Thursday, September 6, 2012

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!

This post is linked to
Weekend Whatever
Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways Blog Hop
Natural Living Monday

4 comments:

  1. They are so cute! I love goats! I want to own one someday (or have one own me, lol)

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  2. Hi Jesalynn! We just got Nigerian Dwarf goats, too! They are the cutest babies! I am so excited to finally be a goat 'momma'! I can hardly wait to breed them so we can have more babies, and milk! Thanks for sharing! Blessings from Bama!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by! Goats are so much fun! I'm eager for babies and milk too!

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  3. I really love goats and can't wait till I have the space for a few. I especially like Nigerian dwarf goats! I'd love it if you linked up this post at my new sustainable living link-up, Small Footprint Fridays!

    http://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/small-footprint-friday-sustainable-living-linkup-100512

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