Nigerian Dwarf Goat
(Capra hircus hircus nigerian
dwarf)
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Capra
Species: hircus hircus nigerian dwarf
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HABITAT AND RANGE:
The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature goat
of West African origin. Nigerian Dwarf
Goats were imported into the United
States between the 1930s and 1950s, used
originally as exhibition animals in
zoos. The goats later became popular as
companion animals. |
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Nigerian Dwarf Goats come in all sorts
of colors and patterns, including bi-
and tri-color combinations. Horns may or
may not be present. These goats vary in
size, with bucks’ height up to 23 ½
inches at the withers and does’ height
up to 22 ¼ inches. |
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ADAPTATIONS:
The Nigerian Dwarf was originally
selected as a companion and show animal,
with emphasis on the breed’s graceful
appearance and gentle disposition. The
production qualities of the breed,
however, have also attracted attention.
Nigerian Dwarf does produce one to two
quarts of milk per day. The milk is high
in butterfat and makes excellent cheese
and butter. |
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DIET:
Their diet is almost exclusively hay and
grass. |
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REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT:
They generally breed year round and
usually produce twins. |
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STATUS IN WILD:
They are listed as Recovering in the
wild. Globally, their population is at
more than 10,000. |
