ABOUT

Nigerian Dwarf Goat Origins

 

Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats are thought to be descended from the West African Dwarf Goat.  This goat was hardier and more productive in the harsh West African environment, in comparison to imported Dairy Goats.  

 

The most prominent theory describing how Nigerian Dwarf Goats first moved to mainland USA was that they were shipped over as food during transport for exotic animals being sent to American Zoos as early as 1918. 

 

The goats that survived the journey became part of zoo populations and they were selectively bred to become the dairy breed they are today.

 

There were originally three distinct colour lines, brown, black or gold, all with or without random white markings. 

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The American Dairy Goat Association accepted the Nigeran Dwarf into their Herd Book in 2002. 

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The first Nigerians only arrived in Australia in 2014 via embryo transplantation programs undertaken by Michael and Ulrike Garwood, First Fleet Nigerians in Victoria. The First Fleets embryo importation programs resulted in the birth of seven does and five buck kids in Australia being:

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In May 2016, the Dairy Goat Society of Australia recognised the Nigerian Dwarf breed in their Herd Book