What’s so great about Nigerian Dwarf goat milk?
Worldwide, goat milk is the most highly consumed form of milk and, amidst the varying dairy goat types; Nigerian Dwarf goat milk is increasingly popular. But why is goat milk and Nigerian Dwarf goat milk in particular so popular?
Here Are 5 Reasons Why Nigerian Dwarf Goat Milk Is Great:
1) Goat Milk Is Better For You Than Cow’s Milk
Goat milk is easier for humans to digest than cow’s milk. It’s naturally homogenized, with smaller fat particles evenly suspended throughout the milk.
It contains vitamins, minerals, trace elements, electrolytes, enzymes, and proteins that are easier for humans to assimilate than similar content in cow’s milk. For these reasons, it’s typically digested in 20 minutes; whereas it can take 24 hours for humans to digest cow’s milk.
People who suffer from lactose intolerance may find that goat’s milk is a good alternative. Goat milk contains less lactose than cow milk and since it passes through the digestive system so rapidly, many who suffer from lactose intolerance have no difficulty with goat milk.
Goat milk doesn’t contain the complex protein compounds that stimulate allergic reactions to milk. People experiencing bloating, diarrhea, asthma, and irritability after consuming milk are usually suffering an allergic reaction to cow milk caused by these complex proteins. Goat milk; however, can typically be consumed without triggering these reactions.
Because goat milk soothes the digestive tract, is typically accepted by those with lactose intolerance, and doesn’t trigger milk allergies; it’s often recommended for infant nutrition and treatment of coronary diseases, cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, intestinal disorders, gallstone problems, and many others. For all the statistics on the benefits of goat milk, check out this LINK.
2) Nigerian Dwarf Goat Milk Tastes Better
Among the goat dairy breeds, Nigerian Dwarf goat milk has the highest levels of butterfat, making it so creamy that it’s typically preferred over cow’s milk. Nigerian Dwarf milk has approximately 6 – 10% butterfat, as opposed to approximately 2 – 6% for other goat breeds. Since butterfat is what gives milk its sweet flavor, it’s the sweetest, richest milk of all the dairy goat breeds (read “What Does Goat Milk Taste Like” to get an idea of how it tastes).
3) Nigerian Dwarf Goat Milk Can Be Available Year-Round
Most dairy goat breeds can only be bred seasonally in the fall; which leads to a glut of milk in the spring after kidding has occurred, but milk shortages in later seasons after the does dry up. Nigerian Dwarves can be bred in any season; however, so kidding can be staggered to assure a constant supply of milk.
4) Nigerian Dwarf Goats Are Smaller
Nigerian Dwarves are only about 20” tall and typically weigh less than 75 pounds, making them much easier to handle and house than the large dairy goat breeds. They’re similar in size to a medium to large size dog and are fine-boned, proportionately small dairy goats (not the stockier Pygmy goats).
Given their small size, two can live in about 20 sq. ft. of space (if they have outside pasture space), making them feasible in both rural and suburban environments. Some cities have even begun to allow Nigerian Dwarf goat does.
Because of their small size, even small women and children can easily milk and handle Nigerian dwarves. And most people handling livestock would rather have their foot stepped on by a 75-pound goat rather than a several hundred-pound goat (and it will happen).
5) Nigerian Dwarf Goats Are More Cost-Effective
Good quality registered Nigerian Dwarves can typically be purchased from breeders for around $500 per goat, whereas the larger dairy breeds are generally more. Therefore, it’s less expensive to start with a few Nigerian Dwarves than other breeds. Nigerians are also notoriously prolific, usually producing between 2 – 5 kids each freshening, so a milking herd (of whatever size desired) can be built in a very short time.
Nigerian Dwarves are also more affordable to maintain. From an efficiency standpoint, goats convert their food into milk more efficiently than cows; and among the dairy goat types, Nigerian Dwarves convert their food more efficiently than any other dairy breed.
Also, goats like to browse rather than graze so a traditional pasture isn’t required like it is for cows. They can be turned loose in “wooded” pasture areas where they’ll help control poison ivy, blackberries, multi-flora rose, etc. – all those things we tend to consider nasty weeds, they think are tasty.
