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 or American goat bred to a Nigerian Dwarf. The
result being the first generation Mini-goat. Mini Dairy Goats are bred to
look like the foundation standard breed but to stay smaller, have the higher
butterfat of the Nigerian and seem to often be hardier than either of the
foundation breeds. The Nigerian blood also often adds a little extra
personality. Many breeders are also striving for year-round heat cycles
that the ND can bring.
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 and larger in recent years.
Smaller goats are easier for children
and seniors 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 also serve to expand
the breeding season past the fall months and increase the butterfat in the milk.
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 makes it easier to
have a steady supply of milk throughout the year - many of the miniature dairy goats are
also year round breeders.
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 is 28" for does and 29" for bucks. 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.
What breeds will be registered?
(Click on name or picture for breed standard)
Breeding Miniature Dairy Goats
Only documented (registered) animals
with traceable pedigree can be used to
produce a mini goat in the main herdbook.
Nigerian Dwarfs must be purebred and
registered with one of the registries (ADGA,
AGS, NDGA etc.). Each generation of
miniature goats will be called an
experimental until it reaches the third
generation where it will be able to
advance into the American herd book if
it conforms to breed standard and fall
within the 70/30 rule*. * To learn
about the 70/30 rule see the side bar on
this page.
If a sixth generation offspring with
correct percentages is correct according
to the Breed Standards, a certification
of purebred status can be issued. (Click on
names of breeds above for breed
standards)
MDGA had started a Grade Herdbook for
those that have does that may not be
registered, or are recorded with ADGA as
a NOA (Native on Appearence). These
does must be bred with either a
registered Nigerian Dwarf buck, or a
registered Mini-buck of that breed.
They grade up like the main herdbook
until the sixth generation where they
can transfer to the main herdbook. NO bucks will be registered
in the grade herdbook.
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
and the 70/30 rule.
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.
For Registration questions go
here.
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