ORDER

Artiodactyla

FAMILY

Bovidae

HABITAT AND RANGE

They are found in West Africa in the mountain country and some lowlands on rough ground.

IDENTIFICATION

The Nigerian Dwarf Goat is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin. Often confused with the more common pigmy goats, these goats are smaller and not as stocky. The Nigerian Dwarf Goat has three different color lines: black and white, brown (which can be broken with white) and gold (which can be broken with white). Both sexes have horns. The fleshy things under their chins are called wattles and serve no useful purpose. Males (bucks) are no more than 23 inches at the withers and females (does) are no more than 21 inches. The imported goat can tolerate hot, dry climates but also adapts to cold climates by growing a think wooly undercoat.

DIET

They eat hay, grass and on farms they are usually given protein goat food or dairy ration and grain.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPAN

On average, they can live between 15 and 20 years. These goats can breed all year round. The males can start breeding when they are four months old and the females can start breeding when they are seven or eight months old. The females are very good mothers and can have three, four, or even six kids at a time. Twins are the most common. The gestation period is about 5 months.

NOTES

These goats are considered rare and there are conservation efforts underway. Nigerian Dwarf Goats are different from pigmy goats because of their longer bodies and they also have more finesse because the pigmy goats have much heavier bones. The Nigerian Dwarf Goats are raised for their milk. The coloring of these goats can never really be determined before birth. Goats are herd animals. An old female usually leads the herd. They raise their hackles (hair along the spine) when alarmed. Domesticated, these goats are gentle and loveable. They make great pets and wonderful animal projects for young children.