The Total Package
As with anything, it’s important that the milk from Nigerian Dwarves is handled properly and that the goats are properly cared for. However, its popularity is on the rise because it’s so nutritious, healthy, delicious, convenient (relatively speaking), and cost-effective. For those interested in producing or obtaining the highest quality milk, the Nigerian Dwarf goat is increasingly the answer.
Mary says
We raise Nigerian Dwarf goats (and LaManchas) and had a small grade A dairy in the past (www.herronhilldairy.com) and I just wanted to make a couple of small corrections. Goat milk is naturally homogenized, so the cream doesn’t rise to the top. Leaving it in the fridge and then spooning off the cream won’t work. That’s in general, occasionally there will be a doe whose cream does rise. Also as far as price, in just 15 years since they were accepted into the ADGA registry, Nigerians have become by far the most popular of the dairy goat breeds. ADGA registrations are 60% Nigerian now. As a result, a good Nigerian generally costs MORE now than a good standard doe. Our LaManchas typically sell for 20-30% less than our Nigerians even though they are very well-bred animals who produce a lot more milk.
Lesa says
Hi Mary,
I’m afraid I need to correct you! The cream in the milk from our Nigerian Dwarf goats ALWAYS rises to the top after a day or two in the fridge, so we are able to make goat milk butter at home using the cream. You can see the process here: https://www.betterhensandgardens.com/making-goat-butter-with-a-kitchenaid-mixer/. As far as pricing, yes Nigerians are popular and are selling for more these days 🙂
Carol L says
I understand that goat milk is so naturally ‘homogenized’, that you can’t get cream from it. Is this true? I want raw milk, but also really want raw cream…
(also, how does the cream differ in taste for goats if you CAN get cream? I use it for my coffee, and would NOT want it if it did taste goaty)
Also, there is much more upkeep on goats than cows: hoofs need trimming, some kind of regular shots and testing the milk, etc, none of this is done on cows. (for personal use)…Also, the idea of their being escape artists….I’m 68 and can’t stand the thought of trying to round up goats… (did that with cows a few times: no thanks!!)
Love how they look. Wanted to get goats years ago, but was working full time and had no way take care of them. When dwarf nigerians were endangered heritage breed…now they aren’t endangered so much)
Valerie says
Hi Carol , I have the luxury of my neighbor and friend being a Nigerian Dwarf goat lady and all I can say is once you’ve tasted the milk and cream , oh my gosh , even jersey cow milk would have a run for their money .
It is simply the sweetest richest milk I’ve ever had and the cream does rise and it’s heavenly in coffee or on berries , etc. !!!!!!
There isn’t as much as in rich cow milk and not enough for butter , but you will treasure the amount you get , for sure .
Also , the yogurt is so creamy rich and I use it as a topping on everything . Put it on a noodle dish and you’ve got “stroganoff” , over broccoli or fruit , cereal , it’s beyong delicious .
It is like sweet , rich cows milk , more than goats milk .
The best way to get the cream is to just leave a jar sit in the frig for a couple days and then spoon off the cream . The wider the mouth/lid of the jar , the easier it will be to spoon it out .
They are darling friendly small animals and really a joy to have around . Protect your garden and flower pots , they love flowers and the same foods we do . You will love them .
Valerie says
Carol , I forgot to say that the goats need very little care in general and my friend never gives injections , they are quite easy to care for . Their farm is in the clean fresh northern woods of Minnesota and the goats have never gotten sick , etc.
Fred Olsen says
How much space does the nigerian dwarf goats need for comfortable being?
Lesa says
Hi Fred, Since goats are herd creatures, there should be at least two goats kept together. They don’t need a lot of space, so a 5′ x 5′ foot indoor pen is big enough for two if they also have about an outside pen. The pen should probably be at least 200 sq. ft. but if you can go bigger that’s good.
