Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Capra aegagrus hircus
Conservation Status: Domesticated
Breed Origin: Western Africa
Size: 16-20" tall, 40-60 pounds
Diet: Hay, browse, grains, grasses
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Human Uses: Milk, companionship
Nigerian Dwarf Goats are a miniature dairy breed popular in the US on family farms. Their friendly personalities and easy-going nature make them well-suited not only in mixed livestock homesteads, but in petting zoos and agritourism, as well as in youth 4H and FFA projects.
Fun Facts!
- Nigerian Dwarf goats have horizontal pupils, giving them a panoramic view to look for danger in all directions!
- Goats, among other species, exhibit a behavior called the flehmen response in which they curl back the upper lip in order to draw air into their mouth over the Jacobson's organ located above the roof of the mouth. This behavior allows the animal to pick up pheromones and other scents unable to be obtained solely by the nostrils!