Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats
The Nigerian Dwarf is a true miniature breed of dairy goat, with erect ears and a variety of coat colours and patterns. Because of their size they are very popular as home milkers, homesteading animals and pets. The Nigerian Dwarf produces an average of 1.8L of milk at their peak, with the maximum being 4L for exceptional does. Their butterfat percentage is known as being higher than other dairy breeds, on average 6.5-10%, with higher protein content as well. For this reason they are popular with artisan cheese makers.
The Nigerian Dwarf breed was refined and developed in America, from small goats of West African origin (the West African Dwarf). These little goats were used as a feed source for the large cats which were shipped to zoos in the USA. Those that survived became zoo attractions themselves, and were eventually sold to private collectors/breeders. Two different lines were created from the selective breeding of these animals, one being a cobby breed now known as the Pygmy, and the other being an elegant dairy goat, the Nigerian Dwarf. The American Dairy Goat Association accepted the breed in 2002 and it is one of the most popular breeds in the country.
Genetic material was imported into Australia by Michael and Ulrike Garwood (First Fleet Stud, Victoria) in 2014 and Paul Hamilton (Semtech Animal Breeding Service) in 2015.
Serendipity Stud is extremely pleased to announce the birth of two 50% Nigerian Dwarf kids, Serendipity Juliet Rose (pale gold and white doe kid) and Serendipity Thorn Noir (white buck kid). These kids are by Castle Rock Guy Noir (semen available from Semtech Animal Breeding Service) and out of our foundation Saanen doe Serendipity Primrose. Enormous thank you to Paul Hamilton for helping us to get started on our journey breeding these little goats.
The Nigerian Dwarf breed was refined and developed in America, from small goats of West African origin (the West African Dwarf). These little goats were used as a feed source for the large cats which were shipped to zoos in the USA. Those that survived became zoo attractions themselves, and were eventually sold to private collectors/breeders. Two different lines were created from the selective breeding of these animals, one being a cobby breed now known as the Pygmy, and the other being an elegant dairy goat, the Nigerian Dwarf. The American Dairy Goat Association accepted the breed in 2002 and it is one of the most popular breeds in the country.
Genetic material was imported into Australia by Michael and Ulrike Garwood (First Fleet Stud, Victoria) in 2014 and Paul Hamilton (Semtech Animal Breeding Service) in 2015.
Serendipity Stud is extremely pleased to announce the birth of two 50% Nigerian Dwarf kids, Serendipity Juliet Rose (pale gold and white doe kid) and Serendipity Thorn Noir (white buck kid). These kids are by Castle Rock Guy Noir (semen available from Semtech Animal Breeding Service) and out of our foundation Saanen doe Serendipity Primrose. Enormous thank you to Paul Hamilton for helping us to get started on our journey breeding these little goats.