Registered Nigerian Dwarf Goats
These Nigerian Dwarf goats are amazing! They offer everything a family could want from a goat whether it is milk/cheese production, a fun 4-H project, weed eating, or hardy pasture pets. Nigerian Dwarf goats carry correct dairy conformation in a miniature body. A good milking doe will produce anywhere from two to four quarts (1/2 - 1 gallon) of milk daily when in peak production. Nigerian Dwarf goat milk is higher in protein and butter fat than most other dairy breeds which makes their milk nutritious and delicious with no disagreeable goat flavor. You won't find a more satisfying Chevre than one that is made from Nigerian Dwarf goat milk!
Nigerian Dwarf goats bond strongly to people and other farm animals making them a true pleasure to raise. The breed carries an infinite number of color patterns which is really fun come kidding time when you get to see what crosses produce what variety of patterns. My goats are bred to maintain correct dairy conformation with excellent mammary systems and good milk production. While I have not yet had an opportunity to show my goats I plan to start them on a DHI program so that their milk production can be evaluated over time.
Routine Goat Care
Nigerian Dwarf goats are easy to maintain with the proper set up. They require good shelter, sturdy fencing, and quality forage. My goats' diet consists of grass/alfalfa mix hay in winter and pasture grass the rest of the year. Throughout the summer and into the fall they get ample opportunity to browse the creek bank. They love to eat the shrubs, trees, and various weeds that grow alongside the water. When on the milk stand my does receive a nutritionally balanced grain blend to promote milk production and maintain their body condition.
The goats also have free choice access to a Montana specific goat mineral mix, an iodized or selenium loose salt, dicalcium phosphorous, and organic kelp. If I find my goats need more copper than they are getting from their mineral mix I consider bolusing them with the weight appropriate dose of Copasure copper oxide wire particles (COWP). The copper oxide rods found in Copasure are a slow release source of copper. Because the rods get stuck in the folds of the goat's abomasum (stomach), they have a direct effect inhibiting the barber pole worm (haemonchus). Haemonchus is a parasite notorious for causing anemia and other significant health problems in goats and sheep worldwide. It is important to monitor copper levels, however, since too much copper can cause toxicity and death. Because our region is so selenium deficient I supplement their minerals with a chelated selenium product Sel-Plex. Finally, I trim feet as needed to promote structural soundness and to prevent hoof issues from improper growth.
All Nigerian Dwarf goats at Hyalite Farm are negative for CAE, CL, Brucellosis, and TB. Montana is certified TB free, and all goats that come to Hyalite Farm from out of state are tested before entry is permitted. The latest (negative) herd tests for CAE were performed in March of 2013. I vaccinate with a combination of tetanus and clostridium types C and D. The bred does receive a vaccine 2-4 weeks before kidding. I typically vaccinate kids at 2-3 months of age and booster at 4 months of age.
Here at Hyalite Farm I strive to maintain optimal herd health through balancing natural management techniques with the occasional need for appropriate pharmaceutical intervention. I find this approach works well for my herd!
The goats also have free choice access to a Montana specific goat mineral mix, an iodized or selenium loose salt, dicalcium phosphorous, and organic kelp. If I find my goats need more copper than they are getting from their mineral mix I consider bolusing them with the weight appropriate dose of Copasure copper oxide wire particles (COWP). The copper oxide rods found in Copasure are a slow release source of copper. Because the rods get stuck in the folds of the goat's abomasum (stomach), they have a direct effect inhibiting the barber pole worm (haemonchus). Haemonchus is a parasite notorious for causing anemia and other significant health problems in goats and sheep worldwide. It is important to monitor copper levels, however, since too much copper can cause toxicity and death. Because our region is so selenium deficient I supplement their minerals with a chelated selenium product Sel-Plex. Finally, I trim feet as needed to promote structural soundness and to prevent hoof issues from improper growth.
All Nigerian Dwarf goats at Hyalite Farm are negative for CAE, CL, Brucellosis, and TB. Montana is certified TB free, and all goats that come to Hyalite Farm from out of state are tested before entry is permitted. The latest (negative) herd tests for CAE were performed in March of 2013. I vaccinate with a combination of tetanus and clostridium types C and D. The bred does receive a vaccine 2-4 weeks before kidding. I typically vaccinate kids at 2-3 months of age and booster at 4 months of age.
Here at Hyalite Farm I strive to maintain optimal herd health through balancing natural management techniques with the occasional need for appropriate pharmaceutical intervention. I find this approach works well for my herd!
Disclaimer
**Please note that my thoughts on maintaining herd health pertain only to my own herd. My comments should not be considered general medical advice. Please consult your own veterinarian when making decisions regarding your herd's unique health requirements!