Frequently Asked Questions

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Qu 1 What size is a Nigerian Dwarf goat?

Answer: The adult  purebred Nigerian Dwarf  maximum  height(withers) is 60cm for a buck and 57cm for a doe.  This is 60% of the height and half of the weight of a standard sized NZ dairy goat

Qu 2 Are Purebred Nigerian Dwarf Goats available in NZ.?

Answer: A few purebred Nigerian Dwarfs bred in Australia from imported US purebred embryos and semen have been imported into NZ. US genetic material cannot be directly imported into NZ Over the last 3 years our Association has been breeding Australian imported Nigerian Dwarf bucks to NZ standard height dairy goats. Currently we have first and second cross NZ  Nigerian Dwarfs available. These goats are known as  grade or Appendix NZ Nigerian Dwarf and are a work in progress of being graded up to Purebred status. In future

Qu 3  Are NZ Appendix Nigerian Dwarfs the same as purebred Nigerian Dwarfs?

Answer: They are similar in personality, temperament and  general conformation traits . However in weight and size they are larger, reflecting the genetic contribution of NZ standard height dairy goats. The mature height of an Appendix NZ Nigerian Dwarf will depend on the level and strength of it's Nigerian Dwarf genetics  and will  usually be somewhere between the heights of both its parents.

Qu4  How are NZ Appendix Nigerian Dwarfs priced?

Answer: NZ Appendix Nigerian dwarfs are priced to reflect the level of Nigerian Dwarf genetics , age and gender. In the past 2 years we have sold  First cross Nigerian Dwarf wethers (neutered males) for $250 each and 2nd cross ND wethers for $350 each. Prices for  Spring/Summer 2019 for 2nd cross Nigerian Dwarf wethers will be from $350 each.

Qu 5 How much land(grazing) is required for a Nigerian Dwarf goat.

Answer:  Please allow an approximate area of 1/4 acre for 2 Nigerian Dwarf goats.  At times of normal  food shortage ,(winter and summer) be prepared to buy in hay or other feed to supplement the grazing. The time commitment and cost of buying in food,  required for zero grazing(small grazing areas) makes it an impractical option for most people.

Qu 6 What type of fencing is needed for a Nigerian Dwarf goat.

Answer:Kids are highly intelligent, friendly, energetic, adventurous, athletic and small, as they grow they can be very destructive of trees and gardens:

Fencing must be of an excellent standard and appropriate. Standard 8 wire fencing will not contain these small animals. Modifications to fencing that include mesh will be needed for young animals. Other modifications to fencing will be required as the kids grow. This may include electric outrigger wires

Qu7  What regular care is needed?

-Answer.  The goats will require regular foot trimming, vaccinations and worming as they grow. Also prompt veterinary attention for illness and injury. A healthy, cared for goat has a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. Goats also require shelter in the form of housing

Qu 8 Can I keep a Nigerian Dwarf in town?

Answer. This is under the control of the local council  they  will inspect your property and may issue a permit.  They will  take into account various impacts on your neighbours, the suitability of your fencing goat housing, manure management,  and grazing area.

Qu9  Which Nigerian Dwarfs make the best pets?

Answer: If you don't want to breed, and/or live close to neighbours, wethers(neutered males) make the best pets. As they are affectionate and  don't smell or have noisy estrous cycles in the autumn. Goats are herd animals and need goat companions. One goat  kept on its own is unhappy and mischievous.

Qu10  Can I register my Nigerian Dwarf  goats as pedigree animals and take them to goat shows?

Answer: Yes NZ Nigerian Dwarfs does and bucks can be registered with the NZ Dairy Goat Breeder Association(NZDGBA). Registration entitles you to  pedigree documents and to exhibit your Nigerian dwarfs at  NZ A&P shows

All Nigerian Dwarfs bred by members of our association will be microchipped. Breeding does and bucks registered with the NZDGBA will also be DNA tested to establish their identity and confirm the identity of their parents and accuracy of their pedigree

Qu11  How can I  find a Nigerian Dwarf buck(billy) to mate my doe?

Answer: There are diseases that can be spread  by  natural mating.  Semen straws  are available to artificially inseminate does.  Before a natural mating can occur does  nust be  blood tested  clear of CAE. Nigerian Dwarf Bucks are not widely available at stud in NZ

Qu12 Can I return a kid after Calf Club/Pet Day or borrow a buck to mate my doe?

Answer: Members of our group do not loan kids or bucks out because of the risk of introducing disease back into the herd when they return.

Qu13 Is there a club for Nigerian Dwarf  goat owners that I can join?

Answer Yes there is our Association please contact us.

Qu14  Can I milk my Nigerian Dwarf goat? How much milk will she produce?

Answer: Yes the Nigerian Dwarfs are bred as miniature milking goats. You may need a stand to get your little goat to a comfortable height for milking  You can expect a Dwarf goat to milk approx. ½ the quantity of a full sized dairy goat.  Solids levels are expected to be 1.5 to 2 times that of a full sized dairy goats. Exact quantities depend on the age, number of lactations, date of kidding and food quantity and quality available.