Pygmy Goat says
Everyone loves a pygmy goat.
amber says
i was wondering i em really considering 2 nigrain dwarf goats 1 male 1 female in seperate pens but can see each other will they bleat and be unhappy
Lesa says
Hi Amber, goats are herd creatures so they really need to be housed with a buddy. So, you could put a doe and wether together in a pen but a doe and buck in separate pens isn’t a good idea. Neither is housing doe with a buck.
Kip Weiss says
I have two Nigerian Dwarf does and a buck all together. They have the run of the farm. The milk is wonderful and Tommy is not a “stinky” buck. the only time I’ve ever seen him pee on his beard is when we kept a buckling too long and he got competitive.
Angel says
I need a lactating miniature goat the spring will you or anyone you know have one available?
Angel says
I need a lactating miniature goat the spring will you or anyone you know have one available?
Angela says
I used to have Nubian goats for milk and would raise the kids for goat meat, would Nigerians be too small to raise for goat meat? What do you do will all the excess kids?
Lesa says
Hi Angela,
Many Nigerian Dwarf breeders raise the excess male kids for meat, so no they’re not too small. So far, we haven’t done that and have been able to sell all the kids (but many of the boys are wethered to make pets).
atinuke says
There’s aspicy meat recipe we have in Nigerian called asun,made with the male goat…its tastes wonderful
Anthony says
I heard that you really must know how to butcher male goats, and meat can smell due to urine. Is this true?
Sandy Schmude says
I breed Nigerian dwarves and oberhasli’s. I love them both. Although nigies are cheaper in the long run to feed and house. The start up cost is much more. You can find Nigerians for $300 but I have paid $250 for a full size breed with better breeding lines. You have a great blog and beautiful pics btw.
Candace Madsen says
Lesa, I have been searching the internet for the calorie count and nutriient breakdown of “Nigerian Dwarf” milk. It HAS to be different than “regular” goats milk! Would you happen to have that information?
I also have Nigerians. I researched all the other breeds before deciding on Nigerians. I absolutely hate the taste of goat’s milk. Love raw cow’s milk…but didn’t want to deal with a cow! I was looking for a goat breed that would closely mimic the taste and butterfat of raw cow’s milk(RCM). The milk of the Nigerian Dwarf “IS” wonderful and very close in taste to RCM! The butterfat makes a huge difference!
I had several reasons for wanting to have Nigerian Dwarf milk goats… I have a granddaughter that is lactose intolerant, I wanted a source of milk for her “now” and in case of emergency( emergency preparedness),
I wanted to make soaps/lotions, yogurt, kefir, ice cream, etc.
Nigies are easy to care for and house. They are easy to handle, and easy to milk. Everyone that I’ve had try the milk, is amazed at the taste! I breed for the highest butterfat. Because I do, I have a little less volume of milk. That is fine with me!
Right now I have 6 freshened, 4 dry (will be bed in the fall) and 18 (7 doelings)spring babies! They’re so stinkin’ cute!!
Steven says
Hi Candace
I’m looking for a higher fat content and would like to make contact with you. Not a fan of posting my email on an open website so I’m not sure how.
Candace Madsen says
Sorry! Just saw your post!! I have does for sale that are ready to be bred.
omqfout@gmail.com
Laura Mae Miller says
We have a woods rather than pasture. A worthy portion of the woods tends to be swampy, especially in spring and fall. Also we have many dead trees coming down, much faster than we can keep up with, consequently our woods is a mess. I do keep full size goats but just lost my milk goat and am wondering if Nigerian Dwarfs would do OK in a tumble down, often wet (part not the whole) woods or am I better off staying with the larger breeds?
Lesa says
Hi Laura, We also have woods rather than pasture, and the Nigerian Dwarf goats prefer woods. There are quite a few dead trees in our pasture too, and it doesn’t seem to bother them. Our Nigerian Dwarf goats really don’t like wet, whether it’s being rained on or walking in it, but they just avoid areas that they think are too wet. So, I think they’d be fine in your woods, they’re pretty tough little goats.
