Why Did We Choose Mini-Nubian Dairy Goats? |
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We knew we wanted goats that would make plenty of milk for drinking, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and soap making. Research into breeds indicated that for my purposes with our limited space, our best choices would be breeds with a bit higher milk fat, as I don’t need the most milk but I do want the richest milk.
The ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association) has a great chart that indicates milk production in different breeds.
http://adga.org/knowledgebase/breed-averages/
Based on milk production information, our choice was clear. We wanted a Nubian or Nigerian dwarf. So I started looking into these breeds.
The first thing that struck me was, Nubians are HUGE (bucks can reach 300#) and Nigerian Dwarfs are TINY. Like not worth the effort to raise and milk them tiny.
I also loved the look of the Nubians. The floppy ears were delightful, but really, based on size and care, neither one of these seemed like a good fit for us. Imagine my delight when I discovered there is a whole new breed that was started with people like me in mind!!
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Mini Nubians are a cross between Nigerians and Nubians that are ½ the size of Nubians and eat ½ as much, while averaging up to 2/3 of a nubian’s milk production. Plus, with the cross between the Nigerian and Nubian genetics, they have high milk fat, high protein, creamy, beautiful milk. According to the MDGA, mini Nubian goats average 2 quarts a day of milk (we have averaged a little more than that here, but our sample size is small). Plus, as an added benefit, they still have the long floppy ears!
Perfect!! |
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Mini Nubians look like full size Nubians, just smaller and a bit stockier. They average around 23-28 inches tall at the withers and under 100# for does (as opposed to above 30 inches tall and over 120# for a standard size), and bucks average below 31 inches tall and 120# (as opposed to above 33inches and over 150# for a standard size nubian).
So, when we went goat shopping, we looked for mini Nubians. I have never regretted this choice! Our goats are the sweetest! They have such fun personalities! And they make plenty of milk for us to have enough for our needs, plus a little to share from time to time. As an added benefit with the Nubian genetics, their teats are longer and are much easier to milk than Nigerian Dwarfs.
I love the size of my Mini’s and their long Nubian ears. I love their sweet personalities. I love that they come in all colors, patterns, spots, and that their coats are short and easy to care for. In addition to the wonderful milk they provide, they make delightful “eye candy” for our pasture.
So, when we went goat shopping, we looked for mini Nubians. I have never regretted this choice! Our goats are the sweetest! They have such fun personalities! And they make plenty of milk for us to have enough for our needs, plus a little to share from time to time. As an added benefit with the Nubian genetics, their teats are longer and are much easier to milk than Nigerian Dwarfs.
I love the size of my Mini’s and their long Nubian ears. I love their sweet personalities. I love that they come in all colors, patterns, spots, and that their coats are short and easy to care for. In addition to the wonderful milk they provide, they make delightful “eye candy” for our pasture.
Taking Care of Our Goats
I am obsessive about the care of our goats. They are locked up safe in our barn every night and let into the field every day. They are checked twice a day, or more often if needed for injury or illness. They receive high quality free choice sun dried alfalfa, non-GMO chaffehaye and orchard grass hay, and at the end of their pregnancies and while lactating, a wonderful non-GMO grain mix we get from a local mill. Read more about what we give our lactating does here. https://www.unionpoint.com/cattle-and-goats
Read more about how we care for our goats HERE
All of the goats are UTD on shots, including a selenium supplement since we live in a selenium deficient part of the country. They receive free choice of loose minerals from Treasured Sunrise Acres, which are the best minerals I have found anywhere. After they turn one and annually, we test for CAE, CL and Johnnes. I will eventually test for g6s, but our bucks are clear by parentage.
All my Mini Nubians are registered with the MDGA (Mini Dairy Goat Association) and with the exception of wethers, I will sell my goats with registration papers.
Read more about how we care for our goats HERE
All of the goats are UTD on shots, including a selenium supplement since we live in a selenium deficient part of the country. They receive free choice of loose minerals from Treasured Sunrise Acres, which are the best minerals I have found anywhere. After they turn one and annually, we test for CAE, CL and Johnnes. I will eventually test for g6s, but our bucks are clear by parentage.
All my Mini Nubians are registered with the MDGA (Mini Dairy Goat Association) and with the exception of wethers, I will sell my goats with registration papers.