Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Milk is prized for its rich, creamy texture and high butterfat content, making it a favorite among small-scale dairy farmers and artisan producers. This exceptional milk comes from the Nigerian Dwarf Goat, a breed believed to descend from the hardy West African Dwarf Goat. Across West Africa, these small goats were essential to agricultural communities, providing both milk and meat. Farmers valued their resilience, especially there ability to thrive despite harsh conditions and the threat of the tsetse fly – something imported dairy breeds could not handle. Over time, these dwarf goats developed a natural resistance and continued to flourish, becoming the reliable milk producers we know today!
How Nigerian Dwarf Goats Came to America
Several theories explain how Nigerian Dwarf Goats first made their way to the United States. A widely accepted belief is that they arrived on ships as early as 1918, intended as food for large cats being transported to American zoos. Some of these goats survived the journey and became part of the zoo population.
As their numbers grew, people began to refer to them broadly as Pygmies. However, breeders soon identified two distinct types:
- Pygmy Goats – stocky, heavier-bodied, with round bone structure
- Nigerian Dwarf Goats – leaner, more refined, with an angular frame and flat bones, bred for milk production
Through selective breeding, Nigerian Dwarfs evolved into one of the most efficient miniature dairy goat breeds in the world.
Why Nigerian Dwarf Milk Stands Out
- Backyard Farms
- Hobby Homesteads
- 4-H and youth agricultural projects
Compared to full-size dairy goats, Nigerian Dwarfs require less space and feed, yet they deliver impressive amounts of superior-quality milk.
High Butterfat for Superior Products
- Artisan Cheese-Making
- Natural Goat Milk Soap
- Creamy dairy recipes
- Nigerian Dwarf Goat Milk: 6% to 10%
- Nubian Goat Milk: 3% to 5%
This high butterfat not only enhances flavor and texture but also boosts the moisturizing qualities in skincare products like handmade soap.
Goat Care and Management
Committed to Exceptional Goat Care
At Honey Sweetie Acres, we take pride in delivering the highest level of goat care to our herd. With decades of experience in animal husbandry, we bring both passion and practical knowledge to our work. Steve raised goats, rabbits, and chickens throughout his youth, while I grew up showing American Saddlebred horses during the 1970s and 80s. In the 1990s, I became a registered Arabian horse judge and spent years teaching equitation. Our desire to work with smaller, productive animals led us naturally to the caprine world.
Daily Interaction Builds a Healthy Herd
A healthy Nigerian Dwarf Goat begins with consistent, hands-on care. We believe that successful breeding starts with knowing the subtle behaviors and individual personalities of each goat. By observing our animals daily—watching how they interact, move, and respond—we can quickly detect early signs of illness or distress. This proactive approach helps us maintain a vibrant, thriving herd.
While every breeder has their own philosophy on what defines “proper goat care,” we’ve found that personalized attention and continuous observation deliver the best results for us—and for our goats. They’re not just livestock—they’re family.
Regional Goat Care Practices May Vary
Keep in mind that goat care practices differ based on climate, regional resources, and available feeds. It can also differ based on the experience of the breeder and their knowledge of genetics. What works well in one area may need adjustments in another. Our method reflects what we’ve found most effective in our environment and with our specific herd of Nigerian Dwarf Goats.
Feeding
Natural Forage and Balanced Nutrition for Our Nigerian Dwarf Goats
At Honey Sweetie Acres, we designed our property to support a natural lifestyle for our goats. Surrounded by wooded areas, our herd enjoys access to natural forage year-round. We believe that providing a natural diet—as close to what goats would seek in the wild as possible—is essential to producing high-quality Nigerian Dwarf Goat milk and raising healthy kids.
High-Forage Diet with Strategic Supplementation
When extra calories are necessary, especially during breeding and lactation, we maintain a foundation of high-forage nutrition. Our goats start with premium alfalfa hay or an equally nutritious alternative, carefully sourced from a hay supplier who understands the dietary needs of dairy goats.
To support optimal milk production and body condition, we supplement their diet with:
A high-protein, formulated goat chow from our local mill.
Beet pulp for fiber and calories
Black oil sunflower seeds for fat and coat health
Kelp meal for trace minerals and nutrition
We also offer Sweetlix mineral supplements and baking soda free-choice, ensuring our goats have 24/7 access to essential nutrients.
Specialized Care for Breeding Bucks
Our bucks receive ammonium chloride every quarter to help prevent urinary calculi, a common issue in male goats. We also provide clean, fresh water at all times, with added electrolytes during hot summer months to keep them hydrated and healthy.
This proactive, nutrition-first approach ensures our goats remain vibrant, productive, and well cared for—inside and out.
Medical Care
Prioritizing Holistic Goat Health with Expert Veterinary Care
At Honey Sweetie Acres, we strive to raise our Nigerian Dwarf Goats as naturally and holistically as possible. However, we also recognize the importance of modern veterinary care when needed. For medical support, we trust Dr. Jason Patchell at Rolling Hills Veterinary Clinic in Bethel, Ohio. When specialized treatment is necessary, we have access to the Ohio State University Veterinary School in Columbus, Ohio.
Consistent Health Monitoring and Preventive Testing
We take proactive steps to maintain a healthy herd. Our goats undergo CAE testing twice a year, and we’re proud to maintain a CAE-free herd. We also follow veterinary guidance by routinely testing for Johne’s disease and CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis)—both of which have consistently tested negative in our goats.
Parasite Control with Targeted Fecal Testing
Instead of relying on routine worming schedules, we base our parasite management on fecal egg counts. A trained volunteer veterinary technician on our team performs manure testing every few months to monitor parasite levels and determine if treatment is necessary. This method helps us minimize unnecessary chemical use while prioritizing goat wellness.
Protecting Milk Quality for Soap Production
We take milk quality seriously. If a goat receives any medical treatment that could affect her milk, that milk is immediately removed from our soap production process to ensure purity and safety for our customers.
👉 Learn more about Rolling Hills Veterinary Clinic here
Sanitation
Clean Goat Housing: A Key to Herd Health
As Grandma always said, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”—and we live by that philosophy in our barn. While goats are naturally hardy animals, we believe in taking a proactive approach to goat health care. Preventing illness through good hygiene and management practices proves far more effective and economical than treating sickness after it strikes.
Sanitary Stalls for Healthy Goats
We designed our barn to limit the buildup of urine, manure, and moisture, which can harbor parasites, bacteria, and disease. Our stall floors feature a base of crushed and pebbled Kentucky limestone, creating an alkaline environment that naturally neutralizes urine. On top of that, we install ¾-inch rubber stall mats, which:
Make cleaning quick and efficient
Provide cushioning for our goats’ legs
Retain warmth in winter
Reduce dampness and respiratory irritationDisinfection Routine that Works
We scrub and disinfect feed and water buckets weekly, and more frequently if needed. This strict sanitation routine plays a critical role in our parasite control strategy. In fact, our veterinarian’s fecal egg counts regularly return results between <200 to zero, a clear sign of our herd’s strong health.
Alongside routine worming, we credit our cleaning protocol for maintaining such low parasite levels. After scrubbing with a natural soap, we rinse all buckets with raw, full-strength apple cider vinegar, known for its antimicrobial properties.