Nafnlaus says
Some confusion about size. While this site and many others report a mature size around 75 pounds / 35 kg, I also find some sites which cite them at only 9 kg (for example, http://www.livescience.com/52540-goat-facts.html). I assume that they’re wrong, given that you actually raise dwarf nigerians? Are there actually goats out there which are that small as adults, and do they actually produce similarly relative to size (aka 9/35 = 26% as much)? I find lots of talk about West African dwarfs, but I assume those are different? Their peak size seems reported at 20-25kg, still a far cry from 9kg!
Lesa says
For the Nigerian Dwarf Goat that has been bred and credentialed as a breed in the US, the does weigh about 75 lbs. as adults. I don’t know if there are smaller goats in other countries that people are thinking are Nigerian Dwarf goats, but they wouldn’t fit the breed standard in the US. They have been bred particularly to produce excellent milk in quantities that make it worthwhile to own them, I can’t imagine that the very small goats you seem to be referencing would produce enough milk to make them suitable for dairy. We do raise them and our kidding schedule for this spring is here: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/bramblestone-farm-2012-kidding-schedule/
Ashley says
We love our Nigerians!! I think my two favorite things about them are their convenient size and the taste of their milk. I love that as a small homesteader I don’t have to have a truck and trailer to haul them. A dog crate and SUV work just fine 😉 and seriously the milk is hands down the best. Even better than other goat breeds I’ve tried. So creamy and rich. I wouldn’t trade them for the world 🙂
gero says
hi I have like this breed of goat but I don’t know if is available in my country (rwanda)
Lesa says
Hi Gero,
The Nigerian Dwarf goat originated in Africa, so I would think that some form of this goat would be available there. The original goats imported from Africa into America have been bred for improved milk production; however, they are a relatively new breed in the US.
Tessa says
I LOVE NIGERIANS! They give sweet milk, and the babies are some of the cutest little things! We saw some Saanen wethers at fair once, and they looked FREAKISHLY HUGE next to our little Minis! I love the way that the our girls are so easy to control. I tried walking an Alpine doe, and she stepped on my hands and feet three or four times. At least when Blossom steps on my feet she only weighs about 45 lbs.
Lesa says
Hi Tessa, yes I agree – there are many things to like about the Nigerians as opposed to the larger breeds!
Teena says
Great Website! I have hand and arm problems. I am wondering if there are machines for milking. I would only want these lovely creatures for personal use. not factory, just wondering…
Lesa says
Hi Teena, there absolutely are machines for milking, and that’s what we use. I did a little write-up on choosing goats based on whether you’re planning to hand or machine milk here: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/choosing-nigerian-dwarf-does-hand-or-machine-milking/
Logan Pothast says
Hello Lesa,
This is some really awesome information! I’m growing very interested in raising some Nigerian milking goats. I was curious where I should start? I live outin the country and my family owns land so I would eventually like to raise enough goats to milk myself family and friends. I’m in Ohio was curious if oyu knew any nigerain dwarf goat breeders in the area?
Thanks again!
Logan
Lesa says
Hi Logan, We breed Nigerian Dwarf goats, and we breed for milk production and conformation. We will have kids available in the spring, and you can reserve kids – our planned breedings are here: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/bramblestone-farm-2012-kidding-schedule/ I also have a very introductory book out that might help with getting started, or you could just read the archives on this site. The link for purchasing the book is here: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/product/nigerian-dwarf-goats-101-background-basics/
Danielle says
Do you know how many carbs are in the milk?
Wolf Creek Farm says
I can’t find specific nutritional info about Dwarf Nigerian milk but going by the label on the Meyenberg Goat milk that is carried by walmart. One quart – says there are 11 carbs per serving and there are 4 serving. So 4 cups per quart makes it 11 carbs per cup. But I don’t know what type of goats milk Meyenberg uses. We have 3 Dwarf Nigerians and we are very pleased with them. I make cheese and butter on a regular basis.
Elise says
This is very interesting…I really like the sound of all this. So do you take your goats somewhere and get them fertilised or do you have one male?
Lesa says
Hi Elise, we initially started by taking our does to a breeder to have them bred, then bought our first buck, and now have 3 bucks on site with room for several more.
