DNA verified against parent’s DNA record(s) and traceable back to USA purebred imports who must have appropriate import documentation. Animals will be registered with DNA verified percentage (imported bloodlines) listed.

RECOGNITION

HERDBOOK PUREBRED 100%

Animals derived from overseas purebred Nigerian Dwarf Goats as embryos, or born in Australia from 100% purebred parents or from imported semen. 

HERDBOOK PUREBRED - 15/16 = 93.75%

Animals derived from the use of overseas Purebred Nigerian Dwarf semen or Australian Nigerian Dwarf Herdbook parentage.

GENETIC RECOVERY

(GR) Australian Nigerian Dwarf stock less than 15/16ths (93.75%) percentage.

NIGERIAN DWARF GRADING SYSTEM

HERDBOOK PUREBRED (15/16) = 93.75%

  • Animals must conform to breed type of parents and be DNA verified against parent’s DNA record(s).
  • Does not exceeding 57.0cm. Bucks and Wethers not exceeding 60.0cm at 3 years.
  • Height verified by Qualified/Certified MGBA measurer(s).
  • Animals should be microchipped.

PUREBRED (7/8) = 87.5% 

  • Animals must conform to breed type of parents and be DNA verified against parent’s DNA record(s).
  • Does not exceeding 57.0cm. Bucks and Wethers not exceeding 60.0cm at 3 years.
  • Height verified by Qualified/Certified MGBA measurer(s).
  • Animals should be microchipped

SECOND CROSS (3/4) = 75%

  • Animals must conform to breed type of parents and be DNA verified against parent’s DNA record(s).
  • Does not exceeding 58.5cm. Bucks and Wethers not exceeding 61.0cm at 3 years.

FIRST CROSS (1/2) = 50%

  • Animals must conform to breed type of parents and be DNA verified against parent’s DNA record(s).
  • Does not exceeding 59.7cm. Bucks and Wethers not exceeding 62.2cm at 3 years.

MGBA recognises animals with less than 50% Nigerian Dwarf genetics, these animals require DNA parent verification for their percentage to be recognised and used in the Nigerian Dwarf genetic recovery breeding program and recording for registration purposes. Eg. 25% (DNA parent verified) X 75% (DNAPV) to produce 50% offspring. 

MGBA recognises percentages outside the standard crosses above (eg. 62.5%) these animals are also subject to DNA test requirements.

The use of both male and female herd book purebred ensures that sex-specific genetic material is accessible (Sponenberg, 2002S)

DNA REQUIREMENTS FOR WETHERS

Nigerian Dwarf & Pygmy wethers (not used as bucks) to not require routine DNA parent verification testing for registration purposes with the MGBA, with the provision that – wethers will not be exempt from DNA parentage audits (where required) and Show Wethers must be DNA parent verified to be shown.

DAIRY FOUNDATION

Over height animals – will not be excluded from registration.

UNDER HEIGHT

Adult Bucks 53.3cm and under and Adult Does 46cm and under are to be height verified by or under the direction of a Certified MGBA measurer to be considered for registration. Under 17” (43.1cm) in height as an adult is considered a disqualifying breed fault.

NIGERIAN DWARF GENETICS IN AUSTRALIAN MINIATURE BREEDING

First cross (50%) animals are equivalent to Grade B for Australian Miniature Goat (AMG) breeding purposes.

THE NIGERIAN DWARF BREED STANDARD
READ ALL ABOUT THE NIGERIAN DWARF GOAT BREED