Why Nigerian Dwarf Goats?
These Nigerian Dwarf goats are amazing! They offer everything a family could want from a goat whether people want to participate in performance/production programs, make delicious milk products, or raise weed eating, hardy pasture pets. My goats are bred to maintain correct dairy conformation along with excellent mammary systems and good milk production. A particularly strong milking doe can produce a half to full gallon of milk daily when in peak production. Nigerian Dwarf goat milk is higher in protein and butter fat than most other dairy breeds which makes their milk nutritious and delicious with no disagreeable goat flavor. You won't find a more satisfying Chevre than one that is made from Nigerian Dwarf goat milk. The breed seems to carry an infinite number of color patterns and Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for their fun, clever personalities. These goats bond strongly with people and other farm animals making them a true pleasure to raise.
Routine Goat Care at Hyalite Farm
Nigerian Dwarf goats are easy to maintain with the proper set up. They require good shelter, sturdy fencing, and quality forage. My goats' diet consists of grass/alfalfa mix hay in winter and pasture grass the rest of the year. Throughout the summer and into fall they get ample opportunity to browse the creek bank. Goats love to eat the shrubs, trees, and various weeds that grow alongside the water. When on the milk stand my does receive a nutritionally balanced grain blend to promote milk production and maintain their body condition.
The goats also have free choice access to a Montana specific goat mineral mix, an iodized loose salt, and organic kelp. If I find my goats need more copper than they are getting from their mineral mix I consider bolusing them with a weight appropriate dose of Copasure copper oxide wire particles (COWP). The copper oxide rods found in Copasure are a slow release source of copper. The rods stick to the folds of the goat's abomasum (its true stomach) directly inhibiting the barber pole worm (haemonchus). Haemonchus is a parasite notorious for causing anemia and other significant health problems in goats and sheep worldwide. It is important to monitor copper levels, however, since too much copper can cause toxicity and death. Finally, I trim feet as needed to promote structural soundness and to prevent hoof issues from improper growth.
Here at Hyalite Farm I strive to maintain optimal herd health through balancing natural management techniques with the occasional need for appropriate pharmaceutical intervention. I find this approach works well for my herd. Coccidia, however, is a protozoa that can cause significant disease in young goats under 6 months of age. I have learned not to underestimate the role this protozoa can make in contributing to chronic poor doing let alone sudden death. I typically treat goats around 4-6 weeks of age and then again after weaning around 10-12 weeks to ensure they maintain their digestive integrity.
All Nigerian Dwarf goats at Hyalite Farm are negative for CAE, CL, Johne's, Brucellosis, and TB. Montana is certified TB free, and all goats that come to Hyalite Farm from out of state are tested for both TB and Brucellosis before entry is permitted. The latest (negative) herd tests for CAE, CL, and Johne's were performed in November of 2019. I vaccinate with a combination of tetanus and clostridium types C and D. The bred does receive a vaccine 4 weeks before kidding. I typically vaccinate kids at 4-6 weeks of age and booster at 8-10 weeks of age.
The goats also have free choice access to a Montana specific goat mineral mix, an iodized loose salt, and organic kelp. If I find my goats need more copper than they are getting from their mineral mix I consider bolusing them with a weight appropriate dose of Copasure copper oxide wire particles (COWP). The copper oxide rods found in Copasure are a slow release source of copper. The rods stick to the folds of the goat's abomasum (its true stomach) directly inhibiting the barber pole worm (haemonchus). Haemonchus is a parasite notorious for causing anemia and other significant health problems in goats and sheep worldwide. It is important to monitor copper levels, however, since too much copper can cause toxicity and death. Finally, I trim feet as needed to promote structural soundness and to prevent hoof issues from improper growth.
Here at Hyalite Farm I strive to maintain optimal herd health through balancing natural management techniques with the occasional need for appropriate pharmaceutical intervention. I find this approach works well for my herd. Coccidia, however, is a protozoa that can cause significant disease in young goats under 6 months of age. I have learned not to underestimate the role this protozoa can make in contributing to chronic poor doing let alone sudden death. I typically treat goats around 4-6 weeks of age and then again after weaning around 10-12 weeks to ensure they maintain their digestive integrity.
All Nigerian Dwarf goats at Hyalite Farm are negative for CAE, CL, Johne's, Brucellosis, and TB. Montana is certified TB free, and all goats that come to Hyalite Farm from out of state are tested for both TB and Brucellosis before entry is permitted. The latest (negative) herd tests for CAE, CL, and Johne's were performed in November of 2019. I vaccinate with a combination of tetanus and clostridium types C and D. The bred does receive a vaccine 4 weeks before kidding. I typically vaccinate kids at 4-6 weeks of age and booster at 8-10 weeks of age.
Disclaimer
**Please note that my thoughts on maintaining herd health pertain only to my own herd. My comments should not be considered general medical advice. Please consult your own veterinarian when making decisions regarding your herd's unique health requirements!