Ruthey says
I hope I don’t sound silly but I have 2 questions. If I get a doe and a buck and I need to keep them separately do I need 2 of each =4 so they aren’t lonely? Or can they be in separate pens as long as they can see each other just not Touch? Also do they get along with Sheep? I’d like to raise both, one for milk the other fiber and I haven’t got a lot of pasture.
Lesa says
Ruthey, yes if you get a doe and a buck, then you really do need to get a companion for each of them. They need someone to play with, socialize with, etc. You do not have to get another doe and buck however, you could just get them each a wether as a companion – they are usually around $100. They do generally get along with sheep, and another option would be that there are fiber goats that you can get.
Ruthey says
Thank you. So I guess to clarify, can the companion to a goat be a Sheep?
Lesa says
Yes, it’s possible, but they have very different needs. You would need to learn to accommodate them both. I would want to start them together at a young age too.
Sarah says
I have just become really interested in having goats, primarily for milk. So a doe typically averages 2 quarts of milk per day? Do you recommend keeping at least two so they can have a friend? How big of pasture/backyard would be good for them to roam? Thanks for your advice!
Lesa says
Hi Sarah, they have the best tasting milk! The amount of milk depends on her genetics (some have great milk production bloodlines), where she is in her lactation (quantity gradually decreases the longer she is from freshening), and what she is being fed. But, a healthy, well-fed doe from good milk lines can easily produce 2 quarts per day. And yes, goats are herd creatures, so you need at least two or they are very lonely. They do not need very large areas, just sufficient for them to get some exercise outside – of course if you have the room then more is good too. There’s a good beginning book on Nigerian Dwarf goats here: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/product/nigerian-dwarf-goats-101-background-basics/
Henry says
Thanks for this information. You helped me so much.
Morgan Brellahan says
I dont agree on price they are usually 300 and up
Ruthie says
Hi there, I was just wondering what goat hobble you are using on your nigerians? I need to get one but I have read that some of them out there are too small. Thanks!
Lesa says
Hi Ruthie, Sorry I can’t be of more help, but that’s just a homemade one from some fabric and Velcro. These days, we start training them from the time they’re babies that the goat stanchion means grain, and we don’t need the hobble anymore. They want that grain, so they behave 🙂
Lesa says
Ruthie, I was on-line at Hoeggers and saw this hobble: http://hoeggerfarmyard.com/xcart/Goat-Hobble.html It looks somewhat adjustable.
Ruthie says
Thanks Lesa, maybe I should start trying to train them young as you have done. Thanks for the link, if I have a fighter, I just may get that.
MG says
I agree with Cliff. In no realm of imagination do full-size dairy breeds cost over $1000 on average. Yes, some outstanding animals will cost over 1k, but that is by no means average.
Cliff says
Point number 1 applies to all goat milk, not just Nigerian. Point 2 is very valid, like drinking half and half. Point 3 is probably the best reason of all, though I milk LaManchas through easily enough for milk throughout the year. Point 4 is good, but don’t disregard their ability to get over low fences. I think Nigerians are one of the most nimble breeds. Point 5 is just downright wrong. The cost of a quality full sized dairy goat and a quality Nigerian is close to the same. Yes, you can find some much higher priced animals from large show herds for $1k or more, but I see the same price ranges for Nigerians listed.
Lesa says
Hi Cliff, I agree that point 1 applies to all goat milk, but on point 5 I think there is some merit in Nigerians being more cost effective. They typically cost less to feed and house; and good quality Nigerians generally cost less than similar quality in standard breeds. Especially for folks who are getting started, I think it’s very important to get good quality (it costs less in the long run and folks don’t get disappointed with the way the milk tastes, or the goat milks, or experience other health issues). With a little care, I think a beginner can get a great Nigerian Dwarf for $500, but I’m not convinced that’s true with the other breeds. I’m sure someone with experience who knows what they’re looking for can, but I hate to set unrealistic expectations for those starting out.
