
2009- Pholia Farm- Best Dairy Herd District 7 Nigerian Specialty
Class, CherryTart, Harriet, Delite, and Deana
Nigerian Dwarf Goats
The Nigerian
Dwarf Dairy goat is a relatively new breed of dairy goat. They have
been recognized by the American Goat Society
since the 1980's and were given a purebred herdbook (in 2005) by the American Dairy Goat
Association which has opened many show opportunities as well as making
available programs such as Linear Appraisal.
While Pygmy goats and
Nigerians share a common ancestor, the West African Dwarf, the
two breeds have become distinctively different, with the Pygmy
having a much stouter and blockier build, less milking capacity,
and not coming in the colorations of the Nigerian. Another
difference is in kidding difficulties. The Pygmy,
unfortunately, has developed a reputation for very difficult
kiddings, while the Nigerian remains an "easy" kidder.
Both the
small breeds make exceptional pets and horse companions and
while Pygmy goats can give a decent amount of milk (with the same
high butterfat and protein levels as the Nigerian), the Nigerian is
continually being improved in its the milk production capacity and dairy
character.
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