FAQ's and Other Information About Mini-Dairy Goats
What is a Mini-Dairy goat?
A miniature dairy goat is the product of a standard sized purebred/American goat bred to a Nigerian Dwarf for the first generation of mini dairy goats. Only documented animals with traceable registrations can be used to produce a mini goat. Nigerian Dwarfs must be purebred or documented generations in MDGA. Each generation of correct miniature goats will be called an experimental until it reaches the 3rd generation where upon it may enter the American herdbook IF it meets the Breed Standards.
Why Miniature Dairy Goats?
Some
people with small acreage are looking for a smaller milk producing
animal for a
family milk supply. Purebred dairy goat breeds have been pushing for greater
stature for the show ring which has resulted in all of the standard dairy goat
breeds getting larger in recent years. Smaller goats are easier for children and
seniors to handle. Their smaller size makes them a lot easier to handle
than their larger relatives, so hoof trimming, clipping, showing and milking
become much easier. Feed costs are rising and a mini dairy goat can often
produce 2/3 the amount of a standard dairy goat while often consuming 1/2 as
much feed. (This will need to be proven with time.) Smaller goats are in demand
for the pet market. The influence of Nigerian Dwarf blood may serve to expand
the breeding season past the fall months and increase the butterfat in the milk.
What breeds will be registered?
(Click on name or picture for breed standard)
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MiniAlpines |
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MiniOberhasli |
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MiniLaMancha (MiniMancha) |
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MiniSaanen/Sable |
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MiniNubian (Dwarf Nubian) |
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MiniToggenburg |
Breeding Miniature Dairy Goats
A miniature dairy goat is the product of an standard sized purebred/American goat bred to a Nigerian Dwarf for the first generation of mini dairy goats. Only documented animals with traceable registrations can be used to produce a mini goat. Nigerian Dwarfs must be purebred or documented generations in MDGA. Each generation of correct miniature goats will be called an experimental until it reaches the fourth generation where it will be able to advance into the American herd book. If it is correct according to the Breed Standards, a certification of purebred can be issued at the sixth generation. (Click on names of breeds above for breed standards)
How Much do Miniature Dairy Goats Milk?
Miniature dairy goats have been reported to produce anywhere from 2 lbs a day (1 quart) to 10 lbs a day (one and a quarter gallons) with the average around 5-6 lbs (3 quarts) of milk daily. Genetics and management will play an important part in milk production. Unlike many of the standard breeds, Nigerian Dwarfs breed year around which this makes it easier to have a steady supply of milk all year - many of the miniature dairy goats are also year round breeders.
What if I want to experiment with percentages in my breeding program?
The purpose of MDGA is to provide you with an inclusive means of recording and supporting the development of miniature breeds. If you feel that it will help you better reach your goals by crossing with percentages other than 50/50, MDGA will still register your goats as Experimentals. You may still apply for the American Herdbook by the third generation provided your goat meets the standard. If at any time you breed back to a purebred Nigerian or a standard dairy goat, the offspring will revert back to first generation. If you experiment with percentages other than 50/50, it may take more generations to attain purebred status, but in some cases it may be worth it in your breeding program.
How tall will the Miniature Dairy Breeds be?
The Mini-Dairy goats are between the sizes of the
Nigerian Dwarf and the standard breed. Measured at the withers, the preferred maximum
height will be 1" shorter than the minimal height for the corresponding standard
dairy goat. The minimum height, twenty-three inches (23") for
does and twenty-four inches (24”) for bucks.
The preferred height is a recommendation for breeders to strive for, but will
not be considered a disqualification in the show ring.
The picture to the right shows the size difference between a Nigerian, Mini-Ober and a full size Oberhasli.