Despite their diminutive stature, Nigerian Dwarf Goats produce an impressive amount of milk (averaging 2 -3 lbs per day, with some delivering double that quantity on occasion). Goat milk has many health benefits (a higher amount of digestible calcium, fewer calories, and a metabolic structure that's more effectively absorbed into the human body, to name a few).
Many people are surprised that the small Nigerian Dwarf is in fact a functioning dairy goat. Not only do these hearty little animals offer a good deal of milk, but they are also surprisingly low-maintenance. Being small, they require less food than many of the larger dairy breeds.
They are also a very healthy breed that thrives in climates as hot and dry as the African deserts, from which they first descended, to areas as frigid and moist as northern Ontario farmlands. They come in a lovely assortment of colors and some are even patterned, with unique coloration and markings similar to those of the American Paint Horse.
These goats are extremely gentle, bright and make wonderful pets. Many families keep them to help with yard management, as they will nibble away at grass, weeds, small, unwanted tree shoots and pesky yard vines without destroying the landscape or gnawing on siding or fences.
With a delicate build and non-aggressive nature, they don't fit the stereotype of goats that consume anything and everything in their path (though this is really something of an exaggeration when it comes to most any variety).
The NDG can easily be taught to walk on a leash and some owners have even trained them to be housebroken (not that many goat owners desire indoor livestock)! Does and wethers (neutered males) make the best additions to domestic family life; bucks, while still gentle and friendly, emit something of an unfavorable odor.
Milk and milk products, including yogurt and cheese as well as goat's milk soap, can easily be manufactured at home. You don't need much space to happily keep a couple of these entertaining critters; a small yard of.08 acre or so works just fine. Keeping a minimum of two goats, unless you have them with other animals (horses, cows or gentle dogs) is recommended so they don't become lonely.
You can easily make a little side money selling your goat wares! For entrepreneurs who want to put more effort into selling their homemade items, you can even set up an online website. Having a reliable high-speed internet service with sufficient bandwidth to take customer orders is essential if you hope to attract and retain loyal customers. If you live in a rural setting, satellite internet gives you all the capabilities of online users in urban areas.
If embarking on a business venture, it's recommended that you sell only the soaps to non-local consumers who do order online. Even with insulated packaging, it can be a challenge to ship edible dairy products and keep them in their best condition upon arrival.
If you've done all your research and decide that a goat is in your future, the Nigerian Dwarf is certainly one to consider! Whether you decide to make your ND Goat a business partner or family pet, you're sure to enjoy the sweet personality and playful character of this wonderful little animal.
