All About Greene Acres Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats

This is Maebelle, one of my three original does.

A Beginners Guide To The Breed

As the name implies, these goats originated in Nigeria in West Africa. These compact dynamic goats were first imported to United States in the 1960’s. I chose this breed because for a first-time dairy goat owner, the breed is generally more manageable due to their size and their character. Basically, you get the same amount (higher quality) of milk from a more compact form - so less in overhead costs. They are colorful, have plenty of personality, and besides basic care they are easily kept.

My lead sire is “Stewart Wilbur Brown” - after my brother. His AKA is “Elvis” - named after his hairdo. Second in command is “Choco Dio RIo,” or known to me as “Choco.” He is a new addition to the herd this past season and is the sire of my two 2021 doeling’s babies for 2022. I am on the edge of my seat for these because he is polled and blue eyed. His legs are a little long for my herd, but I hope to get some of the girls’ conformation bred in to counter those legs. He also has not stopped growing!

My three foundation does are: “SuzyQ,” “Maebelle,” (pictured above), and “Missy.” My lines come from high quality milk producers who are still generating MILK STARS after their names. I plan on submitting milk tests within the next two years. At the moment we are figuring out the life of a goat farmer and dipping our toes into the different products that come from them. Suzy and Maebelle were bred last year and birthed their kids without any issues at all. In fact, all I had to do was stand by and pet. Missy, on the other hand, was too small to be bred and 2021 will be her first breeding. She and Elvis come from exceptional milking lines, so I am especially anticipating their offspring! Oh, and Missy is polled, very desirable! (Polled means the goat naturally has no horns, so “disbudding” does not have to take place).

Last, but not least, I have my two does retained from Suzy’s 21 kids. They are quite correct conformation, especially the one we call “Fern.” Nice short but stout legs, deep bodies, and those milking lines just cannot be beat - for a first-time herd owner. I am very proud of the kids we are producing, and I just cannot wait to see their kids as well as measure their milk production, especially since it will reflect Choco’s lines, as well.