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Nigerian Dwarf Goat

CAPRA AEGAGRUS HIRCUS

Quick Facts

Scientific name: CAPRA AEGAGRUS HIRCUS
Length: 45 to 46 inches (115 to 117 centimeters)
Shoulder height: 17 to 24 inches (43 to 60 centimeters)
Weight: 50 to 100 pounds (23 to 45 kilograms)
Life span: 15 to 20 years
Gestation: almost 5 months
Number of offspring: 1 to 3 young
Age of maturity: 5 to 12 months
Conservation status: Domestic goats are common.

About

A goat of many colors

Thousands of years ago, goats were domesticated in Western Asia, and now they are spread across the world. Goats come in a wide range of sizes, colors, textures, and coat patterns, which makes them prized by shepherds. Shepherds trim off the goat’s extra fleece in the summer to make clothing. The goats’ coats can be white, black, red, brown, or any combination of these.


Think sharp

All males have long chin beards, a sour smell, and sharp horns. The goat’s horns are hollow and can be shaped like spears or spirals.


I herd you

Wild herds tend to be 5 to 20 goats, but domestic goats can be herded in groups of 100 or more. Goats enjoy socializing with others goats and eating grasses and shrubs together.


Goat milk?

Goats are the second largest milk-producing animals, behind cows. Goat milk tends to be thicker than a cow’s milk. It is a great dairy substitute for people allergic to cow’s milk.


What do goats eat?

Goats are great browsers, often eating woody shrubs and trees. They often improve a pasture by consuming growth that other hoofstock will not eat, such as poison ivy.


Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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