Nigerian Dwarf Goat

About Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Nigerian dwarf goats are short, stocky goats who were bred as show animals or companion animals. They resemble a miniature dairy goats, with straight coats that may be black, brown, red, gold or multi-colored. Females can produce up to 2 quarts of milk per day. This milk is higher in butterfat and protein than other goat milk, making it ideal for butter and cheese production.

Because of their calm temperament and size, Nigerian dwarf goats also interact well with children and other animals, making them a favorite for many up-close experiences in zoos. These goats usually weigh about 75 lbs. and can be horned or hornless.

Nigerian Dwarf Goat at the Akron Zoo

Nigerian dwarf goats live at the Akron Zoo in Landon & Cynthia Knight Pride of Africa in the boma. Guests can purchase crackers, while supplies last, to feed the goats.

Pinto – male, white with horns, born August 21, 2016
Mustang – male, lighter brown with horns, born June 30, 2016
Cooper – male, dark brown with horns, born August 21, 2016
Nixon – male, multi-colored but more black on his neck and body, born March 13, 2015
Cash – male, multi-colored but has less black, born March 29, 2015
Tango – male, multi-colored with a white stripe on the back of his neck, born March 29, 2015
Sinatra – male, all black with blue eyes, born March 20, 2015
Flash Gordon – male, mostly black with some white and brown eyes, born March 13, 2015
Travis – male, black and mostly white with blue eyes, born February 8, 2015
Rizzo – male, multi-colored and the smallest of the bunch, born September 9, 2014
CK – male, black with white spot on head and near right hip, born on March 18, 2015
Denali – female, white fur with caramel patches, born on March 31, 2015
Dyson – female, mostly white fur with black patches and spots, born on March 13, 2015
Jones – male, tri-colored with white patch down the right side of face, born on Sept. 9, 2014
Laverne – female, mostly caramel-colored fur with white patches, born on July 30, 2014
Shirley – female, multi-colored with large gray patch on both sides, born on July 30, 2014

Classification

Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Capra
Species: aegagrus hircus

Fun Fact

Goats were the first animals used for milk by humans. Today, 72% of the milk consumed around the world is from goats. It is richer than cow’s milk, more nourishing and easier to digest.

Habitat

Originally these goats lived in the wet tropics and damp savannas of western Africa. They are now found on farms, petting zoos and backyards as pets and domestic livestock. They can thrive in a wide range of climates.

Geographic Range

The Nigerian dwarf goat was first bred in western and central African countries, though the species is now found throughout the world.

Diet

Nigerian dwarf goats mostly eat grasses, plants and parts of small shrubs or trees. These goats can even eat poison ivy or poison oak without feeling the effect, and many goat owners take advantage of this, letting their goats clear plants that other animals won’t eat. They can improve pastures by removing weedy undergrowth and invasive plant species.

Population Status

In the 20th century, there was concern about the viability of the breed. However, as they became more popular in human care, their numbers grew rapidly. A herdbook was established in 1980 and the breed was recognized by the American Dairy Goat Association in 2005. Later these goats were listed on the watch-list as a heritage breed by the Livestock Conservancy as recovering, and the species has been considered recovered since 2013.

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Nigerian Dwarf Goat

About Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Nigerian Dwarf Goat at the Akron Zoo

Classification

Fun Fact

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