Nigerian Dwarf Goats!

Introducing the new residents at Bloomin' Barnyard:   

Ellen & Betsy

Hans

I have been fascinated with all that I have learned about the Nigerian Dwarf breed recently.  They originate in Western Africa and it is thought that when big cats were shipped over to zoos here in America, the goats were sent along as food during the trip.  The goats that survived went on to live in zoos.  As the population increased they were eventually owned by individuals as well.  They were originally know as Pygmy goats but breeders began to recognize that within the Pygmy breed, there were two different types, the one being a more refined, dairy type.  These became the Nigerian Dwarf breed.

I became interested in owning some Nigerian's for several reason's.  They are a smaller goat and thus do not require as much space, grain and hay.  They do not give as much milk as the larger breeds but do give a lot for their size!  Since they can be bred year around, breeding's can be staggered to give a more consistent milk supply.  Their milk has higher butterfat content averaging 5% but can be as high as 10% - excellent for cheese making! 

Ellen, Betsy and Hans came to us from the Kirk family at Taste and See Home Dairy in Slanesville, WV.  They are from an excellent line of dairy breeding stock and we look forward to Ellen & Betsy freshening, hopefully in early Spring!

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