Cliff says
Lesa, I have a nationally known herd and my most expensive animals are $500 out of proven does. Typically for $500, someone just starting out can get a milking doe producing between 6 to 9 lbs/day and a kid and I don’t sell anything I would not keep if I had the space and energy. You may have a point with slightly lower cost for feed, but this is balanced out by the greater amount of maintenance for the same milk production (8 hooves vs 4 hooves, etc.). I can also attest to the number of people who have difficulty with milking Nigerians, due to their small teat size. Don’t get me wrong, Nigerians are a great dairy breed. They have a definite place among the full sized goats for several of the other reasons you have outlined. Price of starting out your herd as compared to the full sized breeds is not one of them.
Lesa says
Cliff, that’s good to know, I’m glad that folks can get started with the full sized goats for similar cost. And, I agree that if you plan on hand-milking Nigies, it’s important to buy from lines that have been bred for easy hand-milking and have good teat size.
Keith says
Lesa I think also the cost of original start up of a small or large herd typically depends on the area and location of where you live most people starting out don’t want to drive hundreds of mile to spend 500 dollars on a goat unless they are looking to keep a certain bloodline in my area you can normally purchase the Nigerian doe for around a 100 dollars with good milk production and yes it is much cheaper than the Alpine or Nubian or larger breeds that around this area cost generally around 3 to 500 per head I started out with 3 does and one buck on a half acre lot in my backyard I am now up 20 head but my start up cost was less than 500 dollars this is why I chose the Nigerian breed even with a half acre there is plenty of room and plenty food and grazing for them they are much more cost effective and less maintenance than the larger breeds the milk is amazing thank you for your help.
Lesa says
Keith, I certainly agree, it can vary widely depending on where you live and the bloodlines you are purchasing. And, I do think that they are generally more cost effective, easier to maintain, and have the greatest tasting milk!
Christin says
How much milk does a Nigerian dwarf goat give in a day? are they milked twice a day?
Lesa says
Hi Christin, you can milk Nigerian Dwarves once a day, twice a day, or even three times a day if you’re looking for maximum milk production. It’s most common to milk them twice a day. As far as how much, it depends on where they are in their lactation (they give the most right after kidding) and whether they are from good milking bloodlines, but good does will give at least 2+ quarts of milk per day.
Nicole @Little Blog on the Homestead says
If Santa brought me a Nigerian Dwarf goat for Christmas I would be the happiest girl ever! Joking aside, this is exactly the breed I want when we get our own land and can have animals! I’m a little bit obsessed with goats and have loved learning more about them.
Lesa says
Nicole, I really hope Santa brings you a couple of Nigerian Dwarves for Christmas! Maybe not this year, but soon. I really can’t say enough about how great the goat milk is, how easy they are to care for, and that we’re so glad we chose them as the breed for us.
Amanda Wiley says
I have raised several different breeds of goats though I confess I gave up on them and got a Jersey cow (with absolutely no regrets!!) but I find it interesting your area sells registered full sized goats for a grand??? SERIOUSLY??? Here in Michigan registered Nigerian Dwarves can often sell for $300-$500 each even as newly born kids. Registered recently freshened decent producing Alpines are only $250.
Lesa says
Hi Amanda, there are all kinds of different price level ranges out there for goats, but I find that it costs just as much to care and feed for a great goat as it does for a poor one, and so try to purchase registered goats with great milking and conformation genetics. I think they pay for themselves with lots of milk, great kids, and few health issues. The inexpensive Alpines are often goats that give goat milk and goats in general a bad rap, because they don’t produce great tasting milk and can have lots of issues.
mary says
How easy is it to sell the kids? I would love this goat, but worry I would be stuck with the kids as i might find them hard to sell. I know they are a milk goat and not for meat. I mainly want for my own raw milk or I just would buy, and to make butter. I know the pygmie doesn’t make as much milk – but he can also be eaten if you are unable to sell the kids. I do not mean to sound mean, but I think it is cruel and wasteful to people who are starving to waste food. As much as i wish eating meat wasn’t part of life. But it is.
Lesa says
Hi Mary, Nigerian Dwarf goats have become very popular so I’m having no difficulty selling the kids. Also, there is nothing that says you can’t use a Nigerian Dwarf goat for meat, I know quite a few breeders who definitely do that with the excess bucks.
Cliff Smith says
How can I be sure my goat milk Is safe to drink?